School of Sellers: Recent Episodes
Erin Waters
Erin Waters from School of Sellers helps teacher authors like you run an online business in a way that feels doable. Discover how you can make your business work harder so that you spend less time in To-Do Town and more time doing what you love.
Many teachers launch online businesses to live a freer, happier life. These same teachers soon find themselves swamped by tasks and surrounded by pressure to do all the things. As a result, their life becomes harder.
So what the heck? Self-proclaimed Type B Teacher-turned entrepreneur, Erin knows this Catch-22 scenario all too well. In her 7 years of selling teaching resources online, it has become her mission to simplify her business—and now yours too! On School for Sellers, she will offer insight and tips for productivity, content creation, social media, marketing, and beyond.
Hit subscribe now and show your business, once and for all, who’s really the boss.
What if you could take full control of your teacher seller business—and keep more of the money you worked so hard to earn? In this episode, I chat with websitesite designer Carla Fedeler about how to confidently build your own teacher seller website, even if tech isn’t your thing. From choosing the right platform and tools to understanding the marketing and branding benefits of having your own storefront, Carla shares practical steps and powerful encouragement to help you move beyond TPT and build a business that’s truly yours.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode172/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Connect with Carla:
- Website
- Instagram: @sitedesignsforyou
Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
- Episode 162, 3 Reasons Why Sellers Struggle to Grow Past the 100k Mark on TPT with Chynell Moore
- Episode 161, 3 Ways to Diversify Your Teacher Business Using What You ALREADY Have
- Episode 156, Diversify Your Teacher Business: Building a Brand & Selling Physical Products with Christina Spencer
- Blog Post - Creating Sales Pages That Slay: How to Create Landing Pages for Your TPT Products
What if planning wasn’t about perfect calendars and to-do lists, but about making space for what truly matters? In this episode, I’m joined by Bethany, Jennifer, and Ashley to dive into The Plan by Kendra Adachi—a book that challenged us to rethink productivity, rest, and work-life balance. We unpack why flexibility is key, how to stop treating rest as a reward, and what it really means to embrace the seasons of life.
We also share our biggest aha moments and where The Plan fell short, especially when it comes to applying these ideas to business. Whether you’re a teacherpreneur, small business owner, or just someone who struggles with planning, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective (and maybe permission to let a few things go). Tune in for our biggest takeaways, personal stories, and whether The Plan earned a permanent spot on our bookshelves!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode171/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 166, Lead Generation Ads, Taking a Break, & Life: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley
- Episode 163, Mindsets That Transform: Simplify, Prioritize, and Let Go as a TPT Seller
- Episode 145, Seller Book Club Chat: Big Magic with Janice Cook and Kassaundra Foster
Want to sell more on TPT without constantly creating new products or spending hours marketing? In this episode, I’m sharing one of the best-kept secrets of successful TPT sellers—sales funnels. These automated systems turn potential buyers into paying customers, helping you make consistent sales on autopilot. You’ll learn how to set up a simple yet powerful funnel, from choosing the right freebie to crafting an email sequence that converts. Plus, I’ll share my favorite ways to drive traffic to your funnel so it actually works. Tune in and discover how to work smarter, not harder, to grow your TPT business—and if you want step-by-step support, join us in Ignite to fast-track your funnel success!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode170/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💥 Zach Spuckler’s Lead Generation Bootcamp - affiliate link
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 169, How to Build a Sales Funnel That Sells Your TPT Products on Autopilot
- Episode 131, 3 Types of Upsells You Should Be Using in Your Teacher Business
- Episode 113, Using Lead Magnes in Your TPT Business (SOS Member Call-In Show)
- Episode 44, Email Newsletters, Sales Funnels, and Welcome Sequences
If you’ve ever wished your TPT products could sell themselves while you focus on creating, this episode is for you! Sales funnels might sound intimidating, but they’re actually a game-changer for TPT sellers looking to grow their business without constantly chasing sales. In this episode, I break down exactly how a well-structured funnel can take potential buyers on a journey, from discovering your resources to becoming loyal, repeat customers.
You’ll learn how to attract the right audience, nurture them through strategic email sequences, and ultimately convert them into paying customers…all on autopilot. We walk through a real-world example of how a simple freebie can lead to long-term sales, plus share key strategies to overcome common seller struggles, like one-time buyers and freebie seekers who never convert. And if the tech side of funnels has ever felt overwhelming, don’t worry! I’ve got tips to simplify the process and help you get started.
If you’re ready to stop hoping for sales and start building a system that works for you, Ignite is the perfect next step. This quarter inside Ignite, we’re walking through the entire sales funnel process step by step - from setting up your freebie to writing the exact emails that turn buyers into repeat customers. With coaching, templates, SOPs, and all the support you need, you won’t have to figure it out alone. Join us inside Ignite and start making your sales funnel work for you!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode169/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 131, 3 Types of Upsells You Should Be Using in Your Teacher Business
- Episode 113, Using Lead Magnes in Your TPT Business (SOS Member Call-In Show)
- Episode 44, Email Newsletters, Sales Funnels, and Welcome Sequences
Welcome back to another coffee chat! Well, kind of. This time it’s a night session so it’s decaf only! As usual, we’re having a casual conversation about the latest in business and personal life, including a slightly embarrassing moment that had me doing double the work (oops!).
Of course we can’t chat without diving into some business strategy too. I’m sharing a recent win with tripwires and sales funnels. Ashley shares the behind-the-scenes updates of her latest ad campaign (hear more about her ad in this episode!) and why tracking traffic sources isn’t as straightforward as we’d like it to be.
And if you’re in Ignite, get ready - because we have something exciting coming your way in quarter two! We’re focusing on three areas: email sales funnels, batching systems, and a little spring cleaning for your business. Oh, and we’re got a special guest expert joining us. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode168/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 166, Lead Generation Ads, Taking a Break, & Life: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley
- Episode 164, Top 3 Timesavers: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley
- Episode 147, Our Biggest Fears in Business, Life, & Beyond
- Episode 143, Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley: TPT Changes, Product Inspiration, & All Things FOOD!
- Episode 117, Let’s Talk Product Photography and Mockups: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley
Feeling stuck in your work-from-home routine? Coworking might be the productivity boost you need! In this episode, I dive into why coworking is a game-changer for TpT sellers and online business owners, from the power of body doubling to the built-in accountability it provides. When you work alongside others—whether virtually or in person—you’re more likely to stay focused, follow through on tasks, and actually enjoy the process. Plus, connecting with people who truly understand your business can make all the difference in staying motivated and pushing through the tough tasks.
If you’re ready to give coworking a try, I share my favorite ways to make it work, from virtual power hours to small accountability pods to in-person work sessions at coffee shops. I also take you behind the scenes of how we run coworking inside Ignite, my membership for teacher sellers, and how you can get involved. Whether you need a structured way to stay consistent, real-time feedback from fellow entrepreneurs, or just a way to make work feel more fun, this episode will show you how coworking can transform your productivity.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode167/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 136, The Workcation Guide for Sellers: Getting Away to Get It Done
- Episode 46, How to Plan Your Ideal Work Week: My 3-Step Process for Productivity
- Episode 2, Power Up Your Productivity: The Ultimate To-Do List Makeover
It’s time for another monthly coffee chat with Ashley and I to catch up on both business and life! We talk about the challenges that came with starting a new year and share some of the strategies that are helping us navigate it - whether that means planning ahead of simply taking things one step at a time. I also share about a recent getaway that left me feeling refreshed, along with a small but exciting business win that proves how tiny shifts can lead to big results.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode comes from Ashley, who recently experimented with Facebook lead generation ads, and let’s just say, the results were nothing short of amazing. She walks us through the simple approach she took, the unexpected success she saw, and why this strategy might be worth considering for your own business. If you've ever wondered whether lead ads are really worth it, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
We wrap things up with some fun updates inside our Ignite membership and a few personal recommendations that have been getting us through the busy season. This episode is a great reminder that business isn’t just about numbers and strategy—it’s also about finding joy in the process, taking breaks when needed, and celebrating the little wins along the way.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode166/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
📱 Lead Generation Ad Bootcamp (affiliate link)
📚 P.O.D. Playbook for Teacher Authors
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 164, Top 3 Timesavers: A Coffee Chat with Erin & Ashley
- Episode 147, Our Biggest Fears in Business, Life, & Beyond
- Episode 143, Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley: TPT Changes, Product Inspiration, & All Things FOOD!
Pivoting to a new audience can feel overwhelming, but what if I told you there’s a way to do it without starting from scratch? In this episode, we’re talking about the “sneaky pivot” strategy - a smart and strategic way to expand your reach using the resources you already have!
Whether you’re shifting to a different grade level, exploring a new subject area, or even branching out beyond the classroom to parents and homeschoolers, I have plenty of tips to help you make the transition smoothly.
One of the biggest keys to a successful pivot is understanding your new audience. That means learning their language, identifying their biggest pain points, and figuring out where they hang out online. It might also mean tweaking your messaging, adjusting your product descriptions, or even exploring different selling platforms beyond TPT.
I’m covering everything from repurposing existing products to creating targeted content and lead magnets that attract your ideal buyers. The best part? You don’t have to do it all at once. A slow and steady approach will help you test the waters and refine your strategy as you go. Tune in to learn how you can pivot to a new audience with purpose and set yourself up for long-term success!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode165/
Resources:
📚 P.O.D. Playbook for Teacher Authors
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 161, 3 Ways to Diversify Your Teacher Business Using What You ALREADY Have
- Episode 156, Diversify Your Teacher Business: Building a Brand & Selling Physical Products with Christina Spencer
- Episode 130, 13 Ways to Diversify Your Teacher Business
Ever wish you could add a few extra hours to your day? We know that struggle all too well and we're here to help! In this coffee chat, recorded live in Ignite, Ashley and I discussed some ways that we’re currently saving time in our businesses. We have a good feeling that you’ll walk away with some new and practical ideas on how to make the most of your time!
One of my favorite time saving strategies is my new themed day system. Instead of trying to tackle everything every day, I’ve given each day of the week a dedicated focus. This simple shift has been a game-changer, helping me avoid the mental exhaustion of constant multitasking! Ashley and I also dive into tech tools that are saving us time for things like crafting better subject lines and keeping us organized.
But of course this episode isn’t just about timesaving hacks for business. We also chat about the little things that make life more manageable like meal prepping during quieter afternoon moments. And we couldn’t resist sharing our latest obsessions (Wicked, we’re looking at you!) and incredible book recommendations. We’d love to have you join our next live coffee chat. Join us in the Ignite community today!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode164/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 147, Our Biggest Fears in Business, Life, & Beyond
- Episode 143, Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley: TPT Changes, Product Inspiration, & All Things FOOD!
- Episode 117, Let’s Talk Product Photography and Mockups: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley
- Episode 145, Seller Book Club Chat: Big Magic With Janice Cook and Kassaundra Foster
Running a TPT business while juggling teaching, family life, and personal commitments can feel overwhelming. But success isn’t just about the physical tasks we do - it’s deeply rooted in our mindset. Let’s explore three game-changing TPT seller mindsets that can transform how you approach your business!
You’ll learn how to use the glass ball analogy to focus on what truly matters while releasing guilt over the less critical tasks. I’ll break down a mental reframing model that helps you tackle challenges, like declining sales, with action instead of overwhelm. Then, I’ll share one of my newest mindset tools - the “let them theory” - which will free you from stressing over things you can’t control!
