By Neil Cowmeadow
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The podcast currently has 363 episodes available.
Neil discusses the importance of evaluating personal habits and recognising what truly works in your tutoring, teaching, or coaching business. Building on the previous episode's theme of exploring unconventional methods for better results, Neil emphasises the necessity of self-reflection and honest assessment. He encourages listeners to regularly ask themselves if their current practices are effective and aligned with their long-term goals. Through personal anecdotes, including his experience with co-owning music shops, Neil illustrates the value of discontinuing unproductive activities to make room for more fulfilling and profitable endeavours. This episode serves as a motivational call to action for educators and coaches to identify and eliminate what doesn't work, ultimately leading to greater success and satisfaction in their professional lives.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Evaluate Your Habits: Regularly take inventory of your habits to determine what is working for you and what isn't. This self-reflection can lead to valuable insights and improvements in your personal and professional life.
Embrace Honest Self-Assessment: When assessing whether something is working, be honest with yourself. The answers you may not want to hear are often the most important ones to pay attention to.
Stop What Doesn't Work: Identify and discontinue activities or habits that are not serving you. This creates space for new opportunities and strategies that may yield better results.
Learn from Experience: Reflect on past experiences, such as the decision to close the music shops, to understand that not all ventures will be fulfilling or profitable. Use these lessons to guide future decisions.
Make Room for Growth: By letting go of unproductive habits or ventures, you open up time and energy to pursue activities that align more closely with your passions and goals, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and success.
BEST MOMENTS
"When was the last time you actually sat down and took inventory of your own habits? I didn't think so. Most people don't take time out to reflect or self-examine very much."
"The answer you don't like is the answer you must pay most attention to."
"Those uncomfortable no's are a gift, because you now know what not to do in order to make space for what you must do."
"If you don't know what isn't working, you'll probably keep on doing it... which won't leave you the space and time to try something which has a better chance of success."
"Continuing to run the shops was going to burn time. And that was an opportunity cost we were no longer willing to pay."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil shares insights from his extensive experience in the tutoring and teaching business. He recounts a recent session with a seasoned guitar player who, despite decades of experience, struggled with fundamental techniques due to conventional learning methods. Neil emphasises the importance of questioning the mainstream approaches to learning, highlighting that a staggering 90% of guitar learners quit when following traditional routes. He encourages listeners to explore alternative perspectives and disciplines beyond music education to enhance their teaching methods. This episode serves as a call to action for tutors, teachers, and coaches to continuously seek innovative ideas and improve their practices for the benefit of their students.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Questioning the Norm: It's essential to continually ask yourself if your current methods are effective. If they aren't working, explore alternative approaches rather than seeking better versions of a failing scheme.
Common Mistakes in Learning: Many guitar learners struggle due to fundamental errors, such as improper guitar positioning and lack of understanding of chords and scales. These issues can lead to frustration and hinder progress.
High Quit Rates: Approximately 90% of people who start learning guitar through conventional methods end up quitting. This statistic highlights the ineffectiveness of mainstream teaching approaches.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Breakthroughs in teaching and learning often come from fields outside music education, such as physics, psychology, and anthropology. Exploring diverse disciplines can provide valuable insights and improve teaching methods.
Continuous Improvement: There is a duty to look beyond traditional methods and constantly seek new knowledge and techniques. This ongoing quest for improvement can enhance both teaching practices and student experiences.
BEST MOMENTS
"Why would a presumably competent player in his 60s start taking guitar lessons?"
"For 50 years, he's been making life hard for himself... All that heavy finger pressure makes everything harder than it needs to be."
"90% of people who start and pursue the conventional route fail; they quit. That's just insane."
"If what you're doing isn't working... start looking for different."
