SUPER Surya Namaskar-athon 2009!

As I am sure you are aware the Surya Namaskar-athon 2009 took place at Whitesheet Primary School in Zeals on the border between Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset on Sunday 15th November.

This was the eighth annual sun salutation day raising more than £6,000 with still more to come, through people’s generous support, sponsorships and other collections.

What a superb result for MUKTI! The event was a real coming together of commitment and energy from all who helped out and took part on the day.

Organised and supported by yoga teachers and friends in the local community, the event was a wonderful gathering of optimistic, warm and compassionate people, two of whom are pictured above, who came together to boost the funds for the MUKTI project.

Swami Ambikananda, the founder of the MUKTI project paid a special visit to lend her support. Swamiji updated everyone on the work of the project before going on to complete a number of sun salutations. She thanked guests and organisers and enjoyed the warmth and energy of the day.

This year a bigger event was on offer starting at 11am and continuing throughout the day past 5pm, allowing both visitors and participants to drop in and spend time with like-minded people.

At the heart of the room yogis and yoginis performed sponsored sun salutations around a beautiful central artistic depiction of the sun, itself lit up with candles.

Tempting sweet and savoury food and drinks made by volunteers was laid out for guests on one side of the room and enjoyed by all.

Opposite stretched a table packed to bursting with beautifully crafted bags, wallets, clothes, mirrors, yoga bags and more items hand-made by the children which MUKTI supports. These wonderful gifts were snapped up by guests shopping for early Christmas presents as well as treating themselves.

There was also the chance for visitors to try mini-pampering sessions submitting themselves to the healing hands of Reiki, Indian head massage and reflexology practitioners. These sessions were extremely popular and helped to raise a substantial amount of money for MUKTI on the day.

New to the event this year was the Yoga Relaxation Room, a welcoming womb of a room with soft floors, drapes, blankets and cushions and a yoga teacher on hand to sooth away stress with gentle and relaxing yoga nidras.

Why not book out next year’s Surya Namaskar-athon date in your diary and get involved in whichever way you choose. Without the support and love of all the yoginis and yogis from near and far, volunteers, guests and visitors, we would not be able to keep bringing smiles to the faces of the MUKTI children.

It is the healing and optimistic atmosphere, defined by its warmth and compassion which surely helps make the Surya Namaskar-athon such a happy, enjoyable and welcome event to be a part of year on year.

We look forward to seeing you next year at Surya Namaskar-athon 2010!

If you want to be part of next year's event there are many different ways you can help - give Arjuna a call or email Ben at benjaminparkes@hotmail.com to share in the experience.

Yell.com advert performance - September 2009

How's the advert doing? Here are the figures.

September 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 286
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 157
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 37

August 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 259
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 118
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 47

JULY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 357
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 113
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 61

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Dee Johnson had one phone call which came from the TYA website.

JUNE 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 341
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 107
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 50

MAY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 324
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 150
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 40

FEBRUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 574
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 297
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 36

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Diane Hargraves had one phone call.
Alex Carter had two enquiries.
Dee Johnson had two phone calls.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Luci Beales had a call from a man in Newbury.

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

Swami Ambikananda and her spiritual journey

This November Swami Ambikananda is one of a number of compelling speakers giving talks to an audience.

The subject of Swami's talk is her spiritual journey. She grew up as a Catholic of mixed race in South Africa and is now a Hindu monastic.

The lectures take place at the Friends Meeting House in Reading. Swami Ambikananda is speaking on Wednesday 4th November at 7.30pm.

More details can be found below:

TALKS AT READING FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE OCT/NOV:

The Forgiveness Project- talk by Jo Berry
Wednesday 21st October 09, 7:30pm
Jo’s father Sir Anthony Berry was amongst the people killed 25 years ago by the IRA bomb in Brighton. Since then, Jo has visited Ireland many times and worked with victims and former combatants.

Multi-national tax dodging and its impact on the poor and the planet
Wednesday 28th October 09, 7:30
John Christiansen, Director, Tax Justice Network, and John Madeley, author: how multi-national tax dodging shifts money from the poor to the rich and impacts development.

My Spiritual Journey- Swami Ambikananda
Wednesday 4th November 09, 7:30
Swami Ambikananda Saraswati grew up as a Catholic of mixed race in South Africa. She is now a Hindu monastic and author with books published on Yoga, health, and philosophy.

