The Teacher Biz Podcast

#58: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Business Owner

133: How to Overcome Perfectionism

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0500

If perfectionism has you stuck overthinking instead of moving forward, this episode is your permission slip to let it go. Heather shares how perfectionism (not lack of skill or strategy) quietly holds so many teacher business owners back, and why imperfect action is the real key to progress, clarity, and profit. Tune in and learn why done is better than perfect and how putting your work out there, even when it’s not flawless, is what actually moves your business forward.

Key Takeaways:

(02:30) Getting stuck in perfectionism
(08:10) The myth of “A+ work” and why it rarely sees the light of day
(10:35) Mantras to beat perfectionism and take action faster
(11:40) Why mindset is the real foundation of success

Episodes Mentioned:

#94: Struggling with Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Stay Productive with Cait Keery

#103: How to Ditch Imposter Syndrome and Finally Get Started with Lydia Martin

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

#123: How to Grow an Engaged Email List Using Facebook Ads

132: The Hidden Reason Your Sales Are Slowing Down

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0500

If you’ve ever had a sale fall flat and immediately wondered what went wrong, this episode is for you. Heather breaks down the quiet reason launches often underperform (it’s usually not your offer), and walks through a pattern she’s seen again and again in her own data. You’ll hear why selling to the same audience over and over loses momentum, why new subscribers convert differently, and how relying too heavily on Facebook ads can quietly stall your growth. She also shares how layering lead sources like YouTube, podcasting, social media, and smart content repurposing can bring in consistent leads without burning you out. PLUS, Heather shares details about a January business planning workshop designed to help you map out a lead-generation strategy before your next launch. If you’re tired of pouring energy into sales that don’t deliver, this episode will help you pinpoint what’s missing and fix it before your next launch!

Interested in attending the business planning workshop?

→ Email Heather at hello@teacherbiz.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:00) The pattern behind slow sales: not enough list growth
(06:10) Why YouTube is Heather’s next growth focus
(08:55) How to repurpose content without creating more work
(10:10) Invitation to a January business planning workshop

Episodes Mentioned:

#124: Testing New Facebook Ads to Find What Really Converts

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

#27: How to Navigate December as an Online Business Owner

131: Heather’s Black Friday Results and the Pivot That Turned Everything Around

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

After mapping out what Heather thought would be a strong Black Friday strategy, the results came back and they were some of the lowest she’s ever seen. Instead of spiraling, she pivoted fast. She brought back her “12 Days of Sales” promo, led with her bestselling Alphabet Kit, and immediately saw stronger results, including her biggest revenue day in months. Inside this episode, Heather breaks down exactly what went wrong, why memberships are a tougher sell right now, how offer complexity silently kills conversions, and why one-time purchases are outperforming recurring offers this season. If your recent promotion didn’t go the way you hoped, this is the behind-the-scenes clarity you’ve been looking for. Listen to the full breakdown now!

Key Takeaways:

(01:40) The original Black Friday plan and why she scheduled it early
(03:00) How her tiered membership + multiple bonuses complicated the offer
(07:30) Reviving her “12 Days of Sales” strategy
(11:00) The mindset shift after a disappointing launch
(15:00) Why the week after Christmas is an underrated selling window

Episodes Mentioned:

#126: How to Plan the Rest of 2025 and Finish the Year Strong

#127: A New Marketing Strategy Inspired by Olive & June

Connect With Heather:

130: How a Fun Reading Method Became a Business Helping Kids Learn to Read with Stefanie Hohl

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Stefanie Hohl is the creator of ABC See, Hear, Do, an innovative phonics program that helps kids learn to read through movement and fun. As a literacy advocate, author, and educator, she has helped thousands of children develop a love for reading. Stefanie is passionate about making learning engaging, especially for active kids.

In this episode, Stefanie shares how her son’s struggle with learning to read inspired her to create a reading method that worked so well she knew other families needed it too. What began as one book has grown into a seven-book series, a line of supplemental materials, and a business that’s helped thousands of kids feel confident picking up a book for the first time. She also talks about imposter syndrome, the power of growing slowly, and how working with a business coach gave her the confidence she didn’t even know she was missing. Now she’s expanding her reach into teacher development, applying to conferences, and gearing up to use LinkedIn and video content to grow even more. If you’ve ever wondered whether your teacher skills could become a business, Stefanie’s story is proof that your ideas matter and that slow, steady growth can take you farther than you think!

Connect with Stefanie Hohl:

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) How teaching her own child sparked a full business idea
(04:30) Why movement-based learning works and the problems Stefanie set out to solve
(06:15) Digital vs. physical products
(09:30) How Instagram and social media helped her find her audience
(11:00) Overcoming imposter syndrome and mindset struggles
(15:55) Stefanie’s next big push: LinkedIn and speaking opportunities

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

Dysgraphia Course for Teachers

129: How One Mom Built a Handwriting Business That Helps Kids Worldwide with Kelli Fetter

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Kelli Fetter is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, where she leads a team providing world-class virtual handwriting, reading, and spelling support to students worldwide. She’s also a respected educator for teachers and therapists, known for her evidence-based approach to handwriting, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. With a background in pediatric occupational therapy across clinics, schools, and early intervention, and inspired by her own daughter’s dyslexia and dysgraphia journey, Kelli is dedicated to empowering families and professionals to unlock every child’s potential.

In this episode, Kelli shares how her personal journey with her daughter’s dyslexia and dysgraphia sparked a global virtual business that now helps students, teachers, and therapists understand handwriting on a deeper level. She talks about how her background as a pediatric OT and her determination as a mom shaped a company that offers assessments, tutoring, teacher training, and even reading and spelling support. Kelli also gets honest about the behind-the-scenes of growing a business: pushing through perfectionism, learning to delegate, building systems, and staying anchored in her mission to help more families. Hit play now to hear her story and the real work it took to get where she is today!

Connect with Kelli Fetter:

Black Friday Waitlist

Expectations Freebie

Key Takeaways:

(00:35) Meet Kelli: from OT to online business owner
(02:35) What Handwriting Solutions does; support for dyslexia and dysgraphia
(05:20) Niching down and helping teachers, OTs, and schools
(09:20) Services breakdown: assessments, tutoring, reading support, and handwriting programs for students
(14:25) Mindset blocks and overcoming perfectionism
(20:25) Teacher trainings, therapist courses, a textbook, and new resources coming in 2026

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

#119: Behind the Scenes of a Successful Funnel with Laura Kebart (Part 1)

128: How to Keep Going When Your Business Hits a Slump

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

If your business has felt a little wobbly lately (slower sales, quieter customers, strategies that used to work suddenly falling flat) this episode is the pep talk you need. Heather talks about the “trust recession,” how AI has changed buyer behavior, and why so many entrepreneurs are experiencing a slump. She opens up about her own recent setbacks and shares the honest behind-the-scenes of navigating frustration while still showing up for her people. But this isn’t doom and gloom! Heather walks through the mindset and simple next steps that actually move you forward: trying new ideas, trusting your best guesses, asking your audience what they want, and most importantly, not quitting before the breakthrough. Hit play for some reassurance, and the reminder that business is a rollercoaster and you will rise again!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) The “trust recession” and how AI is changing online business
(04:00) Picking yourself up after a slump and putting your offer out there
(08:30) Testing new ideas and sales strategies
(15:10) The #1 strategy that matters more than ever

View Heather’s Black Friday Sales Page → teacherbiz.com/krc

Episodes Mentioned:

#124: Testing New Facebook Ads to Find What Really Converts

Connect With Heather:

#121: Inside Heather’s High-Converting Funnel

127: A New Marketing Strategy Inspired by Olive & June

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Feeling like your sales or emails have gone a little stale? In this episode, Heather talks about the experiments she’s running this season to breathe new life into her business. She’s ditching the copy-and-paste sales strategies, and questioning everything from why her emails land in the promotions tab to whether hitting “duplicate” is secretly tanking deliverability. Inspired by one of her favorite brands, Olive & June, she’s trying out a fresh new strategy and inviting you to follow along! This season is all about trying new things, learning as you go, and proving that growth comes from experimenting, reflecting, and refining!

Key Takeaways:

(02:30) Why Thanksgiving products get less attention and how she’s planning her seasonal sale
(06:30) Repeating sales year after year; why business emails are landing in promotions
(12:40) The Olive & June marketing strategy
(14:55) How a “free gift with purchase” can boost value without lowering prices

Episodes Mentioned:

#126: How to Plan the Rest of 2025 and Finish the Year Strong

Connect With Heather:

24: Tips for a Successful Black Friday Sale

126: How to Plan the Rest of 2025 and Finish the Year Strong

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

It’s the final countdown of 2025, and Heather’s here to help you finish the year strong. If you’re stuck on what to promote for Black Friday or wondering how to keep your audience engaged through December, this episode has you covered! Heather shares her go-to strategies for creating promotions without slashing prices, plus smart ways to warm your email list and boost sales during one of the noisiest times of the year. You’ll learn when to run your Black Friday sale (hint: not on Black Friday), how to turn December into your “give and grow” month, and what to track now so your 2026 plan practically builds itself. Tune in to learn how to sell smarter, serve better, and end the year with momentum!

Key Takeaways:

(03:15) Why planning ahead for November and December matters more than ever
(04:00) Black Friday sales strategies; standing out when everyone’s running a sale
(10:15) When to send your promo emails and how many to send
(11:45) Turning December into your month of giving
(14:00) Easy one-day sale ideas to weave into your December emails
(16:10) Tracking your results and writing notes for your future self

Episodes Mentioned:

27: How to Navigate December as an Online Business Owner

75: 5 Tips for a Successful Black Friday Promotion

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

125: Real-Life Tech Troubles: How the AWS Outage Almost Derailed Her Launch

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

If you’ve listened to The Teacher Biz Podcast for a while, you know Heather’s no stranger to tech troubles. But this past week took things to a whole new level when a major AWS outage hit the internet. Right in the middle of her membership launch, Heather found herself in the thick of it…payments failing, customers confused, and chaos unfolding in real time. She had no idea how much it would impact her business until everything started breaking. In this episode, Heather shares what happened behind the scenes and what she learned about staying calm through the chaos. Tune in for a relatable dose of real-life entrepreneurship and a reminder that even when tech fails, you’ve got this!

Key Takeaways:

(02:15) Heather’s current launch and summit prep
(03:45) The large impact of the AWS outage
(08:20) Handling customer issues during the outage
(14:05) Lessons learned and plans for the next launch

Listen to Episode 124: Testing New Facebook Ads to Find What Really Converts

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

124: Testing New Facebook Ads to Find What Really Converts

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Heather’s been testing new Facebook ads, and the results might surprise you! From direct-to-sale campaigns to freebie funnels, she’s sharing her recent experience experimenting with different ads and how each one performed. Heather walks through what her ads looked like, where they led, the tweaks she’s made over the past few weeks, and the strategies that are working right now. From honest frustrations to unexpected wins, she’s sharing it all so you can skip the guesswork and apply the same strategies to your own business.

If this episode helps you see your ads in a new way, share it with a friend who could use the same boost!

Key Takeaways:

(03:30) The $27 course that reignited her Facebook ad strategy
(07:00) Testing direct-to-sale ads
(13:00) Shifting to a freebie + tripwire strategy
(16:45) How she’s simplifying her business for stronger results

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

119: Behind the Scenes of a Successful Funnel with Laura Kebart (Part 1)

123: How to Grow an Engaged Email List Using Facebook Ads

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Think Facebook ads are just a money pit? Heather’s proof they can actually build a six-figure email list and pay for themselves along the way. In this episode, she shares how she grew 115,000+ subscribers with simple tweaks, smart testing, and a strategy that’s easy to repeat. From her first scrappy ad to her top-performing seasonal campaigns, Heather explains what worked, what flopped, and what she’d do differently now. You’ll hear why naming your freebie the right way matters, how to bounce back when something tanks, and the easy strategy that keeps her list growing year after year. Hit play and see how one good freebie can turn into the list-building engine your business has been missing!

Key Takeaways:

(04:15) How Facebook ads became Heather’s main growth driver
(06:00) The early days; direct-to-sales ads and first lessons learned
(09:50) The freebie that flopped and the pivot that changed everything
(15:00) What her early ad graphics looked like and why “ugly” worked
(18:10) Repurposing old freebies
(23:00) Why testing matters more than perfection

Listen to Previous Episodes:

18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

67: The Free & Simple Strategy to Grow Your Email List

17: How to Start Building Your Email List TODAY

16: Why You Need to Grow an Email List From the Start

56: What to Send to Your Email List

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

122: How to Use Pinterest to Grow Your Digital Products Business in 2025 with Nadalie Bardo

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Nadalie Bardo simply loves Pinterest. As a blogger, she achieved 1 million views on Pinterest in her first month, organically grew her email list to 24K subscribers, and gained 1000s of happy customers. With eight years of Pinterest marketing experience, she has taught over 7,000 blogs, brands, and businesses through her online courses and coaching. As Your Pin Coach, Nadalie is here to help you increase your traffic, grow your audience, and boost your sales for free with Pinterest. No ads are required!

In this episode, Nadalie breaks down how to get started, create pins that people want to click on, and use Pinterest’s search features to bring more traffic, subscribers, and sales your way. You’ll learn why consistency matters, how to find the right keywords, and how to spot trends that can boost your visibility. She also shares what makes Pinterest totally different from other social platforms and how to design pins that stand out. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn Pinterest into a real growth tool for your business, this episode is your go-to guide!

Connect with Nadalie Bardo:

yourpincoach.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) Natalie's journey to becoming a successful Pinterest coach
(04:30) How to use Pinterest for business growth
(07:10) How to optimize your pins and boards
(19:20) Pinterest marketing strategies for teachers
(23:30) Top Pinterest mistakes and how to fix them
(26:45) How much time Pinterest really takes
(28:50) Are Pinterest ads worth it?

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

121: Inside Heather’s High-Converting Funnel

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Heather takes listeners inside her own funnel on the Kindergarten Ready side of her business, sharing exactly how it’s set up, what products she relies on, and the strategy behind it all. She walks through each step, from the freebies that bring people in, to the tripwires, upsells, and even her spicy “no thanks” links that keep conversions moving. And she doesn’t just share ideas! Hear her real numbers, price tests, and the order bumps that are working for her right now (including one with a 60% add-on rate!). Tune in for more simple ways to build a funnel that works for you. And if you missed Heather’s interview with Laura Kebart, be sure to click here and catch up!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Kindergarten Ready funnels; where most customers first find her
(04:55) The tripwire offer that converts cold leads into paying customers
(12:10) The choose-your-own-adventure upsell
(13:40) What happens if someone says “no thanks” along the way
(15:25) How split testing boosted her tripwire conversions to 13%

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

instagram.com/languageartsteachers

120: Behind the Scenes of a Successful Funnel with Laura Kebart (Part 2)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Heather continues her conversation with Laura Kebart, diving into funnel strategies that feel doable instead of overwhelming. Laura shares how you can start with just one product, build from there, and take the pressure off trying to have everything “perfect” from the start. She also talks about her approach to upsells, order bumps, and simple pricing strategies that help maximize sales without making things complicated. Get a behind-the-scenes look at her own decision-making process, from testing different offers to tweaking pricing, and how those experiments have shaped her success. Packed with lightbulb moments and easy-to-implement tips, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Laura Kebart:

languageartsteachers.com

Key Takeaways:

(03:10) Keeping the funnel building process simple
(06:40) Upsells, order bumps, and easy pricing tweaks that boost sales
(09:15) Nurturing customers after the sale with follow-ups and reminders
(17:00) Laura’s advice for new business owners
(20:10) Encouragement to take the first step

Listen to Episode 119: Behind the Scenes of a Successful Funnel with Laura Kebart (Part 1)

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

instagram.com/languageartsteachers

119: Behind the Scenes of a Successful Funnel with Laura Kebart (Part 1)

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Laura Kebart leverages her 20+ years of classroom teaching experience and instructional coaching systems to serve busy middle school English Language Arts Teachers through her online presence at languageartsteachers.com. Through her educational consulting, realistic instructional strategies, hands-on workshops, and back-to-school MSELA Summit each July, Laura helps educators teach with confidence while reducing their overwhelm and increasing student engagement.

In this episode, Laura shares her expertise on structuring and profiting from funnels. She breaks down funnels in a way that feels super doable, and explains how even a tiny $9 product can turn into serious income with the right setup. You’ll hear tips on order bumps, upsells, and easy ways to tweak your funnel so it keeps working better over time. Plus, Laura shares her favorite Friday routine for reflecting and brainstorming fresh ideas. If you’re ready to stop overthinking funnels and start using them to grow your business, this conversation will leave you excited and confident to try it yourself!

Connect with Laura Kebart:

languageartsteachers.com

Key Takeaways:

(04:20) What a funnel actually is
(07:25) Inside Laura's funnel: offers, order bumps, and upsells
(09:30) How a $9 product became a large revenue stream
(16:00) Laura’s friday reflection routine for fresh ideas
(17:20) Funnel mindset; why ethical funnels build trust and more sales
(22:00) Recent funnel strategies and results

Listen to Episode 54: Slowly Transitioning from Teacher to Full-Time Business Owner with Laura Kebart

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

118: How to Bundle Products for a Quick and Easy Flash Sale

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Imagine bringing in over 100 sales in 2 days with less effort than a Sunday lesson plan. Heather gives a behind the scenes look at a quick flash sale she ran using two of her best selling resources from Kindergarten Ready: the Ultimate Alphabet Learning Kit and the Ultimate Numbers Learning Kit, bundled as the “Back to School Bundle.” She shares how she pulled it all together by creating a simple sales page, polishing the copy with a little help from ChatGPT, and scheduling a few emails. The whole process took just 2.5 hours and brought in 112 sales! Hit play and learn why repurposing what you’ve already created can be an easy win for quick results, and how you can use the same approach without adding extra stress to your plate!

