That Teacher

When I pulled up the timehop for February 22nd- I recognized it immediately. Some of you who have been along for my one year journey as an online biz owner may even remember watching my Insta story! It was a quick Insta story video that I took of myself sitting at my kitchen table. I didn’t have any makeup on, my hair was in a bun that I clearly had slept in, and I was still wearing my polka-dot pajamas from the night before.

In the Instastory, I basically told my then audience of maybe 100 people that I had officially had my lightbulb moment. It was the moment where I knew what I needed to be doing online. The moment where all of my skills, passions, and seemingly random past experiences came together to make this idea that I knew could change lives. That might sound dramatic- but that’s exactly how excited I felt in that moment when it finally hit me.

Up until that point, I had a bunch of seemingly random interests and past experiences. I was always feeling guilty about wanting to spend more time behind my laptop- always getting comments from people about my side hustles. I knew I’d developed a unique set of skils, but it just didn’t quite fit together.

And then it hit me- right there in my kitchen- right there in my polka dot pajamas. A moment I would forever refer to as the polka dot pajama moment.

I could help teachers build a solid foundation in marketing that would allow them to make more sales- steady sales- an additional income stream they could actually count on every month. 

I could use my experiences working with small businesses to bring back that genuine, hometown feel to the online space- I could help teachers connect with other teachers on a genuine level- as if we were all in the same room sharing ideas and changing our teaching together. 

I could be part of a movement to help teachers impact classrooms beyond the four walls of our own classrooms- to inspire, connect, and build relationships with other teachers around the world- much the same way small businesses do.

All of that guilt about my hobbies and passions, all of the desires I had about my own future, all of my seemingly random past experiences came together- and I had to hop on Instagram and tell my 100 followers. 

It was the moment I said HECK with trying to look like perfect mcperfectson on Instagram, the moment I stopped trying to FIT IN with what everyone else was doing. It was the moment I decided to stand out.

And since that polka dot pajama moment- there have been several hundred...maybe even thousand lightbulb moments that followed. It wasn’t as if everything was perfect in my business from that moment on- it was a clearing of the fog that allowed me to take a step forward in my business. But it was in that actual step forward- that movement toward something I loved and knew I could help with- it was in that completely imperfect makeup-free, messy hair moment- that the true growth started.

I’m breaking down three of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past year that will help you as you build your business.

So if you’re ready to get MUSHY with me, hear my story, and hear me gush over all of you who have been a part of the story, you must listen in to this episode. (Sorry in advance for the pregnancy hormones that get the best of me at the end of this one!)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Connect with Dawn from The Calm and Resilient Teacher

The Calm and Resilient Teacher Facebook group

The Calm and Resilient Teacher Podcast

Books mentioned in this episode: 

Breathe by Belisa Varnich 

Do Less by Kate Northrup

How to Breathe Video from Belisa Varnich

Join the Teacher Hustle Podcast Facebook group to let us know what your biggest takeaway from this episode was!

Did you know that getting a massage isn’t actually self-care? Walking around Target for 2 hours leisurely with a mocha latte doesn’t count either- I made sure to check on that one. (Darn.) 

Dawn from The Calm and Resilient Teacher talks to us about how to use self-care strategies that have a lasting impact on our health, mental health, and general wellbeing. (Yes, we’re getting a little woo in this episode!) 

As a former, stressed-out teacher, Dawn left the classroom to figure out how to heal after burnout and a few mysterious illnesses. Finding EFT/Tapping was the catalyst for her healing and after finding health and peace again, Dawn became trained and certified and is on a mission to bring EFT to as many busy, stressed-out people as possible! 

Dawn is passionate about helping people, particularly teachers, find alternative ways to stay healthier and happier. In her spare time, Dawn loves reading, chai lattes, and spending time with her family. When it’s not muddy or icy, Dawn can be found exploring new trails with her horse, Chinook, and enjoying time outside.

I’m hoping my listeners will appreciate how much I resisted Dawn on some of these strategies because it’s a great learning experience for us busy teacher business owners! I told her I didn’t have time for morning routines or yoga classes, and she won the argument by proving to me that making little changes in my day could take just seconds and would clear my mind to be even more productive in my business.