My spiritual journey- Harvey Gilman
Wednesday 11th November 09, 7:30
Harvey Gilman grew up as a Jew in Manchester, and became a Quaker. He has written several books about Quakerism and spirituality, and in 2002 was awarded a Rowntree fellowship to investigate how we explore and express our spiritual journeys.

My spiritual journey- Dawud Bone
Wednesday 25th November 09, 7:30
Dawud grew up as a Quaker in Reading, and as a young man became a Moslem but retained his membership of Reading Meeting. He is now Director of the Centre for the Study of Muslim-Jewish Relations at the Woolf Institute of Abrahamic Faiths in Cambridge..

All events take place at Reading Friends Meeting House, Church Street, Reading RG1
2SB (off London Street).
Call 0118 950 7736
www.midthamesquakers.org.uk

The ups and downs of breathing

TYA yoga teacher Dee emailed with this experience of breathwork off the mat and up in the air. Enjoy her story:

From the very first time I tried using my breath to help me in paschimottanasana I knew the power of the exhalation in yoga.

I first took that idea off the yoga mat when giving birth to my second child – a wonderfully, earthy, natural experience. But only yesterday, I was surprised and delighted at how far into my psyche this breathing lark has buried itself, ready to be drawn upon in times of need.

I am practically allergic to adrenalin and my now teenage children and husband love teasing me about it! Whatever possessed me to offer to take them to the steam fair in Reading I do not know.

I have not been on a fairground ride since I nearly threw up aged 16. I suppose I got carried away laughing at the glee on my children’s faces as they rose and dipped on the mechanical bomber planes, giggling their heads off, just like when I used to tickle them as toddlers.

They said I should go on the next ride with them and seeing what harmless fun they were having I ... agreed.

We climbed aboard the huge swinging boat and took our seats. It wasn’t until the girl taking the money suggested we hold on tightly that the first frisson of fear crept into my body.

I tightened my hold and shortened my breath. I thought hollering at the zenith of each swing would make things better. It really didn’t. It just made me more tense and fearful. Suddenly without giving it too much thought, a very loud urge to ‘just breathe’ surfaced.

I fixed my gaze on a particular tree to try to stop the sea-sickness developing, and watched my breath come in and go out, trying each time to extend the outbreath and even to co-ordinate the outbreath with the zenith of the swing each time, as that was the scariest part.

Although I was still scared, I managed to get off the ride after far too long, smiling smugly at my secret weapon against adrenalin! And my family was giggling at how I became very quiet after those initial 3 screams – they knew exactly what I was up to with the breathing, which means I have educated them too!!

So thanks to yoga and breathwork I got to enjoy the fun of the fair again after umpteen years.

Yell.com advert performance - August 2009

Latest figures...

August 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 259
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 118
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 47

JULY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 357
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 113
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 61

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Dee Johnson had one phone call which came from the TYA website.

JUNE 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 341
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 107
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 50

MAY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 324
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 150
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 40

FEBRUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 574
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 297
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 36

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Diane Hargraves had one phone call.
Alex Carter had two enquiries.
Dee Johnson had two phone calls.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Luci Beales had a call from a man in Newbury.

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

Responses on Peter Blackaby

After one TYA teacher asked for feedback about a Peter Blackaby yoga workshop (see article below) Swami Ambikananda, Jan Guiver and TYA teacher Diane Hargraves got in touch with The Ashram to offer some words of advice.

First Swami Ambikanada's advice...

Dear Yoginis and Yogins,

Regarding Peter Blackaby Course: All of us in the TYA should be looking constantly for inspiration - the spiritual journey is a difficult one and it requires the energy and vitality we get from inspiration. ANYONE that provides that is recognised by all of us in the TYA.

But it has to be YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE. Yoga is an experienced based system. Don't accept anyone else's word for it. I've never been to a Peter Blackaby workshop - simply because the times they have been on have not been convenient for me. The ONLY way you will know whether it is good is if you experience it yourself.

Then what you pass onto the rest of us will be filtered through our own experience. Some will take inspiration from it and others not. No-one is right or wrong - we are simply making the journey.

In peace, Swami Ambikananda

And now the response from Diane...

Namaste

I just logged on to the Ashram to check out the latest news and see that Dee is questioning the work of Pete Blackaby.

I have worked with him many times in the past and he has so much knowledge on Anatomy & Psysiology that even in the four sessions we have booked him for next year, there will still be more to learn.