The next time you feel frazzled or defeated in your business, I hope these TPT seller mindsets will help you take the next best step forward. Which of these mindsets are you most excited to try out? Let me know in a review or on Instagram!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode163/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 162, 3 Reasons Why Sellers Struggle to Grow Past the 100k Mark on TPT with Chynell Moore
- Episode 109, Transform Your Work Habits With This One Mindset
- Episode 94, Mastering Your Money Mindset with Trina Deboree
What’s holding you back from breaking past the $100K mark on TPT? In this episode, I had the chance to chat with Chynell Moore, and let me tell you—this conversation is packed with the kind of insights that can completely shift the way you approach your business. Chynell shared three powerful reasons why sellers often hit a plateau and, more importantly, what they can do to get unstuck!
From fresh marketing perspectives to unexpected ways to tap into your best resources, this episode is like a roadmap for growth. Chynell’s advice isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter, making strategic shifts, and gaining clarity on what TRULY drives success. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels, this is the episode for you!
PS: Are you interested in working with Chynell? She is offering a BONUS session in her private coaching with her if you use code SOS! This is an affiliate link and I'll make a portion of sales if you sign up for coaching with Chynell using my link!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode162/
Resources:
👩💻 Coaching with Chynell - use code SOS for a bonus coaching session!
🎧 Routine Your Dream Podcast
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 161, 3 Ways to Diversify Your Teacher Business Using What You ALREADY Have
- Episode 153, 2025 TPT Seller Trend Predictions: How TPT Sellers Can Thrive in 2025
- Episode 93, How to Get Unstuck When You’re in a TPT Funk
When you hear the word diversify, does it feel like just one more thing to add to your already full plate? If so, I have good news for you. After lots of brainstorming, I’ve landed on three ways that you can diversify your TPT business WITHOUT reinventing the wheel.
In this episode, I’m diving into each of the three ways to diversify your teacher business. The best part? They all leverage products that you’ve already created! We’re looking at selling on your own site (don’t worry, I’ve come up with a simple way to do this!), tapping into the growing homeschool and parent audience, and the magic of Print on Demand.
These three ideas are EXACTLY what we’re focusing on inside Ignite this quarter and it’s not too late to join! If you are a seller who isn’t happy with your TPT dashboard and wants to expand your options, we would love to have you. I can’t wait to see how you diversify and grow this year!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode161/
Resources:
🎧 Listen to more episodes on diversifying your teacher business!
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Have you ever stopped to think about how your mindset around money might be holding you back? In this episode, I’m taking you back to an incredible conversation I had with Trina Deboree, a teacher-turned-TPT seller, who shared her inspiring story of transforming her money mindset while navigating life as a teacherpreneur.
Trina didn’t hold back as she opened up about overcoming personal and financial challenges, breaking free from a scarcity mindset, and embracing the power of money mindset work to create a life of growth. We tackle the unique challenges teacherpreneurs face, like balancing the heart of a teacher with the head of an entrepreneur and shaking off cultural expectations that undervalue our worth.
This conversation left me feeling inspired, and I know it will do the same for you! If you’ve ever felt like money mindset is a hurdle you can’t get past, Trina’s story will remind you that it’s possible to rewrite your narrative and embrace a life of abundance.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode160/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 159, 3 Bundles Tips to Make Your Business Explode Featuring Allison Wienhold [Blast From the Past Series]
- Episode 158, The Copycat Battle: What’s Fair, What’s Not, + What to Do When it Happens to You Featuring Kerry Tracy [Blast From the Past Series]
- Episode 157, A Farewell to 2024: What I’m Leaving Behind & Bringing With Me in the New Year
- Listen to episodes about diversifying your teacher business!
What’s the secret to boosting sales while simplifying a buyer’s experience? TPT bundles! In this blast from the past episode, I’m joined by Allison Wienhold, a seasoned TPT seller and former Spanish teacher, to uncover the power of product bundles.
Allison shares how bundling transformed her sales strategy - and how it can do the same for you. We’re giving you our top tips for creating TPT bundles that work, including some of the lesser-known bundling techniques.
TPT bundles can streamline the buying experience, maximize your earning potential, and ultimately make your products indispensable. We hope these bundling tips give you some new creative ideas for pairing your products this year!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode159/
Resources:
🤝 Connect with Allison on Instagram @misclaseslocas
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 158, The Copycat Battle: What’s Fair, What’s Not, + What to Do When it Happens to You Featuring Kerry Tracy [Blast From the Past Series]
- Episode 157, A Farewell to 2024: What I’m Leaving Behind & Bringing With Me in the New Year
- Episode 131, 3 Types of Upsells You Should Be Using in Your Teacher Business
To wrap up 2024, I’m playing a few of our all-time most downloaded School of Sellers episodes! To kick this series off, let’s start with an episode that resonated with SO MANY of you - having your resources copied on TPT. It’s a tough subject, but one that deserves open and honest discussion. To tackle it, I’m joined by one of my close TPT friends, Kerry Tracy.
Together, Kerry and I share our experiences with being copied - from the initial sting to the rollercoaster of emotions that follow. We also talk about how we’ve grown in the way we handle these situations and offer practical advice for anyone facing the same challenges.
Whether you’ve already dealt with copying or you’re worried about it happening to you in the future, this conversation is packed with tips to help you navigate it all with confidence and peace of mind. We hope you enjoy this real and raw chat about a not-so-fun part of the TPT journey - but one that we can learn to handle together!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode158/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 157, A Farewell to 2024: What I’m Leaving Behind & Bringing With Me in the New Year
- Episode 154, What Taylor Swift Has Taught Me About Business: Seller Swifties Weigh In
- Episode 153, 2025 TPT Seller Trend Predictions: How TPT Sellers Can Thrive in 2025
It’s hard to believe, but this is the fourth full year of the School of Sellers Podcast! As we wrap up another year, I want to extend my gratitude to you for not only listening to this show, but also connecting with me through emails, DMs, and more. It keeps me going to hear from you!
With the end of the year around the corner, I want to share with you what I’m leaving behind in 2024, like feeling guilty when things don’t get done and letting my dashboard dictate my days! Then I’ll go into what I’m planning to bring with me into 2025, such as data-driven decision making and diversifying my income.
What will YOU be ditching from 2024 and what will you take into the new year? Share with me on Instagram @school.of.sellers or in a review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you for sharing this year’s journey with me. Here’s to a new year filled with opportunities and happiness!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode157/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 156, Diversify Your Teacher Business: Building a Brand & Selling Physical Products with Christina Spencer
- Episode 153, 2025 TPT Seller Trend Predictions: How TPT Sellers Can Thrive in 2025
- Episode 151, Diversify Your Teacher Business: Unlocking the Potential of TikTok for TPT Sellers with Nancy Chung
From selling your digital resources on your own website to podcasting to affiliate marketing and more, there are so many ways to diversify your teacher business income! But have you ever considered selling physical products? My guest today, Christina Spencer, is here to share how she does just that.
Christina and I first met while working on our Master’s of Education for Early Childhood at The Ohio State University. Since then, Christina has gone on to teach in Abu Dhabi, launch her business selling physical products, and travel around the world. While teaching, Christina saw a huge lack of representation in educational products, so she created them herself!
In this episode, Christina dives into the mission behind her company, ABSee Me, and how it’s making a big impact on students, teachers, and parents. She also explains how she got started with selling physical products and the pros and cons of taking this route. You’ll even hear the details that come with selling physical goods such as where she houses the products and how they get to her customers.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode156/
Resources:
🎧 Listen to more episodes about diversifying your teacher business
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Connect with Christina:
- ABSee Me website
- Instagram: @absee.me
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 151, Diversify Your Teacher Business: Unlocking the Potential of TikTok for TPT Sellers with Nancy Chung
- Episode 144, Diversify Your Teacher Business: Affiliate Links, Podcast, & More With Brittany Naujok
- Episode 141, Diversify Your Teacher Business: All About Memberships With Lisa McHargue
- Episode 66, Outside-the-Box Offers: A Tale of One Seller’s Success (with Special Guest Amanda Cardenas)
Today I’m sitting down with a beloved seller in the TPT community - Deedee Wills! Deedee is someone I consider a true legend and has also been an integral part of the School of Sellers community over the years. I honestly can’t believe this is the first time she’s on the podcast!
During our conversation, I’m firing all kinds of questions at Deedee about her TPT success and personal life. You’ll hear how Deedee transitioned from a medical career to teaching to the world of TPT. We also discuss how TPT has changed over time, our TPT feature wishlists, moments of resilience, how Deedee has simplified things in her business, and what she has focused on most in her TPT store over the last couple of years.
As always, we talk fun stuff too! Deedee lets us into her personal life and shares about her ideal day off work, favorite foods, what she’s currently reading, and more. Whether you are familiar with Deedee or not, I know you’ll find this conversation enjoyable and inspirational. So grab your Diet Coke (our personal favorite) and listen in!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode155/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 142, Catching Up with Abby Mullins: 12 Questions About Life, Business, + Beyond
- Episode 138, Meet the Seller: 20 Questions with Michelle Staley
- Episode 125, A Decade on TPT: 10 Questions for 10 Years (Featuring Abby Mullins)
- Episode 135, Sellers Actually with Amy Lemons: OG Seller Success WITHOUT a Huge Team
We can all agree that Taylor Swift is an icon in today’s culture. And while she’s a worldwide celebrity, we may have more in common with her than you think, especially as it pertains to our businesses. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or a curious bystander, there’s no denying the parallels between Taylor’s journey and our own as educators and entrepreneurs.
I’m joined by fellow TPT sellers in this episode to highlight what their favorite Taylor Swift lyrics have taught them about business. If you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, shake it off and stick with me (see what I did there?)! You’ll hear how Taylor’s lyrics, resilience, and authenticity have inspired our business ventures and personal growth.
Who knows…you just might feel a touch of that Taylor Swift magic after listening. Like Taylor says, ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22’ - so go ahead, embrace that fearless energy and take your next steps in business with confidence and creativity!
Thank You to Our Contributors!
- Brittany Verlenich: @teachblogtravel
- Jivey: @ideasbyjivey
- Shawna: @caffeinatedandcreative
- Jaymie: @firstgradecentersandmore | First Grade Centers and More
- Brittany Naujok: @colorado_classroom | The Colorado Classroom | The Teaching Toolbox podcast
- Kelsey: @educateandrejuvenate
- Ha: @hellomrsdinh
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode154/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 154, Seller Book Club Chat: Big Magic with Janice Cook and Kassaundra Foster
- Episode 143, Coffee Chat with Erin & Ashley: TPT Changes, Product Inspiration, & All Things FOOD!
- Episode 138, Meet the Seller: 20 Questions with Michelle Staley
- Episode 118, Teacher Seller Favorite Things Party: Tools + Products We L-O-V-E in Our Business
The TPT world is ever-changing, and I know that many of you are looking for ways to grow, and maybe even pivot how you’re doing things in your business. If you’re searching for strategies to take into the new year, you’ve come to the right place!
Today I’m diving into four major predictions for business trends that will help shape your plans for 2025. For each trend, I’m also breaking down three actionable ideas to help you start your year strong. Whether you’re looking for ways to expand your audience or advice on which TPT product to create or optimize next, I’ve got you covered. Let’s thrive in 2025!