I’m calling this the LIFE-CHANGING episode because I actually had a moment where I realized I could be a better entrepreneur thanks to some of these strategies. (Listen in to see if you can hear when the lightbulb goes off in my head.) 

Right after this episode, I was already implementing some of the techniques Dawn suggested. This is a must-listen for any teacher business owner who isn’t progressing in their business. What if you’re not progressing because you have a mindset block? What if you’re not progressing because you’re holding stress you didn’t even know you had? What if you’re not progressing because you simply don’t know what self-care looks like, and you’ve been trying to self-indulge instead?

Dawn breaks it all down for us in today’s episode.

And of course, you know I couldn’t let her leave without talking actionable business strategy! Dawn also runs a thriving free Facebook community with an engaged audience. I asked her to share some of her best tips for keeping her audience engaged.

Take a deep breath, grab a glass of water, and enjoy this chat with Dawn! I hope it leaves you feeling calm and ready to take on the world.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Grab your free Marketing with Intention in 2020 Guidebook here

Join the Teacher Hustle Podcast Facebook group for more tips & tricks, coaching, questions & community!

Episode 25: Time-saving tricks for side hustlin’ teachers

I have to be real with you. A lot of the scheduling tricks and tips I’ve heard just plain DON’T WORK for those of us trying to work on this business while teaching. I want to save you from the stress I went through trying to make scheduling work for me. MOST people I listened to all gave tips for full-time business owners. Many of those tips work well in theory, but when you only have a few hours to work each night (if that), they need some adjustments. 

In this episode, I’m diving deep into strategy and scheduling to tell you which strategies DON’T work for me, and I’ll tell you what DOES work. 

Of course, especially when it comes to scheduling your time- try the different methods, and choose the one that works for you. Just because one scheduling method works for someone else, does not mean it will work in that same way for you! 

As a side hustlin’ teacher mama- that means I teach full time all day, I hang with my toddlers in the evenings, and I build this business from 7:30-9:30 when the kids are in bed. I HAD to find scheduling strategies that really worked for me and the time I did have to spend in my biz. And I’m happy to report that these tips work. I’m sharing it in hopes that some of you are going to have a lightbulb moment and feel a lightened load by these simple shifts in the oh-so-popular time-saving strategies.

You know I’m DYING to know your favorite productivity tips and tricks! Be sure to come over to the Teacher Hustle Podcast group on Facebook to let us know your best strategies for saving time! I can’t wait to hear about it.   Now I’m headed off to schedule this episode and start the process for the next one. See you next week!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Join the free Teacher Hustle Podcast Facebook group to continue the conversation!

Download your free Marketing with Intention in 2020 Guide here

Books mentioned in this podcast:

Spark Change by Olivia Van Ledtje and Cynthia Merrill

Do Less by Kate Northrup

Think of this week’s podcast episode as a conversation. If we could sit down together, have some coffee, and chat about all the things business, marketing, teaching, and life...this would be the episode that came out of that coffee talk!

I asked my Instagram audience to ask me a few questions for this podcast, and they totally delivered. We’re covering topics like…

• What is your fave part of being in the classroom?
• How do you stand out in the midst of TPT sale madness on Insagram?
• How do you make your pins stand out on Pinterest?
• How do you snag people’s attention with product covers on TPT?
• How do you deal with self-doubt?

As a warning, this episode does contain a little bit of rambling, some funny stories, and of course...lots of analogies. I hope one day we can really hang out for coffee, but until then...this will have to do! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Free Marketing with Intention in 2020 Guidebook: www.alissamcdonald.com/guidebook

Has there ever been a time where one of your friends recommended a product and you went out and grabbed it right away just because they were raving about it? 91% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. 

Think about it! Before you go to restaurants for the first time, before you book a hotel...what’s the first thing you do? I know I could spend hours reading reviews! And when a product or service doesn’t have reviews, I’m sometimes hesitant to be the first to try it.

So how do we go about getting those reviews, especially with a new product? And how can we be sure our audience actually sees those reviews? In this episode, we’ll talk about the power of customer reviews and how to leverage that power to increase your sales.