Key Takeaways:

(02:45) Creating the “Back to School Bundle”
(03:40) Setting up the sales page and creating an email marketing strategy
(06:10) Executing the flash sale
(08:15) Sale results and future sales strategies

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

#28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

117: 5 Ways to Boost Your Productivity When Working from Home

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Working from home can feel like a dream…until the laundry, the TV, and the “just five more minutes on Instagram” start pulling you away from your goals. In this episode, Heather shares five simple strategies that have helped her stay productive as an online business owner. From setting intentional deadlines and time-blocking your day to creating real accountability and building a workspace that actually works, these tips are designed to help you finally get things done. By the end of this episode, you’ll have ways to create routines and systems that stick so you can finally stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress on your goals!

Key Takeaways:

(03:20) The struggle of working from home
(04:30) Setting deadlines for yourself
(06:15) Organizing your day without rigid scheduling
(09:10) Finding support and staying on track
(13:20) Why your workspace environment matters more than you think
(15:30) Building routines that stick

Listen to Previous Episodes:

#97: Finding Business Friends and Creating a Mastermind Group

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

116: Marketing Strategies from Big Brands You Know and Love

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

If you have an online business, then guess what, you are officially a marketer! And it’s time to start looking at your business and the world around you through that lens. In this episode, Heather breaks down what some of the biggest brands are doing right when it comes to their marketing strategies, and how you can bring those same ideas into your own business. From building anticipation to creating a memorable experience and showing off your unique personality, you’ll learn the marketing principles that can transform the way you connect with your audience. Plus, you’ll walk away with action steps to help you start applying these ideas today!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) How to start seeing marketing all around you
(03:10) Dunkin’ Donuts and the power of consistency
(08:00) Taylor Swift and building anticipation for your offers
(14:10) Olive and June; educating your audience for better results
(17:15) Disney; selling experiences, not just products
(19:45) Apple; marketing transformation, not features
(21:55) Trader Joe’s personality-driven approach to engagement
(25:05) How to apply these lessons in your own business

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

115: Crazy Business Stories: Heather’s Webinar Woes

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Running a business is never a smooth ride. It is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright hilarious. In this episode, Heather shares some of her craziest webinar stories (think paper shuffling, awkward silences, and epic tech fails). She talks about the early days of running live webinars, the time she completely lost internet connection during a big sales pitch, and what it is like trying to juggle business when family emergencies pop up. Mixed in with the stories, Heather gives tips for hosting webinars and shows how her background in teaching turned out to be a huge advantage in entrepreneurship. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone in the business chaos. Mistakes and messy moments are not just normal, they are part of the journey, and often lead to the best lessons - and the funniest stories!

Key Takeaways:

(02:55) Overcoming the fear of being live on camera
(05:50) Heather’s early webinar struggles
(13:30) Tech fails in real time; losing internet during a webinar
(19:45) Balancing business and family; when emergencies happen mid-webinar

Listen to Episode 68: Gaining the Confidence to Host a Live Webinar

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

114: How to Make More Money From Products You’ve Already Sold

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

If you’re selling a product for the second time, you’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s all about making that product even more profitable! In this episode, Heather shares her proven strategies for re-selling a product and maximizing results, like how to use what you’ve already learned from past launches, the early bird bonus trick that can make day one sales sky-rocket, and why shorter sales windows can actually work better than long, drawn-out ones. She also shares how to dig into your past sales data for easy wins, the kind of emails that can outperform your social posts, and why growing your audience between launches is the secret to keeping sales fresh. Whether you’ve launched a dozen times or you’re gearing up for round two, these ideas will help you make your next one your best yet!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Why selling a product again can be easier and more profitable
(03:30 Using an early bird bonus to boost day one sales
(05:15) Mining your past sales data for conversion-boosting insights
(08:35) Email tweaks that can outperform social media
(13:20) The importance of consistent audience growth between launches

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

#101: How to Stand Out on Instagram by Being Real, Not Perfect with Jenna Harding

113: The Surprising Results of Taking a Break from Instagram

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Heather shares a bold move that might surprise you. She stepped away from Instagram completely for the summer. In this episode, she explains why she hit pause, the simple shifts she made (like leaning into email and paid ads) that kept leads rolling in, and the unexpected wins that came from choosing sustainability over social media hustle. Plus, she shares how the break gave her more time with her family and helped her reconnect with the parts of her business that really drive results. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s okay to take a step back from social media, this episode is your permission slip!

Key Takeaways:

(02:00) Pausing Instagram for several months and what happened next
(06:30) How repurposed content and paid ads kept leads coming in
(09:30) Why email marketing outperforms social media for ROI
(13:50) The mindset shift that changed her approach to social

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

#108: Working Less, Living More: Heather’s Summertime Schedule

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

112: 5 Ways to Use AI in Your Business (and Mistakes to Avoid)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Are you using AI in your business yet?

If so, are you really getting the most out of it or just testing the waters? Maybe you’re still resisting the AI movement because you’re worried about robots taking over. Either way, you might be missing out on something that could make your life so much easier! In this episode, Heather talks about how AI can actually help you, not replace you. She shares simple, smart ways to use it, such as writing sales copy, creating social content, brainstorming offers, outlining courses, and handling customer emails. Plus, she breaks down the common mistakes to avoid and how to use tools like ChatGPT without losing your voice or sounding robotic. If you’re ready to save time, get inspired, and still sound like you, it’s time to start using AI as your behind-the-scenes helper. And if this episode helps shift your perspective, send it to a friend who might need the pep talk too!

Key Takeaways:

(02:30) ChatGPT, Claude, Grok
(03:15) The mindset shift; AI isn’t cheating, it’s a tool
(06:30) What AI is actually good for in your business
(12:20) What not to do with AI
(13:50) A simple way to start using AI today

Listen to Episode 107: The Simple Hack for Answering Tricky Emails

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

111: How to Write Emails That Sell Without Feeling Pushy

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Struggling to write sales emails that don’t make you cringe? This episode is here to help! Selling doesn’t have to feel sleazy. In fact, when you shift your mindset, it can feel just as natural (and fulfilling!) as teaching. From reframing your emails as conversations to using storytelling and simple teaching moments, this episode gives tips to help you connect with your audience and sell with confidence. Learn how to highlight benefits over features, write emails your readers actually want to open, and boost your sales without sounding like a robot. Hit play and start writing emails that truly serve and sell!

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) Shifting your mindset; selling vs serving
(04:00) How to use storytelling to sell authentically
(08:00) What really converts; features vs. benefits
(11:00) A simple challenge to get you started

Connect With Heather:

110: The Truth About Passive Income and How to Get Started

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Ever dreamed of making money while spending your afternoon at the park with your kids? This episode dives into a topic that’s top of mind for so many online business owners: passive income. It’s often seen as the ultimate goal in the online business space, but what does it actually take to make it work? Contrary to what a lot of people think, passive income is not about making money while doing absolutely nothing. Heather explains what passive income really means, how to achieve it in a way that’s sustainable, and why it’s not as “hands off” as it’s often portrayed. If you have ever wondered whether passive income is really possible or where to even begin, this episode is the perfect place to start!

Key Takeaways:

(02:15) What passive income really means
(04:20) Behind the systems: how freebies and simple funnels keep sales rolling
(05:25) Heather’s Instagram highlights and “sales while at the park” moments
(07:00) Creating and maintaining passive income streams
(12:50) Your first step to passive income

Connect With Heather:

109: Should You Be the Face of Your Business? Here’s What to Consider

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Should you build a personal brand with you as the face of your business, or create a company with a more generalized identity? In this episode, Heather shares why she chose to build a personal brand and why that decision might be the best move for you too. She explains how showing up as yourself online builds trust, deepens connection, and helps you create a business that truly feels like you. Heather also talks candidly about the fears that come with stepping into the spotlight, like feeling too exposed or worrying what others will think, and how to move past them with confidence. If you have ever wondered whether separating yourself from your brand makes you look more professional, this episode is your reminder that your voice, your story, and your authenticity are what set you apart!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Why personal branding creates stronger connection
(05:00) Common fears around being visible online
(06:40) Ways to embody your brand authentically
(11:30) Dealing with negativity online
(12:45) The long-term benefits of showing up as yourself

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 54: Slowly Transitioning from Teacher to Full-Time Business Owner with Laura Kebart

Connect With Heather:

#83: How to Get Work Done with Kids at Home

108: Working Less, Living More: Heather’s Summertime Schedule

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Summer’s here, and in this episode, Heather gets real about what it looks like to run a business and soak up the season with your family. She shares how she is balancing work and life right now and how she keeps both businesses thriving while working just a day and a half a week. Whether you are diving into a new project or simply trying to enjoy a slower pace this summer, this episode is your reminder that success can look different in every season. And yes, it is absolutely okay to build your business around your life, not the other way around!

Need a starting point? Grab the free Teacher Biz Starter Guide at teacherbiz.com/start

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Reflecting on summer and the work-life balance shift
(04:15) Creating a schedule that fits your life
(09:00) Heather’s summer schedule; working while still prioritizing summer memories
(12:00) Tools, systems, and communication strategies that keep things moving
(14:50) Giving yourself permission to slow down and define success your way

Resources Mentioned:

#77: Say It, Don’t Schedule It! The Best (FREE) Business Communication Tool

#62: 5 Strategies for Working Less in the Summer

#52: 4 Strategies for Starting Your Teacher Biz This Summer

#51: Creating a Work Schedule that Revolves Around Your Life

Connect With Heather:

Using Graphics to Build Trust and Increase Conversions with Mauri King

107: The Simple Hack for Answering Tricky Emails

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Ever received a customer email that left you staring at the screen, completely stumped on how to respond? As the owner of two businesses, Heather knows that feeling all too well! In this episode, she shares her simple hack for handling those tricky emails with ease, including how she uses ChatGPT to craft replies in minutes. You’ll hear how she collaborates with her team to stay on top of her inbox, why setting clear communication boundaries makes a big difference, and how screenshots + AI = a total game-changer. Plus, Heather shares how she uses ChatGPT beyond email, like outlining sales pages and saving time on content creation.

Already using AI in your business? Heather would love to hear how! Leave a review and share how these tools are helping you work smarter, not harder.

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) The struggle of responding to tricky customer emails
(04:25) How ChatGPT helps craft thoughtful, professional replies
(06:00) Setting communication boundaries and why it matters
(08:40) Other ways Heather uses ChatGPT to boost productivity

Listen to Episode 104:

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

106: Inside the Digital Products That Sell Summit (Heather’s Honest Recap!)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Get the full (and honest) recap of the Digital Products That Sell Summit. Heather takes you behind the scenes of planning and hosting the summit, sharing what went smoothly, what she would do differently, and the lessons she learned along the way. From coordinating speaker schedules and promoting to multiple audiences to creating a seamless experience for everyone, Heather shares what it is really like to host a large online event. She also gets real about juggling business and everyday life, including preschool graduation, room mom duties, and all the things that do not pause for a big launch. If you have ever thought about hosting your own summit, this episode is for you! It is proof that a summit can be a powerful way to grow your business, and that you can absolutely do it on your own terms!

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Choosing speakers and topics; pricing strategies and promotion
(05:40) Handling speaker no shows and last minute tech issues
(10:05) Lessons learned from coordinating a large online event
(14:10) Juggling family life during a major launch
(21:40) Why a summit is a great growth tool without relying on ads

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

105: Launch Your First Membership the Easy Way

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

MEMBERSHIP MENTORSHIP

Join Now! → teacherbiz.com/yes

Thinking about starting a membership? This episode is your sign to go for it! Heather shares how to build a simple, sustainable membership that brings in recurring income without the burnout. She walks you through her go-to strategy and the three things every membership needs: simplicity, value, and room to grow. You’ll also hear about Heather’s brand-new four-week program where she’ll walk you through creating and launching your own membership, step by step. There’s even a special founding members offer you do not want to miss! If you've been dreaming about starting a membership but didn’t know where to start, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to finally go for it. Hit play and get ready to take the leap!

Key Takeaways:

(03:05) Creating a simple, scalable membership
(07:00) The three must-haves for a successful membership
(10:55) Real-life example: Kindergarten Ready Club
(15:05) How to adapt and grow your membership over time
(20:15) Membership Mentorship: what’s Included and how to join

MEMBERSHIP MENTORSHIP → teacherbiz.com/yes

In just 4 weeks you'll go from idea to action with a clear plan + the confidence to launch your membership the simple way!

Connect With Heather:

theamericanpatriette.lpages.co/picture-perfect-sales-pages

104: Using Graphics to Build Trust and Increase Conversions with Mauri King

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400

THE DIGITAL PRODUCTS THAT SELL SUMMIT

Get Your Free Ticket! → teacherbiz.com/summit

Mauri King is a food blogger-turned-graphic designer, and now a go-to-gal for helping mamapreneurs create sales pages that actually convert. Mauri's favorite is to help her clients take their brilliant digital products and turn them into stunning, strategic sales pages, product PDFs, and brand visuals that connect AND convert. Mauri loves offering relief from bland graphics & the death stare of a blank cursor and STRATEGICALLY marketing digital products with gorgeous graphics & fun-to-read copy that makes an audience want to click that "buy" button!

In this episode, Mauri breaks down how good design (and a little help from AI) can make a huge difference in your business. She shares why visuals matter way beyond just looking pretty and how they can actually help build trust, boost conversions, and make your offers stand out online. You’ll hear her take on when it’s totally fine to DIY your graphics and when it might be time to bring in an expert, plus some easy tips to make design feel a lot less intimidating. Mauri also explains how tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, overcome common buyer objections, and make your sales pages even more effective. Whether you're just getting started or ready to polish things up, this episode is full of helpful insights and encouraging takeaways!

Connect with with Mauri King:

MauriJaneDesign.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) From food blogger to graphic designer
(03:35) Why graphics matter
(06:00) DIY or hire? How to know when it’s time to outsource your design
(10:15) How good design builds trust and boosts conversions
(13:15) Beginner-friendly design tips
(16:40) How AI tools like ChatGPT can elevate your product creation
(22:35) Quick design tips to make your offers stand out
(29:55) Picture Perfect Sales Pages

Listen to Previous Episodes:

#18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

#40: Taking Small Steps Towards Big Goals with Ruth Soukup

#97: Finding Business Friends and Creating a Mastermind Group

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

banishbusinessclutter.com

103: How to Ditch Imposter Syndrome and Finally Get Started with Lydia Martin

Tue, 27 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

THE DIGITAL PRODUCTS THAT SELL SUMMIT

Get Your Free Ticket! → teacherbiz.com/summit

Lydia Martin is an online business coach and founder of Banish Business Clutter, where she helps digital creators turn messy ideas into money-making offers that actually sell. Known for her clear frameworks and down-to-earth style, Lydia teaches sustainable strategies that fuel momentum, build recurring revenue, and deliver unforgettable customer experiences—without the overwhelm. Her mission? To help you simplify, show up, and scale a business that supports the life you truly want.

In this episode, Lydia shares how she went from music teacher to full-time entrepreneur, building a digital business that allowed her to retire her husband and reclaim her time. She gets real about taking imperfect action, launching before you feel “ready,” and the lessons she’s learned from running live challenges and growing a thriving membership community. Lydia also shares why connection and community are more important than ever, and how you can build a business that supports your life (not the other way around). If you’re stuck in overthinking mode and need a push to just start, this episode will light a fire!

Connect with with Lydia Martin:

Key Takeaways:

(03:05) Lydia's background and business journey
(07:30) Why teachers make great business owners
(10:10) Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome
(13:00) Taking messy action and launching before you’re “ready”
(20:35) The Freedom Formula; steps to predictable profits
(23:30) Avoiding overthinking and perfectionism
(28:25) Adapting to changes in business; what’s working in 2025
(31:45) Leveraging AI while maintaining human connections

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

102: The Introvert’s Guide to a Sustainable, Hustle-Free Business with Tara Reid

Tue, 20 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

THE DIGITAL PRODUCTS THAT SELL SUMMIT

Get Your Free Ticket! → teacherbiz.com/summit

Tara Reid, Founder of the Introvertpreneur brand, is a business and marketing strategist dedicated to helping introverted entrepreneurs build sustainable, hustle-free businesses. With over 17 years of experience as an online entrepreneur and multiple six-figure businesses under her belt, Tara specializes in organic and evergreen marketing strategies that allow business owners to grow without burnout.

In this episode, Tara explains how introverts can tap into their natural strengths (like thoughtfulness, intentionality, and deep focus) to build businesses that work with their energy, not against it. She talks about the power of organic marketing, why she loves SEO and evergreen content, and how collaborations like podcasts and digital summits can help grow your audience. If you’ve ever felt like traditional marketing advice wasn’t built for your personality, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air! Plus, you’ll get a preview of Tara’s upcoming presentation at The Digital Products That Sell Summit, where she’ll share even more on how to market like an introvert. It’s all about staying calm, being consistent, and showing up as your most authentic self!

Connect with with Tara Reid:

thetarareid.com

thetarareid.com/quiz

Key Takeaways:

(03:25) Challenges introverted entrepreneurs face
(05:20) Embracing your introverted strengths
(07:05) Organic and evergreen marketing strategies; finding quick wins
(11:15) Making marketing fun and playing to your strengths
(13:20) Market like an introvert: calm, consistent, and completely you
(15:45) The Introvertpreneur Club

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

How to get CLIENTS from Instagram without wasting hours glued to your phone

101: How to Stand Out on Instagram by Being Real, Not Perfect with Jenna Harding

Tue, 13 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

THE DIGITAL PRODUCTS THAT SELL SUMMIT

Get Your Free Ticket! → teacherbiz.com/summit

Jenna Harding is a marketing coach, social media management agency owner and host of the Shiny New Clients podcast. Through her program Magic Marketing Machine, she helps service-based business owners use her proven marketing formula to look amazing on Instagram, run their accounts in 15 minutes a day and turn their followers into clients.

In this episode, Jenna shares her advice for showing up authentically on Instagram. She dives into the power of embracing your true self online and how letting go of perfection and overcoming mindset blocks like imposter syndrome can transform your content. Jenna explains how ditching the polished aesthetic and leaning into realness helped her connect more deeply with her audience and grow her brand. You’ll also walk away with practical tips for boosting engagement, growing organically, and building a community that actually cares. Whether you’re just getting started or refreshing your strategy, this episode blends mindset shifts with actionable strategies to help you show up with more confidence and purpose.