I can’t wait to see how you leverage these ideas! Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Jumpstart Your Year Workshop. We’ll plan out your business steps for 2025 and determine how you can stay relevant, connect with buyers in fresh ways, and take your business to the next level.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode153/
Resources:
🗓 Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop for Sellers
📈 YDP SEO Tools (affiliate link)
🎧 Diversify Your Teacher Business Podcast Series
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 152, What Planner Type Are You? (Quiz Results Reveal with Erin & Ashley)
- Episode 149, 3 Ways to Help Future You Thrive
- Episode 75, 3 Words I’m Taking to the New Year
- Episode 74, 3 Ways to Prepare Your TPT Business for the New Year
Mentioned in this episode:
Sign up for the Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop (and learn which planning type you are with the FREE planning style quiz!) at https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
As we get ready to begin a new year, planning is top of mind. As they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. While that might be a little over the top, there’s a lot of truth to it! Having a consistent planning process sets you up for success in your teacher-seller business.
I could sit here all day and share my method for planning and organization in business. But, we all have different personalities, and unique businesses, and are in various seasons of life…so we need different tools! That’s why I created a new planner personality quiz.
This quiz will give you a deep look at who you are as a TPT seller and uncover your exact planning path, tools, and superpowers to leverage this year. Ashley and I are acting as your guinea pigs and have been the first two people to take the quiz! We’re here to share our planner type results with you in this episode.
Will you be a “Go with the Flow Fran”, “Day by Day Debbie”, “Action Jackson”, or something else? Join us in Jumpstart and take the planner type quiz here. Then, share your results in the School of Sellers Facebook group!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode152/
Resources:
🗓 Jumpstart Your Year: https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
✏️ Planner Personality Quiz: https://schoolofsellers.com/plannerquiz
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 105, The Great Planner Debate: Which One is Best for TPT Sellers? (With Special Guests Lisa Mattes + Ashley Wright)
- Episode 120, Making Sense of SOPs: A Seller’s Guide to This Time-Saving Hack
- Episode 112, I Made My Business Plans…Now What? (4 Post-Planning Must-Dos)
- Episode 74, 3 Ways to Prepare Your TPT Business for the New Year
Mentioned in this episode:
Sign up for the Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop (and learn which planning type you are with the FREE planning style quiz!) at https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
When you think about using TikTok for your business, does it excite you or make you want to run the other way? If it’s the latter, you could be missing out! When it comes to TikTok, there’s so much potential for growing your audience and even monetizing directly from your videos.
Nancy Chung is here to talk all about TikTok for TPT sellers. After hearing her present at TPT Forward last summer on this topic, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her experience and knowledge with you. Nancy walks us through the benefits of using TikTok for TPT sellers, misconceptions about the app, tips for easily creating content that people want to watch, and insight into the earning potential.
Nancy has seen so much success on TikTok, and with her advice, you could too. And no, you don’t have to dance! This might be the perfect opportunity for you to try something new, expand your reach, and engage with more teachers and potential customers.
Connect with Nancy on Instagram and TikTok or listen to The Schoolyard Podcast.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode151/
Resources:
🎧 Listen to other episodes about diversifying your teacher business!
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sign up for the Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop (and learn which planning type you are with the FREE planning style quiz!) at https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
Are you a Type B business owner who wants to run away when you hear words like organization, SOPs, and systems? If so, today’s episode might make you feel a little uncomfortable, but stick with me! I promise it will be worth it.
I’m sharing three business systems that I think every teacher seller should implement. Get ready to discover how task management, project management and brain dump systems can revolutionize your business by increasing efficiency, consistency, and communication - all while reducing stress.
Whether you consider yourself Type A or Type B, there’s no doubt about it...systems will decrease your mental load drastically! And, you have options as to how you set your systems up so they work best for your unique business and personality. Personally, having these three business systems has transformed how I work and I hope they do the same for you!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode150/
Resources:
👩💻 ClickUp
👩💻 Trello
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 149, 3 Ways to Help Future You Thrive
- Episode 129, The Ideal Brain Dump System for Creative Entrepreneurs
- Episode 121, SOP Deep Dive: A Look Inside My Product Creation System
- Episode 28, Systems That Transform Your Teacher Business
Mentioned in this episode:
Sign up for the Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop (and learn which planning type you are with the FREE planning style quiz!) at https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
Imagine if the next time you sat down to write a blog post, it felt easy because you already had a plan for what to write. Or, what if you scheduled your next podcast interview on a day that you knew you would be feeling energized? This could be your reality if you start making future you a priority!
There are things you can do today that will set future you up for success tomorrow. In fact, in the seller world, there are some very distinct things you can start doing at this very moment that will get you to a place of work-life balance - and I’m going to tell you exactly what they are!
In this episode, I’m sharing three must-dos to help future you thrive…teacher seller style! From leaving breadcrumbs to cleaning up after yourself virtually and meeting your energy where it’s at, these small actions will save future you TONS of time and energy. Let’s take care of our future selves so that business and life can feel more enjoyable!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode149
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
✅ The Finishing Framework: https://schoolofsellers.com/finishing-framework/
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sign up for the Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop (and learn which planning type you are with the FREE planning style quiz!) at https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
Have you been feeling like you’re losing your spark lately? You probably know that spark that I’m talking about. It’s your passion, excitement, and creative energy for everything you’re working on in your business.
If that spark is fading, there’s a very good chance you’re headed straight into burnout…or maybe you’re already there. As I go into my 12th year as a TPT seller, I know this feeling all too well. When things start to feel hard or monotonous, we often blame ourselves and it can be so difficult to keep going.
Here’s the good news. You can absolutely reignite that spark! That’s what we’re exploring inside this episode. I’m sharing my best advice for combating business burnout so you can get back to feeling passionate about your work. I hope it reminds you of the importance of your mental well-being and encourages you to protect your spark, no matter where you are in your seller journey.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode148
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
🗣 Continue the conversation in The School of Sellers Facebook group.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
If you liked this episode, you’ll enjoy these too:
- Episode 136, The Workcation Guide for Sellers: Getting Away to Get It Done
- Episode 123, Avoiding the TPT Burnout: 3 Ways to Balance Teaching & Passion Projects Without the Overwhelm (Special Guest Brittany Blackwell)
- Episode 68, How to Pivot When Your Plans Fail
- Episode 60, Taking a Break: How Time Away Is Actually Good For Your TPT Business
- Episode 16, Workcations: The Teacher Seller Hack You’ve Been Missing
Mentioned in this episode:
Sign up for the Jumpstart Your Year Planning Workshop (and learn which planning type you are with the FREE planning style quiz!) at https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
The leaves are changing and the morning air is turning crisp, which can only mean one thing. Spooky season is here! To get us in the spooky spirit, Ashley and I are diving into some of our deepest fears - not just in business, but in life and beyond.
From TPT anxieties to real-life phobias like spiders and heights (thanks a lot, TikTok!), you’ll hear it all. We realize that some of the things we worry about are way more rational than others! Hopefully this conversation will make you realize you aren’t alone in your fears.
We would love to hear from you! What is your biggest fear around TPT or in your personal life? Share them with us on Instagram @school.of.sellers or in our Facebook group.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode147/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Being a TPT seller looks different for each person. Some of you are full-time TPT sellers who have left the classroom while others are in the classroom with the end goal of working from home on TPT full-time. Our guest today, Katarina Lazaris, is a full-time teacher and successful TPT seller with no plans to leave the classroom.
Katarina is the face behind Lessons for Learning and a 6th-grade full-time teacher. She started her TPT store during her very first year of teaching and the rest is history! If you love being in the classroom but also love growing your TPT business, Katarina is proof that you can do both.
In our conversation, Katarina shares why she stays in the classroom even though her TPT store brings in a full-time income. She also breaks down how she manages her time in both roles to avoid burnout. If you dream about being a full-time teacher while running a thriving TPT store, I have a feeling this episode will leave you feeling inspired!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode146/
Resources:
🗓 The Finishing Framework: https://schoolofsellers.com/finishing-framework/
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We’re kicking off a new series on the podcast: seller book club chats! In the first episode of this series, I sit down with Janice Cook and Kassaundra Foster to dive into Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”. Big Magic talks a lot about creativity and breaking out beyond fears and hesitations to live happier lives both as people and business owners.
Throughout our conversation, we talk about balancing creative freedom with business pressures, managing perfectionism, and the unique challenges faced by teacher sellers. We also touch on the emotions that come with "dead ideas" and how we respond when other sellers have similar ideas that we do.
You’ll hear what we deeply connected with in the book…and what we couldn’t quite relate to! I think this is the perfect read if you’re feeling detached from the creative spark that led you to becoming a TPT seller in the first place. If you’ve read Big Magic, we would love to hear your thoughts too! Tag us on Instagram @school.of.sellers and share your takeaways.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode145/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Connect with Janice and Kassaundra:
- Janice’s Instagram: @teacherjaniceva
- Kassaundra’s Instagram: @fostercontentsolutions
Do you have more than one way that you’re bringing in income from your teacher business? Today we’re diving back into the world of diversification with guest, Brittany Naujok. Brittany is a long-time member of the School of Sellers community and this episode marks the second time I have had her on the show (check out her first appearance here!).
Brittany gives a snapshot of her journey as a teacher, seller, and entrepreneur. Her story began in late 2012 thanks to a friend’s suggestion to start selling her teaching resources. In 2014 she decided to fully commit to this new venture and has been creating resources for middle school grades ever since!
Now she diversifies her business through three main paths: affiliate links, co-hosting a podcast, and having a website shop. Brittany shares the pros and cons of each diversification method and reminds us of the importance of pursuing what brings you joy and fits your lifestyle!
We hope this gives you some ideas on how you can diversify your business! If you want to hear more stories from sellers who are diversifying, check out out these episodes!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode144/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
In our comeback episode (episode 126), I sat down with Ashley, one of the faces behind team SOS. We had a casual conversation and received lots of great feedback, so we’re bringing it back today.
Ashley joins me again for a coffee chat to talk about our opinions on the TPT storefront design, what type of eating competition we would win, product inspiration, and more. I must have been hungry while planning this episode because a lot of our questions revolve around food! So, grab your snacks and your coffee, and join us for a chat!
Do you have a weird food combination that you love? Have a funny story behind a TPT product that you’ve created? Share your feedback from this episode with us on Instagram @school.of.sellers or in a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode143
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Two years ago I interviewed Abby Mullins and asked her ten questions to represent her ten years as a TPT seller (check out that episode here!). It has turned into a School of Sellers listener-favorite, so I knew I had to invite Abby back on the podcast!
Now two years later, Abby joins me to catch us up on what she’s been up to over the past couple of years. All I can say is that a lot has changed since the last time we sat down! For one, Abby has made her way back into the classroom while continuing her TPT business.
Abby shares what kind of changes she’s seen in her business, why she decided to return to the classroom, additional income streams she has utilized, advice for the TPT community, and more. Plus we’ll get into some “just for fun” questions!
One key takeaway from our conversation is that your capacity often changes based on your current season of life, and sometimes we need to pivot. Let us know your takeaways by sending me a message on Instagram after listening @school.of.sellers!
Show Notes:
Resources: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode142/
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Having an online business comes with a lot of opportunities. There are so many different ways to generate income, and you don’t have to stick to just one! I love interviewing teacher sellers who have found ways to diversify their business, and today we’re hearing from a guest who has done just that.
Lisa McHargue is a teacher turned digital organizer who has a knack for organizing Google Drives and making digital clutter feel manageable. While she started her business as a TPT seller, she now also runs a membership where she helps teachers keep all their digital files organized.