Have you ever gone into a pizza shop or a coffee shop and seen a sign where you could get a discount if you checked in on Facebook? That’s the small biz way of drumming up some excitement about their biz. And of course, this isn’t the only way to leverage the power of reviews. I’m going to tell you about some creative ways to showcase your business with social proof.

Reviews feel a little like gifts, right? You’re excited when they pop up- they’re kind of a surprise. But reviews aren’t just good luck. Think about how you could grow your business by seeking out opportunities to get reviews of your work. What if you carved out some time to actively seek out reviews and testimonials? 

You need to start thinking about ways to encourage your current customers to leave their thoughts about your work. Not only does this encourage sharing and word of mouth, but it also strengthens the quality of your brand.

Once you’ve built up a bank of reviews and testimonials, it’s time to get them “out there” to your audience in creative ways. We need to actively and consistently be sharing these reviews. This means sharing them out regularly! Build up your bank of reviews, and get into the routine of putting those reviews out there. 

We’re also going to talk about the downside of reviews. You know what I’m talking about right? Those punch-in-the-gut NEGATIVE reviews. I’ll tell you exactly what to do when this happens.

Remember, if we aren’t sharing our reviews, they’re left hiding in some corner of the internet. We can’t shy away from talking about ourselves and our work. 

Oh, and of course..you know I have to leave you with the reminder that your words of appreciation can carry up another small business- so be sure to go and leave a review of your favorite business today! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Are you on my e-mail list yet? I'm turning this whole e-mail thing upside down and making it fun again with MONDAY MIXTAPES. Grab the brand new free Marketing with Intention in 2020 guide here & you'll be on my list! www.alissamcdonald.com/guidebook

ConvertKit Link: www.alissamcdonald.com/convertkit

Kajabi Link: www.alissamcdonald.com/kajabi

Email me [email protected] if you sign up using either of these links to receive the follow-up support! 

• If you’ve heard you’re supposed to have an e-mail list, but you’re not sure what to say..
• If you don’t know why anyone would want to be on this “list”, and you’re sick with worry that if you do start e-mailing people, you’re going to annoy them…

You are not alone!

So many teachers are wondering why in the world they need to be e-mailing people on top of posting on social media, blogging, and creating products. If you’ve ever wondered if e-mail marketing is “worth it” this is the episode for you! 

I’m going to walk you through why e-mail marketing is an important strategy to add to your plan when you’re ready, and I’ll tell you exactly how to get it going in a way that doesn’t feel icky or annoying. I’ll also tell you how to overcome the fear that people will do that dreaded U word….ya know, unsubscribe. 

We’re gonna conquer that fear together on today’s episode.

I saw it on a Facebook group the other day.

“Hey guys, um I know I’m supposed to have an e-mail list, so I put one of those name and email things up on my blog, and two people signed up. Well, one was my mom. But anyway, does anyone know what I’m supposed to be emailing these people? Does email marketing even work?”

Sorry if this was you and I’m calling you out- I totally get it! The reason I cringed when I read it wasn’t because of your question. It was because of the way we’re doing this whole marketing thing. 

There’s SO much information out there for you to sift through that you’re left feeling this huge weight- this huge burden and guilt that if you want to grow you should be adding MORE on your plate. As if we don’t already have enough going on! 

We have school and life and our business- we don’t need to be adding tasks to those to-do lists. I don’t want you to build an e-mail list because you think you have to. YOU are the reason I have a podcast like this…because it doesn’t need to be this hard.

So here’s what we’ll do. I’m going to give you the simple run down about e-mail marketing. Who should be using it, why you should use it, and how to get started. You have to know before I start though…I’m obsessed with e-mail. Out of all the pieces of a marketing foundation that I talk about, e-mail is my favorite. I could talk about it way more than anyone in their right mind would ever want to hear. So know that I am biased, k?

The thing about e-mail is that we have a way to personalize communication with our perfect audience, and we don’t have to fight an algorithm to do it! E-mail is one of the last remaining platforms where the content is actually served to your audience in chronological order. There’s no secret formula to figure out. You send an email, it lands in the inbox. 

Email is a way to stay in contact with a curated group of people who are interested in following along with what you’re going to offer next. Think of it as the contact list in your phone! You have a direct line to let people know when you have a new product launching or to stir up excitement about an existing product.