Connect with with Jenna Harding:

Instagram: @jennaspaige

Podcast: Shiny New Clients

Schedule INSTAGRAM HASHTAGS Using LATER!

Key Takeaways:

(02:30) From social media manager to Instagram marketing expert
(06:20) How Instagram strategies have evolved over the years
(10:20) Tools that simplify content creation and why batching matters
(13:10) Overcoming mindset barriers: imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear
(17:40) Infusing personality into your brand and content
(27:40) Tips for boosting engagement and organic growth
(30:00) Giving yourself permission to pivot and evolve in business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

#03: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

100: The Power of Podcasting for Online Business (Celebrating 100 Episodes!)

Tue, 06 May 2025 02:00:00 -0400

We made it - 100 episodes! In this milestone celebration, Heather pulls back the curtain on the journey of building The Teacher Biz Podcast. From pushing past nerves about her voice to interviewing powerhouse guests like Amy Porterfield, Ruth Soukup, and Erin Leonard, she shares how the podcast became the heartbeat of her second business, Teacher Biz.

You’ll hear the benefits (and sometimes challenges) of podcasting, how it creates intimate connections with listeners, and what Heather’s learned after hitting record 100 times. If you’ve been thinking about launching a podcast, this episode is your sign to go for it! Plus, Heather teases something big and exciting coming soon to Teacher Biz - you won’t want to miss it. Hit play and celebrate with us!

THE DIGITAL PRODUCTS THAT SELL SUMMIT

Get Your Free Ticket! → teacherbiz.com/summit

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Celebrating this major milestone
(04:35) The reason for starting The Teacher Biz Podcast and how it’s evolved
(06:15) Overcoming challenges and finding support
(09:20) Building deep connections with listeners and guests
(13:40) The benefits of podcasting for business
(16:30) What’s next for Teacher Biz

Episodes mentioned:

#13: Why Digital Courses are Ideal for Teachers with Amy Porterfield

#40: Taking Small Steps Towards Big Goals with Ruth Soukup

#54: Slowly Transitioning from Teacher to Full-Time Business Owner with Laura Kebart

Other resources mentioned:

Connect with Brittany Kues: linkedin.com/in/brittany-kues

Connect with Sheila Rancinez: behindyoureveryday.com

Check out the YouTube Channel: @TeacherBiz

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

#16: Why You Need to Grow an Email List From the Start

99: The Real Reason You Should Be Creating Content

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Posting just to post? Let’s fix that! In this episode, Heather explains why content isn’t just about churning out posts or chasing ad dollars. You’ll learn the real role content plays in your business (hint: it’s marketing, not the product), why building an email list is essential, and how platforms like podcasting can help you create deeper, lasting relationships with your audience. Plus, Heather shares simple action steps to help you stop spinning your wheels and start using your content to actually grow and convert. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling a little stuck, this episode will help you see content in a whole new light and start using it to build the business you really want!

Key Takeaways:

(04:15) Shifting your mindset; content as marketing, not the product
(07:00) How content builds connection and authority; benefits of podcasting
(11:00) Why growing an email list is essential
(15:05) Using content to benefit your business

Episodes mentioned:

#17: How to Start Building Your Email List TODAY

#98: The Best and Worst Ways to Monetize Your Online Business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

#28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

98: The Best and Worst Ways to Monetize Your Online Business

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0400

What are your options when it comes to making money in your online business? Heather breaks down five popular monetization methods and gets real about what works (and what doesn’t!). From the unpredictability of ad revenue and sponsorships to the limitations of one-on-one services, she shares the hard-earned lessons she’s learned on her journey. Most importantly, she reveals the #1 monetization method that offers sustainable, scalable income while allowing you to do meaningful work you love.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at Heather’s upcoming free event, the Digital Products That Sell Summit, happening in early June. If you’ve been dreaming of launching a course, workshop, or membership but aren’t sure where to start, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward!

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) Why ads are often more effort than they’re worth
(08:10) The pros and cons of brand deals
(12:45) How affiliate marketing works; why it shouldn’t be your main strategy
(17:45) Why 1:1 offers are great for starting out but not ideal for long-term growth
(19:50) Heather’s top pick for sustainable income
(24:30) Digital Products That Sell Summit

Episodes mentioned:

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

#03: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

97: Finding Business Friends and Creating a Mastermind Group

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Having supportive online business friends is your secret weapon for success! In this episode, Heather shares how starting a mastermind group with like-minded entrepreneurs completely transformed her business. You'll learn a simple four-step process to build your own circle of business friends who bring the accountability, motivation, and encouragement you need to thrive. Stop trying to do it all alone! Tune in and discover how the right connections can be the turning point in your teacher biz journey.

Key Takeaways:

(04:00) Creating a mastermind group
(06:00) How to identify potential group members
(07:40) How to invite members using a personal touch
(11:00) Setting up a Facebook group for your members
(13:30) Building lasting connections and overcoming discomfort

Episodes mentioned:

#54: Slowly Transitioning from Teacher to Full-Time Business Owner with Laura Kebart

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

#03: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

96: The Best Way to Sell Digital Products (Hint: It’s Not a Shop!)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Thinking of launching an online shop for your digital products? Listen to this episode first! Heather shares why she rarely uses her Shopify store, Kindergarten Ready Shop, and the smarter, more profitable strategy she uses instead. Hear why she moved away from the “sell everything” approach and how focusing on just one product with a dedicated sales page completely transformed her results. If you’ve been overwhelmed trying to sell all the things, this episode will show you a better approach - one that’s streamlined, sustainable, and actually converts. Heather also shares her favorite tips for creating sales pages, using templates, and making your content do the heavy lifting. If you're ready to simplify your sales strategy and see better results, this episode's for you!

Key Takeaways:

(03:30) Overwhelming customers with too many options
(05:00) Transitioning to sales pages
(08:30) Optimizing your workflow with templates
(10:30) Strategies for selling multiple products
(15:40) Heather’s April Fools Day sale results

Episodes mentioned:

#04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

#50: How a Digital Product Shop Can Change Your Business with Monica Froese

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

95: How to Show Up on Video with Confidence

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Showing up on video can feel terrifying, but what if it’s the missing piece to growing your business? In this episode, Heather shares her own struggles with video and how she finally pushed past the fear. She also shares why video is one of the most powerful tools for connection, trust-building, and business growth - plus, simple ways to ease into it without overwhelm. Whether you're starting with Instagram Stories, practicing behind the scenes, or perfecting your setup, you’ll walk away with tips to make video feel natural (and even fun!). Hit play now and start showing up with confidence - your audience is waiting to connect with YOU!

Key Takeaways:

(02:15) Overcoming insecurities and showing up confidently on video
(04:25) Tips for getting comfortable on video
(05:30) Why video matters for online business owners
(09:20) Tips for enhancing video quality
(16:35) Editing and using b-roll effectively

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

94: Struggling with Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Stay Productive with Cait Keery

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Cait Keery is a certified wellness counselor, advocacy consultant and founder of CAIT and KAYE. CAIT and KAYE empowers women to take charge of their health journeys by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to become their own best advocates. Cait believes that informed, assertive women can transform their healthcare experiences, fostering a community of support and resilience. She aims to inspire every woman to feel empowered to speak up, seek answers, and prioritize their well-being.

In this episode, Cait shares strategies aimed at empowering you to achieve more in your business. From setting realistic goals to overcoming imposter syndrome, this conversation is perfect for new entrepreneurs. Cait introduces several techniques centered around visualizing goals, planning ahead, and checklist creation. She also discusses the power of positive self-talk and why a strong support network is key to success. If you’re ready to let go of self-doubt and start making real progress in your business, this episode is for you!

Connect with Cait Keery:

caitandkaye.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) The story behind Cait and Kaye
(04:10) Setting realistic and adaptable goals
(06:05) Time management strategies
(10:00) Overcoming imposter syndrome
(12:30) Building an effective routine
(17:30) Organizational tools and strategies

Connect With Heather:

93: The Truth About Free Content: Why It’s Holding Your Business Back

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0400

ENROLL NOW! TEACHER BIZ BLUEPRINT → teacherbiz.com/join

Relying on free resources to build a business is one of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make. In this episode, Heather breaks down why free content only scratches the surface and is often designed to lead you toward paid offers. The real breakthroughs happen when you invest in the right mentor and follow a proven strategy. Tune in to learn how structured learning can fast-track your success, help you avoid common pitfalls, and set you up for a business that aligns with your goals.

Ready to take the next step? Enrollment for Teacher Biz Blueprint is closing soon! This 12-week program gives you everything you need (live coaching, tech support, and accountability) to finally build the business you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the guidance that actually moves the needle!

Key Takeaways:

(05:00) The trap of free resources; how to avoid this common mistake
(07:10) Choosing the right mentor
(08:30) Investing in the success of your business
(11:15) Inside Teacher Biz Blueprint

Connect With Heather:

#73: Teacher Biz Blueprint Insights from a Student’s Perspective with Maria Golden

92: How Persistence Led This Former Chemistry Teacher to 77 Sales in Just One Month with Kindra Zuberbuehler

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0400

ENROLL NOW! TEACHER BIZ BLUEPRINT → teacherbiz.com/join

Kindra Zuberbuehler is a proven educational leader focused on the world of teaching and learning in high school chemistry. A chemistry teacher for over 10 years, she has honed in how to reach and create success & confidence for all of her students at every level. After working as an assistant principal and athletic director and not getting the one-on-one instructional time and conversations she wished to pursue, she stepped away from the brick-and-mortar and started ChemEd Solutions to create high-impact resources for chemistry teachers. Kindra now continues to create sought-after easy to implement resources for high school chemistry teachers and supports them throughout their teaching journey.

In this episode, Kindra shares her experience going through the Teacher Biz Blueprint program. She dives into the creation of ChemEd Solutions, opens up about her initial struggles (including Facebook ads flops), and the strategies and perseverance that fueled her success. If you’re an educator dreaming of breaking free from the traditional classroom, this episode is packed with advice, mindset shifts, and inspiration to help you start your own teacher biz!

Connect with Kindra Zuberbuehler:

Free HS Chemistry Course Outline and Pacing Guide: chemedsolutions.com/chemguide

Facebook: ChemEd Solutions

Instagram: @chemedsolutions

Key Takeaways:

(05:10) Kindra’s background; longing for work-life balance
(09:55) Transitioning to online business; finding TBB
(13:50) Creating ChemEd Solutions; developing lesson notes, practice pages, instructional videos, and study materials
(21:20) The support system and community of TBB
(27:50) Navigating Facebook ads; taking imperfect action
(30:50) Creating value for email subscribers and refining her Facebook ad strategy
(43:15) The importance of having a support system; balancing life and business
(47:25) Future plans and exciting projects

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

#18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

Connect With Heather:

91: Last Chance! Join the Free Teacher Biz Challenge Now!

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0500

JOIN THE FREE PLAN YOUR TEACHER BIZ CHALLENGE NOW!

If you’ve been thinking about making extra money (or even replacing your full-time teaching income), this episode is for you! Now is the perfect time to take your teaching skills online and create a business with more freedom, flexibility, and way less stress than the classroom. Join Heather in the FREE "Plan Your Teacher Biz Challenge" - a fun, step-by-step way to find your business idea, attract the right audience, and choose a business name that actually works. With live trainings, replays, a supportive community, and fun prizes, there’s no better time to start! Sign up now at teacherbiz.com/challenge and take the first step toward your own teacher biz. Let’s do this!

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) Your last chance to join the challenge
(04:15) What does the challenge offer and who is it for?
(06:30) Key decisions for a successful teacher biz
(08:25) How to get started with the challenge

Connect With Heather:

ackermanhomelearning.co.uk

90: Struggling with Facebook Ads? Here’s How to Fix It! (Live Coaching Session)

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Thinking about running Meta ads (Facebook and Instagram) but feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts? You’re not alone! In this episode, Heather continues her chat with Jacqueline Ackerman to break down the challenges of Meta ads and how to navigate them successfully. Jacqueline shares her past struggles with tech glitches and outsourcing mishaps, while Heather offers practical tips on budgeting, targeting, and setting up your ads for success. Plus, they dive into why testing organically before investing in ads can make all the difference. Whether you're new to Meta ads or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you get better results!

Connect with Jacqueline Ackerman:

Resources mentioned:

Lead Pages: Build a landing page that’s unforgettable!

Brilliant Ads Bootcamp with Beth Anne Schwamberger

Key Takeaways:

(00:40) Building a business with Meta ads; ad budget and optimization
(03:15) Jacqueline's previous Facebook ad strategy; tech troubles and learning curves
(06:00) Optimizing Facebook ads for better results; expanding your reach
(12:15) Understanding Facebook and Instagram business pages
(17:10) Advanced ad strategies and membership upsells

Listen to Previous Episodes:

89: How This Former Teacher Built an Online Business Helping Homeschool Families with Jacqueline Ackerman

18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

ackermanhomelearning.co.uk

89: How This Former Teacher Built an Online Business Helping Homeschool Families with Jacqueline Ackerman

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

As an educator with over 22 years of experience, Jacqueline Ackerman shares her teaching and learning knowledge in an engaging, relatable and friendly way. She believes all learners can make progress. A high school teacher for 17 years and examiner for 15, Jacqueline established her own tutoring business. Remembering what it was like to be thrown into homeschooling when her son was very ill, she realized the main thing she wanted to do was help parents who were in this position when their child was in their teens. She has enjoyed supporting families through their often-unexpected homeschooling journey and most importantly helping them prepare for exams. Her work as an examiner is still very important to her and she is now Principal Examiner for International History iGCSE. Jacqueline also visits schools, both home and abroad, running courses that aim to help delegates understand the assessment of the qualification they are teaching and how to prepare their students for specific units.

In this episode, Jacqueline discusses how her personal experience of homeschooling her son due to his illness led her to a new career path. She explains that Ackerman Home Learning offers a mix of one-on-one tutoring services, helpful online resources, and plans for a future membership community aimed at providing support and guidance to parents suddenly thrust into homeschooling. Jackie also talks about the challenges she faced, such as technology hurdles and imposter syndrome, and offers advice for other teachers considering starting their own online businesses.

Connect with Jacqueline Ackerman:

Key Takeaways:

(00:40) Jacqueline’s journey from the classroom to online entrepreneur
(06:15) Creating Ackerman Home Learning; online tutoring and low-ticket products
(07:55) Supporting homeschool parents; building a community-based membership
(17:00) Overcoming business challenges; struggles with technology and imposter syndrome
(22:20) Prioritizing action over perfection

Listen to Previous Episodes:

#58: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Business Owner

#60: Overcoming Early Tech Struggles with Meagan Bukowski

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

#18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

88: How to Build an Organic Content Machine in 2025

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Heather shares her proven strategy for attracting customers without paid ads—perfect for those looking to grow their business organically! This episode breaks down how to leverage a blog, podcast, video show, and social media to build a loyal audience, turn viewers into email subscribers, and create content that keeps them coming back. Heather explains the importance of consistency, strategic calls to action, and tools like ManyChat to convert engagement into real business growth. If you’re ready to refine your content strategy and attract ideal customers, don’t miss this episode!

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Choosing between paid ads and organic content
(05:00) Organic content basics; YouTube, podcast, blog, social media
(07:15) Repurposing content for maximum reach
(09:35) Building your email list; ManyChat
(12:20) Heather’s 2025 organic content strategy

Episodes Mentioned:

#46: Social Media Strategies for Beginners

#47: How to Show Up Consistently in Your Business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

87: Is a Teacher Biz Right for You?

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Heather dives into the concept of a Teacher Biz—what it is, who it’s for, and how you can leverage your unique skills to create an online business. Despite the name, a teacher biz isn't just for traditional educators. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, tutor, student, or simply someone with expertise to share, this model provides a pathway to building an impactful business. Heather covers audience targeting, leveraging digital products for passive income, and shares resources to help you on your journey, including the Teacher Biz Starter Guide and mini-course, Teacher Biz Basics. Tune in to learn how you can turn your knowledge into a thriving online business!

Key Takeaways:

(02:00) Understanding the concept of Teacher Biz
(03:00) Targeting your audience and crafting your niche
(06:30) Creating digital products
(07:45) Courses and training for starting a teacher biz

Connect With Heather:

collegemoneytips.lpages.co/6secrets

86: Is SEO Dead? Blog Strategies for 2025 with Melissa Brock

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Melissa Brock is a college money expert, freelance writer, and full-time financial editor covering higher education, investing, personal finance, mortgages, college savings, insurance and more. She develops SEO plans for companies and has written SEO content for Investopedia, The Balance, HigherEducation, Rocket Mortgage, Breeze, Personal Capital, The Journal of College Admission, UNest, College Ave, College Finance, Niche, Benzinga, The Simple Dollar, Bankrate, Wealthsimple and more. She also developed her website, College Money Tips, to help families navigate the college journey.

In this episode, Melissa shares tips for using blogging and SEO for business growth in 2025. She unpacks her journey from journalism to establishing her SEO-centric blog and business, College Money Tips. Tune in for insights on keyword research, building domain authority, and leveraging organic content to attract clients. Melissa also covers the importance of having a blogging strategy, the use of AI in content creation, and the role of backlinks. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your blogging efforts, this episode provides so many great tips and strategies to help you succeed!

Connect with Melissa Brock:

collegemoneytips.com

instagram.com/melissa.brock

Key Takeaways:

(03:05) Melissa's journey into the world of blogging and SEO
(04:55) Starting College Money Tips and offering one-on-one services
(07:35) The purpose of using SEO for blogging success
(10:10) SEO tools and strategies for beginners
(14:25) Backlinks and domain authority
(22:15) Structuring content trees
(29:25) How Melissa balances blogging and client work

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

85: Tech Crisis Part 2: Overcoming Website Issues and Launch Setbacks

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Technology, while great in many ways, can quickly turn into a nightmare when things go south. As someone who's recently weathered a tech storm (listen to Episode 84 for all the details!), Heather understands the frustrations and helplessness that accompany such challenges. In this follow-up episode, she gives an update on the recent website crash that occurred during an important launch. She recounts the steps taken to fix the issue, including utilizing Google Search Console and seeking help from tech expert, iMark Interactive. Despite the frustration and repeated setbacks, Heather emphasizes her commitment to her business and shares plans for future improvements.

