Teachers Make the Leap

Cassidy Horton shares her journey from being an academic advisor making $32,000 a year to building a successful freelance copywriting business where she's earned $175,000 in 2023. She discusses the mindset shifts necessary to navigate fluctuating income as a freelancer and emphasizes the importance of having multiple income sources. Cassidy also provides practical tips for managing finances as a freelancer, including setting up a separate business bank account and paying yourself a consistent paycheck.

Key Takeaways:

• Freelancing can provide more job stability than a traditional job because you have multiple income sources.
• Pay yourself a consistent paycheck every month from your business bank account to ensure financial stability.
• Separate your personal and business finances by setting up a separate business bank account.
• Set aside a percentage of your income for taxes to avoid surprises at tax time.
• Building a cash cushion in your business bank account can help smooth out income fluctuations.

Links from the episode:

• Cassidy's Financial Foundations Checklist to set your freelance business up for financial success
• Cassidy's Budgeting Workshop to feel financially secure in your freelance business no matter what your client count

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Kristin and Hillary guide listeners through a series of questions and exercises to help them discover what type of freelance business they should start. They emphasize the importance of defining one's purpose for starting an online business by identifying values and personal goals. They also encourage listeners to recognize their strengths as teachers, which can transfer into successful online business ownership. Finally, they explore various online business ideas and encourage listeners to choose the ones that align with their values, goals, and strengths.

Key Takeaways

• Defining your purpose for starting an online business is a crucial first step in determining what type of business is right for you.
• Identifying your values and personal goals can help guide your decision-making and keep you motivated when the going gets tough.
• Recognize the strengths you already possess as a teacher, such as communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Explore various online business ideas that align with your strengths and interests.
• You don't have to know everything about a particular service to start an online business: You can learn and develop new skills along the way. That's part of the fun!

Links:

• Tap here to get the workbook.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

This week, brand strategist and founder of Amari Creative, Ali Hicks-Wright, joins Kristin and Hillary to discuss the importance of branding and design for new businesses. Ali emphasizes the need for a clear brand vision, voice, and visuals to create a strong first impression and build a recognizable and trustworthy brand. She advises new business owners to start with their brand strategy before diving into the visual elements and highlights the importance of consistency in branding. Ali also shares common branding mistakes and offers tips for avoiding them.

Key Topics 

• Branding is your first impression and introduction to your business.
• Start with your brand vision, voice, and visuals to create a strong brand foundation.
• Focus on your ideal customer and tailor your brand messaging and visuals to resonate with them.
• Don't get caught up in perfectionism and take action to get your business off the ground.
• Consistency is key in branding to create recognition and trust.

Links

• Ali + Rachel | Brand & Website Designers (@amaricreative) • Instagram photos and videos (Instagram)
• Amari Creative (website)
• The Brandstorm Workbook
  • Discount Code: workbook50 

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode, Kristin and Hilary discuss 6 signs that indicate you're ready to start an online business. If you're ready to think about careers outside the classroom, but you're not quite sure if starting a freelance business right for you, check out this episode.

Key Takeaways:

• Not reaching goals in a current role can be a sign that it's time to explore other opportunities.
• Wanting the freedom to work from anywhere is a common desire for those considering an online business.
• Increasing earning potential is often a motivating factor for starting an online business.
• Craving a fresh start and a chance to explore new horizons can indicate readiness for a new chapter outside of teaching.
• Believing in the power of small consistent actions can lead to big changes in life.
• Having the belief that creating the life you want is possible is essential for pursuing an online business.

Links:

Join the waitlist for our soon-to-be-released course and community for teachers who want to change the way work shows up in their lives with a thriving online business: https://www.teachersmaketheleap.com/waitlist

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

You hear it all the time: "Anyone can start an online business! All you need is a laptop and an internet connection." And while that's true, you still might be wondering if starting an online business is the right next step for you.

In this episode, Kristin and Hillary discuss how to determine if starting an online business is the right decision for you. They go beyond simply listing traits of good business owners, and dive into what surprising qualities can lead to your success as a business owner.