"We have a duty and a right to look beyond the narrow lane of our discipline."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil shares the second part in his journey from being a guitar teacher to building a multi-million pound investment property portfolio. He reflects on the pivotal moments that pushed him out of his comfort zone, including a life-changing cycling accident and the realisation that traditional teaching alone wouldn't lead to financial freedom. Neil discusses the importance of understanding net worth, the lessons learned from fellow property investors, and the value of investing in education and mentorship. He emphasises the significance of maintaining a passion for teaching while pursuing financial growth, encouraging listeners to believe in their potential to achieve similar success. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration to help you start, grow, and love your tutoring business.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Understanding Net Worth: Net worth is defined as the value of all assets minus all debts. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of this concept to assess true financial health.
Diversifying Income Streams: Relying solely on face-to-face teaching is limiting. Exploring investment opportunities, such as property, can create additional income streams and enhance financial security.
Learning from Others: Engaging with experienced investors and seeking mentorship can provide valuable insights and help avoid common pitfalls in property investing.
Investing in Education: Spending money on training and courses can be a strategic move to reduce risk and increase knowledge, ultimately leading to better investment decisions.
Maintaining Passion: It's important to balance investment pursuits with personal passions. Success in business should not come at the expense of doing what you love, such as teaching or mentoring others.
BEST MOMENTS
"If I can give you some of what I found useful, maybe you'll find it useful for yourself."
"I realised that to become a millionaire, especially as a guitar teacher, teaching face to face, one to one, was never going to cut it."
"I later realized I was subconsciously putting pressure on myself, making sure that the cost of doing nothing... was so enormous as to terrorize me into action."
"Whatever you do in property, don't do anything that takes you away from that. Because that's somebody else's dream life, and you already have yours."
"It was possible for me and it's possible for you. If I can do it, if I can make this happen for myself, chances are you can do it too."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil Camerow shares his personal journey from being a guitar teacher to becoming a millionaire property investor. The episode begins with Neil recounting a life-changing bike accident that made him realise the vulnerability of being self-employed. This realisation led him to explore alternative ways of generating income, ultimately leading him to venture into property investment. Neil candidly shares his experiences, mistakes, and successes, emphasising the importance of financial stability and multiple streams of income. The episode ends with a teaser for the next episode where Neil promises to delve deeper into his journey and provide valuable insights for listeners interested in following a similar path.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Diversifying Income Streams: Neil highlights the importance of diversifying income streams by sharing the speaker's experience as a guitar teacher and property investor. This strategy can help individuals generate multiple streams of income and build financial stability.
Learning from Mistakes: Neil emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes in the journey towards financial success. By sharing his own mistakes, Neil aims to help others avoid similar pitfalls and make informed decisions.
Long-Term Financial Planning: Neil underscores the significance of long-term financial planning and the need to make money work for individuals even when they are not actively working. This approach can lead to financial security and independence.
Seeking Alternative Income Sources: Neil's story serves as a reminder to explore alternative income sources beyond traditional employment. By investing in income-producing assets or starting a business, individuals can create additional revenue streams.
Taking Action: Neil encourages listeners to take action towards their financial goals and consider different avenues for wealth creation. By sharing personal experiences and insights, Neil motivates others to pursue their aspirations and build a successful financial future.
BEST MOMENTS
"I want to share my story, how I became a millionaire guitar teacher and property investor over several years from zero to where I am today."
"I want to be really clear that this is not an outline of a get rich quick scheme or an idea and leave that to the internet scammers and the con artists who are out there."
"I was just soothing the bike into a nice right-hand curve when the front wheel unexpectedly washed out from underneath me."
"I started to read about it, to listen to podcasts and audiobooks about it. I asked questions of a couple of people I knew who owned rental properties."
"If that's something you can picture for yourself and your family, join me on the next show and I'll tell you what I did. So maybe you can do the same."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil explores the importance of silence in our modern, noisy lives. Drawing parallels between sound and silence in music and photography, Neil emphasises the need for quiet contemplation and deep thinking. He guides listeners on creating a quiet space, disconnecting from distractions, and embracing silence to enhance focus and productivity. Neil shares practical tips, such as using noise-canceling headphones and scheduling silent time, to help listeners experience the benefits of silence. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Neil encourages listeners to explore the transformative power of silence in renewing connections with oneself and others.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Silence is essential: In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, taking time for silence is crucial for deep thinking and focus.