Listen to Part 1: Managing an Unexpected Tech Crisis as a Small Business Owner

Need tech assistance?

Connect with Grayson at iMark Interactive: imarkinteractive.com

Key Takeaways:

(2:30) The unexpected tech crisis
(05:00) The second breakdown and resolution
(08:30) Future plans; switching to a new domain
(10:15) Helpful tools for tech issues; YouTube

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

84: Managing an Unexpected Tech Crisis as a Small Business Owner

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

You won't believe this tech drama! – from launch day excitement to Google flagging the Kindergarten Ready website as dangerous. Heather takes you behind the scenes of a real-time tech crisis that struck during the membership launch (one of the biggest of the year) of Kindergarten Ready Club. She shares how her website was unexpectedly flagged for phishing, detailing the disruption it caused to her operations and the steps she took to troubleshoot, including involving tech support and communicating with her audience. Tune in to hear all the details of how she is dealing with the issue and what her plan is going forward. Also, be sure to tune in next week for part 2 – an update after this crisis is solved!

Need tech assistance?

Connect with Grayson at iMark Interactive: imarkinteractive.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) Launch day tech crisis
(05:30) Why Google views the website as a threat
(07:20) Communicating with email subscribers
(10:25) Staying calm amidst chaos
(13:30) Webinar success; building confidence in yourself

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

83: How to Get Work Done with Kids at Home

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

As a mom of two kids, Heather understands the chaos and demands of working from home while caring for little ones. In this episode, she shares her go-to strategies that have helped her build a thriving business during the small pockets of time available in her day. She dives into tips for managing your time, like creating a prioritized task list, limiting distractions, and using time-blocking strategies that match your energy levels. She also shares her favorite kid-friendly ideas (sensory bins, crafting, and more!) to keep little ones entertained while you tackle your to-do list. If you’re wondering if it’s actually possible to grow a successful business from home while caring for kids, Heather’s here to say yes, it is! This episode is full of advice and encouragement to help you make it work!

Key Takeaways:

(03:00) Strategic work during child-free moments
(06:50) Time management and productivity hacks
(09:05) Entertaining kids while getting work done

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

82: 6 Questions to Help You Crush Your 2025 Business Goals

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Ready to make 2025 the year your business dreams finally become reality? In this episode, Heather guides you through six simple but powerful questions to help you nail down your business goals for the new year. She talks about setting realistic goals, getting clear on your finances, and planning launches that don’t stress you out. Plus, learn why it’s so important to prepare for potential setbacks (because life happens!) with a solid backup strategy, and identify the next steps for scaling your business. Grab a notebook, hit play, and get ready to make 2025 your best year yet!

Key Takeaways:

(02:11 Six Questions to Guide Your Business Goals
03:38 Financial Goals and Realistic Expectations
06:15 Planning Your Sales and Launches
09:10 Adjusting and Scaling Your Business
11:42 Achieving Big Goals and Final Thoughts

Listen to Episode 80: Navigating Slow Seasons in Your Business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

81: How to Take a Stress-Free Vacation from Your Online Business

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Ever feel like taking a vacation from your business is more stressful than staying home? Let’s fix that! In this episode, Heather discusses how to actually enjoy a vacation without worrying about your business falling apart while you’re gone. She shares real-life tips to help you plan ahead, batch your work, and set up systems like automated email responses so you can truly relax. You’ll get advice on managing sales and customer service before you head out and why taking time to refresh is so important. Plus, there’s a little holiday cheer and encouragement to prioritize yourself this season. You deserve it!

Key Takeaways:

(02:40) 4 steps to plan a vacation from your business
(04:45) Handling customer service issues; setting up automated emails
(05:50) Maintaining income during your break
(07:20) Heather’s process for taking a break

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

80: Navigating Slow Seasons in Your Business

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Let’s be honest - when sales slow down, it can feel super stressful, especially when you’re just starting out. But guess what? It happens to everyone. In this episode, Heather opens up about the slow seasons in her own business and how she’s learned to roll with them. She talks about spotting patterns in your sales, figuring out what your customers actually need during these times, and coming up with ways to still show up and provide value. She also shares simple tips for staying engaged with your audience and planning ahead for when things pick back up. If you’ve ever felt like giving up during a slow month, this one’s for you!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Understanding business seasonality
(04:15) Strategies for the slow seasons
(05:30) How Heather manages the slow season for Kindergarten Ready
(10:30) Understanding your audience and their buying styles

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

79: Hiring Your First Team Member: When, Who, and How

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

If you want a thriving, growing business, hiring help is inevitable. You can’t do it all—and you don’t have to! But making that first hire can feel overwhelming and a little scary. In this episode, Heather dives into everything you need to know about taking that big step. She discusses who your first hire should be, when the right time is to bring them on, and how to approach the process with confidence. Whether you're feeling nervous about the responsibility or just unsure where to start, this episode will help you navigate the path to building your dream team!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Overcoming the fear of hiring
(04:20) Identifying tasks to outsource
(08:55) Finding the right fit for your team
(13:45) Building a supportive team culture

Listen to Episode 77: Say It, Don’t Schedule It! The Best (FREE) Business Communication Tool

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

78: The Secret to Saving Time in Your Business

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Heather reveals her secret weapon for saving time and boosting efficiency in her business: templates! Learn how creating templates in tools like Canva and Lead Pages can simplify your workflow, save time and energy, and ensure brand consistency. Plus, get tips on creating, customizing, and duplicating templates for future use, helping you cut down on tedious tasks and maintain a streamlined process. If you're looking to save time and stay organized, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Takeaways:

(01:55) Saving time and energy with templates
(03:00) Creating graphic templates in Canva
(04:25) Templates for educational products
(06:15) Creating and duplicating templates
(07:15) Creating templates in Landing Pages and Kit
(10:05) Saving time while juggling multiple things

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

77: Say It, Don’t Schedule It! The Best (FREE) Business Communication Tool

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Tired of juggling schedules for Zoom calls or struggling with impersonal text messages? This episode is your guide to simplifying business communication! Heather dives into her go-to tool for staying connected: Voxer, a walkie-talkie-style voice messaging app. Learn how this app enables you to share your thoughts verbally with a personal touch that texting just can't deliver. Discover the flexibility of Voxer, its ability to streamline interactions, and how it’s a perfect fit for remote team management. Heather also explains how the app has been pivotal for overcoming the challenge of disliking her recorded voice. Tune in to hear why this app has been a game-changer and how it can transform the way you communicate in your business!

Key Takeaways:

(02:00) Why Voxer stands out
(04:40) How to use Voxer in your business
(09:05) Enhanced communication skills
(10:20) Creating a free Voxer account

Listen to Episode 03: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

76: When a Launch Doesn’t Go as Planned (TBB Launch Recap)

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Heather gets real about a topic that’s often avoided in the world of online business - failure. After experiencing a recent launch of Teacher Biz Blueprint that didn’t go as planned, she breaks down what happened, and several factors she believes contributed, such as timing, holidays, and economic conditions. Heather also gives strategies for future success, including tiered pricing models and smarter planning. Her message is clear: a bad launch isn’t the end of your business. It’s a valuable opportunity to learn, pivot, and move forward with greater clarity!

Key Takeaways:

(02:05) The second launch of TBB
(04:00) Analyzing the launch outcome; lessons learned
(12:35) Considering new strategies for a future launch
(14:30) Moving forward after a bad launch

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

75: 5 Tips for a Successful Black Friday Promotion

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

With Black Friday just around the corner, Heather dives into five tips for running a successful Black Friday promotion. If you've been hesitating or unclear about how to approach this big sales day, don’t worry - this episode will give you the insights you need to create an effective strategy. Heather explains why starting your promotions early helps to build momentum, and how adding a bit of urgency can nudge customers to buy sooner. She suggests sending more frequent emails to stand out from the crowd and using storytelling to make a memorable impact. She also highlights email marketing as the go-to channel for Black Friday, over social media, and encourages planning ahead so you can relax when the holidays hit!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Using what you already have
(04:00) Start your promotion early and avoid the rush
(05:50) Creating urgency for better engagement
(07:10) Focusing on email marketing
(09:15) Using stories to sell

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

74: High Converting Launch Strategy for Small Audiences

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Heather dives into a quick and easy high-converting launch strategy that’s perfect for those with smaller audiences. She talks about using one-on-one video replies with Loom to connect with potential customers in a more personal way. Instead of the usual automated responses, Heather’s approach lets you answer questions directly, face-to-face, making it easier to build trust and boost conversions. She breaks down the steps to make this work and explains why showing up as a real person (rather than just a brand) can make all the difference in your launch. Perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their launch and connect meaningfully with their audience!

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) The power of human connection in sales
(03:00) Using video to boost conversions
(06:30) Tips for using Loom for video responses
(09:00) Handling customer email inquiries effectively

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

73: Teacher Biz Blueprint Insights from a Student's Perspective with Maria Golden

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Maria Golden is an educator, reading specialist, and mother of three young children. After years of teaching young readers and writers, she noticed a strong need for developing early literacy skills during the early childhood years. After becoming a stay-at-home mom, she still felt a strong pull towards working with young learners. While shuffling between diaper changes, naps, and play dates, she built a small business called Growing in Literacy, where she educates and empowers parents of young children in the development of early reading and writing skills. But, instead of using traditional worksheets and flashcards, she focuses on learning these skills through a play-based learning approach while also educating parents about the importance of early literacy skills.

Maria candidly shares her journey of feeling unfulfilled in her teaching career and her struggles during the transition to an online business. Hear how she overcame the struggles by finding clarity and support through the Teacher Biz Blueprint, which helped her reduce distractions and focus her vision. The conversation highlights the value of community and structured guidance, with Maria now leading weekly TBB tech support calls. If you're feeling stuck, Maria’s story might be the nudge you need to move forward with confidence!

Connect with Maria Golden:

growinginliteracy.com

ENROLL NOW!

TEACHER BIZ BLUEPRINT → teacherbiz.com/blueprint

Key Takeaways:

(03:00) Starting an online business; challenges and frustrations
(08:55) Finding clarity and direction
(11:25) Maria’s experience with TBB
(14:30) The TBB community
(17:40) Exciting new additions to the program
(19:05) Overcoming tech challenges
(21:35) Advice for new online business owners

Connect With Heather:

72: Planning Your Teacher Biz: Make These 3 Decisions First!

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Starting a business without a plan is like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks—and that’s exactly what we want to avoid. In this episode, Heather walks through the three critical decisions you need to make before launching your teacher biz. With a solid plan in place, you’ll avoid the hamster wheel of trial and error and set yourself up for real progress. If you’re ready to put in the work and follow through, this episode will help you get started on the right foot and build the foundation for long-term success. Let’s dive in!

Join the upcoming Plan Your Teacher Biz challenge!

Key Takeaways:

(03:45) Plan Your Teacher Biz challenge
(04:40) Choosing your business topic
(06:35) Identifying your customers
(07:05) Naming your business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

71: Using TPT as an Easy List Building Strategy

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Already have a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store? Tune in to learn how you can use it to build your email list! While she advises against relying solely on TPT for selling products, Heather shares a quick, easy-to-implement strategy for utilizing your existing TPT store to offer free resources instead of paid ones. Why? Because it gives you a unique opportunity to attract potential customers and guide them to your email list, setting the stage for long-term engagement. Also hear why Heather recommends against selling paid products on TPT and instead focuses on using her own website to maximize profits. If you have a TPT store, this episode is a must-listen. If not, you’ll still walk away with valuable tips to boost your list-building efforts!

Join the upcoming Plan Your Teacher Biz challenge!

Key Takeaways:

(02:06) The power of TPT for list building
(03:35) Leveraging free resources
(06:25) Advanced strategies; QR codes
(07:40) Heather’s personal success with this strategy

Listen to Episode 04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

70: Final Numbers Revealed: The Engaging Early Learning Summit

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Heather shares an in-depth look at the financial outcomes and experiences from hosting her first virtual summit - The Engaging Early Learning Summit. While her goal was to hit 10,000 sign-ups, she ended up with 5,233 (and learned some valuable lessons along the way!). Hear what worked, what didn’t (like those tricky Facebook ads), and how she still managed to make a profit of $4,743. Beyond the financials, she talks about the bigger wins, including collaborating with other business owners and gaining 3,000 new email subscribers. If you’re thinking about hosting a summit to boost your own business, you’ll want to tune in for some real, honest insights!

Listen to Episode 69: BTS of Running a Virtual Summit

Key Takeaways:

(03:10) Summit goals and final outcomes
(05:00) Revenue breakdown
(08:10) Breakdown of expenses; Facebook ad losses
(12:15) Benefits of running a summit
(13:10) Post-summit membership launch

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

69: BTS of Running a Virtual Summit

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0400

The Engaging Early Learning Summit is officially underway! Get behind-the-scenes insight as Heather shares her experiences of launching her very first virtual summit. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of organizing the event, the strategies she used to attract speakers and attendees, and the benefits the summit brings to her business and community. She also explains why hosting a summit can be an excellent strategy for growing an email list, especially for newer businesses, and highlights the value of offering a free ticket option. Is a virtual summit right for your business? Tune in to learn more!

Key Takeaways:

(03:15) Heather’s goals and strategies for this summit
(06:20) Challenges of running a summit; lessons learned
(11:50) Uncomfortable moments; cold email pitches
(14:45) Networking and finding speakers
(18:20) Who should host a virtual summit?

Listen to Episode 3: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

68: Gaining the Confidence to Host a Live Webinar

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Curious if Amy Porterfield’s online course, Digital Course Academy, is the next step for your business? Heather shares her reasoning for joining DCA (to overcome her fear of webinars!) and how it gave her the confidence to go from scared to making $24K from one launch! Learn the benefits of using webinars as an advanced sales strategy, the comfort of having step-by-step guidance from DCA, and the substantial revenue growth Heather achieved by implementing Amy's techniques. If the idea of showing up live on camera sounds scary, DCA can help! Hit play to learn more, and take action before the program's enrollment closes on Thursday, September 26th.

ENROLL NOW → teacherbiz.com/DCA

Key Takeaways:

(04:00) What is a webinar?
(06:00) Fear of teaching live on camera
(07:40) Amy’s webinar strategy
(10:50) How DCA transformed Heather’s business

Connect With Heather:

15: All Roads Lead to Email List Building with Tracy Beavers

67: The Free & Simple Strategy to Grow Your Email List

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Heather introduces a simple, free, and effective strategy for building an email list that doesn't require paid ads or extensive content creation. This tactic focuses on leveraging the power of networking within the online business space to exchange freebies with like-minded business owners. Learn how the freebie swap works and how to go about finding your freebie swap partner. Whether your email list consists of just 100 subscribers or 1,000+ subscribers, this approach can be beneficial not only for gaining more subscribers but also for fostering supportive business relationships. Tune in to discover the full potential of the freebie swap strategy!

Key Takeaways:

(01:55) Why building an email list is so important
(04:10) The freebie swap method
(07:15) Finding the right freebie swap partner
(09:30) Building business friendships

Listen to Previous Episodes:

16: Why You Need to Grow an Email List From the Start

17: How to Start Building Your Email List TODAY

28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

56: What to Send to Your Email List

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

Join Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident Bootcamp

66: How to Guarantee Your Digital Course Will Sell

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Imagine spending months creating a digital course, only to see it sit with zero sales. This can be disappointing and financially draining. The good news is that there's a smarter way to go about it! Heather shares a strategy to ensure that your digital course has customers before you create it, by pre-selling the course. The process involves outlining the course content, creating a sales page, and selling the course based on the promise of a live, interactive experience. Listen now and get started on your course creation journey today!

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Why a digital course is great for teachers
(05:15) Validating your course idea through pre-selling
(12:55) Creating and delivering your course
(15:10) Focusing on key projects and being efficient with your time
(17:00) Creating a course with Amy Porterfield’s guidance

Connect With Heather:

65: Business Branding 101 with Tracey Albrecht

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Tracey Albrecht started Soapbox Studio in 1997 to offer high-quality graphic design services to the local community businesses in a physical studio in the suburbs of Chicago. Today, any business owner, regardless of location, can access their high-quality graphic design services. The small but highly skilled team, with a combined experience of 50 years, is adept at design, color, and creativity, ensuring that your design needs are in capable hands.

Tracey chats about the key parts of nailing your business branding, like picking out a logo, deciding on fonts, and making sure everything looks professional. She also gives advice on selecting a color palette that will resonate with your ideal customers, DIY tips for making your own logo, and how important it is to keep all your business materials looking consistent. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your brand identity, this conversation is a must listen!

Connect with Tracey Albrecht:

Soapbox Studio: soapboxstudio.com

Soapbox Subscribed: soapboxstudio.com/subscribed

Free Brainstorming Guide: thelogorx.com/brainstormingguide

Key Takeaways:

(02:45) Tracey’s entrepreneurial journey
(06:00) The essentials of business branding
(09:00) The impact of color choices
(16:30) DIY logo design
(20:10) Website accessibility and brand simplicity
(24:30) Tips for selecting brand fonts

Connect With Heather:

#04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

64: What to Focus On When Just Getting Started In Your Business

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Heather addresses a common mistake that many new online business owners make - the mismanagement of their time. They end up running in circles, trying to do all of the things they don't even need to be doing yet. Don’t let this be you! In this episode, Heather outlines a step-by-step strategy for effectively managing time in the early stages of business (and it’s not on social media!). From creating a product and setting up a sales page to gradually growing an email list, she breaks down EXACTLY what to focus on to set yourself up for success. Tune in, put your blinders on, and focus on your next best move!

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Core decisions: laying the foundation of your business
(03:45) Creating your first product
(07:30) Building a sales page
(11:10) Growing your email list
(14:30) Combining organic and paid strategies for growth

Mentioned in the Episode:

#17: How to Start Building Your Email List TODAY

#28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

#36: Creating Effective Sales Pages Using Leadpages with Bob Sparkins

#47: How to Show Up Consistently in Your Business

ThriveCart: Teacherbiz.com/ThriveCart

ConvertKit: Teacherbiz.com/ConvertKit

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

63: How to Take a Sick Day (or Week) as a Business Owner

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Managing a small business while feeling under the weather is no easy feat! Learn how to adjust, pivot, and keep your business running smoothly even while taking time off. Heather shares how she was able to take the past week off while battling Covid, thanks to her small team and effective planning. The cool part…despite being sick, her business continued to generate income! Learn the importance of having a great team, batching work ahead of time, and setting up steady passive income streams to keep your business afloat when things get tough. Keep your business going strong, no matter what comes your way!