They also address common concerns, such as anxiety, introversion, and lack of business experience, and explain how you can leverage these to be a successful in online business.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting an online business requires self-trust and the ability to figure things out as you go.
• Getting comfortable with discomfort is essential for growth and success as an online business owner.
• Online business allows for more control and choice in your work and clients.
• Believing that anything is possible is crucial for setting and achieving goals.
• Anxiety and introversion can be managed in the online business space, and there are resources available for support.
• Lack of business experience is not a barrier to starting and running a successful online business.

Links:
Join the waitlist for our soon-to-be-released course and community for teachers who want to change the way work shows up in their lives with a thriving online business: https://www.teachersmaketheleap.com/waitlist

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Kristin and Hillary reflect on their experiences starting their online businesses and share the lessons they wish they had known beforehand. They discuss the importance of emotional endurance in entrepreneurship and the need for personal development work. They also highlight the misconceptions around marketing and the need to reframe it as a positive aspect of business. The hosts emphasize the reality of the online business journey, including the ups and downs, the potential for burnout, and the challenges of taking time off.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional endurance is crucial in overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship.
• Marketing is essential for business success and should be reframed as a positive aspect of helping others.
• The online business journey is not linear, and setbacks and failures are normal.
• Burnout can still occur in online business, but having control over how to address it is a significant advantage.
• Taking time off from an online business requires planning and consideration of financial and operational factors.

In January 2024, Kristin and Hillary are opening doors to their signature course and community for teachers who want to make the leap into online business. Join the waitlist to secure your spot now!

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Summary: Kristin and Hillary answer one of the #1 questions they get asked by teachers: Do they miss having summers off now that they're online business owners? They explain that while the idea of a summer break initially attracted them to teaching, the promise of summers off wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

They share their experiences of how entrepreneurship has actually provided them with more flexibility and control over their schedules than teaching did. Overall, they emphasize that online business has allowed them to have a more balanced and fulfilling work life year-round and that they can now build in time off from their businesses whenever they want.

Key Takeaways:

• Having summers off often came with financial stress and the need to find temporary jobs.
• Kristin and Hillary were determined to find careers with a higher earning potential that didn't require them to work around the clock.
• Ultimately, transitioning from teaching to online business has provided them with more flexibility and control over their schedules.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Deanna Ferello, a former teacher and speech language pathologist, shares her journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship. She explains the main reasons she wanted to leave teaching and details her journey from the classroom to launching her tutoring business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deanna also highlights the importance of empathy and adaptability and skills that teachers develop in the classroom in running a successful business. She encourages teachers to believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference outside of the traditional school system.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship requires a willingness to try, work hard, and adapt.
• Teachers have valuable skills, such as empathy and adaptability, that can be applied to various areas of business.
• Setting prices that reflect the value of your services is important, and it's okay to increase them as your business grows.
• Finding a mentor or joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide guidance and support in starting a business.
• Hearing positive feedback from clients can be incredibly rewarding and reaffirming.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Interested in starting an online business but looking for some tangible examples to kickstart your journey? Don't miss this episode.

In this episode, Kristin and Hilary unpack what an online business is and highlight the importance of finding a flexible career that allows you to reinvent your relationship with work. 

Join us as we dive into examples of common skills-based online businesses like copywriting, graphic design, VA work, and others. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Online business offers teachers the opportunity to have a flexible career and reinvent their relationship with work.
2. B2B (business-to-business) online businesses include copywriting, graphic design, website design, virtual assistance, and bookkeeping.
3. B2C (Business-to-consumer) online businesses include tutoring and coaching.
4. Online businesses can be highly scalable and offer growth opportunities.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Summary:
Mark Hansen, financial advisor and founder of Second Comma, joins the podcast to discuss the financial benefits and challenges of owning an online business. He emphasizes the importance of making informed financial decisions and offers advice on pricing, saving for retirement, and navigating a few of the tax implications of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Reframe fantasies of entrepreneurship into realistic expectations.
• Be prepared for the variability of income.
• Understand the tax implications of being a business owner and track business expenses.
• Don't be afraid to charge for your services and set clear boundaries with clients.
• Seek professional help and outsource financial tasks to experts when needed.

Quotes:

• "Be prepared to weather the worst. Plan for the worst, hope for the best." -Mark Hansen

About The Guest(s):
Mark Hansen is a financial advisor and the founder of Second Comma, a financial planning firm that primarily serves single-income families and small business owners. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurial-minded individuals get the most out of their time and achieve their financial goals.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.