Lisa shares why she decided to start a teacher membership, how she runs it, and why teacher memberships are an incredible diversification option for business owners. You’ll see that there’s more than one way to create a successful membership, and it can be on your terms!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode141/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Connect with Lisa:
- Lisa’s website
- Join The Digital Clutter Clean Up Club
- Instagram: @lisajmch
- Work with Lisa
Are you a TPT seller who often considers going back to the classroom? If so, then today’s guest episode is for you! I’m joined by Marcy Bernethy, the face behind Saddle Up for Second Grade.
Marcy started her TPT store 12 years ago and has been working on her business full-time from home since 2018. Then in 2023, she made the quick and unexpected decision to go back to the classroom to teach second grade.
Inside this episode, Marcy shares all the details about why she decided to go back to the classroom, how she fits in TPT work time while teaching, what it’s been like to return to the classroom, and more. It really is possible to have a business and teach, so we hope this conversation encourages you if going back to the classroom is on your heart!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode140/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the School of Sellers podcast! In today's episode, we're continuing our series on diversifying your teacher business with the incredible Barb Flowers, a former teacher and administrator who transitioned into life coaching. I'm thrilled to share our conversation, where Barb dives deep into how life coaching is a unique and powerful way teachers can expand their careers beyond the traditional classroom.
Barb opens up about her journey from teacher to principal and now to empowering educators as a life coach focused on combating burnout and building confidence. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or curious about the world of life coaching and how it can intersect with education, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired and maybe even consider diversifying your own business in new ways.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode139
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
I am thrilled to introduce our guest, Michelle Staley, the brains behind Teach with Michelle Allison. In this fun and insightful episode, we dive into a special 20 Questions segment where Michelle answers everything from her TPT journey during COVID to her favorite comfort pajamas and what it's like to create engaging classroom resources with her first graders in mind.
Michelle shares her thoughts on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating social media, and even her unexpected fear of frogs. Whether you're a fellow TPT seller or just love hearing about the lives behind the storefronts, this episode promises a delightful mix of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode138
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Hello, seller friends! Today, I sat down for a fascinating chat with Breyen Wee, the creative mind behind Oui Madame Wee. Breyen, an Arbonne consultant and mother of two, offers insights on diversifying your teacher business through network marketing.
Join us as Breyen shares her journey from a kindergarten teacher to an entrepreneur, tackles common misconceptions about direct sales, and highlights the benefits of stepping into the world of network marketing. If you're intrigued by the idea of expanding your revenue streams beyond the TPT platform, this episode is for you.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode137
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Today, we're diving into one of my absolute favorite concepts: the workcation! Imagine combining the relaxation of a vacation with the productivity of focused work time—sounds dreamy, right? Join me as I share the origins, benefits, and diverse formats of workcations, from cozy Airbnbs to makeshift bedroom retreats.
We'll explore how getting away can amplify your creativity, boost your productivity, and inject a little fun and pampering into your hectic schedule. Whether you're planning to batch content, brainstorm a new product line, or tackle a big project, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you get started on your own workcation journey.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode136/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Today, as part of our Sellers Actually series, we're featuring a truly inspiring story that debunks some common myths about the world of Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT). Joining us is none other than Amy Lemons, a pioneering figure in the TpT community. Amy's journey as a TpT seller began in 2011, and she's continued to achieve remarkable success without a massive team backing her. Amy's business is efficiently run with just herself and one virtual assistant.
In this conversation, Amy shares her beginnings as a teacher blogger and her evolution into a TpT seller and offers valuable insights into running a thriving business solo. We'll explore the misconceptions about "big sellers" and discuss how Amy navigates her business landscape, all while keeping things relatable and real for our listeners. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, you'll find Amy's story both enlightening and motivating.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode135
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Today's episode tackles a topic that many of us have experienced – FOMO, or fear of missing out! Especially when it comes to the annual TPT conference. While these conferences offer unique experiences, not everyone can attend due to various reasons. But don't worry! If you're unable to attend this year's TPT conference in San Diego, we've got you covered.
From following along on our Instagram for real-time updates to tuning into special podcast episodes recorded at the conference, we're here to ensure you don't miss a beat. Plus, we'll discuss ways you can turn this into an opportunity to get ahead, including hosting your own PD and joining our School of Sellers back-to-school bingo challenge. Get ready to feel informed, motivated, and part of the action, even from afar.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/episode134
Resources:
⭐ Back-To-School Bingo: www.schoolofsellers.com/bingo
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We are back with another guest in our diversifying series! In this episode, I welcome the inspiring Molly Wheatley, a fifth-grade teacher with over a decade of experience who has successfully transitioned into the tutoring business. Molly shares her journey from classroom burnout to creating a thriving tutoring business that not only supplements her income but also reignites her passion for teaching.
Molly provides invaluable insights into starting your own tutoring business, including tips on pricing, finding your niche, and treating your side gig like a serious business venture. Whether you're looking to diversify your income streams or seeking a way to escape teaching burnout, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/tutoring-business
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We're kicking off a series on diversifying with Amanda Cardenas, founder of Mudd and Ink Teaching and cohost of the Brave New Teaching podcast. Amanda chats with me about diversifying her teacher business through in-person professional development. She shares her journey from selling on TPT to discovering her passion for in-person PD and speaking engagements.
Amanda opens up about the personal challenges she faces in embracing her role as a professional development leader, particularly dealing with anxiety and self-doubt. Her candid sharing about breaking the traditional teacher money mindset and the transition from a classroom teacher to a professional development expert adds authenticity to the conversation.
Through the discussion, Amanda offers practical advice for those looking to transition to in-person PD, such as building relationships with schools, considering logistical factors like travel expenses, and navigating brand confusion between different facets of one's business. Amanda provides inspiring and practical guidance for teachers looking to diversify their business beyond the classroom.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/in-person-pd
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Have you been looking for ways to maximize your sales on TpT, even with some of the limitations on the platform? I know many sellers wish we had a few additional features when it comes to the TpT platform. One feature I wish TpT offered is having access to our customers’ email addresses so we can stay connected with them after their purchases.
The good news is there are some hacks that we can use to help increase our sales on TpT once a customer has purchased or downloaded a product. We may not have access to our customers’ emails to follow up and promote our other products, but we can ask our customers to purchase additional products through upsells of the products they have already purchased. In this episode, I am diving into what an upsell is, three upsells you should use on TpT, and how to get started with upselling in your TpT store.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/upsells
Resources:
Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit! (Affiliate link)
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Have you thought about diversifying your teacher seller business to include supplemental income streams? Many teacher sellers, like myself, worry about the uncertainty of relying solely on platforms like TpT for income. However, we know we can’t add on something we pour as much time and effort into as our TpT stores, so what are some options for creating additional revenue streams for our businesses?
Diversification is a means of reducing risk and increasing stability in our teacher seller business. Of course, this is not something that all teacher sellers want or need, especially those still in the classroom! But for those of us who rely solely on our businesses, finding ways to diversify and bring in additional revenue can be incredibly helpful.
In this episode, I share 13 ways of diversifying and expanding your income stream beyond your TpT store. You’ll hear about online and in-person options, education and non-teaching-related ideas, and the pros and cons of different options to help you decide if these are a good fit for you!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/diversifying
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Do you feel like you have 25 tabs open in your brain at all times? If so, you are not alone! As a teacher, business owner, and mom, I feel like I constantly have new ideas, endless to-dos, and random things popping into my head all the time. Now, I’m sure you’ve heard about brain dumps before, but finding a brain dump system that works for me has truly been a game changer for making sure that my ideas and thoughts don’t get forgotten.
I personally think that the mental load of a teacher business owner is unmatched. However, feeling overwhelmed by it all doesn’t need to be your norm. Once I started implementing the simple practice of a brain dump into my seller habits, my brain finally was able to feel some relief! In this episode, I am breaking down what a brain dump is, options for brain dumps, why having a system is beneficial, and my tips for a successful brain dump system.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/brain-dump/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Are you ready to successfully tackle your business goals this summer, even with kids at home? We are quickly approaching summer which means that for many of us, our schedules will be changing. There will be kids at home, summer camps, trips, and, of course, all the everyday summer fun that we look forward to. But even with the change in schedules, you can take control of your summer business plan with a little bit of planning ahead!
Balancing work and family time in the summer can sometimes feel overwhelming. As teacher sellers, we know there is so much to do throughout the year, but we also want to make summer the best it can possibly be for us and our families. In order to do that, it’s so helpful to have a solid summer business plan in place where you can identify and plan out exactly what you want to focus on and when.
As I was preparing my own summer business plan, I thought it might be helpful to share it with you as a sort of “summer business survival guide.” So today, I am walking you through the 3 main things I will be focusing on this summer, what I am doing in each of these 3 areas, and how I have my time scheduled to make the most out of work time and family time.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/summer-business-plan
Resources:
Your Data Playbook
THE Planning Workshop For Teacher Sellers Waitlist
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Does spring have you feeling the need to clean, declutter, and head into summer with a fresh start? I always look at spring as a time for fresh starts and a renewed sense of energy, not just for my physical spaces but for my business as well! If you’re ready to head into the second half of the year feeling rejuvenated and with your business organized and fresh, I’ve got some helpful tips for you.
If you are feeling like you have some major organizing to do when it comes to your business, you are not alone! We all know that as busy teacher sellers, we can let our virtual or business space get a little cluttered and disorganized. But there are simple ways we can make cleaning up our virtual space seem less overwhelming this spring.
In this episode, I’m diving into some of my favorite tips to help you organize your teacher business because it’s so much more manageable to tackle spring cleaning with easy-to-do, actionable items. These tips will give you a great start to your spring cleaning and if you would like more help with organizing your teacher business, be sure to check out the Ignite Membership!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/spring-cleaning
Resources:
Free product inventory tool
Check out the Finishing Framework
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We are so excited to be back with you for a new season of the School of Sellers podcast! After stepping back from the podcast for a bit, Ashley from Team SOS is here with me to catch up with you, share what we have been up to, and kick off an amazing season two. We understand that as teacher sellers, you have a lot on your plate, and we can’t wait to share some helpful seller tips and stories and provide support to you this season!
In this episode, we're sharing why we took a break from the podcast, what we have been up to in our businesses, and what we're enjoying right now. We’re also looking ahead at what we have in store in upcoming episodes and inside the Ignite Membership.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/new-season/
Resources:
🔥 Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
💻 Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers
❤️ Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We are bringing a listener's favorite back! It's always such a breath of fresh air to hear from someone who has experienced it all and understands the struggle of wearing multiple hats for several years on TPT.
Today's guest is Abby Mullins, the owner of the TPT store Babbling Abby. She has over a decade of experience as a TPT Seller and has many lessons to share. She will be answering ten questions from listeners like you with all her best tips and relatable advice!
In today's episode, Abby tells what led her to become a TPT seller, how she can find balance in her life and business during a decade on TPT, the importance of having support, and understanding how to delegate the right tasks. Plus, Abby shares the most significant mindset shifts that helped her achieve her success as a TPT Seller, mother, and wife.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/decade-on-tpt
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Are you wearing multiple hats and unsure how to balance it all? Many of us are teachers, business owners, and parents, and that can be overwhelming. If you're feeling like you're juggling all the things, you're not alone, and this episode will dive into how balancing a business can be done successfully.
Today's guest is Breyen Wee, the owner of the TPT store, Oui Madame Wee. She has built her business through several different seasons of life. She will share with us how she balances teaching, business, and parenthood, all while managing to take care of herself.