He has a very relaxed and intuitive style of teaching and manages to get his point across with light hearted humour. He is great fun to work with and uses real life scenarios to demonstrate his point.

In terms of his recognition by the TYA, I am sure that Swamiji will agree that he is a fantastic teacher, and I believe they have met. For confirmation of this I am sure that she would be happy to endorse my recommedation.

Love & Light

Diane Hargraves

Here's the response from Jan...

Namaste,

I have worked with Peter Blackaby on several occasions. His knowledge of anatomy and physiology is excellent and his sessions are always most enjoyable. I really appreciated how he offered us all alternative ways in which we could approach our yoga practice. If you have never been to one of his sessions before then it is certainly worth going along and experiencing it for yourself.

Love and light
Jan Guiver

If you would like to continue the discussion get in touch with me (benjaminparkes@hotmail.com)

Yoga day with Peter Blackaby

TYA teacher Dee writes to ask whether anyone is considering going on the Peter Blackaby 2010 course in Wokingham in Feb, March, April and May?

She wants to know if Peter, pictured below, is a useful teacher and wonders if any TYA teachers have worked with him before.

Dee is not sure if he would be recognised by the TYA as he is a British Wheel of Yoga teacher. She is looking for feedback. Click here to see his website.


Dee has more details on the course if anyone is interested.

(If you have studied with Peter Blackaby and want to reply to Dee email me; benjaminparkes@hotmail.com and I will post your reply here)

Yell.com advert performance - July 2009

Latest figures...

JULY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 357
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 113
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 61

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Dee Johnson had one phone call which came from the TYA website.

JUNE 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 341
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 107
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 50

MAY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 324
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 150
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 40

FEBRUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 574
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 297
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 36

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Diane Hargraves had one phone call.
Alex Carter had two enquiries.
Dee Johnson had two phone calls.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert this month:
Luci Beales had a call from a man in Newbury.

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

The MUKTI lottery needs your help!

Dear Teachers,

As you will have noticed we didn’t hold a Surya Namaskar-athon in Reading this year. We felt with the financial time that we would try something else and what we are doing is holding a Lottery.

First Prize £3,000
Second Prize £300
Third Prize £30

Each ticket will cost £3 and the tickets will come in books of 10. The draw will take place on 16th January 2010. SO A LUCKY JANUARY FOR SOMEONE IN THESE TOUGH TIMES.

FOR THIS TO BE A SUCCESS WE NEED YOU TO SELL THE TICKETS FOR US. Please let me know by return email how many books you would like; remember you have until the end of December to sell the tickets.

This Lottery is our big fund raising event for the children in our 2 orphanages for this year, please help us to make this a success.

(Contact Uddhava for more details)

Don't forget that the Dorset Surya Namaskar-athon is still going ahead and Arjuna is busy organising as we speak so please do come along on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15 2009!

Trudie Styler

A national journalist and gossip columnist recently singled out MUKTI patron Trudie Styler in The Guardian newspaper.


Trudie Styler

Marina Hyde used her weekly Lost In Showbiz column to lambast Trudie Styler after receiving a press release about her new DVDs.


Marina Hyde

Although you can make up your own mind about the article Marina Hyde didn't give Trudie Styler any right of reply and she definitely didn't take into account the range of charity work that Trudie Styler is involved in, not least the MUKTI project.

You can read the article by clicking HERE and I include it so that that you can add your own comment or write to The Guardian with your own views, should you feel it's appropriate.

Where have my students gone?

TYA teacher Dee has written to The Ashram with a question about class attendence and advertising, two things that must affect us all. If you have any comments or advice for Dee, and the rest of us, email me (benjaminparkes@hotmail.com) and I'll post the reply on this site. Here's Dee's email...

Hi,

Could I put my perennial question again...

‘Has anyone else noticed class numbers drop off dramatically in the 2nd half of the summer term? Has anyone decided to stop a class because of poor attendance? What was your analysis of the cause for low numbers (wrong place/time?) And how did you resurrect yourself? Do you have a timetable for advertising, e.g. do you have a permanent ad somewhere, or do you remind yourself to advertise every half term? Is it worth advertising in the summer holidays or do you find it better to advertise only during term-time when people are about? Have you already advertised for next term’s class? Where? Local papers, shop windows, leaflet drops, any other suggestions?

