Online Business for Teachers | TPT | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products

Episodios

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  55: How to Make Decisions in Your TPT Business Without the Overthinking Spiral 13.05.2026 17m

  If you have ever sat down to work on your TPT store and ended up doing nothing because you could not decide what to do first, this episode is for you. Today I'm getting really honest about something I have struggled with myself. Overthinking. Indecision. That spiral that keeps you stuck even when you know what you need to do. I talk about why AI and Google are not going to fix this for you, why teachers are especially prone to overthinking, and the real tools I personally use when my brain just will not stop going in circles. I also share a very personal story about a fear I carried for two weeks that was completely taking over my life and the exercise that finally got me through it. In this episode: Why ChatGPT keeps you average and what to do instead Why teachers are the biggest overthinking rule followers on the planet The "and then what" exercise that will change how you handle fear Four decision making tools that actually work, including my personal favorite nap trick When you need more than a walk and a journal to get unstuck Links mentioned: 👉 Episode on How to Use Canva Without Breaking Any Rules 👉 Schedule a Coaching Call
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  54: Why You're Not Taking Action on Your TPT Store (It's Not What You Think) 06.05.2026 15m

  If you've been telling yourself you're lazy or you just don't have enough time — I want to offer you something different today. In this episode, we're talking about what is actually going on when TPT sellers stay stuck. And it usually comes down to three things: fear, overwhelm, and decision fatigue. The tricky part is that most of us don't even recognize it when it's happening. It's not something we do on purpose. It's more like a subconscious self sabotage that keeps us from taking action on the business we actually want to build. We also talk about the difference between thinking like a creator and thinking like a seller — and why that shift is one of the biggest things holding teachers back on TPT. In this episode: Why "I don't have time" is usually not the real problem The teacher giving mindset and how it conflicts with running a business Why so many TPT sellers have products sitting in a folder they've never listed The what-if spiral and what it's actually doing to your business What it looks like to get real support and finally move forward Not sure where to start? Grab the free mini course: 👉 www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course Ready to stop overthinking and actually start? I work with teachers one on one to help them get clear, get focused, and take action, whether you are starting from zero or you have products but are still stuck. 👉 Book your coaching session here: www.yourteacherbiz.com/coaching And if this episode helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other teachers find the show, and it means the world to me.
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  53: How to Turn What You Already Teach into a Product That Sells on TPT 29.04.2026 19m

  You already have the idea. You already have the resources. So why haven’t you uploaded anything yet? In this episode, I break down the exact process I use to turn a simple classroom activity into a product that earns money on Teachers Pay Teachers, step by step, no fluff. From opening your store to writing your product description, I walk you through everything. And I get honest about the real reason most teachers never start: it is not strategy. It is mindset. I even share the story of a friend who had a great idea, got stuck on clip art, and still has not opened her store to this day. If you have been sitting on an idea and telling yourself you’ll get to it later, this episode is for you. In This Episode Why I always ask if you’re a premium or basic seller — and why it matters for your profit The one file format rule every new TPT seller needs to hear How to design a product that looks professional even if you are not a designer What your cover, thumbnails, and preview actually need to include How to write a product description that shows up in TPT search The real reason teachers never start (and it is not what you think) How I built my business while teaching full time — and exactly when I found the time What to do in the next 30 minutes after listening to this episode Resources Mentioned Free Mini Course: com/free-mini-course — covers, thumbnails, Canva setup, and more. Episode 5 — Tools I Use and How to Avoid Copyright Issues 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Not sure where to start? Grab the free mini course: 👉 www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course Ready to stop overthinking and actually start? I work with teachers one on one to help them get clear, get focused, and take action, whether you are starting from zero or you have products but are still stuck. 👉 Book your coaching session here: www.yourteacherbiz.com/coaching And if this episode helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other teachers find the show, and it means the world to me.
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  52: Stop Overthinking and Start Your Teacher Business: How to Go from Idea to Action 22.04.2026 14m

  Stop Overthinking and Start Your Teacher Business: How to Go from Idea to Action You have had the idea. You have thought about it, researched it, and maybe even had a full conversation with ChatGPT about it. But you still have not made anything. In this episode we talk about: Why teachers stay stuck before they even start The real cost of waiting to feel ready How comparing yourself to other sellers is keeping you broke My own story of starting over and what finally clicked The truth? You already have everything you need. You just need to get out of your own way. Not sure where to start? Grab the free mini course: 👉 www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course Ready to stop overthinking and actually start? I work with teachers one on one to help them get clear, get focused, and take action, whether you are starting from zero or you have products but are still stuck. 👉 Book your coaching session here: www.yourteacherbiz.com/coaching
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  51: Before You Quit Your Teacher Business… Listen to This | 1 Year of Podcasting 15.04.2026 8m