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Asking others for help when sick
(04:05) Making adjustments to your schedule
(07:10) Being honest and taking imperfect action
(09:40) Generating money while taking time off
(14:00) Tips for batching work and staying ahead

Listen to Episode 47: How to Show Up Consistently in Your Business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

62: 5 Strategies for Working Less in the Summer

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Looking to make the most of your summer while still staying on top of work? Heather shares her experience of adopting a two-day workweek this summer, balancing work and family life. Discover the five key strategies that have enabled her to work less yet still achieve her goals without unnecessary delays or stress. From placing big projects in other seasons of the year to batching work and being more efficient with time, Heather gives insights into how she manages her businesses while prioritizing time with her kids, and encourages others to adopt similar practices for a more relaxed summer!

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) Creating a flexible schedule; seasonal work planning
(05:25) Implementing a two-day workweek
(07:30) Scheduling the year ahead of time
(08:05) Placing big projects in other seasons
(15:30) Batching ahead and working efficiently

Listen to Episode 51: Creating a Work Schedule that Revolves Around Your Life

Connect With Heather:

61: How Low Ticket Products Led to a Million-Dollar Business with Kati Kiefer

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Kati Kiefer’s blog, TrueMoneySaver.com, helps families pay off debt without feeling deprived. She and her husband paid off $60,000 of debt in 3 years while homeschooling their four children and living on one income. She’s on a mission to empower moms to manage their finances effectively, teach families to live abundantly regardless of their income level, and inspire a generation of wise financial decision-makers!

Hear Kati’s online business journey which began in 2009 during the economic downturn, prompting her to explore couponing and share her money-saving tips with other moms. Kati shares her low-ticket product strategies, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating the ups and downs of online business, with advice for homeschool moms looking to start their own ventures. From homeschool mom to now a million-dollar business owner, Kati's journey is nothing short of inspiring!

Connect with Kati Kiefer:

Confidentmoneyclub.com

TrueMoneySaver.com

Key Takeaways:

(03:10) Kati’s experience starting a business while homeschooling
(05:00) The rise and fall of a Facebook-dependent business
(11:10) Building a million-dollar business with low ticket products
(16:00) Email marketing strategies and launch techniques
(21:00) Facebook and TikTok advertising
(25.20) Overcoming imposter syndrome
(33:10) Embracing your unique skills; letting go of comparison
(35:50) Balancing homeschooling and an online business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

60: Overcoming Early Tech Struggles with Meagan Bukowski

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Meagan Bukowski went from engineer to college instructor to now a multi-six figure online business owner, as well as a homeschool mom to her two kids. She is on a mission to help new entrepreneurs figure out the tech needed to make money online!

Meagan gives advice for overcoming hesitations with technology as a new business owner. She dives into the importance of simplifying tech choices, using dedicated tools for specific functions, and the value of Facebook ads for growth. She also shares her experience as a homeschooling mom and gives realistic advice on balancing business with family life. Don’t miss out on Meagan’s go-to tech tips! Learn how to efficiently integrate technology into your business operations from the very beginning.

Connect with Meagan Bukowski:

Build Your Website In 3 Days - Free mini course

Engineering Expectations

Wicked Easy Tech

Key Takeaways:

(02:40) Meagan’s background before starting a business
(10:40) What has/hasn’t worked in her business over the years
(12:45) Meagan’s thoughts on running two businesses at once
(15:40) Running a business while also homeschooling kids
(17:40) Facebook ads vs organic marketing
(22:00) Advice for those intimidated by tech
(30:20) Build Your Website in 3 Days; other current projects

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

59: How to Create and Launch Your First Freebie

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0400

If you've been around here a while, you're likely aware of the importance of building an email list and using a freebie to incentivize people to join. But you might be wondering how to actually create a freebie and get it out into the world. In this episode, Heather walks you through the step-by-step process of creating and launching a new freebie. She covers everything from designing the freebie in Canva, setting up email sequences in ConvertKit, to promoting the freebie via Facebook ads and social media. She also provides tips on targeting the right customers and ensuring the process is quick and manageable. Get ready to grow your email list and engage your target audience effectively!

Key Takeaways:

(02:35) Creating a freebie with your target customer in mind
(06:10) Step 1: Creating your freebie
(07:10) Step 2: Creating a cover graphic
(08:10) Step 3: Creating feature images
(09:30) Step 4: Email service provider setup
(12:10) Step 5: Creating a landing page
(15:20) Step 6 and 7: Promoting your freebie

Start your FREE 14 day trial of ConvertKit!

teacherbiz.com/CovertKit

Start your FREE trial of Lead Pages!

teacherbiz.com/LeadPages

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

58: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Business Owner

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Who is going to purchase a product from me?

Why am I putting myself out there like this?

I am just a fraud.

Imposter syndrome is real, but so is your ability to overcome it! In this episode, Heather addresses the common feelings of imposter syndrome when starting a business. She offers strategies to overcome self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the customers you aim to help rather than on your own insecurities. By directing attention to the specific problems and needs of your target audience, you can push through initial challenges and eventually gain confidence from the positive impact your work has on others!

Key Takeaways:

(03:05) Focusing on helping others instead of your own insecurities
(04:05) The point in business when imposter syndrome goes away
(05:15) Focusing on the person you are trying to serve
(09:55) Knowing you’re not alone; these feelings are normal

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

57: Transforming a Passion Project into a Decade-Long Business with Linda Kardamis

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Linda Kardamis taught middle school math before being led to become the founder of Teach 4 the Heart - a website centered on providing practical advice, encouragement, and support for Christian teachers. As part of her calling to uplift educators everywhere, Linda has written three books: Create Your Dream Classroom, Take Heart & Teach, and Teach Uplifted. She is also the creator of online courses such as Classroom Management 101 and Teach Uplifted, and her Teach 4 the Heart podcast is enjoyed by educators nationwide. All of Linda's work and programs focus on her faith-based passion and calling to help teachers across the country and around the globe excel and thrive in their teaching adventures and careers. Linda and her husband Tim are raising their four children in northeast Ohio.

Linda shares her journey of starting and evolving her online business over the past 10 years. She emphasizes the importance of being passionate about your business to sustain motivation during challenging times. She also provides actionable advice for teachers looking to follow a similar path, the challenges of creating physical and digital products, and effective marketing strategies, including leveraging Facebook ads and virtual summits.

Connect with Linda Kardamis:

Podcast: teach4theheart.com/podcast/

Planner: teach4theheart.com/planner

Rise Up Summit (online summit): riseupchristianeducators.com/

B2S CM webinar: teach4theheart.com/backtoschooltraining/

Special BTS podcast episode about planner: youtube.com/watch?v=Rsj-s0qSOsE

Key Takeaways:

(02:10) Linda's journey from the classroom to the online space
(06:20) Linda’s 10 year evolution of growing an online business
(07:50) Digital vs. physical products
(13:30) The teach 4 heart podcast
(15:00) Marketing strategies and finding customers
(18:45) Virtual summits; advice for new business owners

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

56: What to Send to Your Email List

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0400

By now you’re probably aware that building and nurturing an email list is important for the growth and stability of your online business. But what should you actually be sending to your email list? In this episode, Heather gives advice on what to email your audience, including sharing stories, offering tips, and providing free resources. She also touches on the necessity of staying authentic, celebrating unsubscribes as part of the process, and effectively managing your list in order to maintain engagement and drive business growth.

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) Strategies for consistent engagement
(04:20) Creating quick and simple emails
(07:55) Offering freebies to your list
(13:40) Handling unsubscribes positively

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

55: 4 Ways to Monetize Your Online Business (+ Which Option is Best!)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Ready to turn your teacher biz into a profitable venture? Hit play and learn the four main ways to monetize an online business! From paid ads and sponsorships to affiliate marketing and creating your own products, Heather breaks down each option and gives the pros and cons on their effectiveness. Pulling from her own experiences, she also shares which option she HIGHLY recommends starting with and which one is not her favorite. Don’t miss these tips and real-life examples to help you get started making money in your business today!

Key Takeaways:

(01:55) The 4 strategies for monetizing your business
(03:15) Leveraging paid advertisements and sponsorships
(08:35) Earning commissions through affiliate marketing
(15:13) Developing and selling your own digital products
(18:45) The best way to monetize your online business

Listen to Past Episodes:

18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

Start a Free 14 Day Trial of ConvertKit: teacherbiz.com/convertkit

Get Lifetime Access to ThriveCart: teacherbiz.com/thrivecart

Sign up for the Brilliant Ads Bootcamp: teacherbiz.com/ads

Connect With Heather:

54: Slowly Transitioning from Teacher to Full-Time Business Owner with Laura Kebart

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Laura shares her journey of (slowly) transitioning out of the classroom to become a full-time online business owner, utilizing her teaching skills and knowledge. From starting without any prior knowledge of online business to now hosting successful webinars and summits, Laura gives insights into her approach to building a thriving teacher biz. Gain inspiration and advice for starting your own online business with intention and determination!

Connect with Laura Kebart:

languageartsteachers.com

mselasummit.com

Key Takeaways:

(03:00) Laura’s background as a teacher and the start of her online business
(08:15) Building an email list and starting a scrappy membership
(13:40) Organic growth through a Facebook group and a blog
(17:30) Balancing teaching and building an online business
(23:30) Leveraging webinars and summits grow your following
(30:10) Choosing one person to follow and learn from

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

organizeyourselfskinny.com

53: How Digital Products Transformed Her Online Business with Tammy Overhoff

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Tammy Overhoff, a seasoned food blogger and digital product expert, began her journey in 2011 with the Organize Yourself Skinny blog. Since then, she has empowered busy women with the tools and knowledge to lead healthier lives through eBooks, digital guides, and courses. In 2023, she expanded her business by creating Reset & Flourish, a brand that includes the Reset & Flourish Shop for digital products and the Reset & Flourish Planner, a meal prep and freezer prep membership site. Despite numerous Google algorithm updates and other social media shifts, her food blog remains successful, thanks to her focus on digital products.

From humble beginnings selling on eBay to launching in-demand digital products, Tammy shares her journey in the online business world, emphasizing the power of digital solutions for business growth. She discusses the significance of email marketing, the importance of focusing on one niche and one solution to a problem, the impact of nurturing email funnels, and the effectiveness of strategic Facebook ads. Tammy's story highlights the value of adapting to change, trying out new ideas, and honing in on what truly resonates with your audience.

Connect with Tammy Overhoff:

resetandflourishshop.com

resetandflourishplanner.com

tastydigitaleats.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) Tammy’s background and the evolution of her business
(05:10) Scrappy eBooks; teaching other to sell on eBay
(12:10) Cultivating an email list to nurture leads
(15:00) How repurposing older content can generate sales
(19:45) How a Google algorithm update changed everything
(23:50) Creating products based on audience feedback
(28:30) Using sales funnels to nurture email subscribers
(36:25) Focusing on one niche, one person, one solution

Listen to Episode 18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

52: 4 Strategies for Starting Your Teacher Biz This Summer

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Summer break is the perfect time to finally start your teacher biz! Get ready to kickstart your business journey with these four actionable strategies. From scheduling dedicated work time to joining a community, this episode provides a roadmap for turning your teaching expertise into an online business. Learn how to schedule your time effectively, define your target audience and offerings, join a supportive community, and follow a proven path to success. The summer session of Teacher Biz Blueprint offers a comprehensive roadmap, expert guidance, and valuable bonuses to help you create, launch, and grow your profitable online business!

TEACHER BIZ BLUEPRINT → teacherbiz.com/summer

Enroll now to secure your spot! (Doors close June 10th)

Have questions? Email hello@teacherbiz.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Teacher Biz Blueprint - Summer Session
(03:35) Setting aside the time to start your business
(05:00) Defining your business and target audience
(06:40) Finding a community of like-minded people
(09:00) Following proven strategies
(10:55) Insight into Teacher Biz Blueprint

Listen to Episode 51: Creating a Work Schedule that Revolves Around Your Life

Connect With Heather:

51: Creating a Work Schedule that Revolves Around Your Life

Tue, 28 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Juggling work and personal life can be quite the circus act! However, Heather has found a few tricks that can really help in managing the chaos. She shares her experience of balancing work and family obligations, and provides tips for strategically allocating your time and tasks. Learn how to prioritize high brain power work, batch tasks for efficiency, and find pockets of time throughout the day to work on your business. Whether you have kids or other work obligations, this episode offers insights for creating a work schedule that revolves around your life rather than the other way around.

Key Takeaways:

(02:05) Nailing down the rocks of your schedule
(05:15) Maximizing productivity by strategically timing work tasks
(08:10) Strategies for balancing work and rest cycles
(10:15) Maximizing efficiency by batching your work

Listen to Episode 32: Strategies for Building a Business with Limited Time (BTS of Heather’s Daily Routine)

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/Start

Connect With Heather:

3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

50: How a Digital Product Shop Can Change Your Business with Monica Froese

Tue, 21 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Monica Froese holds an MBA in finance and marketing and is a digital shop coach for small business owners and host of the popular podcast, Empowered Business Podcast®. She is the founder of the websites Redefining Mom®, Empowered Business™, and the popular digital product shop, Empowered Shop™. She helps small businesses grow sustainable and profitable digital product e-commerce shops. She spent 11 years working for a Fortune 100 company running multi-million dollar marketing campaigns with large brands like Microsoft and HP. Now she provides online marketing education to small businesses that are looking to build a profitable revenue stream through digital products through her online programs, Empowered Shop™, and podcast.

In this episode, Monica discusses the power of digital products, the benefits of having a digital product shop, and the strategic use of sales funnels. She explains how her product shop, Empowered Shop™, has streamlined her business and provides a cohesive shopping experience for her customers. She also shares insights into her shop strategy, including her popular FriYay sales, and the value of email marketing in driving sales and nurturing your customers.

Connect with Monica Froese:

empoweredshop.com

monicafroese.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) From corporate marketing to blogging and meeting President Obama
(06:45) Discovering her teaching talent through online marketing
(09:00) Overcoming personal and business challenges in 2023
(11:40) Sales funnels and targeted ad strategies
(13:05) The pitfalls of building a business on Etsy and TPT
(17:05) Strategies for online shop sales and product marketing
(22:05) Monetizing through memberships and product shops
(25:15) Email marketing and calendar planning
(31:00) Embracing imperfection in business and valuing progress over perfection
(34:55) Empowered Business™ summit

Listen to Episode 04:

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

49: Stop Overthinking and Start Taking Action in Your Business

Tue, 14 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Does this happen to you → You get stuck in a cycle of thinking and trying to have the perfect plan before you actually take action on anything? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, Heather gives a short pep talk on taking action and breaking free from constant planning. She also shares her own experience of pivoting in her business and explains how even if your initial actions don't lead to the desired outcome, they can still be valuable in the long run. Don't let overthinking hold you back from accomplishing your goals! Hit play and get motivated to start making progress today!

Key Takeaways:

(02:15) Breaking free from continuously planning and overthinking
(05:00) FInding a community for support and guidance
(06:15) Heather’s pivot from creating a resource guide to a digital course; hard work never goes wasted
(09:30) Action over planning; Stop thinking and start doing

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/Start

Connect With Heather:

48: The Power of Listening to Your Audience with Katie Azevedo

Tue, 07 May 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Katie Azevedo, M.Ed., is the founder of SchoolHabits LLC, and the creator of the Executive Function Journal. She is a private executive function coach with over 18 years of teaching experience in the public school system and the private sector. With a Master's Degree in Special Education, Katie specializes in ADHD, learning disabilities, executive functions, test preparation, study skills, and creating systems to maximize efficiency. Through her blog on SchoolHabits.com, SchoolHabits University study skills course, YouTube video tutorials and private coaching sessions in her Massachusetts-based practice, she teaches students and professionals strategies to learn and work smarter.

In this episode, Katie discusses how she transitioned from teaching to creating videos on study skills and learning strategies. She talks about the challenges she faced, including imposter syndrome, and how she overcame them. She also shares her excitement about expanding her business into the education system and her passion for helping students develop executive function skills.

Connect with Katie Azevedo:

schoolhabits.com/

Key Takeaways:

(02:40) Katies background and journey to entrepreneurship
(10:45) The evolution of Katie’s teacher biz and it’s current structure
(15:15) The Executive Function Journal
(17:15) Recognizing gaps in the industry
(21:00) The importance of listening to what your audience needs
(22:10) Overcoming imposter syndrome
(27:40) Take action and just start somewhere
(29:15) Running a business with young children at home
(31:40) Having a willingness to learn and grow

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

47: How to Show Up Consistently in Your Business

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Consistency is key! As a business owner, showing up consistently is so important for building credibility with your audience. It helps build trust, establishes reliability, and ultimately leads to more sales (which we all want!). In this episode, Heather shares her 3 tips for staying consistent, including batching content ahead of time, being realistic about your expectations, and letting go of perfectionism. Tune in and learn how to show up often in your business without feeling overwhelmed or stuck on a hamster wheel.

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Why showing up consistently is important
(03:30) Getting into the routine of batching content ahead of time
(07:50) Being realistic in expectations and starting with a manageable schedule
(09:10) Prioritizing which aspects of your business to be consistent with first
(12:40) Overcoming the need for everything to be perfect
(14:20) Understanding that it may be difficult at first; finding a community of support

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/Start

Connect With Heather:

46: Social Media Strategies for Beginners

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast, Heather shares her free and effective social media strategies for growing your online business! Learn how to choose a platform that works best for you and then study performing posts to gain inspiration. Heather gives tips for creating captivating captions, selecting trending audio, and experimenting with different types of content, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes, or step-by-step guides. If you’re new to promoting your business on social media (specifically Instagram), tune in for a simple yet strategic formula that will allow you to connect and engage with your ideal audience.

