Can Yoga Save Corporate Executives From A Heart Attack?

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to NAMASTA, the North American Studio Alliance providing support to professionals wanting to pursue careers in yoga, there are an estimated 70,000 yoga teachers in North America, a number that has grown drastically in the past several years due partly to the weak economy and job market.  In fact, according to a 2008 study by Yoga Journal, Americans spend a staggering $5.7 billion annually on yoga classes and products, and this number appears to be growing, making yoga franchises one of the most viable industries for corporate executives and entrepreneurs looking for a new career path.

"We've seen a growing number of executives that are tired of the daily grind and are seeking a new career that provides financial stability and mental quiescence while allowing more quality time with friends and family," says Joseph Alexander, Vice-President of Communications for Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc. one of the nation's leading yoga franchises.  "Opening a yoga franchise allows more day-to-day flexibility while providing positive reinforcement to the franchisee's physical and mental health." 

Dionne Henderson, Chief Operating Officer and Owner of 1st Capital Finance, Inc., a financial consulting firm helping businesses acquire financial capital, implement cost savings, and leverage goodwill, provides a few questions to think about for those who are considering a franchise.

Six Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering A Yoga Franchise

1. Are you financially qualified? Entrepreneurs must meet capital needs of the business including liquid cash and/or collateral requirements that will allow them to invest in the franchise.

2. Do you know your net worth?  Most franchises have a corresponding net worth requirement. Potential owners must have concrete documentation to validate their current financial status.

3. Do you know your personal and professional motivation? Opening a franchise requires passion and direction. Defining the motivation to run your business is necessary because temporary drivers will not sustain owners or be sufficient to overcome long-term cycles.  

4. Are you committed to developing long-term strategy to insure the lowest operating cost and greatest profitability for the business? Implementing a cost savings strategy to reduce indirect operating expenses will facilitate a faster return on your initial franchise investment and enable you to accelerate the repayment of initial capital expenditures.  Whether you're taking over an existing franchise or starting anew, consulting firms like Alliance Cost Containment (www.alliancecost.com) can use their significant purchasing power coupled with unique expense category expertise to negotiate deep savings while freeing up cash flow that franchisees can use to reinvest in the growth of their business.  

5. Do you have a support system, both personally and professionally, to help offset the risks inherent to being a new franchise owner? Temporary conditions and unexpected circumstances are inherent when opening a new company. Successful entrepreneurs have flexibility and clearly defined resources to manage the dynamic nature of start-up.

6. Do you need a transition plan to maintain your current lifestyle as you make necessary adjustments for your new opportunity? Corporations provide workers a surefire income stream and the people, processes and technology involved in the end product are relatively stationary. Potential franchise owners should look for what mix of stability and flexibility they require and receive when partnering with a franchise operation.   

About Dahn Yoga

Offered at more than 1000 locations throughout the world, Dahn Yoga is an integrated mind-body training method that combines deep stretching exercises, meditative breathing techniques and energy awareness training.  Its objective is to help practitioners achieve their highest level of personal potential.  Created by Ilchi Lee in 1980, Dahn Yoga has something for everyone. Through diligent practice, Dahn Yoga practitioners can create a healthy body, clear mind, dignified character and bright spiritual nature that is not learned but realized. Most importantly, Dahn Yoga teaches that peace can be found internally through the body and brain, and then will be naturally expressed externally for the benefit of all.  For more information, please visit www.dahnyoga.com.

About 1st Capital Finance, Inc.

1st Capital Finance, Inc. is a financial consulting firm founded on a philosophy which asks business owners to view their organizations in a holistic manner, based on what constitutes the MIND l BODY l SPIRIT of a COMPANY, the positive benefits of which are reaped by the corresponding systems within the owners themselves.  The Corporate Body receives cash flow injections by funding business loans from 5K-500M (USD). They oblige the Organizational Mind to institute a cost savings strategy to reduce operating expenses so as to maximize the profits of the Organization and find opportunities to accelerate payment of this loan. The Entrepreneurial Spirit is captured by goodwill donations in honor of each client for each closed loan.  For more information, please visit www.1stcapitalfinance.com.

SOURCE Alliance Cost Containment