In today's episode, Breyen fills us in on how she got started as a TPT seller, the most significant benefits of being in the classroom and running a TPT store, how she realistically prioritizes her time to do what matters most, and the importance of having a solid support system.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/balancing-a-business/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Are you on the verge of TPT burnout trying to excel as a teacher, parent, and business owner? You're in the right place! We are devoting the entire month of podcast episodes to those working in the classroom while also running your TPT business!
Today's guest is Brittany Blackwell, who specializes in teacher resilience. She is a special education teacher, a mother of 5, and the host of The Resilient Teacher Podcast. She is sharing her best advice on how to balance teaching and passion projects, whether that's TPT or something else, without feeling all of that extra overwhelm and pressure.
In our conversation, Brittany shares her background as a teacher and how it led to her current path, the importance of resilience in the classroom, how to choose what to focus on in your TPT business, and her top three tips to avoid burnout.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/tpt-burnout
Resources:
- Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
- Follow Brittany on Instagram @teachingmindbodyandsoul.
- Listen to Brittany's podcast, The Resilient Teacher Podcast
- Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
- Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Have you been thinking about how to diversify your TPT income? This week we are diving into the best tips for launching a course or membership! It’s always a good time to look for other avenues and ways to grow beyond the traditional marketplace.
Our guest on today's episode is Melanie Battistelli, the face of Duxbury digital and an incredible online business manager and Launch Manager for the TPT community and beyond. She helps business owners rock their launches and grow their businesses.
In this episode, Melanie shares how she went from a full-time teacher to a full-time online business manager, what the differences are between launching a course vs. launching a membership, the most common launch mistakes to avoid, and her top three tips to prepare for launching a new offer.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/launching-a-course/
Resources:
- Connect with Melanie on Instagram @duxburydigital
- Join Ignite today
- Sign up for The Finishing Framework
- Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers
- Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We are continuing our conversation on SOPs from last week with a deep dive into my personal product creation SOP process! Many of us learn best through examples so we will put everything from last week’s episode into action today!
SOPs will make you more efficient and productive in your business. Having SOPs in your business will reduce the number of questions and mistakes and ensure that everything follows a cohesive process. You'll learn today how I use SOPs to break down the intense cycle of project creation.
In today’s episode, I am pulling back the curtain on my product creation process, sharing how to start using SOPs in your own business, even as a solopreneur, the method for discovering and filling the gaps in your business using SOPs, and how to save time in the future by documenting your processes from start to finish.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/product-creation
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Sign up for The Finishing Framework: https://schoolofsellers.com/finishing-framework/
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We can all use more brain space in our busy lives, and today we are diving into the wonderful topic of standard operating procedures, also known as SOPs. I'm on a total systems kick lately, because I'm revamping and getting ready to launch The Finishing Framework Course soon!
All of the buzzwords in the systems world have been on my mind. So, in addition to templates we covered in last week's episode, SOPs are your best friend in regards to productivity, efficiency, and overall, a quieter and happier brain.
In today's episode, I am excited to share the basics of SOPs, what it means when you have them in your business, how to implement them into your current business, the simplest way to get started asap without feeling overwhelmed, and my personal favorite resource to organize my SOPs.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/sop/
Resources:
- Join the waitlist for The Finishing Framework!
- Get the 2023 TPT Seller Planner.
- Join Ignite today!
- Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Are you looking for ways to save time and energy in your TPT business? I've got you covered! I'm sharing one of my favorite ways to work smarter and not harder: TEMPLATES! Your time is a precious commodity, and templates can not only give you your time back, but they can also save some serious brain power.
We all know that being a TPT seller is one of the busiest jobs you could have. In fact, that's exactly how School of Sellers was created - by sharing what I've learned to help other teacher sellers streamline their business without working endless hours.
In today's episode, we are diving into what you need to know about templates, the five templates you must have in your TPT business, how to use these templates to streamline your content creation processes, and the endless benefits of implementing templates into your business!
If you enjoyed this conversation, then you'll love The Finishing Framework Course, which will help you finally get a handle on the constant content creation and tedious to-do lists. Learn more here!
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/templates
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Remember being excited for show-and-tell back in the day? It was always so fun and exciting! Well, In today’s episode, we are doing a business-related version with a 'Favorite Things Party'. I invited four of my friends on to share teacher seller tools and products that we LOVE in our TPT businesses!
You'll hear from Amanda Cardenas, Michael Sivert, Ashley Wright, and Katie Lofton. These guests are all TPT business owners, and have tested many tools and products to find their favorites. From saving time, to managing tasks, to communicating with team members, each tool serves a purpose!
After this fun episode, you'll have many new ideas and things to try out in your business (and personal life). You never know, one of these teacher seller tools just may be a game-changer for you! After listening, let me know which one you're most excited to try out by tagging @school.of.sellers on Instagram.
Grab all the teacher seller tools mentioned inside the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/teacher-seller-tools/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
We are bringing a new type of episode to the podcast today: coffee chat style! This episode was inspired by the School of Sellers Ignite Membership and our theme for March, which is all about product photography and mockups!
My guest Ashley, from Team SOS, and I are sitting down and having a little mini-meeting where we brainstorm all of the questions we will ask our product photography experts in real-time. Ashley and I both enjoy product photography and dabble a lot in the different ways we set up our space and what mockups we use.
In this coffee chat style episode, we will share the areas we excel in with product photography and mockups, the roadblocks we are currently running into, our questions on choosing the right props and lighting, and how to streamline our process for the best results.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/product-photography
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Does tax season stress you out? I know taxes have always made me feel overwhelmed! Taxes are like a foreign language to many of us, and I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. But this episode will put you at ease and tell you exactly what to do before April 15th!
In today's episode, Emily shares what shifted her into serving TPT sellers, how to choose your bookkeeping software, her five recommendations to prepare for a stress-free tax filing, and the most commonly missed deductions.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/taxes-and-tpt/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Are you intrigued by the possibilities of running your TPT business abroad? You’re in for a treat!
We are continuing a popular series from 2022 called “Sellers Around the World,” where we interview sellers from around the world who are teaching and running their businesses successfully in countries outside the United States.
There are so many benefits to bringing your teaching career and TPT life abroad. You’ll hear Rachelle share what made her leap into teaching abroad, her most surprising experiences teaching internationally, and how she started her TPT business while living internationally.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/tpt-life-abroad-in-brazil
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Did you catch last week's first-ever call-in radio show episode, where I answered questions all about lead magnets? If you missed that episode, I highly recommend listening to it first and then coming back here to build on that foundation and hear what it takes to create an irresistible high-converting lead magnet!
In today's episode, we cover the three elements that make up a high-converting lead magnet, how to identify your conversion rate results, how much value to deliver, and why you should make your lead magnet similar to your paid resources.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/high-converting-lead-magnet/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Do you remember the old days when calling into radio stations was a regular occurrence? It was one of my favorite things to do in my pre-teens! This brings me to the exciting segment I'm getting to in the podcast today. I am hosting our first School of Sellers call-in show about using lead magnets!
We don’t have the means to do a live call, but I’ve invited teacher sellers from our School of Sellers Facebook group to submit questions about using lead magnets via voice message.
In this episode, we will play the questions about using lead magnets, and then I’ll answer them in detail! The following two episodes will dive deeper into this topic because our Ignite Membership theme for February is all about using lead magnets.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/using-lead-magnets
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Mentioned in this episode:
Get on the waitlist for Jumpstart 2023: https://schoolofsellers.com/jumpstart
Are you a teacher seller who has recently completed creating your business plans? Congratulations! This is such an exciting moment and should be celebrated. However, it's not the end of your journey. Once you have a finished set of business plans, your set of plans is still in progress.
In today's episode, I am sharing four tips for you when it comes to getting those plans put into action because it's one thing to spend time and energy to make those plans and think about them, and it's a whole other battle to do those things. These tips will set you up for success, no matter what point of planning you are in.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/business-plans
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Are you a TPT seller wondering why your sales aren't where they should be, or at least where you think they should be? Or, maybe you have established a steady income but are unsure how to take your sales to the next level. Either way, you're not alone!
In this episode on sales gaps, we'll discuss the three most common gaps in the TPT world, how we can address them to increase our revenue, and examples of tangible steps to take to close them.
Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/sales-gaps/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers.
Loving this podcast? Rate and write a review on Apple Podcasts here!
Have you fallen into the trap of not moving too much when you work from home? I know I'm guilty because If my job is to sit and stare at a computer screen every day, that's exactly what I do. So I decided to switch things up today and share an exclusive episode inside the Ignite Membership, all about improving your work-from-home health.
Dr. Melissa Manila is an internal medicine doctor, chiropractor, and functional medicine doctor who looks at how her clients got to where they are. She focuses on the root cause of illness instead of quick fixes. Dr. Melissa works with her clients to make lifestyle, diet, supplementation, and chiropractic adjustments to improve their overall health.
In this episode, our special guest Dr. Melissa shares her background as an internal medicine doctor, how often we should incorporate movement into our work days, simple exercises to improve our daily health, and reminders to hold ourselves accountable to sticking with our new habits
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/work-from-home-health/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Are you looking for ways to transform your work habits with one simple mindset shift? Today I am here to share with you a way of thinking that has totally changed how I do business, especially when it comes to those tasks that you just don't feel excited to do.
Simply put, the 'future me' mentality is doing those hard, undesirable things now, with the understanding that they will not only pay off in the future, but they are doing you a big favor. By doing something now, you are taking care of yourself in the future.
In today's episode on transforming your work habits, I'm sharing the 'future me' mindset shift, where this mentality came from, how it's impacted my TPT business and examples of how you can apply it today. The best part? You can apply this mentality to your personal life as well!
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/transform-your-work-habits/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Today, we're discussing outside-the-box ideas for your TPT business in 2023. You might be asking yourself, what exactly do you mean by an outside-the-box business idea? It’s simply doing something in your business that you haven't done before, or that is typically not something you would do in your industry.
In this episode, I'll share the purpose of trying new business strategies, five examples of outside-the-box strategies you can implement in 2023, and even which one I'll be utilizing!
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/business-strategies/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Follow along on Instagram @school.of.sellers
Are you someone who can't quite find your off button? If so, then this episode is for you! This week I am bringing you a blast from the past episode which has aired previously, but is highly fitting as we approach a new year. It is essential to remember that taking a break is okay, and that's what this episode is all about!
When you love work and enjoy running your TpT business, it often doesn't feel like "work." Because of this, I ran my business for years before I learned the value of taking a break. It's not something that comes easily to me, but I've learned to make it work, and today I'm telling you how.
In this episode on taking time away from your TPT business, I will share where my hustle mindset started, the benefits of hustling, and knowing when it's time to pull back. This episode will give you things to consider when taking time away from your business without guilt!
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/taking-time-away/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
This week, we are doing things differently with a podcast swap with an episode from SEO expert Kristen Doyle. She is taking over the podcast today to tell us all we need to know about algorithm changes when running our TPT businesses.
Kristen is the host of the Savvy Teacher Seller Podcast and constantly shares the importance of SEO for a good reason! A solid SEO strategy can boost you to the top of search results for your resources and products, whether you’re on Google, TPT, Amazon, Etsy, or YouTube. The key is understanding the search algorithm for the platform you’re on.
In this episode, Kristen deep dives into why platforms make algorithm changes, what “black hat SEO” is, how you can always make the best experience for your customers and readers by using proven SEO practices, and so much more to feel confident with all the algorithm changes.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/algorithm-changes/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Here's a fun fact about me - I am absolutely obsessed with planners. Over the years, I've obtained quite the collection in my search for the perfect planner. Anyone else share in my obsession?