Don’t forget to take action → Choose a social media platform, study it as a consumer, and take note of what works. Start posting, experimenting, and have fun along the way!

Key Takeaways:

(02:00) Choosing the right social media platform
(04:05) Analyzing posts for inspiration
(08:25) Taking notes; selecting trending audio and music
(10:30) Examining the use of words, formatting, and emojis
(13:20) Treating social media as an experiment
(15:00) The ultimate goal of using social media

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/Start

Connect With Heather:

45: What if Your Product (or Business) Has Already Been Done Before?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Are you feeling like your idea isn’t worthwhile because someone else has already created a similar product or business? Don't let comparison steal your confidence! Your product is still valuable. In this episode, Heather addresses the common fear of creating a product that already exists in the market. She explains that even though your product may cover a topic that has been done before, your unique perspective and personal stories make it worthwhile. She also shares how you can infuse personality and stories into products to make them stand apart from the crowd. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back, friend! Hit play and learn why YOUR product or business is still very much needed!

Key Takeaways:

(02:45) Feeling insecure when seeing similar products
(05:50) Why it’s a good thing that a similar product already exists
(06:40) The importance of personalizing your product and using your unique experiences
(08:30) Using stories to make your product stand out
(10:40) The online market isn’t oversaturated

Listen to Episode 04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

Connect With Heather:

courses.flourishcoachingco.com/majors

44: Creating an Evergreen Online Course with Lisa Marker Robbins

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Since 1999 Lisa Marker Robbins has supported thousands of students as an independent college counselor. In 2010, she doubled down specifically on college major and career coaching for students because she realized those two things were the cornerstone of post-high school planning. 4,000 students have benefited from her proven three pillar framework, moving them from overwhelmed and confused to clear, confident, and motivated about their future.

In this episode, Lisa shares her journey of leaving the classroom and building an online business focused on college and career coaching for students. She discusses her transition from one-on-one coaching to creating an evergreen course, which allows her to reach more students and provide support on a larger scale. Learn strategies for growing your email list, finding a supportive community, and the secret to a successful online course launch. If you’re on the fence about starting your own teacher biz, hit play to hear Lisa’s thoughts on “being brave and taking the plunge!”

Connect with Lisa Marker Robbins:

flourishcoachingco.com

instagram.com/flourishcoachingco

facebook.com/flourishcoachingco

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) Lisa's background as a teacher and transition to online business
(07:00) Transitioning from one-on-one coaching to creating an online course
(09:30) Explanation of an evergreen course and its benefits
(13:30) Email list building and strategies for growing a list
(15:15) The process of creating a lead magnet and its purpose
(20:30) Advice for teachers considering starting their own online business
(24:10) Using bonuses as incentives during a launch
(26:00) Creating a life that fits with your priorities

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

12: Creating a Digital Course

43: Starting an Online Teacher Biz (Answering Listener Questions!)

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Looking for answers to your burning questions about starting an online teacher business? Don’t miss this episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast where Heather answers questions from listeners just like you! She addresses concerns about standing out in a crowded market, the costs of starting a teacher biz, and the types of products that can be sold. She also explains the importance of being yourself, building relationships with customers, and leveraging your unique perspective and experiences. Hit play now to learn practical tips for differentiating yourself and succeeding in your teacher biz!

Submit Your Own Questions Here: teacherbiz.com/listener-questions

Key Takeaways:

(02:55) How to stand out in a crowded market
(06:20) Showing up and building relationships with your customers
(09:10) The cost of starting a teacher biz
(12:10) Types of products to sell; printable resources and digital courses
(16:05) Benefits of having a membership

Resources Mentioned:

Cost of Starting Your Teacher Biz Guide: teacherbiz.com/cost

Teacher Biz Blueprint: teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Kindergarten Ready Shop: kindergartenreadyshop.com/

Episodes Mentioned:

13: Why Digital Courses are Perfect for Teachers with Amy Porterfield

14: Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your First Digital Course

22: Building Relationships with your Online Community

26: Teacher Biz Startup Costs: Breaking Down Initial Investments

Connect With Heather:

youtube.com/@teachingrlawithcarlinliborio

42: Making a MUCH Greater Impact Beyond the Classroom (24,000+ Students) with Carlin Liborio

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

As an experienced educator, Carlin Liborio has been teaching grades K-6, coaching teachers, and writing curriculum for 17 years in 3 different countries. She specializes in helping teachers improve their students' writing skills and has worked on numerous TEA & Pearson anchor committees, item development, and standards setting for the new RLA STAAR test. Carlin’s goal is to help teachers feel empowered and prepared during these challenging times and to grow ALL students to become avid readers and writers.

In this episode, Carlin shares her journey from being a fourth-grade language arts teacher to creating a thriving online business focused on helping teachers improve their students' writing skills. She discusses how she identified a gap in the market and developed digital resources to support teachers in preparing their students for standardized tests. Carling also talks about the importance of being authentic and true to yourself when creating content and building an online presence. She shares her strategies for balancing in-person professional development (PD) workshops with digital products and offers so much advice for teachers looking to start their own online business. This is such an inspirational episode that you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Carlin Liborio:

carlinliborio.com

instagram.com/carlinliborio

facebook.com/CarlinLiborio

Key Takeaways:

(02:40) Carlin’s background as a teacher and her transition to online business
(04:15) Identifying a gap in the market and creating digital resources
(09:55) Utilizing virtual assistant work to gain experience
(13:45) Establishing a work schedule and balancing home and work life
(19:50) Creating a digital course to reach more teachers
(25:40) Advice for teachers starting an online business
(29:35) Diversifying your income and exploring different possibilities
(34:35) Carlin’s future goals for her business

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

41: 3 Strategies for Adjusting When Things Don't Go as Planned

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Life doesn't always go according to plan, especially when running an online business! In this episode, Heather shares the challenges she faced during a recent launch and how she adjusted to make things work. Despite sickness, technical difficulties, and other obstacles, she navigated these setbacks and pivoted to keep her business running smoothly. Heather also provides three strategies for when things don't go as planned: eliminate what you can, ask for help, and prioritize and focus on what matters. Hit play and learn how to endure the ups and downs of running an online teacher biz!

Key Takeaways:

(05:25) Things that went wrong during the recent launch
(11:45) Lessons learned; Prioritizing, planning, and giving yourself grace
(16:45) Eliminating unnecessary tasks
(18:55) Asking for help from friends and team members
(21:30) Prioritizing and focusing on what matters
(22:45) Giving yourself space after a launch

FREE RESOURCE ALERT → If you're ready to start your own Teacher Biz, check out the Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/Start

Connect With Heather:

40: Taking Small Steps Towards Big Goals with Ruth Soukup

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

New York Times bestselling author Ruth Soukup is dedicated to helping women everywhere create a life they love. She is the host of the wildly popular Do It Scared podcast, as well as the founder of several successful brands, including Living Well Spending Less®, Elite Blog Academy®, and her newest endeavor, Thinlicious™, created to make getting healthy taste and feel good. Her practical advice has been featured all over, including Good Morning America, the Today Show, Family Circle, Entrepreneur, TIME and Fox News.

In this episode, Ruth shares so much goodness about overcoming perfectionism and setting a strong foundation for your online business. Hear her insights on the power of taking small steps consistently over time, the importance of human connection in the age of AI, and her recent focus on showing up authentically on social media (primarily Instagram). Ruth also shares her predictions for the future of online business in 2024, including the effectiveness of blogging and other content formats.

“Big goals never happen all at once. They are the result of small steps taken consistently over time.”

Connect with Ruth Soukup:

ruthsoukup.com

instagram.com/ruthsoukup

Key Takeaways:

(03:20) Ruth's journey in starting her first online business
(05:50) Taking small steps and remaining consistent
(11:15) The concept of time blocking and dedicating full days to big projects
(13:10) How the book, Do It Scared, helped Heather overcome perfectionism
(16:00) Fear archetypes; identifying and overcoming fear
(18:50) Ruth’s predictions for the online business world for 2024
(21:35) Showing up on social media and building genuine connections
(26:05) Results of organic growth and increased sales
(29:35) Blogging in 2024

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

instagram.com/femfrontier

39: Copywriting and Quiz Strategy for Online Businesses with Lindsay Roberts

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Lindsay Roberts is a dynamic Quiz Funnel Strategist committed to putting more money into the hands of more female founders, one quiz funnel at a time. She combines her digital marketing and copywriting expertise with a deep understanding of quiz funnel mechanics to create personalized, practical strategies that drive email list growth. Lindsay believes in the power of quizzes as a tool for customer engagement, deep audience insights, and enabling female-led businesses to customize their offerings more effectively. Her strategies are designed to amplify her clients' reach, ensuring their message sings to the right audience at the right time.

In this episode, Lindsay shares her journey from the classroom to building her own online copywriting business. Learn about the power of storytelling in copywriting, the strategic use of quizzes to engage your audience, and how to write effective copy that will nurture and convert leads. Lindsay also emphasizes the importance of working on your mindset and explains why messy action always wins!

Connect with Lindsay Roberts:

femfrontier.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:50) Lindsay's background and transition from teaching to online business
(05:40) Explanation of copywriting and Lindsay's pivot to focus on copywriting
(07:10) Lindsay's specialization in quiz strategy and building quiz funnels
(13:50) Pitching to clients and the importance of mindset
(23:00) The role of storytelling in copywriting
(29:00) Tips for getting started with copywriting
(32:25) When to consider using quizzes to build your email list
(37:55) Benefits of segmenting your audience with quiz results
(41:00) Embracing the messy of entrepreneurship

Connect With Heather:

facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555403795282

38: A Teacher Biz Student’s Journey to Tutoring Freedom with Lynn Ash

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

*Disclaimer: this episode includes mentions of the Parkland High School shooting which may be distressing to some individuals*

Lynn Ash is a seasoned educator and entrepreneur with over two decades of enriching experience in the field of education. In addition to her roles as an educator, literacy coach and tutor, Lynn is a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully merged her passion for education with innovative business ventures. She is the owner of Tutoring Freedom, a business designed to help fellow educators create a successful tutoring business that brings them the freedom to choose when and where they work, along with the opportunity to substantially increase their hourly salary - All on their own terms!

In this episode, Lynn shares her journey from teaching to tutoring and how her business ideas evolved over time. She discusses the challenges she faced as a teacher and the impact of a tragic event on her decision to retire. Lynn also explains why she was drawn to the idea of starting a teacher biz and how she found the Teacher Biz Blueprint program. She highlights the importance of being relatable and authentic in business and shares her excitement about her new business, Tutoring Freedom.

Connect with Lynn Ash:

instagram.com/tutoringfreedom/

Teacher Biz Blueprint: teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Key Takeaways:

(06:00) Lynn’s background as a teacher and her experience in Parkland, Florida
(10:55) Decision to retire from teaching and focus on tutoring
(13:35) Starting a teacher biz and thoughts on the Teacher Biz Blueprint program
(15:45)The importance of being relatable in business
(18:45) How Lynn's business idea evolved during TBB
(22:55) Lynn’s tutoring business, Tutoring Freedom
(29:25) Advice for those considering joining the TBB program
(35:05) Lynn’s favorite part of the program
(37:25) Progress over perfection

Connect With Heather:

36: Creating Effective Sales Pages That Drive Conversions with Bob Sparkins of Leadpages

37: The 4 Foundational Pieces Your Business NEEDS to Make Money

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

As a teacher, it's common to leave money on the table when starting an online business. But by focusing on product creation, building an email list, developing a system for building your email list, and implementing a system for selling your products, you can create a business that makes money while also maximizing your earnings. In this episode, Heather uncovers the four foundational pieces that are essential for building an online business. She also introduces her signature program, Teacher Biz Blueprint, which provides teachers with the tools and strategies to start and grow their own online teacher businesses!

Teacher Biz Blueprint: teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Key Takeaways:

(06:45) Starting with a small product and gradually expanding
(11:00) Selling products on your own website
(12:55) Nurturing your community through email marketing
(16:45) Options for using paid or free strategies to build an email list
(18:55) Creating a strong sales page vs a website
(20:45) Introducing the concept of launching and its role in selling products
(22:35) The Teacher Biz Blueprint program
(25:15) Overview of the course content and bonuses

Episodes Mentioned:

28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

Connect With Heather:

linkedin.com/in/bobtheteacher

36: Creating Effective Sales Pages That Drive Conversions with Bob Sparkins of Leadpages

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Bob Sparkins, the Manager of Partnerships and Education at Leadpages, made the leap from being a high school history teacher to working in the online business world. After experiencing frustration with the limitations of the traditional classroom, Bob started exploring ways to make extra money online. He initially dabbled in network marketing but found more success in teaching others about online marketing tools and strategies. Eventually, his business income surpassed his teaching income, leading him to leave the classroom and join the Leadpages team.

In this episode, Bob and Heather discuss the power of Leadpages, a tool that can help you build landing pages and sales pages to sell your digital products. Learn the benefits of using Leadpages, its ease of use, and the support provided by the Leadpages team. Bob also offers advice for teachers considering transitioning into the online business world, including the importance of valuing your expertise and not undercharging for your products.

Connect with Bob Sparkins:

As the Manager of Partnerships and Education at Leadpages, Bob Sparkins champions the customers of the top landing page and website building conversion platform and the audiences they serve. A former high school history teacher and academic team coach, Bob has taught business owners around the world how to leverage digital marketing to impact more people with less effort since 2006. He is the author of Take Action, Revise Later; and lives in Bloomington, Minnesota with his wife, Therese, and their amusing kids, Kira (kee-ra) and Landon. Connect with Bob on the social channels via @BobTheTeacher.

instagram.com/bobtheteacher

facebook.com/BobTheTeacher

Start your free 14-day trial with Leadpages!

teacherbiz.com/leadpages

Key Takeaways:

(07:05) Bob's background as a former high school history teacher
(09:30) Bob's early years in online business and finding his niche
(14:40) What makes Leadpages special and its impact on online businesses
(15:15) Joining Leadpages in-house team
(17:30) Benefits of using Leadpages for selling digital products
(22:40) Tips for creating a sales page
(26:30) Advice on not striving for perfection and taking action
(33:00) Encouraging teachers to value their expertise and not undervalue themselves
(34:20) Gradually raising prices to reflect the value of your products
(38:45) Guiding people towards their next step of success

LEARN HOW TO START AND GROW YOUR OWN TEACHER BIZ!

Join the Free Challenge! teacherbiz.com/challenge

Listen to Episode 04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

Connect With Heather:

35: How to Choose the Right Business Mentor or Teacher

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Starting an online business can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to figure it out on your own. That's why finding a mentor or teacher who can guide you along the way is so valuable! Having someone who has already figured out what works and what doesn't can save you so much time and effort.

In this episode, Heather highlights the benefits of learning from someone who has already achieved success in the online business world. She also provides considerations for choosing the right mentor and teacher, including teaching style, relatability, and alignment with the desired business model. Whether you're just starting out or struggling to see success, finding the right mentor can be the missing piece to your teacher business puzzle!

LEARN HOW TO START AND GROW YOUR OWN TEACHER BIZ!

Join the Free Challenge! teacherbiz.com/challenge

Key Takeaways:

(02:45) Benefits of learning from someone who has already achieved success
(05:30) Heather’s experiences and lessons learned from previous online teachers
(10:15) Considerations in choosing the right teacher for your needs
(16:30) Heather’s teaching style and dedication to her students
(20:40) Importance of finding a teacher with a similar business model

Teacher Biz Blueprint: teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Episodes Mentioned:

28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

13: Why Digital Courses are Perfect for Teachers with Amy Porterfield

18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

Connect With Heather:

34: Leaving Teaching for an Online Business

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Have you ever felt trapped within the walls of your classroom, wondering if there's another way to use your teaching skills? If so, you're not alone! Join Heather as she shares her journey from a challenging teaching environment to becoming an online business owner.

Like many teachers, Heather invested years in education only to find herself in difficult teaching situations with lack of support, limited resources, and even received physical attacks from students. Learn how she was able to push past the frustration and eventually find fulfillment, financial stability, and make a greater impact beyond the limitations of the traditional classroom. If you've ever dreamed of leveraging your teaching skills for a different career path, click play now!

LEARN HOW TO START AND GROW YOUR OWN TEACHER BIZ!

Join the Free Challenge! teacherbiz.com/challenge

Key Takeaways:

(05:50) Reflection on the challenges and investment required to become a teacher
(07:15) Heather’s journey from wanting to be a lawyer to becoming a teacher
(10:40) Difficulties faced during the first year of teaching
(12:45) Lack of support and incidents of violence in the classroom
(16:40) Quitting teaching and starting a blog
(21:25) Determination to make money online and starting Kindergarten Ready
(23:40) Replacing teacher salary with online business income
(25:45) Teacher Biz Blueprint and the impact of being an online teacher
(29:50) It's never a straight line to success, embrace the unexpected
(31:05) Utilizing teacher skills in running an online business

Teacher Biz Blueprint: teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Listen to Episode 28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

Connect With Heather:

33: Challenges and Rewards of Running a Brick and Mortar Business with Michele Caruana

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Michele Caruana is a former corporate marketer turned entrepreneur who specializes in helping people create indoor play spaces as physical brick and mortar businesses. With a background in business and economics, Michele opened two indoor playground locations and operated them for almost six years before selling them. She now dedicates herself full-time to sharing her knowledge and experience through her course, Play Cafe Academy, and her YouTube channel and podcast, The Profitable Play Podcast.

In this conversation, Michele shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful business owner in the indoor playground industry. She discusses the differences between physical and online businesses, highlighting the challenges and rewards of each. She emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions when starting a brick and mortar business and offers valuable insights into funding, location selection, and team management. She also addresses the common misconceptions teachers have when transitioning into the business world and provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Connect with Michele Caruana:

Michele Caruana is a business strategist, coach, and online educator in the family entertainment and indoor play industry. After owning her own indoor playground locations for over 5 years before selling, Michele now helps people launch and operate their indoor playground or family entertainment centers with more joy and ease through simple and streamlined systems, templates, processes, and training. She does this through her online courses, Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel, and Profitable Play Podcast. Michele is also a wife and a mother of two young boys and is passionate about helping other parent entrepreneurs create their own unique dream businesses that truly serve their families and impact their communities for the better.

