This episode is a little different to normal. I’ve been on an intense journey recently and it’s made me rethink my plans for Education Business Club, so in this episode I share with you what EBC is going to look like going forward. Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbusinessclub.co.uk/join-education-business-club Apply for Education Business Mentoring: https://www.educationbusinessclub.co.uk/mentoring Join the Education Business Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com...
May 09, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 51
This week I am joined by the wonderful Sumantha McMahon. Sumantha, the founder of Upgrade Your Education Business, is a former teacher turned private tutor, who has also been a qualified business trainer for over 15 years. Having walked the journey, she currently supports education businesses and tutors grow and 'design' their businesses – a concept we discuss in this episode. For Sumantha, the principle of 'designing' lies in crafting and shaping businesses around what we, as business owners wa...
May 02, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In the second part of my two-part special on the red flags of hiring, I talk about the 11 red flags you need to keep an eye out for. These red flags might not stand out so much to begin with, but if ignored they will cause you trouble further down the line. What you will learn in this episode: Why doing someone a ‘favour’ in business is not helpful when it comes to hiring. Why it is important that a potential hire asks the right questions How a simple task can highlight these red flags early Res...
Apr 25, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In part 1 of my 2-part special on the red flags of hiring, I talk about the 12 reasons why we might ignore red flags when hiring. I’ve done so much hiring and not every hire has gone well, these red flags come from experience, and I don’t want you to make these avoidable errors. What you will learn in this episode: Why working on yourself is going to really valuable when it comes to hiring How emotions can affect your decisions and why you need to be mindful of them What outside factors may infl...
Apr 18, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 48
I am joined by a guest this week! The amazing Cerys Keneally, who has her own online training for those with franchises, joins me to talk about how to approach schools without cold calling them. What you will learn in this episode: What really needs to be in the emails you send to schools Why building relationships with potential clients is more important than going in for a hard sell How you can make emailing successful, even if it hasn’t worked in the past Resources: Managing Seasonal Income T...
Apr 11, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This week, I am talking about taking your customers (both potential and current) on a personal journey with you. The personal story is a big part of modern business: people buy from people. What you will learn in this episode: Why being honest with your customers helps create the ‘know, like and trust’ factor How sharing your journey can humanise you and make you relatable to your customers Why sharing your story is a useful marketing tool Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.edu...
Apr 04, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode I talk about investing in yourself in ways that aren’t about consuming content. Consuming content (podcast, books etc) is great, but it has to go somewhere. We'll explore five important and free ways to invest in yourself as a person. What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to give yourself space and time to think as part of your working day How setting boundaries can help you achieve this space and time How you can flex your thinking skills as a way of investing in you...
Mar 28, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, I chat about the most relentless teacher habit of all – the addiction to the to-do list! It can’t just be me that loves a to-do list? But when do we stop adding things to that list? And should we feel guilty for not completing all the tasks on there? What you will learn in this episode: Why I am not a fan of the ‘important and urgent’ model of to-do list How I organise my to-do list and why I don’t always keep to the same model Why we should keep a check on the to-do list and no...
Mar 21, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 44
In this episode, I share with you my tips for managing the seasonal income in your education business. Schools work in very a prescribed cycle which affects the income of education businesses and gives us seasonal financial highs and lows, and that’s true whether you’re selling to schools, teachers, or both. So, how can we manage the fluctuating income? What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to accept that income in an education business is seasonal How you can structure your year, so...
Mar 14, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 43
I’ve decided to talk about something a little different this week. Back in 2013, I wrote a book but I was too scared to sell it. I was frightened of the feedback and any potential backlash that might come because of the subject matter. I’ve since reflected on this venture and wanted to share my learning with you. What you will learn in this episode: Why it is important to get the right people on board with your project (whether that is a book or your business) Why you have to build the right aud...
Mar 07, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode, I share the teaching skills I believe are transferable into entrepreneurship. When you’re a teacher, it can be hard to see how the skills you’ve developed translate into other roles, but they do and the ones I mention in this episode are just a small sample that translate into entrepreneurship. I hope the episode leaves you feeling inspired, motivated, and validated. Resources: 14 Education Business Ideas for Teachers: https://zurl.co/StAG Join Education Business Club: https://w...
Feb 28, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode, I share my latest business venture! That’s right, I am launching a new business, so I thought now would be the perfect time to share how I go about launching something new. What you will learn in this episode: How to map out a plan for your launch Why it is important to build an audience for your offering before you launch Why you need to share your idea early Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbusinessclub.co.uk/join-education-business-club Apply for ...
Feb 21, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 40
I go deep in this episode and talk about something all entrepreneurs will struggle with at some point: imposter syndrome. I let my imposter syndrome run the show for far too long when I first started my business, but through personal development I have learned how to deal with the feeling when it creeps up. What you will learn in this episode: What imposter syndrome really is How NOT to deal with imposter syndrome How to develop a ‘toolbox’ to help you move through your fears and feelings Resour...
Feb 14, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode, I talk about fair exchange. Teachers are often made to feel like they have to give more; it’s part of the culture in schools. It’s another habit you may have brought from teaching into your business. But are you being fairly rewarded for your effort? What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to really think about how others use your time What might be throwing your internal ‘fair exchange’ gauge off balance The effects of not getting what you feel is fair Resources: Educ...
Feb 07, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode, I teach you the secret to adding more hours into your day. That’s right! It can be done, I promise. But you really have to commit to it – the only person who is going to protect your time is you! What you will learn in this episode: Why it is beneficial to track how you are spending your time How you can make external meetings to work for you Why figuring out and reminding yourself of the consequences of wasting your time will help you protect it more Resources: Schedule a call ...