As TpT sellers, it is essential to have a planning system that works for you! But how do you choose the best planner when so many different options and varieties exist? In today's episode, we are talking about our go-to paper planners, digital planners, and more.
This conversation is a special episode of the podcast because it's actually a flashback of a listener favorite all about choosing the best planner for TpT sellers. Whether it's your first time listening or not, I hope you'll learn something new as Lisa Mattes, Ashley Wright, and I discuss our planner preferences and geek out about planner stuff.
While I use multiple different planners throughout the year, the School of Sellers Planner is my favorite! If you're a planning nerd just like us, then take a quick screenshot of this episode, add it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @schoolofsellers to let me know what your favorite planner for TpT sellers (and pens) are!
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/best-planner-tpt-sellers/
Join the Jumpstart Your Year Workshop!
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Do you go into every new year stressed and overwhelmed? I know that feeling so well. That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my favorite topics...planning. I love anything and everything planning related, but today I'm focusing on business planning.
In this episode all about business planning for 2023, I will give you the same rules I set for myself over two years ago to go from frantically overwhelmed to peaceful and productive! You’ll hear my favorite strategies to save time, prepare for the unexpected, and how to make data-driven decisions.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/business-planning-2023
Join the Jumpstart Your Year Workshop!
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
We are back with another episode of the “TpT Sellers Around the World” series.
Our guest today is the creative mind behind the TPT store Brain Ninjas. She is one half of the Brain Ninjas team, as their business is run in partnership.
Inside this episode of TPT Sellers Around the World, you’ll hear the story of how Brain Ninjas started, lessons learned along their journey, the challenges faced as an international TpT seller, and how she found the perfect partner to run Brain Ninjas.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/canada-with-brain-ninjas
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
What does having a TPT mastermind have to do with your business success? Our guest today, Jill Bensihmon-Marin, shares how her TPT business transformed after joining her TPT mastermind and how much she could grow from having other women who "get it."
In this episode, Jill shares her experiences in two different mastermind groups, how helpful having a TPT mastermind has been for her success and lots of tips for making your TPT mastermind successful for each member. If you've felt stuck doing your TPT business alone, this episode is a must-listen to help you find your tribe of other TPT business owners to support you on your journey.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/tpt-mastermind-part-2/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
What the heck is a mastermind and how do you make the most of your mastermind? Our Guest Brittany Naujok shares with us the ins and outs of what a mastermind consists of and how beneficial it can be to your TPT business.
Inside this episode, Brittany shares her best tips for how to go about creating your very own mastermind and the questions to ask to form groups with women who complement and don't compete directly with each other's TPT audiences. She also discusses how to communicate and keep the mastermind together for long periods.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/your-mastermind-part-1/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Seller friends, this episode is a special one because it marks our 100th episode! It feels like just yesterday that we started this amazing community of sellers. In celebration of this milestone, I knew I wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary compared to my usual episodes.
I'll be sharing 50 "things" that are all TpT tips in one way or another. You'll hear lessons that I've learned, my best pieces of advice, inspiring quotes, and special shoutouts to certain people who have played a crucial role in this entire journey. 50 things is a lot, so if you'd like a printable list of all the things I mention, you can grab that here.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/50-seller-things-tpt-tips/
Download a printable list of the 50 things mentioned in this episode: https://schoolofsellers.com/100
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
What does a successful TpT seller look like to you? For our guest, Michelle McDonald, it means having complete flexibility and freedom to not only continue building her TpT business, but also travel the country in her 1968 vintage Airstream. Living out the Airstream dream is definitely a lifestyle that I could get behind as well!
Michelle is a former elementary and middle school teacher. She stepped out of the classroom in 2019 to focus her attention on designing social studies resources for k-8. Michelle also brings virtual travel to older adults with a line of virtual field trips tailored for senior living communities and hybrid care.
Inside this episode, Michelle shares the good, the bad, and the behind the scenes of the Airstream dream.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/the-airstream-dream-with-michelle-mcdonald/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
As teacher sellers, we are constantly juggling all the things. Many of us are working hard to balance being in the classroom, growing our business, and being the best parent and/or spouse that we can be, all while taking care of ourselves physically and mentally.
It can be really helpful to hear from full-time TpT sellers to get an idea of how they manage their time. That’s why today we are continuing our “share your seller schedule” series with a guest who can offer some insight on managing business and kids.!
We’re joined by Melissa Martinez who is here to share about her experience running her full-time business, while also being a full-time parent. All you parents out there know that’s not an easy task! The best part? Although she is a full-time TpT seller, she only works part-time hours (about 4 hours a day to be exact).
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/full-time-tpt-part-time-hours/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
I don’t know about you, but I think it’s so cool to hear about other people’s experiences outside of what we know. While not all of our listeners live in the United States, the majority of you do. That’s why I love the “TpT Sellers Around the World” series that we occasionally do here on the podcast.
Today, our guest is here to share about her experience living in Madrid, Spain. Kathryn Kosmider is a U.S. citizen who has been living in Spain for the past four years with absolutely no plans to leave!
Inside this episode of TpT Sellers Around the World, you’ll hear Kathryn share details about her experience as a TpT seller and virtual teacher abroad, what her typical schedule looks like, and what life is like in Spain compared to the United States. This conversation is a great reminder that it’s never too late to start living the life you want. I hope it inspires you to do just that!
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/tpt-sellers-around-the-world-spain/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
I don’t know about you, but I think it’s so cool to hear about other people’s experiences outside of what we know. While not all of our listeners live in the United States, the majority of you do. That’s why I love the “TpT Sellers Around the World” series that we occasionally do here on the podcast.
Today, our guest is here to share about her experience living in Madrid, Spain. Kathryn Kosmider is a U.S. citizen who has been living in Spain for the past four years with absolutely no plans to leave!
Inside this episode of TpT Sellers Around the World, you’ll hear Kathryn share details about her experience as a TpT seller and virtual teacher abroad, what her typical schedule looks like, and what life is like in Spain compared to the United States. This conversation is a great reminder that it’s never too late to start living the life you want. I hope it inspires you to do just that!
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/tpt-sellers-around-the-world-spain/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Have you ever had an audit of your TpT store? Store audits are a great way to get honest feedback from a neutral party, and we’re doing just that in today’s episode. I’ll be doing a live store audit of Jennifer Darrell’s store, La Profesora Inspiradora. Jennifer recently went through a rebrand of her business, so during this store audit, we’re going to take a look at her colors, fonts, and other changes she’s made.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/store-audit-with-jennifer-darrell/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
Have you ever had an audit of your TpT store? Store audits are a great way to get honest feedback from a neutral party, and we’re doing just that in today’s episode. I’ll be doing a live store audit of Jennifer Darrell’s store, La Profesora Inspiradora. Jennifer recently went through a rebrand of her business, so during this store audit, we’re going to take a look at her colors, fonts, and other changes she’s made.
Head to the show notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/store-audit-with-jennifer-darrell/
Join Ignite today: https://schoolofsellers.com/ignite
The TpT conference, while one of the most life-changing experiences, can also be one filled with anxiety and nerves. No fear--I've teamed up with a School of Sellers veteran, Kelley Jo Hibschman, who is sharing the best tips for a seamless conference experience. Whether it's your first time or you're a conference pro, it's going to help you--trust me!
Making money is fun but talking about it is another thing. Trina joins us today to share her own experiences with money mindsets, how they have helped and hindered her business, and what she has learned in her growth journey!
Creative slumps, work plateaus, lack of ideas and all the other lovely things that come along with a funk happen to us all. While a funk is unavoidable, today I’m sharing some tips of ways that I unfunk myself when this strikes.
Starting the day off right is important for anyone—whether you’re a morning person or not. In today’s episode, Kristina talks about why her morning routine matters, how it impacts the rest of her day, and what a typical morning looks like for her.
Many of us have been there: we open the TpT app and see a product that looks rather…similar to one in our own store. We go straight to the listing and begin our detective work.
This story is all too common for many sellers, and we’ve all had different endings to our stories. Today, Kerry Tracy joins me as we unpack our experiences with copying—and our advice for others who will walk the same road.
Bundles are so much more than just a pack of products in your store - not only are they the optimization power tool, but they give you ways to provide many pathways to your listings. Listen in as Allison and I discuss 3 ways to grow your store with bundles.
The impact TpT has on teachers and students across the globe is undeniable. What’s even cooler is that so many sellers create from a totally different hemisphere. Sellers Around The World is a series you’ll hear throughout this year as we highlight what life and business look like everywhere.
Today’s guest is Liezel from The Lab. Listen in to find out what unique challenges Liezel faces as an international seller, her favorite part about living in Capetown, and the really cool thing about the school where she teaches (it’s basically a teacher’s dream).
Having your own TpT business is still such a new concept for most of the world to understand—but some sellers are making moves that are new even to the most veteran sellers. Today, Cassi shares her incredible journey from solopreneur to business partner to one of the most successful TpT Sellers to date.
When I say I could have asked Abby 100 questions, I’m not exaggerating. In today’s episode, Abby shares what she has learned over the years on TpT.
Abby is candid about her journey as she answers 10 questions from
listeners—her answers will make you smile, nod your head, and laugh!
When someone says full-time TpT, we immediately picture 40-hour workweeks. The truth is, many full-time sellers also have other things to manage in addition to their business. Today’s guest Laura from Core Inspiration shares how working from her pajamas was never something she thought she’d do—but how it’s the secret to her success now.
Most TpT Sellers could never imagine the positive impact their business would have—but today, Rachel is sharing how dreams really do come true. Rachel’s success comes in the form of freedom to go wherever she wants, whenever she wants. She runs her TpT business serving school counselors all over the world. Listen in as she shares all about life and business on the go.
The truth is, selling on a site where elementary resources are the majority can present unique challenges and opportunities. Dani Kennis (@stuckonedu) is here today to talk about what secondary teachers and students need right now and how secondary sellers can serve them.
In the first ever live store audit, we will take a deep dive into this Spanish teacher’s resources that are mid-makeover. Listen in to see what’s staying, what’s leaving, and what the creative process has resulted in during this live TpT audit!
We all know that feeling while creating a TpT product. We reach the creation finish line and start to celebrate only to remember we are only halfway there, because MARKETING. Luckily, we have photographer extraordinaire Kelly Harvill here today to talk to us about using mockups: how they save us time and make our resources look irresistible.
In today’s episode, I share what a typical day in the life of a full-time TpT seller looks like. I’ll review my average week at a glance and how my schedule runs with a stay-at-home husband doing the childcare. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we hear from more full-time TpT sellers to see how they make it work while working on their business from home!
If you've ever wanted to hear from a TpT seller's partner to hear what life is like on the other side, it's your lucky day. When I say that the best system to have in place is a great support system, I'm not lying. It takes a village to grow a business, and our life partners are the core of that village. Listen in as I interview my husband, a teacher-turned-stay-at-home father and husband.
Content creation is a must for any TpT seller. Podcasting is an increasingly attractive option for many online business owners. Today we welcome Sara Whittaker from Podcasting for Educators shares all of the need-to-know information for any seller considering a podcast. Sara is also going to dive a bit deeper into your options for a private podcast and how that differs from a traditional podcast.
In today’s first ever SOS book talk, I’m diving into my review and takeaways from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg writes largely about how we spend most of our time on many little things whereas we should actually be spending our time on several big things. Listen in to get tips as they pertain to TpT, time management, and finding the things that you should actually spend your time on.
