How to Approach a Facility to Host Zumba

Planning ahead is very important in order to make a good impression and negotiate successfully. Think of what are you going to say, and what questions you may be asked. If you were a facility decision maker, why would you what to host Zumba? How would that benefit that facility? It is also important to mention that although Zumba appears to be very popular, there are a lot of people who have never heard of it.
The best thing to do may be to write a proposal. Then, arrange a meeting with the decision makers and bring the proposal with you. That can be very helpful as in some facilities there may be number of people who will need to approve a new class. Proposal can be easily copied and shared with all the relevant people involved in decision making.
Here are some suggestions about what should your proposal package include:

1. Attractive cover page or folder. You can find many images on Zumba site

2. Your personal letter (or, ‘cover letter’) where you explain what you are proposing and why have you chosen that particular facility

3. Brief summary about what Zumba is and its history

4. How is having Zumba class going to benefit the facility (enhanced employee morale, healthier work environment, fun, unique, may attract new clients, may increase the reputation of the facility...etc)

5. How is Zumba different from other workouts? As you probably know, there are many kinds of workouts but those may not be all that fun. The only way to keep participants interested is to ensure they have fun! Zumba class can provide just that. You can also explain why did you choose to teach Zumba as opposed to other fitness programs.

6. You may include some pictures of your Zumba classes. Images can often convey the fun atmosphere of the class.

7. Gather Zumba promotional materials, articles, press releases, perhaps a demo video (it would be the best if you make one with yourself in it, but you can also get some from youtube). Aggregate the article content and present it in attractive and convincing manner

8. Include your credentials and if you have various certifications in fitness or dance fields, consider presenting those credentials and skills in a form of resume

9. Sometimes, writing your own personal philosophy can be unique way to approach the facility. For example, writing about your teaching methods, how approachable and friendly you are, respecting/embracing diversity, believing that all people deserve to have fun, enjoying to coach individuals, understanding how stressful live can be and how one fun packed Zumba class can help people forget their worries, etc... Just like when looking for job, it is helpful to review all available information acout your chosen facility and perhaps incorporate some of the language in your proposal/negotiations

10. Include your business card, phone number and your website

11. Assure them that if they approve your class, you will help with advertising (provide posters, post cards or other materials relevant to your class)

12. Follow up after your visit. You may what to send an email or make a phone call thanking the facility for taking time to have you and review your proposal.