Jan 31, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode, I share how to speak to your audience in the right way at the right time. You’re unlikely to have just one audience, so you need to be mindful of the people who might come across you and your brand. What you will learn in this episode: - Why creating a ‘profile’ for them will help you communicate. - How to keep your communication frictionless. - How putting yourself in the shoes of your audience can help you gauge their reaction to your messages. Resources: Schedule a call with ...
Jan 24, 2022•10 min•Season 6Ep. 36
In this episode, I talk about the special kind of energy entrepreneurs have that keeps us motivated on our ventures and why we need to nurture that energy. Our unique energy isn’t something most people understand and can easily lead us to burn out if we don’t keep on top of how we are using it. What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to learn what ‘lights you up’ Why it’s okay to feel like you might be annoying people with your big idea Why having a cause to believe in will help you ke...
Jan 17, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode, I discuss why you NEED coaching, mentoring and training to help you develop in order to grow your education business. You might be thinking that it’s not for you or that you don’t have time or money to invest right now, but investing in yourself is the best investment you can make for your business. What you will learn in this episode: Why space to think about YOU is valuable Why it’s important to think about the people who are influencing you now What coaching, mentoring, or tr...
Jan 10, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 34
I’ve been asked a big question recently and, in this episode, I wanted to address it. I was asked why I am pivoting from Classroom Secrets to the Education Business Club. It was a very good question and one that got me feeling a little riled up, so I felt I needed to answer it. What you will learn in this episode: Why I have decided to start a new business Why I have waited until now to do it What will be coming next Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbusinessclub.co.u...
Jan 03, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode, I share my thoughts on marketing around the Christmas period. Christmas is a time for people, including us entrepreneurs, to take a break and spend true quality time with our friends and family. So yes, market during the Christmas/new year period, but be smart about it. What you will learn in this episode: When it’s time to start reaching out to schools in the new year Why you shouldn’t market heavily on social media and through emails to teachers during the wind down period and...
Dec 20, 2021•11 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode, I share my thoughts on planning for the new year in your education business. I’ve got big plans for 2022; both in my businesses and personally – have you made your plans for 2022? Will they be business related? Personal? Both? What you will learn in this episode: When you need to start planning for the new year How I keep all my plans and projects organised (at the moment that is, I’m always trying out new things) That it’s okay if you didn’t tick everything off your list this y...
Dec 13, 2021•11 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode, I talk about why it can be hard to start something new in your education business and the things I have done to try and overcome that feeling of overwhelm us entrepreneurs feel when we are planning a new venture. What you will learn in this episode: Why using agile project management has been a game changer for me Why you really don’t need to get bogged down with ironing out the finer details during the planning stage That it is easier to see where things need tweaking and adapt...
Dec 06, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode, I share what it is like riding the emotional rollercoaster of education business. Running any kind of business can be emotional, but education business can be a particularly bumpy ride – especially if you’re an ex-teacher. What you will learn in this episode: Why I feel education business contains so many highs and lows Why you need to be ready to manage your emotions Why you need to get really clear on what is and what isn’t your responsibility in your education business Resour...
Nov 29, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode I talk about taking a break from your business, switching off to give yourself time to refresh and refocus. Switching off isn’t a bad thing. It may make you feel uncomfortable but there are plenty of rewards to be gained from taking that time off. What you will learn in this episode: Effective strategies for switching off What the benefits of taking time to switch off are Why you may never holiday in the same way ever again Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.edu...
Nov 22, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode, I explain my thoughts on the social media platforms you need to use to target teachers for your education business. There are so many options out there and each one takes work and time. What you will learn in this episode: The four main social media platforms we use at Classroom Secrets Where teachers are on social media and how they use the different platforms Why I’m not a fan of Twitter for my education business. Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationb...
Nov 15, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode, I talk about why sometimes it is right to slow down in order to speed up in your education business. If you don’t take the time to slow down and see what is not working or needs a small fix in your business, you could be asking for trouble later. What you will learn in this episode: How to identify when it is time to slow things down in your education business Why money shouldn’t be the primary reason to avoid slowing things down. Why it’s important not to get caught on the cont...
Nov 08, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode, I share deep about giving yourself the permission to recognise when something isn't working in your education business and stop it, despite what friends and family might think. What you will learn in this episode: What stops us from giving ourselves permission to stop in the first place What types of things you may or may not realise you need to stop in your business Why we should give ourselves permission to stop. Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbu...
Nov 01, 2021•16 min•Season 4Ep. 25
In this episode, I share the things you will need to do and consider before you start your education business. There’s so much more to consider before you even get to the point where you need to register as a sole trader or a Limited company. What you will learn in this episode: The questions you need to ask yourself before you start your education business Why you should develop your observation skills Why you need to be looking at the marketing other businesses are doing Resources: Questions t...
Oct 25, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, I share why you need to develop your marketing knowledge and the skills you will need to become a better marketeer for your education business. What you will learn in this episode: Why you should take stock of what you already know because you will know more than you realise Why you should develop your observation skills Why you need to be looking at the marketing other businesses are doing Resources: Join Education Business Club: https://www.educationbusinessclub.co.uk/join-edu...
Oct 18, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 23
This week, I talk about the customer journey and why it is important to constantly review, adapt and improve this for your target market. What you will learn in this episode: What thoughts or feelings customers may be experiencing as they move through your customer journey. How to use your experiences with other businesses to influence your customer journey. Why you need to consider what is possible for your business now, regardless of what people may think in the future. Resources: Join Educati...
Oct 11, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 22