Create a quiet space: Setting up a designated silent space free from technology and distractions can help in fostering creativity and concentration.
Disconnect from technology: Turning off phones and other devices can prevent interruptions and allow for uninterrupted thinking and reflection.
Start small: Begin with short periods of silence and gradually increase the time spent in quiet contemplation to build tolerance and reap the benefits.
Listen to the inner voice: Embracing silence allows for introspection and renewal, enabling individuals to connect with themselves and their intuition.
BEST MOMENTS
"Silence is the other half of the music. Without the silence, the sounds that we make as musicians don't really add up too much."
"Notice how uncomfortable that is. You may suddenly seem to have an aversion to just being quiet."
"Personally, I always take a pen and paper into the quiet space with me, because I know that thoughts will emerge when all the noise dies down and they come out of the silence."
"Silent people generally command respect. Silence allows us to listen."
"If you do live in a very noisy environment, I suggest you buy either a pair of noise-canceling headphones or a pair of ear defenders."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil talks about the topic of sales in the tutoring, teaching, and coaching business. He challenges the negative connotations associated with sales, emphasising that selling is about providing the right solution to a customer's problem rather than manipulating them into a purchase. Neil's insights shed light on the crucial role of sales in running a successful tutoring business and how it ultimately serves both the customer and the business owner.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Selling is not about manipulating or pressurizing customers, but about providing elegant solutions to their problems.
Good sales involve listening, understanding, and solving the customer's needs in a professional and ethical manner.
It is essential to have a win-win situation in sales, where both the customer and the salesperson benefit.
Relational selling, based on ongoing relationships between buyers and sellers, is key to long-term success in business.
Reluctance to sell may deprive prospective customers of valuable solutions and hinder the growth and success of a tutoring business.
BEST MOMENTS
"Selling is, as I understand it, the art of bringing together a customer who has a problem with the elegant, appropriate solution to that problem."
"If you can't properly sell your excellent product or service to the right buyer, you are failing them."
"Selling isn't holding a gun to someone's head and forcing them to hand over their money."
"The very best sales pitch of all is when you get them to say yes to that better vision or concept of themselves."
"Remember, I'm here to listen as well as talk. And obviously I don't have all the answers, so maybe if you've got answers that work for you, share them with me."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil talks about the concept of hard work and the grind of being an entrepreneur. He emphasises the importance of sustained effort and the invisible work that goes into achieving success. Neil shares personal insights and experiences from his 25 years in business, highlighting the sacrifices and dedication required to build a thriving tutoring business.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hard Work Pays Off: The importance of putting in focused, sustained effort over a long period of time is emphasised as a key factor in achieving success.
Invisible Work: The concept of "invisible work" or "secret work" is essential, this is the behind-the-scenes effort entrepreneurs put in.
Maintain Momentum: Once success starts to show, it is crucial to keep pushing forward and not lose momentum, as regaining it can be challenging.
Challenges of Entrepreneurship: The journey of an entrepreneur is one filled with hard work, sacrifices, and new challenges even after achieving initial success.
Perception of Others: Others may not fully understand or appreciate the level of effort and dedication required in entrepreneurship, leading to misconceptions or judgments about choices and lifestyle.
BEST MOMENTS
"It's the kind of effort, the focused, sustained effort, often over periods of years that most people just won't do."
"This is the hard graft of being in business. We do the work, that out-of-sight work, the secret work, if you like, means that we're slowly winning."
"Fear taking your foot off the gas pedal. Dread losing your essential, vital momentum."
"Their raised eyebrows and chagrined head shaking are clues that I'm on the right track, as far as I'm concerned."
"How hard are you prepared to work over the next few years, this decade? Let me know guys."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil Cameron talks about the topic of embracing being wrong as a crucial aspect of growth and learning. Drawing from his experience as a tutor and coach, Neil discusses how the fear of making mistakes can hinder progress, particularly in fields like music where experimentation is key.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Embrace being wrong and see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Being wrong allows for course corrections and opens up the possibility of trying new approaches.