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-profitable-play-podcast/id1604289396

Website: http://www.michelecaruana.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playcafeacademy?sub_confirmation=1

Key Takeaways:

(02:45) Transitioning from a corporate job to opening a brick and mortar
(05:25) Lack of information and support in the play cafe industry
(09:00) Challenges of running a brick and mortar business
(15:30) Comparing the cost of running a physical business vs. an online business
(21:35) Benefits of starting small and avoiding financial devastation
(30:30) The appeal of the indoor playground industry to teachers
(35:45) The misconception that indoor playground owners spend most of their time with kids
(41:20) Asking for help and hiring experts
(45:25) Overcoming perfectionism and providing value to others

Connect With Heather:

32: Strategies for Building a Business with Limited Time (BTS of Heather’s Daily Routine)

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Finding time to pursue your passions and build a business can seem like an impossible task, especially if you have a demanding schedule and limited free time. However, building a profitable business with limited time IS possible, and Heather is living proof of that!

This episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast takes you behind the scenes of Heather’s daily routine as a mom and business owner. Hear her advice for implementing a structured daily routine, setting yourself up for success, and protecting your work time. Whether you have small children at home, a full-time job, or a busy schedule, Heather’s routine can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you make the most of your time and build a thriving teacher biz!

Key Takeaways:

(06:00) Setting yourself up for success the night before
(08:30) Heather's wake-up routine and her secret to waking up early
(14:25) The most productive time of day
(19:55) Different routine on different days
(24:20) Afternoon work block; family time and bedtime routine
(29:40) Protecting your work time
(33:30) Why overcoming perfectionism is crucial for productivity
(35:10) Encouragement for finding a routine that works for you

Teacher Biz Starter Guide - teacherbiz.com/start

Listen to Episode 28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

Connect With Heather:

https://thepodcastteacher.com/

31: Making an Impact as an Introverted Online Business Owner with Julia Levine

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Julia Levine teaches introverted entrepreneurs how to start a podcast and expand their reach without social media. After spending 12 years as an elementary library media teacher, she's now combining her love of teaching with her love of podcasts as The Podcast Teacher™. She's also the host of Podcasting for Introverts, her own top 20 podcast.

In this conversation, Julia shares her journey from being a teacher to starting her own online business. She started by offering one-on-one podcast production services and eventually transitioned to teaching others how to start their own podcasts. Julia emphasizes the importance of finding a community of like-minded entrepreneurs for support and inspiration. She also highlights the benefits of podcasting as a visibility strategy and discusses how her teaching skills have carried over into her online business. If you’re looking for a new path outside of the classroom, Julia's story is sure to inspire you to take the leap!

Connect with Julia Levine:

Podcast Startup Academy enrollment is open January 11th-18th:www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/startup

Podcasting for Introverts - listen onApple orSpotify

Key Takeaways:

(03:15) Julia's journey from teacher to online business owner
(05:15) Learning new skills and applying transferable skills
(09:00) Challenges and mindset blocks when leaving teaching
(15:20) Benefits of podcasting for business
(20:15) Overcoming fears and doubts about putting yourself out there
(25:45) Finding a supportive community of business owners
(28:20) Teachers' advantage in online business
(33:25) Julia’s current project, Startup Academy

Connect With Heather:

30: How to Strategically Plan for the New Year

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0500

New year, new opportunities! Kickstart 2024 with a plan in place for checking off your goals list. Heather breaks down her planning process and shares exactly how she’s planning for the year ahead. She discusses her plans for the Kindergarten Ready side of her business, including a new summit event. She also reveals her focus for Teacher Biz in the first quarter of 2024, which involves reopening the doors to Teacher Biz Blueprint. Whether you are just starting out or have a few years of experience under your belt, Heather’s planning process will inspire and guide you in planning your own well-structured and successful year ahead!

Take the Listener Survey - teacherbiz.com/2024

Teacher Biz Blueprint waitlist - teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Key Takeaways:

(04:30) Which planning strategy is best for your business?
(08:25) Reflecting on the previous year and evaluating what worked well
(13:40) Scheduling out the upcoming year
(15:20) Considering personal life when scheduling; planning for a slow summer and family events
(24:50) Benefits of discussing plans with business friends
(28:45) Encouragement for pursuing your goals in 2024

Teacher Biz Basics - teacherbiz.com/basics

Teacher Biz Starter Guide - teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

29: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Heather reflects on 2023 and shares her accomplishments and insights into how she achieved her three main goals for the year; stabilize Kindergarten Ready, start Teacher Biz, and prioritize family time. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positive and celebrating achievements rather than dwelling on what hasn't been accomplished. Hear how she implemented a batching strategy to manage her time effectively, as well as the importance of using what has already worked and repeating those successful strategies. Heather also discusses the growth of both Kindergarten Ready and Teacher Biz, and offers perspective on how you can approach the coming year as a new online business owner ready to take action and accomplish your goals!

Instead of focusing on what you haven't accomplished, celebrate what you have achieved in 2023. Take time to appreciate the progress you've made and the lessons you've learned. Shift your mindset to build momentum for the year ahead.

Teacher Biz Blueprint waitlist - teacherbiz.com/waitlist

Teacher Biz Basics - teacherbiz.com/basics

Teacher Biz Starter Guide - teacherbiz.com/start

Key Takeaways:

(02:15) Importance of taking time to stop and acknowledge your accomplishments
(05:10) Reflecting on the goals for 2023: Stabilize profits, start Teacher Biz, work less
(09:50) Developing a plan to batch content and create space for new business
(11:30) Dialing down work hours in the summer; acknowledging the support of a small but powerful team
(14:25) Growth of Kindergarten Ready in 2023
(15:30) Simplifying your workload and using the strategies that already work
(17:40) Strategies for email marketing and content creation
(23:45) The birth of Teacher Biz; timeline and key milestones of the Teacher Biz journey
(26:50) Overcoming insecurities and launching a podcast that features amazing guests
(29:50) Launching the signature course, Teacher Biz Blueprint
(35:05) Reflecting on your own personal growth and progress in 2023

Listen to Episode 03: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

Listen to Episode 04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

Connect with Brittany Kues for Podcast Production Support: brittanykues.com

Connect With Heather:

28: Lessons Learned from a Failed Business

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Heather shares her personal journey of starting her first online business, a budget blog called Happy Humble Home, which ultimately did not achieve the level of success she had hoped for. She reflects on the lessons she learned from that experience and how it shaped her approach to building her current business, Kindergarten Ready. Heather emphasizes the importance of focusing on products, growing an email list, and taking imperfect action. She also provides encouragement to learn from past failures and never be afraid to try again if something didn't work the first time!

Key Takeaways:

(03:35) Heather's background as a teacher
(06:05) Leaving the classroom and starting a blog
(08:45) Stuck in perfectionism and not taking imperfect action
(11:25) Lessons learned from her first business experience
(13:05) Transitioning to the Kindergarten Ready business
(15:00) Focusing on products and growing an email list
(16:45) Learning to do more of what works and less of what doesn't
(19:05) Advice to keep trying and not be afraid to start again

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

27: How to Navigate December as an Online Business Owner

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0500

December can be a tricky time for online business owners. With most products being digital and not easily wrapped up and put under the tree, it can be difficult to generate sales during the holiday season. However, with the right strategy, you can still have a successful month! By understanding what your audience wants during this time and aligning your goals with theirs, you can create a strategy that benefits both you and your customers.

Tune in to hear Heather’s approach of giving back to her community by offering a 25-day series of free resources, which helps to build relationships and warm up her audience for future sales. She also highlights the benefits of planning for the upcoming year during December and shares her experience of launching her membership program during this time.

Key Takeaways:

(02:45) Heather’s strategy for handling December as an online business owner
(06:15) Providing support and building relationships; 25 days of freebies
(12:35) Warming the community for a membership launch after Christmas
(14:00) Taking advantage of the post-holiday fresh start mindset
(16:25) Advice for showing up and serving your audience during the holiday season

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

26: Teacher Biz Startup Costs: Breaking Down Initial Investments

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Starting a business can be intimidating, especially when it comes to investing your hard-earned money. However, building an online business is much more affordable compared to traditional brick-and-mortar ventures. In this episode, Heather walks through the initial startup expenses of starting an online teacher business. She shares her recommendations for the best sales page platform, checkout provider, email service provider, and domain provider. No worries if you're not ready to make significant investments yet! Heather also shares the scrappy, more affordable alternatives to the best options. Whether you're ready to dive in headfirst or prefer to start scrappy, this episode is sure to provide you with the guidance you need to get started on your own teacher biz!

For a breakdown of the costs and recommendations discussed in the episode, download the Teacher Biz Startup Investment Guide!

teacherbiz.com/cost

Key Takeaways:

(03:18) Investing in an online business; minimal costs, high profits
(05:30) The two ways to start a teacher biz
(07:15) Best option for creating a sales page
(09:50) Best checkout provider
(12:30) Best email service provider
(15:20) Recommended domain providers
(18:27) Scrappy alternatives and the cost breakdown
(23:20) Encouragement to invest in your business and not give up

Leadpages - teacherbiz.com/leadpages

Thrivecart - teacherbiz.com/thrivecart

Convert Kit - teacherbiz.com/convertkit

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

https://www.facebook.com/ThatMusicTeacherBlog/

25: Balancing the Classroom and an Online Teacher Business with Bryson Tarbet

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Bryson Tarbet is a PreK-6th grade general music teacher just outside of Columbus, Ohio. He started That Music Teacher, LLC with the goal of sharing different perspectives on issues pertaining to the lives of music educators across the country. He also hosts That Music Podcast and is the educator behind the Elementary Music Summit.

In this conversation, Bryson shares insights into how he successfully runs his online business while still teaching music in the classroom. He discusses leveraging summits to build his business, the benefits of digital courses and memberships, and the mindset blocks he had to overcome to get to where he is today. If you're a teacher interested in making a difference beyond your classroom, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Bryson Tarbet:

www.ThatMusicTeacher.com

https://www.instagram.com/thatmusicteacher/

Key Takeaways:

(03:35) Bryson's journey from using TPT to creating his own courses and hosting a summit
(05:15) Running an online business alongside teaching in the classroom
(08:50) How teaching skills translate into the online business world
(11:30) How a summit can help attract new customers
(15:05) Creating a membership for recurring revenue and community support
(17:15) Mindset blocks of feeling inexperienced and charging for services
(22:35) Advice for teachers starting out in the online business world

Connect With Heather:

24: Tips for a Successful Black Friday Sale

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Discover the simple steps to create a successful Black Friday promotion for your teacher business! Heather shares her perspective on the importance of considering Black Friday as a business opportunity, regardless of personal feelings towards the consumer holiday. Learn when to do a Black Friday sale (hint: it’s not actually on Black Friday itself!), how to keep it simple, and why starting small and building over time is the best approach to ensure success and avoid overwhelm.

Heather also gives insight into her own experiences with Black Friday promotions in her businesses, including a simple two-day sale that involves sending emails to her subscribers and directing them to a sales page, as well as her more elaborate "20 Days of Sales" promotion on her Kindergarten Ready side of the business. If you're looking for a simple Black Friday promotion strategy, tune in and don't be afraid to take action!

Key Takeaways:

(03:25) Black Friday and its importance for business owners
(04:10) When to do a Black Friday promotion
(05:30) Explanation of a simple Black Friday promotion for an online business
(07:00) 20 days of sales and 25 days of freebies
(12:55) Starting small and building up over time
(13:15) Suggestion to do a Small Business Saturday promotion instead
(15:20) Begin thinking about creating a product for next year

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyebiz

23: Simple Marketing Strategies that Convert with Kerry Beck

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0500

Kerry Beck helps moms (or dads or any adult) find ways to make money online. This enables moms to give their kids a solid financial education by choosing the best online business for their family. She offers step-by-step help to building a blog, creating digital products, as well as setting up marketing funnels and email sequences.

In this conversation, Kerry shares her journey from public school teacher to starting her own online businesses in the homeschooling niche. She emphasizes the importance of pressing into your fears and taking action, rather than getting stuck in analysis paralysis. She also highlights the power of building relationships with your audience and the value of consistency in your business efforts. Learn Kerry’s simple tips for email marketing and list building, including the use of lead magnets and tripwires. Her scrappy strategies and focus on providing immense value to her audience have helped her build a profitable business and create the freedom and flexibility she desires!

Connect with Kerry Beck:

https://familyebiz.com/

Key Takeaways:

(02:55) Kerry’s background as a teacher and transition to homeschooling
(09:00) Evolution from ebooks to courses
(11:50) Streamlining content and utilizing a Facebook group for weekly content
(13:40) Effectiveness of email marketing compared to social media
(16:35) Strategies for building an email list and using lead magnets
(19:10) Utilizing Pinterest for driving traffic and SEO strategies
(24:10) Using a tripwire to monetize your email list
(27:30) Advice for those starting a business
(37:00) Having a bigger "why" for starting a business
(40:40) Tips for time management

Connect With Heather:

22: Building Relationships with your Online Community

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0500

People connect with people, not polished robots.

If you’re struggling to build a community and create deeper relationships with your customers, this is the episode for you! Heather shares strategies that have worked well for her in building valuable relationships with her own customers in both Kindergarten Ready and Teacher Biz. She emphasizes the need to genuinely care about the people you serve, to communicate with them regularly, and to show up as your authentic self. Building relationships with customers not only helps establish trust and loyalty but also allows for a greater impact and success in your business!

Key Takeaways:

(02:43) Importance of building relationships with your customers and community
(04:25) Strategies for taking action to build the relationships
(10:00) Staying top of mind and talking to your community often
(12:30) Showing up as yourself and overcoming fear of being on camera
(17:40) Remembering it's not about you, it's about helping others
(19:45) Building know, like, and trust with your customers

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

Content and Chill podcast

21: Creating a Flexible Work-Life Balance as a Virtual Assistant with Anna Schild

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Anna Schild is a content repurposing virtual assistant (VA) and the host of the Content and Chill podcast. She started her VA business after working as an executive assistant at a corporate bank. Her transition to the online workspace was driven by a desire for more flexibility and location freedom.

In this conversation, Anna touches on the various aspects of working as a virtual assistant and explains the concept of content repurposing and how it can help online business owners maximize their efforts. She shares insights into her business structure, work hours, and the lifestyle her business allows her to have. She also offers advice for those considering starting an online business and shares tips for those looking to hire an assistant.

Connect with Anna Schild:

Instagram @annashieldva

Key Takeaways:

(03:20) Anna’s background and transition from EA to VA
(10:00) Content repurposing and its benefits for businesses
(12:45) Anna’s work schedule and the flexibility her business provides
(16:20) Advice for those considering starting an online business
(18:20) Benefits of outsourcing tasks to a virtual assistant

Connect With Heather:

20: From Stressed-Out Special Ed Teacher to Online Dyslexia Educator with Jennie Sjursen

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Jennie Sjursen is a former special education teacher who turned her passion for helping dyslexic students into a private dyslexia practice called Literacy Untangled. She is passionate about helping students with dyslexia and has extensive training in Orton-Gillingham.

In this conversation, Jennie shares her journey from being a stressed-out teacher to starting her own online business. By leveraging her expertise, she has been able to reach more students and make a difference in their lives. She discusses the challenges she faced in building Literacy Untangled and her plans to scale her business by creating an online course to help parents navigate the education system and support their dyslexic children. Tune in to learn about offering one-on-one services as an online business owner, how to determine the right prices for your services, as well as ample advice for embracing uncertainty as an aspiring teacherpreneur!

Connect with Jennie Sjursen:

literacyuntangled.com

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) Jennie's teaching career and how stress lead her to start an online business
(04:40) Jennie's business structure and income sources
(06:00) Transitioning from one-on-one sessions to an online course
(12:30) Advice for teachers looking to start an online business
(15:15) Pricing your services and making more money compared to teaching
(22:30) Giving your business time to grow and getting comfortable with uncertainty
(24:20) Literacy Untangled

Connect With Heather:

19: 3 Strategies to Boost the Profit Potential of Your Teacher Business

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0400

As a former teacher, Heather knows the feeling of being trapped in a job and wanting more. By leveraging her teacher skills and the internet, she has been able to make a limitless impact beyond the classroom and build a profitable online business.

In this special episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast, she’s sharing her recent master class training for starting and growing an online teacher biz. Learn all about the Teacher Biz Blueprint and how it can guide you in creating a fulfilling business that brings you freedom, flexibility, and a sustainable source of income. Get ready to take notes and take action!

Join the Teacher Biz Blueprint today!

teacherbiz.com/join

Key Takeaways:

(04:00) Heather’s desire to help others build successful online businesses
(12:05) Focusing on products and being strategic about what you create and sell
(15:50) The mistake of relying too heavily on social media and content creation without a solid product strategy
(16:25) The effectiveness of email marketing
(20:10) Launching your products strategically
(25:25) Real-life success stories from educators
(32:00) A step by step blueprint for building your teacher biz
(40:00) What makes this immersive learning experience different

Connect With Heather:

http://brilliantbusinessmoms.com/

18: Learn the Power of Facebook Ads with Beth Anne Schwamberger

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Beth Anne Schwamberger is the founder of Brilliant Business Moms. She's passionate about helping women to build their businesses in the margins, so they can spend more time with their families. She loves teaching Facebook Ads and providing quick and easy tools like sales page and ad templates to make life easier for online business owners.

In this conversation, Beth Anne explains how Facebook Ads are a powerful tool used for reaching potential customers. She shares success stories from her students in various niches who have used ads to quickly get in front of their ideal customers and ultimately grow their businesses. Beth Anne also explains the potential of ads for teachers starting online businesses and the ability to create products that cater to individual needs. If you’re curious how Facebook ads can be a game-changer for business growth, don’t miss this episode!