 If y

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

TEACHER HUSTLE UNIVERSITY DOORS NOW OPEN! www.alissamcdonald.com/framework

In today’s episode, we’re covering one of those topics that could totally make (or break) your business. Today I’m breaking down exactly what IS worth investing your money on to propel your business over that plateau and toward growth...and what IS NOT worth investing in. (Ya know, the money pit.) 

Let’s face it! Some business expenses are just NOT worth your dollars. But some things we may have been avoiding paying for are actually the ones that could be the reason your business is a massive success this year.

Remember, at the end of the day, we are business owners. We need to make choices just like the local business owners I used to coach in our area. When I worked with those businesses, they had overhead costs that were just accepted because if they wanted a brick and mortar store, they had to pay for the rent, the employees, the products, the membership to the Chamber of Commerce, the paid advertising and on and on and on. 

If we want to see success and growth, we do need to invest in our business. It’s often that investment, that click of a PAY button, that leads us to say, OK. This isn’t just a side hustle. This isn’t just something I do when I have time and something I drop when I don’t. This is my business, and I’m going to treat it that way. 

And when you treat your business like a business, THAT is when the growth happens. You won’t believe the amount of business growth and personal growth that comes from stepping into the role of business owner. It means that sometimes you have to make purchases that make the butterflies in your tummy swirl, but it also means you are building something from the ground up- something you can be proud of. Something that will bring in an additional monthly income- or, multiple streams of extra income. Be wise about your investments, they will pay off.

My word of caution would be to really think about your business goals before you make a purchase. Which investments do you need to focus on THIS YEAR to grow your business?

Teacher Hustle University doors are OPEN! We only open to the public a few times a year, so if you’ve been thinking about getting serious with your business in 2020, now is the time.

Becoming a THU Crew member means having all the marketing resources you need at your fingertips, a solid core training in marketing, a pretty cool business coach that you get to hang out with live twice a month, and a stinkin' incredible group of supportive Crew members surrounding you and cheering you on.

Consider THU your biz bestie. It’s basically your one-stop-shop when it comes to marketing- a place to go with all of your questions and a support to keep you accountable as your business grows. The results The Crew has seen so far are amazing- we’re talking doubling and tripling their monthly income in their biz, getting things DONE, making connections with their niche, and scaling their business to include multiple streams of income. Doors are closing this Friday, so be sure to get in TODAY! Head to alissamcdonald.com/framework and we’ll see you over in The Crew!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

BRAND NEW Marketing with Intention in 2020 Free Workshop happening Sunday, Jan 19th: www.alissamcdonald.com/workshop
Creating an online Event Mini-Course: www.alissamcdonald.com/minicourse

Laura’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly

Jessica’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/foundational_ot

Laura is a pediatric OT who works with children with sensory processing disorder and other developmental disabilities. Laura has a passion for educating teachers and parents and other therapists about the impact of sensory processing on children's success and learning abilities. 

Laura is chatting with us today about how she took on marketing her TPT business from almost day one, and she shares how staying in communication with her ideal audience sparked an idea to grow her business. Laura walks us through the ins and outs of creating and launching a mini-course, and she did it all on a budget! 

In addition to creating no prep printable handwriting and visual perceptual resources on teachers pay teachers, Laura has taken advantage of the platform she's created on instagram by finding her voice with her niche audience. Laura found a gap in her community and is determined to serve her audience by providing continuing education and invaluable information related to sensory processing via instagram stories, posts, and her most recent venture: online webinars. She prides herself on establishing true connections with other therapists in her field, and building mom-tribes with other moms who have toddlers with social emotional challenges, like her own daughter. 

You can find Laura at: 

Instagram @TheOTButterfly

Facebook The OT Butterfly

Website/Blog: www.theotbutterfly.com

Sensory Savvy Classroom Waitlist: www.theotbutterfly.com/sensorysavvyclassroom

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Free Visibility Challenge for Teachers with an Online Biz: www.alissamcdonald.com/challenge

The new year is here! I know for some of us it’s just another day, but a new year means we have a minute to reflect on what we’ve done over the past year and we can set goals moving forward. It forces us to stop & plan. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the day to day of our businesses that we don’t stop to get organized.

