You see I had been meditating for less than a year and asking that my life’s purpose be revealed to me at the conclusion of every meditation. And then one morning, after a 10-day Silent Meditation Retreat, there it was —I was told to teach:”What is Meditation!” I was told where to do the teaching, how much to charge, and where to get the original mailing list to invite people. (See Devya’s Calling on website: Devya. com for the full story.)
Why did you choose the name that you chose for your business?
I use my spiritual name for my business. Since when it was given to me by Swami Rama of The Himalayas, and has a certain amount of power invested in it, I was told to use it in every thing I do. Hence you see Devya & Associates, Devya Presents and such. The word Devya has two meanings. As an adjective it means a brighter than bright light meant to attract. At another level it is a diminutive form of the word Devas. A Deva in the Sanskrit language is equivalent to our word angel in Christianity. So I am a bright Being going about doing good (angelic) work.
What do you feel is most important for small business owners to understand today?
I knew nothing about being in business, and it was somewhat of a struggle in the beginning because the leaders
in the business courses knew nothing about meditation- hence could not help with the marketing. In addition, many people in their ignorance, also evidenced incredible fear. This fear was all-pervading and was a major stumbling block for me in getting help and in the teaching of meditation.
What have been some of your own successes and/or struggles with maintaining your own business?
It came as a big surprise that people were terrified of meditation. (No wonder The Source said to teach: What is meditation?)
Radio stations such as WBAI, WLIB, WBLS, Cathy Hughes’ station WOLB were my biggest allies as I was interviewed and was able to reach people directly with my voice. To this day I can explain what meditation is in at least a dozen different ways depending upon the audience I want to reach.
Has your business been nominated for or won any awards?
Some weekly neighborhood newspapers and magazines such as Essence, Heart and Soul, and O, The Oprah Magazine, helped to get my name and different aspects of my work in front of many people.
What kind of reception has your business received from its customers?
I have been teaching for over 22 years and it getting easier to reach the leaders and healers who are my target market.
Referral, word of mouth, celebrity endorsement and radio and magazine interviews continue to be the major way for me to reach customers who are ready to learn to meditate. And as such they always come to me with high enthusiasm. I love to teach meditation. It is literally what gets me out of bed in the morning!
What are some of the ways business owners are dealing with today's economy & can claim or maintain their sustainability?
I feel that the most important thing that small business owners need to learn today is that money comes to those who can solve people’s pressing problems. It’s most important (if at all possible) to offer different price points at which a customer can do business with you. My offerings go from Free and 99 cents to $1,500.
Are you offering any deals/specials for customers right now?
If one’s business prohibits having different price points, offering something FREE every now and then.
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