After a flurry of enquiries (2!) from the yell.com ad earlier in the year, I have had no more internet enquiries and falling class numbers. Lynnie’s idea of doing a leaflet drop in the target village worked well at first, but I think the village was too small to support my class, as people’s circumstances changed and their attendance dropped off, I ended up teaching 2 people most weeks and making £2 after hall fees, clearly not enough financial gain to keep my interest, though the people who did come were super. So I may have to go more urban!! But a leaflet drop there would be a huge task! So any suggestions?

Kind regards

Dee

---

An answer to Dee's question from Swami Ambikananda:

I don't think there's any one single thing that we can do to keep that summer term going, when people are enjoying some sunshine, but here are some things that have worked for me in the past:

1. Paying for a term at a time. Then people have more of a stake in continuing to attend and you are not left financially drained. This is important : money is an exhange of energy and if you're not getting adequately recompensed for your time, you will lose the energy to keep teaching. So, get the money right.
2. A leaflet drop is such a big job. But what about some good posters in a few shop windows or at the library? And check their condition every now and then - if they get tacky replace them - or just use a new, different picture.
3. This one I have learnt just in the last few years - and it took me by surprise! Start you September term (when psychologically everyone is gung-ho to finally start doing that Yoga class they've been thinking about for years) oversubscribed. I know it means it will be a bit of a tight squeeze at first but not everyone comes to every class and then as the class thins out as soon as the sunshine comes, you're not left empty.
4. And this is the most important : let your students know you want them to spread the word. They value your class and they will understand that you can't keep it going without enough interest, so get them recruiting for you. Maybe even offer them a discount for each person they sign up.
5. The surprise teacher : occasionally invite someone who has a different skill to do a class. Not too often - two or three times a year is enough -acupressure, partner yoga, chanting, whatever. It keeps interest going especially if you talk about a good few weeks beforehand - don't spring it on people - make it something they can look forward to. If you trawl around the TYA teachers you'll find people with oodles of 'specialities'.

Hope this helps - you have so much good stuff to offer.

Peace, Swami Ambikananda

---

Dee's response:

‘Dear Swamiji

Thank you so much for your kind words of advice. There is certainly something there to act upon! Regards Dee’

Summer School information

Below is a message from Margaret regarding the summer school:

I perhaps didn’t make it too clear about the teacher on the 19th August. It was going to be Bruce Singleton, but he’s had to cancel because of work commitments and so stand-in teacher for the 19th August is Sylvia Smith.

Again, many thanks.

Luv Marg xx.

TYA Support Group - latest meeting

Below is a roundup of what went on at the recent support group meeting which is open to ALL TYA teachers, whether recently graduated or experienced. It is an excellent event which takes place in a village halfway between Reading and Dorset and is organised by TYA teacher Lynnie:


Hello Everyone,

It was decided at the recent Support Group meeting that it would be a good idea if I were to drop you a few lines just to let you know how the meeting went and what went on, so here goes.

Sunday 5 July was one of those 'sunshine and showers' days so I think we were lucky that although we arrived at Collingbourne Ducis in a downpour, we were able to eat our picnic in lovely sunshine out on the grass at lunch time.

Sadly, not everyone who had said they would be coming actually turned up, so we were a little down on numbers, however those who did come all felt that it was an extremely useful and helpful day.

Special thanks to Sharon who during the session in which we shared our favourite Vinyasa gave us a set of beautiful sequences to take away and try on our unsuspecting classes. Also, thanks to Mary and Ben who shared lovely Nidra with us and again gave us all some much appreciated material to take away with us. Ben was kind enough to send each of us a copy of the beautiful flute music which he used in his Nidra. Thanks Ben!

The period in the programme devoted to sharing ideas on equipment, music, books etc yielded some lovely CDs, books and an extremely interesting support harness for the seated position in meditation. Thanks Sanna! Here is the supply information that people wanted:

Acumag Ltd
106 West St
Erith
Kent DA8 1AQ
Tel: 01322 447610

As someone who struggles in maintaining a comfortable position for meditation I found this support harness fabulously helpful. I felt I could have sat blissfully for hours!

During our discussion period Ben raised the subject of charging for yoga classes - in particular whether we all found it better to charge for classes in advance or to allow drop-in payment. He also wanted to discuss what was reasonable to charge for private sessions. The general concensus was that unless numbers are very strong the best policy is to charge a non-refundable fee for a set of classes in advance - the range being between £7.00 per session and £10.00 per session depending on location. For private work the fee charged by most of us was £40.00 for a 90 minute session.