Hopefully our Planathon session helped you with this! If you didn’t follow along with the Planathon, be sure to go back and binge watch those episodes. They're set up to help you journal and plan your way through some common business road blocks, setting you up for major success in the new year. Everyone who has tried the “year in a day” planning session is raving about it, and I’m still getting dms about how amazing our guest speakers were for the Planathon series.

Today we’re going to talk all about the 5 biggest marketing mistakes to avoid in the New Year. I know sometimes marketing can feel like one giant to-do list…a giant to-do list that never ends. There’s so much information out there for you about marketing- almost too much! 

You’re listening to all the podcasts, watching all the YouTube videos, you’re in all the Facebook groups, and everyone’s telling you something different! So how can you show up in the online space and be MEMORABLE? How can you stand out among the crowd? And when you only have a few hours a day to dedicate to creating products AND marketing AND learning about marketing,  how can you avoid WASTING your valuable work time making MISTAKES when it comes to marketing?

I’m going to help you cut through the noise and be sure you’re not making these mistakes. I’ll talk about each mistake and give you some tips for avoiding them.

Subscribe & Review

Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. If you have a question about marketing, mindset, momming, or life in general...you can send me a voice recording over at alissamcdonald.com/askalissa!

Who knows? Your question might be featured on the next podcast! Can’t wait to connect with you.

Do you have a question you want to submit? 

Head over to the site to leave a voice recording. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be featured on the next podcast: https://www.alissamcdonald.com/askalissa

Take a pic of yourself listening to my podcast & tag me over on Instagram!

(@teacherbynaptime) I want to share so I can show all the places my (hopefully not-too-cringy) voice is traveling!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com

Don’t forget you can come on over to the Facebook group and answer a question about today’s episode to be entered to win a HAPPY PLANNER for 2020! www.facebook.com/groups/teacherhustle

Free Masterclass- 4 Step Foundation of Marketing for Teacher Business Owners: www.alissamcdonald.com/masterclass

This is it! The very last episode of PLANATHON! We’ve done SO much planning. If you didn’t catch all of the Planathon episodes, be sure to go back and journal and list your way through them. 

I wanted to wrap it up by giving you a list of the 5 THINGS you need to do in your business in 2020 in order to grow. These 5 to-do’s for your business will set you apart from the rest in the new year, and could be the key to your business totally taking off.

There’s something about hearing them wrapped up in this one little package- about taking the time to review them and be absolutely sure we’re sticking to them. As with everything else in the Planathon, I’d love it if you WROTE THEM DOWN in your notebook to give them some time- to think through what they mean for you and your business.

These 5 to do’s are really the secrets to success for the coming year. This isn’t the episode to listen to on your way to work and then get doing 100 other things and forget you even listened. (That’s me by the way.) This is the episode to take it in and really stand by it in the new year. 

The first to-do for your 2020 to-do list is to NICHE DOWN.I know you’ve heard me say that before, right?  We have to get crystal clear on who we’re serving. We need to know exactly what we’re doing in this online space. Because until we know that- we’re all over the place. It’s way too hard for your customers to follow someone who is all over the place. They’ll get confused, they’ll honestly probably forget about you.

The second to-do for your business in 2020 is to create and nurture genuine human connections in your business. We are not robots trying to gain the biggest following on the planet. Remember you’d rather talk to 100 of your ideal audience than 10,000 people who aren’t even paying attention to you. It’s about talking to your ideal customer, listening to what they need, and creating the solutions for their problems.

We need to create our mission statement. How are you serving your customers? What are you using as the vehicle to do that? And what makes you different from others in your niche? Keep it to a few sentences. And post that statement right up on your wall. Every decision you make in your business- every product you create, every blog post or social media post you write...needs 

Subscribe & Review

Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. If you have a question about marketing, mindset, momming, or life in general...you can send me a voice recording over at alissamcdonald.com/askalissa!

Who knows? Your question might be featured on the next podcast! Can’t wait to connect with you.

Do you have a question you want to submit? 

Head over to the site to leave a voice recording. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be featured on the next podcast: https://www.alissamcdonald.com/askalissa

Take a pic of yourself listening to my podcast & tag me over on Instagram!

(@teacherbynaptime) I want to share so I can show all the places my (hopefully not-too-cringy) voice is traveling!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com