When we know someone else is paying attention to what we are doing, it creates a magical force of productivity. THAT is the magic of accountability: being held responsible for what we say we will do. If you know you need accountability but are not sure how or where to find it, this episode is for you.
Challenges abound in the TpT world, and customer ratings are no exception. That notification pops up and your worst fears are confirmed: a bad review. Now what? I’m walking you through a healthy mindset shift, ways to respond, and how to leverage the good feedback.
Small but mighty, these 3 words have changed the way I work and live my life. I’m sharing with you these words alongside the mindset hack that will allow you to feel better about the work you do—and probably get more done in the long run.
I've said it once and I've said it again: new year's resolutions are garbage. They simply don't work. In today's episode, I'm offering you 3 guidelines for preparing your business plan for the new year. These will help you design your best year yet with all the things that truly matter.
“Time is money” never really meant anything to me until I became a teacherpreneur. Learning how to budget my time efficiently has been one of the most monumental gifts I’ve given my business (and bank account!) Listen as I share my 10 favorite tips for using your time wisely: you can “thank” me later ;)
If you are a serial planner collector like me, you’ll love this episode. Listen as I sit down with special guests Lisa Mattes and Ashley Wright as we talk about the merits of paper planners, digital planners, and options in between.
Listen: if people can decorate for Christmas the day after Halloween, I can make my business plans for 2022 in November. But for real: today I am giving you the inside scoop on how I make my business plan for the new year—the entire year—before it even begins. Follow along as I give you an outline of my planning process, my dos and don’ts for business plans, and other tips for making this year your best year yet.
Being a parent and owning a business is not for the faint of heart, but if you feel like you are constantly playing the work + kids balancing act, this episode is for you! Arianna Vernier, creator behind Ditch the Classroom Podcast, sits down with me to talk about how a work-from-home business and kids can actually work.
Mistakes are a part of business, but some missteps are just downright SCARY! We recently asked our School of Sellers members to share their spookiest, most cringeworthy “Oh no!” Moments as a TpT seller. The tales you’ll hear are chilling, horrifying, and…well, relatable. Listen in as 3 brave sellers share stories that will make you laugh and gasp at the same time. Joining me today are special guests Brenna Nelson, Katie Loftin, and Maryana Dublanko!
It's a hard pill to swallow when you spend time and resources on a project or idea only to have it fail. The truth is, business failures abound in the TpT world--we just don't hear about them all. I used to scrap things altogether when they didn't work out, but I've learned so many times that a failed plan often grows into an even better one in its place. I'm getting 100% transparent about 1 tool I tried and 1 service I offered that did NOT go well---and how I pivoted.
Not only is the sheer amount of data intimidating, but once we sort through it we are expected to make informed decisions about what to do next. Jarrett + Beth Vaucher from My Data Playbook are here with me to break it all down. There’s a lot of pressure to use our data, but where do we start? What numbers matter? What does it all mean? Beth and Jarrett are here to help!
We’ve all heard of Shakespeare festivals, but have you ever heard of Shakespeare Teacher Festivals? Amanda Cardenas from Mud & Ink Teaching is taking things to a much cooler level. She has transformed a brick and mortar event into an online playground for ELA teachers everywhere. Listen in to hear behind-the-scenes details from her festival success and tips about how she was able to make money from a free event!
As teacherpreneurs, it’s important we stay current with trends and tools in education and on TpT. You’ve heard a lot about Easel by now, but what’s the deal exactly? In this episode, I sit down with Will Cullen from Team TpT and Courtney Roberts of Classroom Resource Queen to dive into all the details: What is Easel, why does it matter to sellers, and why is it a no-brainer in our teacher seller businesses?
If you think hashtag sales are all about making a few bucks, you're wrong--and I was too. Today I'm sharing lessons learned after a year of hosting hashtag sales. It turns out there are tons of non-sale victories to be had. Listen to find out why hashtag sales are worth your time and then some!
It's no secret that a teacherpreneur's journey with Pinterest is filled with ups and downs. Sometimes it can feel like more downs, but the truth remains that Pinterest is the highest traffic-driver to TpT. Today we sit down with Chelsea Hall, teacher-turned-Pinterest strategist to learn the best way to leverage Pinterest and its constant changes.
Conference week brings the most shocking combination of creative energy, information overload, and infinite inspiration. The question is: how do we harness it and use the momentum to move our business forward? In this episode, I give an overview of how we made our plans in an online workshop this week. Spoiler alert: You're invited, and it's free!
Repurposing is a buzzword we can't get away from. But what does it actually mean? Are you doing it the right way? What else can you repurpose in your business? I answer all of these questions and more as I share 6 fresh ways to repurpose your content.
When you love work and you enjoy running your TpT business, it often doesn't feel like "work." I ran my business for years before I learned the value of taking a break. It's not something that comes easily to me, but I've learned to make it work and today I'm telling you how.
Virtual or in-person, there are always ways to prepare for the TpT conference ahead of time. Listen in for quick, easy tips that you can put into action ASAP. In this episode, I recommend Chrome extensions, downloading opportunities, and more!
While it's hard to believe the year is half-over, I'm so excited to share with you how things have been going. In this episode, I'll review the last 6 months and share with you my favorite tool, biggest lesson, + fun on the horizon.
Today I'm offering 3 super simple, super quick tweaks you can make in your business TODAY that will result in money. Pure and simple, nothing sneaky--just good old-fashioned TpT business hacks that we tend to overlook.
Talking about money is weird and uncomfortable, but 100% necessary. I'm confessing the real reason I started selling on TpT and why it's okay if you are money-motivated.
Join Molly Beardsley Keri Brown, Nicole Brown, Vanessa Mejia, Molly Bearsley, Michael Sivert and I in this LIVE replay when we answer questions about starting out on TpT.
Not sure how we are already talking about summer, but it's coming! Here are 4 surefire ways to leverage your summer break in order to give some TpT TLC to your business.
Join me and Shannon Betts of RDNG as we dive into Shannon's story and what being a teacher seller means to her. Learn how Shannon's teacher business has helped her some of her greatest challenges both in and out of the classroom.
Join me with special guest Jen Regan as we reflect on the mistakes we've made in the TpT business and how to avoid them + make your business better now--not later. Jen shares candidly about balancing work and home life, and also how she has learned to make the most of her time by repurposing her content.
If you need to build your brand but have no clue where to even begin branding your business, listen up! Carly Mitchell, a professional graphic designer, is here to save the day with super practical, easy-to-follow ways to brand your business. Carly will talk us through your best way to create a logo, choosing brand colors, and how to find that perfect font.
Marketing your teacher products can be stressful, scary, and expensive. Today, I am showing you all of the ways to make marketing the opposite---follow along for TpT marketing ideas that will be friendly on your wallet and are already right in front of you!
If you've ever wondered how to make products that will actually sell in a market that seems so crowded, this is your show. Guest Kristen Doyle and I talk about 3 big ideas beyond the techy step-by-step of product creation. Anyone can create a product, but listen in to our top tips for making TpT products that will maximize your success!
Links Mentioned In This Episode:
- Product Creation Checklist
- Foundations Course
When I quit teaching, I had no idea what my future would hold. Today, I am sharing an update 4 years later about what it's like to be out of the classroom and living a life I love. If you are thinking about leaving the classroom, have wondered what other options you have, and want to hear firsthand from someone who has left, this episode is for you!
It sounds too good to be true, but there are some seriously passive ways you can grow your business and expand your business mind without even lifting a finger (well, maybe JUST lifting one finger—literally). Other than that, I offer you 3 surefire ways to learn new tips, find the experts you need, and take in top-notch information that is sure to grow your TpT business.
Planning your week effectively is one of the most important things you can do for your teacher business. In this episode, I share my exact process for planning my ideal week and walk you through a quick but effective system for making every day count.
**45** Join Erin and Ashley from Team SOS as we answer the #1 thing email beginners should do, and other questions teacher sellers often wonder about email marketing. Whether you have no list, a new list, or a list that's ready to grow, this episode has some great nuggets of knowledge you'll take away to boost your email game.
Access the Show Notes: https://schoolofsellers.com/starting-your-email-list/
Links mentioned in this episode: * Finishing Framework * Email Lab * ABCs of Email Marketing * Start with Flodesk * Start with ConvertKit
Join Erin and Ashley from Team SOS as we answer burning questions about email marketing: What is an email funnel? How often should I be emailing my list? And everything else you've been wondering about email but are too afraid to ask. We've got you.
Links mentioned in this episode: * Finishing Framework * Email Lab * ABCs of Email Marketing * Start with Flodesk * Start with ConvertKit
In this first-ever hotseat episode, Ashley from Team SOS grills Erin on all things email marketing. She will talk about starting an email list and answer questions on the spot like, "How do you get your subscribers to become paying customers?" and more!
- ABCs of Email Marketing
- Email Course Waitlist
- Finishing Framework
- Getting Started with ConvertKit
- Getting Started with Flodesk
- School of Sellers on Facebook
- School of Sellers 101
Catch our Batch Party Part 1 as I dive into all things batching. This week's show is our live video series we hosted on Facebook this week in which I cover how to batch, what you can batch, and how batching will revolutionize your teacher seller game.
Join us today for our first-ever podcast guest! Farrah is a past student of The Finishing Framework and is here today to talk all things batching--why we love it, the nitty-gritty of the actual process, and the gifts it has brought both of our businesses.
In today's episode, I'm letting you in on something I've never told anyone before. Let's get real (and really embarrassing) as we talk about why you don't have to be an organized person to embrace systems and organization in your business.
In Part 2 of Getting Ahead in Your Business in 2021, I talk about the types of control you have in your business. We will dive into the things you should let go of, the things you should hold on to, and how this will help your business flourish in the long run.
Subscribe to the show! Are you subscribed to School of Sellers? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. For good reason--I don’t want you to miss an episode! Also, here's a little secret: I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the channel and if you’re not subscribed, you’ll miss out on those.
Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
If you're feeling super generous, I would eternally grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Reviews help other sellers find my podcast just like you. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Links mentioned in this episode: * School of Sellers Facebook community * New sellers, join our School of Sellers 101 community! * Erin Waters on Instagram * Erin Waters on Facebook
Looking for another way to get this episode? Download the transcript here!
Preparing for the unexpected isn't easy, but there are tons of things you CAN predict and get ahead of in the new year. Listen to Part 1 of our Getting Ahead in 2021 series. In today's episode, I'll share 8 small but mighty tips you can do today behind the scenes to stay on top of your business all year. (Spoiler alert: most of the tips take less than 5 minutes each!)
I'm signing off until next year, seller friends! But first, let's recap 2020 and put our best foot forward in the new year. Listen in to my year in review and my wish for you in the new year
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your life is not a Hallmark movie. Writing down your goals with your new Flair pens is not going to make all your wildest dreams come true (but it is fun). If you want this to be your year, you have to make sure you have all the pieces to your planning puzzle----not just your goals that sound good. Let's design our best year yet!
One of the side effects of being an accidental entrepreneur is always worrying about whether or not you sound too "sales-y." Try as I might, the actual sales pitch of a product still gives me a stomachache. Luckily, I've found a few workarounds that remedy the situation and will make you feel way better when putting your products out there.
It's no secret that social media is a nightmare. But it's also a necessary evil in this business world of ours. So, what's a seller to do when a pillar of our business requires us to show up in such a stressful place? Here are a few action items to do TODAY that will make you feel a little better--and preserve your business too.