Connect with Beth Anne:

Join the Brilliant Ads Bootcamp!

teacherbiz.com/ads

Key Takeaways:

(03:00) Beth Anne's backstory of starting the Brilliant Business Moms podcast
(06:05) The power of ads in reaching potential customers
(07:45) The control and speed of results with ads compared to organic strategies
(17:10) Using organic social media to test content for ads
(18:45) Starting with a small ads budget
(21:20) Investing in ads instead of buying more courses
(23:00) Brilliant Ads Bootcamp
(25:45) Having time to pursue new passions

Connect With Heather:

teacherbiz.com/EmailCheckList

17: How to Start Building Your Email List TODAY

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Building an email list is not just about collecting email addresses. It's about building a community of potential customers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. By providing value through your freebie and nurturing relationships through regular emails, you can establish trust and credibility with your audience.

In this episode, Heather walks you through the exact steps and resources needed to start building an email list. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about taking action and providing value. So don't wait any longer - tune in to discover the simple five-step process for starting and building an email list TODAY!

5 Steps to Start Growing Your Email List TODAY!

Key Takeaways:

(3:16) Choosing an email service provider
(6:50) How to create a freebie related to your future products
(10:24) Why you need a sign-up page for your freebie
(12:10) Setting up an email delivery sequence
(14:45) The importance of sharing your freebie sign-up page everywhere

Start your FREE 14 day trial of ConvertKit!

teacherbiz.com/CovertKit

Start your FREE trial of Lead Pages!

teacherbiz.com/LeadPages

Sign up for The Teacher Biz Bootcamp!

teacherbiz.com/Bootcamp

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

16: Why You Need to Grow An Email List From The Start

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Avoiding starting and growing an email list is a common mistake that a lot of new business owners make. Simply because they don’t realize how important an email list actually is! In this episode, Heather shares her own experience of how her email list (now consisting of 130,000 subscribers) has been the secret sauce in her business. She also highlights the potential pitfalls of relying solely on social media platforms and third-party platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers.

Building an email list is a key component that provides stability, helps build relationships with customers, and establishes credibility within the online business community. By focusing on growing your list, you create a direct line of communication with your audience, ensuring a stable income source and the ability to easily promote new products and services.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to build a solid foundation for your business. Tune in to learn more about why you need to start growing an email list from day one!

Key Takeaways:

(04:39) Creating a solid foundation for your business
(08:35) Building relationships with your community
(10:00) How often you should email your list
(11:31) Utilizing Facebook Ads to grow your list
(12:55) How an email list provides stability and credibility for your business

Join Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident Bootcamp! teacherbiz.com/course

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

https://www.tracybeavers.com/

15: All Roads Lead to Email List Building with Tracy Beavers

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0400

As CEO and Founder of Tracy Beavers Coaching, Tracy has a proven track record in marketing, sales, and business growth. With 20 years experience, she has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs with everything from overcoming the fear of sales, to growing their business visibility through organic marketing strategies.

In this conversation, Tracy shares her experience of starting an online business and the challenges she faced along the way. From offering one-on-one coaching to creating online courses, get a glimpse of the evolution of Tracy Beavers Coaching. Learn how to overcome mindset blocks, embrace the learning curve, and prioritize email marketing for sustainable growth.

Through patience and consistency, as well as leaning on a support system of like-minded individuals, you can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in your business journey!

Connect with Tracy:

Business Visibility Made Easy

Key Takeaways:

(02:31) Tracy's experience getting started in the online business space
(06:10) The evolution of Tracy Beavers Coaching
(09:10) Visibility and email list building
(13:25) Course creation vs one-on-one coaching
(15:30) Overcoming mindset blocks and building connections
(20:18) Choosing to work 40+ hours a week
(24:12) Procrastination, avoidance, and hiring out
(25:54) Why patience and consistency are so important for business growth

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Connect With Heather:

14: Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your First Digital Course

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast, Heather shares her experience of creating her very first digital course, Kindergarten Ready Roadmap, and the mistakes she made along the way.

It’s no surprise that creating a digital course can be a learning experience filled with mistakes and valuable lessons. Heather realized the importance of streamlining content, acquiring video editing skills, and pricing her courses appropriately. She explains that having a clear path to follow is key, as well as learning from experts that can provide the guidance and knowledge needed. Tune in now to learn from these three mistakes so that your course creation experience goes more smoothly!

Key Takeaways:

(10:20) Including too much content
(12:05) Not knowing how to edit videos, and using face-to-camera format
(15:45) Teacher Biz Basics
(18:30) Not pricing the course accordingly
(20:50) Benefits of having a clear path to follow
(21:40) Bonuses for joining Amy Porterfield's Course Confident Bootcamp

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Join Amy Porterfield’s Course Confident Bootcamp!

teacherbiz.com/course

Connect With Heather:

13: Why Digital Courses are Perfect for Teachers with Amy Porterfield

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Digital course expert, Amy Porterfield, joins the show to discuss why digital courses are so powerful for online businesses. Amy explains how digital courses provide freedom and flexibility for teachers to work on their own terms and serve a larger audience. She highlights the unique skills and knowledge that teachers possess, making them ideal candidates for creating successful digital courses. She also shares success stories of teachers and other entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable results through utilizing digital courses.

Learn about the "10% edge", B-minus work mentality, the significance of building an email list, and the importance of taking courageous action! Remember, it's not about you. It’s about the people you can help with your course. Shift your focus from insecurities to the impact you can make. Listen now and get started on your course creation journey today!

Join the Course Confident Bootcamp!

Key Takeaways:

(03:35) Why digital courses are beneficial for teachers
(07:30) Overcoming self-doubt and limiting beliefs
(13:40) The concept of the "10% edge" in creating a course
(20:55) Embracing "B minus" work instead of perfectionism
(25:10) The role of marketing and selling in the course creation process
(29:35) Building an email list for course success
(32:35) Success stories of digital course creators
(37:15) The Course Confident Bootcamp

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

12: Creating a Digital Course

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Have you considered creating a digital course? As a teacher, it's the perfect way to share your knowledge and skills with a wider audience! Learn about the benefits of creating digital courses and how it can boost your credibility, increase your revenue, and give your customers the transformation they’re searching for.

Creating a digital course may seem intimidating at first, however it’s really not that difficult! Heather shares her own experiences with creating video courses and provides tips for overcoming the fear of being on camera. If you’re a teacher or someone in the education world, this is the perfect digital product for your business. Listen now for all the details!

Key Takeaways:

(03:22) What is a digital course?
(05:24) Tips for creating a video course
(07:45) Different types of video courses
(13:10) Tips for getting started
(18:14) Asking others for input on your strengths

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

https://www.noguiltmom.com/

11: Teacher to Online Business Owner with JoAnn Crohn of No Guilt Mom

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400

JoAnn Crohn is the owner and founder of No Guilt Mom, the Balance VIP membership, and the host of the No Guilt Mom podcast. Through her business and products, JoAnn helps moms have a close relationship with their kids while also pursuing their own passions.

In this conversation, JoAnn shares her journey from fifth-grade teacher to running a thriving online business that empowers moms. She discusses how her business has evolved over the years, from creating products for children to now focusing on a membership program. JoAnn also highlights the importance of self-care for moms and the impact she has seen in the lives of her members. She shares her love for teaching and the joy she finds in helping parents create a balanced and connected relationship with their children.

Key Takeaways:

(02:30) The start of JoAnn's business journey
(06:40) The evolution of products: from blog, to courses, to membership
(13:20) The benefits of having a membership
(17:50) Advice for teachers starting an online business
(21:10) Using summits to grow your business
(26:25) JoAnn's work schedule and flexibility
(28:00) Mom Ignited Summit

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

10: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Putting Yourself Out There

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Feeling nervous about starting your own teacher biz? You're not alone! This episode acknowledges the normalcy of having doubts and limiting beliefs, but encourages you to focus on the impact you can truly make.

Heather shares her own experiences of putting herself out there, as well as the confidence that comes from customer feedback, and the value of a supportive business community. Remember, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of others through your business. Embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that you are capable of accomplishing your dreams. Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Focus on the person you're meant to help and watch your confidence soar!

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) Acknowledging that self-doubt is normal for starting an online business
(03:50) Focus on the person you can help rather than yourself
(07:20) The impact of helping others and changing lives
(11:25) Gaining confidence from customer feedback
(15:20) The value of having supportive business friends
(16:48) 3 actionable steps to overcome self-doubt

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/start

Connect With Heather:

09: 8 Benefits of Starting an Online Teacher Biz

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Are you ready to break free from the limitations of a teacher's salary? Learn how a teacher biz can open up new streams of income and give you the flexibility to work on your own terms. This episode dives into what a teacher biz can make possible for your life, and all of the life-changing effects that come from having a sustainable online business.

Heather emphasizes that while she is not a millionaire, she has been able to create a flexible and profitable business that has changed her life. She encourages teachers to think beyond their typical teaching careers and imagine the possibilities of earning extra income, time and location freedom, being your own boss, and the ability to help others.

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide! teacherbiz.com/start

Key Takeaways:

(03:35) The limited income potential of being a teacher
(06:18) Exploring the extra income and stability of a teacher biz
(07:40) Time freedom and work flexibility
(12:15) Location freedom and low overhead costs
(17:15) The impact your business can have on others

Connect With Heather:

https://quietbookqueen.com/

08: Building a Successful Screen-Free Business with Kailan Carr

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Kailan Carr is the owner of Quiet Book Queen & Crafts in Between, a business that offers screen-free activities for kids. Her passion for screen-free activities led her to create a swap group with her friends to make quiet book pages for their children, which eventually turned into a successful business.

In this conversation, Kailan shares her journey from being a teacher to starting her own business, the benefits of screen-free activities for kids, and the different types of products she offers, including physical products, digital products, and books. She also shares insights about her self-publishing journey, the importance of finding your audience, and the challenges and benefits of making physical and digital products.

Connect with Kailan:

https://www.instagram.com/quietbookqueen/

https://www.facebook.com/quietbookqueen

Key Takeaways:

(04:35) Quiet books and screen-free activities for kids
(05:48) Comparing digital products to physical products
(12:12) The value of having a creative outlet and balancing work and family life
(15:49) Comparing work as a business owner to work as a teacher
(16:57) Freebie swaps
(19:23) Using your business as a platform for what you’re passionate about
(22:10) Kailan’s self-publishing journey and "Screens Away, Time to Play"
(30:50) The challenges of social media

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

07: Start Your Own Teacher Biz with These 3 Simple Steps!

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Are you a teacher that’s eager to bring home additional money? Whether you are looking for a small side hustle or a full replacement of your teacher income, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Learn the 3 simple steps to start your own teacher biz without using a third party platform such as Teachers Pay Teachers, Etsy, or Amazon. Despite the potential intimidation, Heather assures you that if she can do it, you can too. It’s actually much easier than you think!

Don’t forget to grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide which will help you through the process! teacherbiz.com/start

Key Takeaways:

(02:40) What a teacher biz actually is
(05:20) Understanding who your customer is
(09:35) Figuring out what to offer
(15:00) Utilizing Canva for your content design

Connect With Heather:

https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/

06: Evolving Your Online Teacher Business with Kelsey Sorenson

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0400

After having a panic moment when she showed up to substitute teach a class and realized there was nothing for her to do, Kelsey Sorenson had the bright idea to create her own substitute teacher resources and sell them on Teachers Pay Teachers. Tune in to hear Kelsey’s journey from teacher to now a successful online business owner of Wife Teacher Mommy.

This conversation discusses the importance of learning as you go and not letting a lack of knowledge hold you back from trying new things, getting creative and evolving in your business. Kelsey also shares tips for other teachers looking to start their own online business and emphasizes the importance of taking things one step at a time instead of trying to do all the things!

About Kelsey Sorenson:

Kelsey is a former third grade teacher and substitute teacher. She is now a homeschool mom to 3 kids and owner of Wife Teacher Mommy, where she and her team serve Pre-K through 6th grade teachers. She is also a certified life coach with The Life Coach School. Wife Teacher Mommy has been featured on We are Teachers, Teachers pay Teachers, Jane, Etsy, Food Network, CBC, Fox, and NBC. Kelsey and her team have helped hundreds of thousands of educators cut down planning time and balance the many roles in their lives with her time-saving resources, blogs, teacher life coaching program, Educate & Rejuvenate events, and Wife Teacher Mommy: The Podcast.

https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/

Key Takeaways:

(03:28) The journey into online business
(06:32) Creating an event from scratch
(16:31) TPT vs selling things on your own website
(18:26) Building a team
(20:29) Work and Mom-life balance
(26:21) Teacher skills used as a business owner

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

05: 3 Strategies to Find Future Customers for Your Business

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0400

In episode 4, Heather explained the importance of selling your products on your own website versus selling on 3rd party platforms. This may have left you thinking, “how will I get customers when I'm on my own and not with the other teacher products?”. Find out the answer in this episode and learn 3 key strategies for finding your future customers!

Your ideal customer is out there looking for you. Once they find you, they’ll be so eager to trade their dollars for the resource that you've created for them. The only thing standing in the way is what you are willing to do to find them!

Key Takeaways:

(01:20) Bringing future customers into your world
(02:15) Creating organic content
(05:00) Content batching is key
(07:35) Choosing a social media platform
(13:50) Utilizing paid ads

Mentioned In The Episode:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide: teacherbiz.com/start
Facebook Ads Bootcamp: teacherbiz.com/ads

Connect With Heather:

04: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a great resource and obviously popular, however, it's not the most profitable way for someone to sell their own resources. The best way to really maximize your profits and build better relationships with your customers is by selling through your own website. But why?

This episode will shift your thinking and hopefully set you on a path to create a life giving teacher biz that is much more profitable than selling on TPT. There is a HUGE market for teacher resources! Listen now to learn how utilizing your own website gives you more control and can make you way more money!

Key Takeaways:

(02:33) TPT is not the most profitable option
(04:31) You’re actually losing money by selling on TPT
(10:21) The importance of building your community
(15:11) Building an email list
(18:40) Staying in control of your own business

Mentioned In The Episode:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide: teacherbiz.com/start
Email email@helloteacherbiz.com for additional resources

Connect With Heather:

https://noticethelittlethings.com/

03: Turning a Hobby into a Helpful Online Business with Erin Leonard

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Notice The Little Things - a blog that started as a non-business idea but eventually turned into a booming online business with multiple products. Like a lot of people, Erin Leonard understands that starting a business can be difficult, especially for those who are not business-minded, but she emphasizes that there are resources available to help make the process easier.

Even though Erin does have a background as a teacher, her business isn't necessarily centered around education. Hear how she accidentally transferred her skills to the online space, and now provides an immense amount of value to moms as well as other service providers.

This conversation highlights the possibility of turning a passion or creative idea into a thriving business, and emphasizes the importance of seeking out resources and guidance to make the process smoother. You won’t want to miss Erin’s inspirational story of turning her happiness hobby into a successful online business!

About Erin Leonard:

Erin is the owner & founder of Notice the Little Things, where the primary focus is creating a grateful life. Through content and products, Erin provides practical ways for moms and families to simplify, streamline, and love their space so they can free up time to appreciate the small moments in life.

https://www.facebook.com/noticethelittlethings

https://www.instagram.com/noticethelittlethingsblog/

Key Takeaways:

(03:46) Unexpected career paths
(08:52) Gratitude as a daily practice
(15:38) Spreading gratitude for moms
(22:04) Turning a hobby into business
(30:58) The bumpy road of business ownership
(34:40) Subscription business excitement
(36:40) Flexible work hours
(41:18) Using design skills for business
(43:49) The importance of networking

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

02: Why Teachers are Perfect for Online Business

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0400

When you think about it, all businesses are solving a problem and bringing a solution to a customer. Have you ever thought of bringing a solution to someone who needs you?

Teachers have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be turned into solutions to benefit other teachers or parents! By identifying your strengths and creating a product that meets a need, teachers can monetize their skills and knowledge through online business.

You’re already sharing your knowledge in the classroom. Tune in and learn ways to expand your reach outside of the classroom and make a greater impact in the online space!

Key Takeaways:

(03:30) Sharing your expertise online
(07:16) Teachers Pay Teachers isn’t your only option
(08:08) There’s plenty of room for everyone to success
(09:31) The types of products that you can create and sell
(13:05) No design experience? No problem!
(16:20) Finding your strengths
(17:17) Examples of teachers succeeding in the online space

Mentioned In The Episode:

Canva https://www.canva.com/

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

01: Turning Your Teaching Skills Into Profit

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In the first episode of The Teacher Biz Podcast, Heather O'Donnell introduces herself and the purpose of the podcast, which is to help educators start a profitable home business using a lot less effort than it takes to run a classroom! She shares her own success story of running an online teacher biz, Kindergarten Ready Skills, and provides insight into the strategies and marketing techniques she used to build a community of over 100,000 moms and teachers.

Through The Teacher Biz Podcast, Heather aims to share her knowledge and experience with other educators. Tune in and gain all the insight you need to build a profitable online business without wasting time, money, or energy on actions that don't add to your bottom line!

Key Takeaways:

(02:22) Meet Heather
(05:08) You can build a teacher biz too!
(07:41) Kindergarten Ready Skills
(10:46) Creating a bestseller product

Mentioned In The Episode:

Kindergarten Ready Skills https://kindergartenreadyskills.com/
Join the Kindergarten Ready Community https://pages.kindergartenreadyskills.com/freebie-bundle-pod/
The Ultimate Alphabet Learning Kit https://kindergartenreadyroadmap.com/abc-kit-new-hp/

Connect With Heather:

Grab the FREE Teacher Biz Starter Guide!

Trailer: Welcome to The Teacher Biz Podcast

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 21:00:00 -0400

Hey there! Welcome to The Teacher Biz Podcast with Heather O’Donnell.

Each week, Heather shares strategies she’s used in her own online business to replace her teacher income (several times over) while working just 25 hours a week. Learn how a profitable teacher biz actually works (psst… we’re not throwing up resources on TPT) and how to get started without falling into the most common pitfalls and time wasters in the online business world.

Through a mix of interviews and solo episodes, you’ll learn about building an email list, creating and selling digital products, time management, a must-have mindset for success, how to run a profitable business on your own schedule, and much more.

Hit subscribe and get ready to learn how to build a profitable home business with a lot less effort than it takes to run a classroom!

Connect With Heather: