Places, places, places

Today I called back Shelton Studios, which has a classroom or room I can rent. I spoke with Matt and he quoted me $20 an hour for the room, a kitchen, and equipment I'll need. So it sounds do-able depending on what Dr. McDougall will charge. I am thinking of charging $100 for 4 classes ($25 a class). Each class is 2 hours, so that's pretty reasonable if you ask me. I have to be able to cover Dr. McDougall's fees, rent, and food. I hope I can get students.

After work I went once again to the Western Addition Library. This was my third time there, and still I could not talk to the head hancho. But a more experienced looking librarian told me that most likely I would not be allowed the room because my program didn't initially sound non-profit, and they were strictly non-profit, but to try going downtown to the Main Library and stating my case for them. I'm sort of in the middle of the requirements, because I'm willing to do this for free but I have to cover the food and Dr. McDougall's charge. If it's possible for me to make a little money while I'm doing this, that'd be great, but I don't want to turn anyone off by charging a fee. What can I do though? The Cancer Project offers free classes and they had very few regulars in the class I went to. Most of the people kind of just came and went, whoever happened to be shopping at Whole Foods at the time. Also, Whole Foods wouldn't even lower their sound system! The poor class couldn't see the TV with all the glare and could barely hear it, so overall it was pretty sad. The instructor was great though, and I liked the food samples. Got some good meal ideas from that.

I think a heart disease prevention and reversal class is really needed, although I'm not sure if there's a great demand for it. Most people are not that afraid of getting cancer, especially if they don't smoke. But a lot of people struggle with their cholesterol and losing weight, and don't really know the principles of the right fuel for the body to keep it healthy and (chronic) disease free.

I've also been thinking about where I'll be marketing the class. So far I've thought of:

- Craigslist
- Fliers at Whole Foods, Rainbow Foods, Trader Joe's (if possible), and other similar establishments
- Fliers at gyms or the YMCA (if they'll let me)
- Fliers at libraries
- Fliers at wellness-type places, like spas and maybe yoga places
- Fliers at certain hospital locations if possible to reach patients with heart disease

I can also make myself business cards! That sounds like fun. I wonder what they should say. I might have to name this something... I wonder if I'll have to run it as a business. I'm already planning on opening a separate checking account just to keep things clear. I'll start with a bit of money in there and that will be for business expenses, and everything related to that account will be business related. I wonder if I should see an accountant. This is beginning to get over my head.

Anyway, it might be pretty easy if the library lets me use their rooms. Although the initial paperwork I read looked pretty restrictive.

Once again, I repeat, I hope this works out.