Your “big picture” content plan can be overwhelming. Find out how to streamline and simplify how you decide what to post! Say goodbye to “I have nothing to share” and say hello to your new favorite posting strategy.
Supportive families and loved ones are a must in this teacher seller journey--but how do we explain to them why what we do is so important? Listen to how we made it work--even when it wasn't always easy.
Starting a new project is SO FUN but about halfway through, the energy has faded and that nap is sounding really good. Find out how to get your creative sparks flying again and push through the brick wall of the product creation plateau with 3 easy-to-implement ideas.
Dreading the blogging world? Maybe you can't seem to write consistently; maybe you have no idea what to write about. Regardless of your stance, blogging is one of the tasks that is one of the common undesirables. Really, though? Blogging doesn't have to be so bad. In this Facebook Live replay, I offer tips for blogging in a way that is doable and not torturous.
Email marketing systems are crucial for your teacher seller business. Whether you are just starting out or your current system needs a refresh, this is for you. This video lays out a simple plan, free tools, and an overall framework for you to follow for your own email system.
Checklists, online tools, and spreadsheets--oh my! Systems are the way we run our business. Whether you know it or not, systems are WHY your business grows, thrives, and succeeds. You can have goals beyond your wildest dreams, but the success of your business will always only be as good as your systems. In this Facebook Live replay, follow along for a glimpse at business-transforming systems you can start today.
With questions rolling in and trends emerging, this new segment is dedicated to answering the most common inquiries. Listen in to hear my views about having a team and also a peek into what a typical work day looks like!
Earlier this year, I did an episode about one of my favorite teacher seller productivity hacks: the workcation. Like most everything in our lives, I've been forced to adapt this coveted tradition of mine and make it fit our current circumstances. Join me for Workcations 2.0 as we revisit this amazing idea with a few tweaks.
I often refer to teacher sellers as accidental entrepreneurs; while we always have dreamed of being the next Ms. Frizzle, we find ourselves thrown into the business world, feeling more like Bill Gates than The Frizz. It can be a scary feeling, but teachers are actually more prepared for the business world than you think! This episode may surprise you.
Follow along on this super-speedy episode in our first edition of Quick Wins: Short on time, but big on action. In this fast episode, I talk about the best type of content to create for your business.
Focus is a hard thing to regain once you've lost it--maybe you have too much to do and are bouncing around from task to task, with nothing getting completed. Maybe you are in a funk and can't seem to do much of anything TPT-related. Regardless of WHY you've lost your focus, here are some tips for finding it again--even it involves tricking your brain.
TPT FOMO is a thing and it sucks. The online world can often make it feel like you are the only one not doing something, or the one that is being left behind--surrounded by masterminds, and giveaways, and bundles, it's easy to feel like you are alone in this TPT world. Follow along for my best tips for turning this situation around.
Stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to incredible things but can also be very scary. So what happens when circumstances force us to change before we are ready? Here's an interesting lesson I learned this year when I had no other choice but to change the way I do business.
To say 2020 has been hard is an understatement. As we've been catapulted into a year of unknowns, running a business has been a challenge. While the year is far from over, I'm sharing with you today the lessons I've learned while running a business even when life feels heavy, hard, and filled with despair.
Shiny objects and distractions are everywhere we look. I’m a sucker for pretty packaging, colorful spreadsheets, and free trials for organizational tools I know I don’t need. In this episode, instead of giving you more distractions, I talk about simple adjustments or hacks you can make using the tools you likely already employ in your business.
I’ve focused a lot on this show on mistakes I’ve made in my teacher seller business; I think we do learn a lot from our missteps. Today, I am flipping the script and sharing with you things I have done well. It’s an important reminder that we should celebrate our successes and give ourselves credit where it’s due--and that there is something to be learned from things that end well too.
In this episode, I talk to you about the most exciting discovery I’ve made in my business in the past year. It’s not always easy to find time to work, but scheduling workcations can totally turn your work time from zero to 60 (literally) in the click of a “book now” button.
Being a mom comes with an endless list of emotions and responsibilities. Running a business comes with its own set of tasks and obligations. Being a mom and a business owner? Yikes. In this episode, I talk about important mindsets for teacher seller moms to adopt in order to maintain a healthy attitude and also run a successful business.
Don’t get me wrong--taking care of ourselves is the most important thing we can do in life. But when we are surrounded by trends and buzzwords, we can often misconstrue the message. In this episode, I share about the unique spin on self care in the teacher seller world.
The concern I hear most from teacher sellers is, “I don’t have time to do it all.” Juggling so many business tasks, along with our day-to-day obligations, is daunting to say the least. I’ve devoted the last 2 years of my life to finding a system that helps me accomplish it all and today I am giving you a peek.
The way you do things matters. We are fortunate in this business that many of our tasks are recurring. This means we have the opportunity to become ninjas with these tasks. I’ll show you how to take a look at what you’re currently doing and turn it into a system that will shave hours off your work time.
To-do list burnout is real and it’s awful. When we are faced with the same tasks day in and day out, our brain starts to shut down and our eyes glaze over. Eventually, our business suffers. I am sharing a technique I swear by to get all of the things done so you don’t have to look at the same obnoxious tasks every single day.
In this episode, Erin breaks down the ways you can make your content work harder for you. We have precious little time to spare, so when we spend it creating content of any sort, it’s in our best interest to use the hell out of it. Let’s explore the ways you can reuse, revamp, and repurpose your blog posts and social media posts so that you don’t have to create something new week after week.
In today’s episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters shares about how a thorough content calendar can be a great hub around which to run your content creation. Her Content Calendar is integral to creating shareable content that is valuable to not only her own business but to her customers as well.
Get a copy of Erin’s Content Calendar Starter Kit here: https://erinmwaters.com/starterkit
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
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In today’s episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters talks about the elephant in the room: the content you share. She discusses her personal processes that help her to be more focused, purposeful, and intentional in your content creation.
Grab Erin’s Easy-Peasy Blog Post list here: https://erinmwaters.com/easypeasy
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
In today’s episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters opens up about the mistakes she’s made in her business and what she would do differently if given the chance. Hopefully, you can avoid some big missteps by listening to this cautionary tale so that you don’t have to waste time fixing them like she did!
Get Erin’s business report card: https://www.erinmwaters.com
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
In today’s episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters flips the script and instead of talking about the big things on the to-do list that have a big impact she’s exploring the tiny habits that actually hold big power. Those tiny habits that empower us to accomplish the big tasks that really matter. She shares her own and encourages you to find and implement your own.
Grab Erin’s habit tracker here: https://erinmwaters.com/
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
In today’s episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters discusses the epiphany she had that changed the way she runs her business. This is the most important piece of information that Erin has to share with the teacher seller community as it currently exists. She shares how this changed her life and has freed her to do more in less time.
Get Erin’s gallery of quote cards here: https://erinmwaters.com/bminuswork
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
On today’s episode of School of Sellers, I get geeky about systems: why I love them, how they help my business, and what you can do starting TODAY. Automation is a major goal for me in my teacher seller business. I have simple ground rules for creating--and sticking to!--my systems. I am sharing a crucial tool with you too!
Get your copy of Erin’s Hub template here: https://erinmwaters.com/hub
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
On today's episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters shares what the next steps are after you’ve prioritized your tasks and answers the question: how are you going to schedule your time? She shares what she learned about how others define “work time”. She also encourages us all to be realistic about the amount of time and energy each task will take to complete (even something as basic as getting ready in the morning, if, you know, you happen to need help with that).
Find Erin’s Work Smarter Worksheet Here: https://erinmwaters.com/worksmarter
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
On today's episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters talks about all things productivity, one of her favorite topics to talk about! But it didn’t start out that way. She shares her journey from “Type B” to “Type A” and common mistakes we make in tackling our To Do lists. She shares her Priority Plan with you. She guides you through an exercise to increase your productivity.
Find Erin’s Priority Plan Worksheet Here: https://erinmwaters.com/priorityplan
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.m.waters/?hl=en
On today's episode of School of Sellers, Host Erin Waters discusses New Year's Resolutions and goal setting. She shares her issues with traditional New Year's Resolutions, what she loves about non-traditional resolutions, and what she does instead. She shares her strategy for and the importance of setting bite-sized goals for work, home, and self.
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
Check out Erin's Planning Form & Inventory: www.erinmwaters.com/monday
Connect with Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schoolofsellers/
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In this introductory episode, I explore the teacher seller journey that we all travel. Having dreamed of serving the TPT community for almost 2 years, this podcast is my way of sharing with other sellers what I have learned in my trials and tribulations as a teacher author.
While I recognize blogging as a necessary evil--emphasis on evil--I am looking forward to exploring a new-to-her platform while talking all things TPT every Monday.
In this pre-official first episode, I discuss the reason why business can feel so hard for teacher sellers. We have all traveled a unique path in that we mostly dreamed of becoming teachers, only to find ourselves thrown into the surprising world of business. For people who love to plan (ahem, teachers!), this change has been exciting but has also come with some unwelcome challenges--namely All. The. Business. Things. What I have come to realize, however, is that I actually not-so-secretly love all the business things. Truly.
Here's a peek at what you can expect in this season of School of Sellers:
- Short episodes (10-15 minutes) released weekly
- Actionable tips, plans, and advice in every episode
- Free supplemental materials to access after each show
- Interviews with industry experts as well as a variety of teacher sellers
- An unfiltered, honest look at the life of a teacher seller
- A clear focus on how to make your business feel doable
Extra time is a luxury we teacher sellers just don't have. We wear so many hats already that "Listens to Podcasts That Waste Our Time + Stress Us Out Even More" is just not another hat I'm willing to don. You with me?
I can relate to many seasons of this seller life. I've built my business while teaching full-time; I've worked as a teacher author through two pregnancies and maternity leaves; I've scaled my business as a stay at home parent, and now--I manage my business full-time.
I am so inspired by the teacher seller community and the success we have collectively and individuals. I also get inspired by words of other people. I have always been a sucker for a good quote, and I'm not just talking about the generic ones you see on planner covers. I'm talking the stop-you-in-your-track quotes. The ones that can change the trajectory of your life or business because they are just that powerful.
In this episode, I share with you one of my favorite quotes by Marie Forleo, the Wonder Woman of business. Marie says often that "everything is figureoutable." It's simple, but oh so true.
Together in School of Sellers, we will band together to figure out this crazy business world together so that it finally feels doable.
Listen now!
Subscribe to the show! Are you subscribed to School of Sellers? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. For good reason--I don’t want you to miss an episode! Also, here's a little secret: I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the channel and if you’re not subscribed, you’ll miss out on those.
Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
If you're feeling super generous, I would eternally grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Reviews help other sellers find my podcast just like you. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Links mentioned in this episode: * School of Sellers Facebook community * Erin Waters on Instagram * Erin Waters on Facebook * Marie Forleo * Growing gallery of quote cards
Other ways to enjoy this post: Download a transcript of this episode here:
School-of-Sellers-Ep-0-Transcript-Erin-WatersDownload Thank you so much for tuning in and checking in! See you next time to talk all things TPT and make this teacher seller life a little more doable!
Being a teacher seller is an incredible journey, but the business side of things can feel hard. To help juggle and figure out your online teaching business, Erin Waters has created School of Sellers as a space to serve the teacher author community through action, tips, tools, and more.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolofsellers/
https://www.instagram.com/school.of.sellers
Growing Gallery of Quote Cards