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and should be viewed as opportunities to improve.
Continuous learning and upgrades are essential for personal and professional development.
Encouraging a mindset that welcomes being wrong can lead to greater success and self-improvement.
BEST MOMENTS
"I think it's really important that as teachers or tutors, particularly things like music, you've got to be able to put that issue completely to bed."
"The fear of making mistakes, the fear of being wrong is a massive part of my teaching life."
"I love being wrong. I bloody love it."
"When you're wrong, you get to learn something new. You see, you haven't just failed at something. You've learned a new way to not do it."
"Maybe I'm wrong. But I'm here to be useful. I'm not here to be right. And I'm definitely not here to be perfect."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
In this episode, Neil explores the power of influential books and the concept of the Mastermind Alliance. Drawing from his personal journey and experiences, Neil discusses how books like "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill and "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude" by W. Clement Stone transformed his mindset and approach to success. Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Neil encourages listeners to consider creating their own version of the board to enhance their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The importance of surrounding oneself with a Mastermind Alliance to discuss ideas and generate solutions to problems.
The concept of creating a personal "Board" of influential figures, both living and deceased, to offer insights and wisdom in times of need.
The effectiveness of visualising and engaging with the "Board" to seek guidance and clarity on various situations.
The value of seeking advice and perspectives from a diverse group of individuals, whether in real-life mastermind groups or through an imaginary board.
The impact of utilising the "Board" for making informed decisions, gaining new perspectives, and receiving valuable guidance for personal and professional growth.
BEST MOMENTS
"Think and Grow Rich challenged my ideas about money, then Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude would ultimately help to steer away from my downtrodden psyche and my depressed state."
"The Mastermind Alliance is a gathering of people to discuss ideas and generate solutions to problems. I can vouch for the effect of being in a mastermind group."
"The Board are a select group of people who make themselves available to me, free of charge, at zero notice, 24-7, to help me and to offer me their insights and their wisdom."
"I call the rabble to order and the room falls silent as they listen to my situation. I tend to speak it out loud because forming the words means I have to be clear in my communications."
"There has never been an occasion that the board haven't come through for me. Not a single one. They've saved me a fortune. They've made me a lot of money. They've corrected my course and checked my moral compass."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
Neil talks about the common challenges faced by adult students in learning new skills, drawing from his 25 years of experience in teaching guitar and mentoring in property investing and business. He discusses the internal barriers that hold adult learners back, such as fear of failure and self-limiting beliefs instilled over time. Neil emphasises the importance of nurturing the spark of creativity and playfulness within adult students, guiding them to rediscover their passion and potential. The episode resonates with the idea that teaching goes beyond technical skills, focusing on igniting the spark of inspiration and joy in learners.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Importance of Finding the Spark: It is crucial to identify and nurture the spark of passion, creativity, and playfulness in adult students to help them overcome self-imposed limitations and fears.
Challenging Comfort Zones: Encouraging students to embrace challenges, discomfort, and risks is essential for personal growth and development, both in music education and other areas of life.
Creating a Safe Environment: Teachers play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive space for students to explore their potential, rediscover their passion, and unleash their creativity.
Teaching Goes Beyond Technical Skills: Teaching is more than just imparting technical skills; it involves helping students reconnect with their inner spark, passion, and joy for learning and self-expression.
Continuous Learning and Growth: As educators, it is important to continuously seek out and cultivate the spark in students, guiding them towards self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment in their learning journey.
BEST MOMENTS
"I think that if I can give you what I've found useful in my own life, then maybe you can get some value out of it too."
"Our job is to prod around inside the minds, hearts and souls of those who seek us out."
"The real satisfaction of teaching, for me at least, is when I see the spark leap up."
"I know that trying to keep a child safe is the very best way to endanger them."
"Teaching is always about more than just the instrument, more than the technical skills, more than the dots on the page."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
www.Neilcowmeadow.com
[email protected]
HOST BIO
Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
The podcast currently has 363 episodes available.
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