Mary alerted us to the need to be mindful of the requirement for a music licence if using music during a yoga class in a public place, and to be particularly careful about using copied CDs.

Everyone who attended was convinced as to the value of continuing these support meetings, and the decision was taken to try the meeting next year on the first Sunday in October to avoid the pressure on weekends that we all experience in the summer. Don't worry, for those of us who don't have a 2010 diary yet, I will be bursting into print next year.

Many thanks to those who attended, it was so good to see you and to exchange ideas and experiences. Thank you so much for your support (and for your help with the washing up!!)

I do hope you will be able to join us next year!

Fond regards
Lynnie

The Eileen Bray Yoga Summer School - 2009

The summer yoga school in Wokingham is underway and Uddhava is teaching at the event this coming Wednesday, 22nd July. The leaflet with more details of who to contact is below.

The Eileen Bray Yoga Summer School - 2009
Emmbrook Senior School (gym Emmbrook Road, Wokingham, Berks RG41 1JP (on entering the main gate, keep bearing left - parking for the gym is located towards the back left of the school)

These are “drop in” classes so there is no need to book in advance

Wednesday 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

T u t o r s

08 July Margaret Shepherd
15 July Japke Wanrooij
22 July Uddhava
29 July Lynn Hook
05 August Judith Griffiths
12 August Claire Ruben
19 August Bruce Singleton Sylvia Smith
26 August Margaret Manning

Tutors are fully qualified. Students are advised to inform the teacher if they are new to Yoga, or have any medical conditions that may preclude them from doing certain movements. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a non-slip mat, block(s), belt, blanket and / or extra sweater for relaxation at the end of the session.

Cost: £6.00 payable at the door
Part of the proceeds to go to:
The British Heart Foundation and Local Charities

For further information, directions, etc please contact:
Margaret on 0777 889 1874 or
email: shepherds@sandhurst47.fsnet.co.uk
(Subject: “Summer School”)

Yell.com advert performance - June 2009

Latest figures...

JUNE 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 341
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 107
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 50

MAY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 324
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 150
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 40

FEBRUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 574
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 297
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 36
Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert:
Diane Hargraves had one phone call.
Alex Carter had two enquiries.
Dee Johnson had two phone calls.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

Yell.com advert performance - May 2009

Hello, here are the latest statistics showing our advert performance (March and April have gone missing. I'm trying to locate them!)

MAY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 324
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 150
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 40

FEBRUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 574
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 297
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 36
Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert:
Diane Hargraves had one phone call.
Alex Carter had two enquiries.
Dee Johnson had two phone calls.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

Yell.com advert performance - Feb 2009

Hello, here are the latest statistics showing our advert performance.

FEBRUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 574
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 297
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 36
Subsequent calls to teachers via the Yell.com advert:
Diane Hargraves had one phone call.
Alex Carter had two enquiries.
Dee Johnson had two phone calls.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

Yell.com advert performance - Jan 2009

Hello everyone, here are the latest statistics showing how well our advert is doing.

JANUARY 2009
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 875
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 421
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 39

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

Yell.com advert performance - Dec 2008

Hi,

As many of you know, the TYA leadership recently paid for an advert with Yellow Pages and Yell.com as a trial to explore the effectiveness of adverts like these.

The advert links to the TYA website where our names and contact details are listed.

Yell.com gives figures telling us how many times our advert has been looked at on a computer. Clever!

It also tells us how many times the person looking at the advert then clicked on it to find out more information. Even more clever!

On behalf of Swami, I'm going to be checking the figures each month and rounding up the data on how well the yoga advert is doing.

If you want to keep track of how it's doing then just look at this website each month.

Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, if someone rings you up and says they got to you through the advert on Yell.com, let me know by emailing benjaminparkes@hotmail.com so I can add that in to the reports.

In about ten months we should have a clearer picture of whether the advert was worth the effort and the money and so we can make an informed decision about whether to take out further adverts with Yellow Pages.

Here's the first report:

DECEMBER 2008
Number of people who viewed the advert in the local area: 344
Number of people who viewed the advert nationally: 239
Number of people who clicked on the advert to find out more: 10

See you next month.
Ben