Networking and Classes

To offer help to new teachers especially, it was suggested that I relate some information as to where to look for classes and for those looking for the experience of T’ai Chi Chih.

First…most people have never heard the words t’ai chi, so there has to be some form of ‘communication’ sent or given to a group leader or director of any activity….that explains just what T’ai Chi Chih is and what its benefits are.

Second…a phone call to any facility where people congregate for the purpose of fellowship and enriching their lives, such as senior citizen centers, YMCAs, church groups, adult education programs, extra-curricular offerings at colleges, new age bookstores, single-parent organizations, fitness centers. So…take time to put together a ‘short and sweet’ flyer that piques the interest of others. What ‘turned you on’ to T’ai Chi Chih?

The person(s) to get to talk to about the t’ai chi offering is the one who has the ‘clout’ and can make the decision. See if you can set a time (at their convenience) to sit down and talk about it! Usually a phone call to an organization will give you the info as to who directs programs or activities. Find out when people gather and become a part of their weekly/monthly get-together by offering to do a ‘demonstration’ of what T’ai Chi Chih is and have flyers on hand for all who may be interested. Get phone numbers of those interested and follow through by calling them (if they don’t call you), at least when you get a class scheduled.

Got back from Florida after a prolonged (5 month) absence from Syracuse and had to start over after having ‘steady’ classes at a Unity church for 2 1/2 years, along with classes on the periphery of the city. Decided to ‘branch out’, try something/somewhere different and called the Seven Rays Bookstore that had added a back room to be able to offer short talks/seminars on new age interests such as t’ai chi. Discussed doing a class with the activities coordinator, found an open time slot (evening), advertised in a free citywide newspaper (no charge), posted my own flyer and have a full class. Note that one agrees (or not) to the establishment’s terms such as their receiving a third of the money paid by students (for the use of their facility). Many are happy to be able to have new people come into and use their facility, buy books and other items.

Offered a free class in Syracuse this summer on Saturday mornings, teaching only rocking motion, and ‘bird’ and allowing others to follow me through the entire form. Handed out a questionnaire looking for feedback as to interest in Fall classes, what they feel is a fair price, day or evening classes, length of classes (hours each time and number of weeks) and came up with a good cross section of what was wanted.

Note: About pricing classes…Justin says a workman/woman is worthy of his/her hire and find that allowing directors, coordinators, a first offer (to you) you may find they pay more than what you would have asked! Some pay by the hour regardless of how many attend and some take a portion of what is paid by the students for 6-8-10 week classes. Some teachers charge per each class, as I used to, but find there’s more commitment by a student who pays for the entire offering.

Finally, Always be early for appointments or classes…you’re taking their time too!!