  I just hit one year of podcasting… and I didn’t go viral. In this episode, I’m sharing what actually changed and why it matters if you’ve ever felt like quitting something you started. Whether it’s a podcast, a TPT store, or any kind of online business, this is the part we don’t talk about enough. Because most of the time, it doesn’t look like it’s working. But something is happening. I didn’t see massive growth. I didn’t make a ton of money. In fact, I invested more into my podcast than I got back. But what changed the most wasn’t the numbers. It was me. My message is clearer. I understand who I want to help. I’m not afraid to be seen or heard the way I used to be. And that only happened because I kept showing up. In this episode, I talk about: what changed after showing up for a year why clarity doesn’t come before action how your message and confidence evolve over time and why slow progress doesn’t mean it’s not working If you’ve been second guessing yourself or wondering if you should keep going… this is for you. If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  50: Email Marketing for Teachers: What to Say (Without Feeling Salesy) | Liz Wilcox 08.04.2026 39m

  If you’ve ever stared at your email like…what am I even supposed to say? Or you’ve avoided emailing your list because you don’t want to sound salesy… this episode is going to help you so much. Today, I’m talking with Liz Wilcox, and she breaks email marketing down in a way that actually feels doable—especially for teachers. We’re talking about how to connect with your audience, what to say in your emails, and how to make sales without overthinking every word. And the best part?You don’t need to be a “great writer” or tell long stories to make this work. In this episode, we talk about: What to say in your emails when you don’t know where to start How to connect with your audience without oversharing Why you don’t need long storytelling emails to make sales How often you should really be emailing your list How to sell in your emails without feeling pushy or annoying The mindset shift that makes email feel easier (and actually work) Connect with Liz: Liz has a freebie that gives you: a full welcome sequence newsletter examples and 52 subject lines for the year 👉 Grab it here: https://lizwilcox.com Want direct access to her super cool membership?  👉 Grab it here: Liz's Membership   If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  49: Can You Afford to Leave the Classroom? The Financial Reality Teachers Should Know 01.04.2026 12m

  Thinking about leaving the classroom… but not sure if you’re financially ready? In this episode, I’m sharing what I learned after leaving teaching and trying to figure out how to replace a full-time salary with business income. This came up after a teacher friend (and mom of three) asked me how to actually make the transition. And I get it. When you have a family, especially young kids, the decision to leave teaching isn’t just emotional… it’s financial. I thought I was prepared when I left. My business was growing, I saw the numbers going up, and I assumed it would continue. It didn’t. So in this episode, I’m walking you through what I would do differently and what I think every teacher should think about before leaving the classroom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why business income is not the same as a teaching salary How to figure out where your money is actually going A simple way to separate needs vs wants in your budget Why I started paying myself based on my lowest income months What to look at financially before you leave the classroom Why giving yourself time to build your business matters Who This Episode Is For – Teachers thinking about leaving the classroom– Teacher moms trying to balance work and family– Teachers building a TPT or online business– Anyone wanting to replace their teaching salary with business income Mentioned in This Episode 48: How I Manage the Money in My Teacher Business (Taxes, Profit & Paying Myself) (go back and listen if you haven’t yet) If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  48: How I Manage the Money in My Teacher Business (Taxes, Profit & Paying Myself) 25.03.2026 10m

  In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I manage my business finances, not as an accountant, but as someone who has learned through experience. I’m sharing what I did when I first started, what changed when my business started growing, and the simple systems I use now to stay organized. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What I did when I made my first $500 in my business The moment I realized I needed better financial systems Why I opened an LLC and a business bank account How I keep my business and personal finances separate The simple spreadsheet system I use instead of QuickBooks How I track income, expenses, and deductions each month How I estimate and save for quarterly taxes (without surprises) How I organize my money for: taxes business expenses profit owner’s pay The difference between profit and paying yourself Tools I Mentioned I use a bookkeeping spreadsheet created specifically for TPT sellers. It helps me: track all income and expenses calculate deductions estimate quarterly taxes You can check it out: 👉 Emily Bryant Bookkeeping Remember: The goal is to create a simple system that works for you Even small changes like separating your accounts or tracking monthly can make a huge difference.   If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  47: Why Most TPT Sellers Quit (And What Actually Grows a Teacher Business) 18.03.2026 11m

  Many people start a TPT store or teacher business feeling excited about the possibilities. But after a while, some of them get discouraged when their store grows slower than they expected. The beginning stage of a business requires a lot of time, energy, and learning. You’re figuring out how to create resources, how to design them, how to list them, and how to explain them so teachers understand how they can use them. In this episode, I share the way I think about those early stages of business. I often describe it as the “baby stage” of a business. At the beginning, your business needs a lot from you before it can really start producing consistent results. We also talk about a mistake I see many new sellers make — trying to build everything at once. Creating products, starting an email list, blogging, Pinterest, social media… all while their store only has a small number of resources in it. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do early on is simply focus on creating resources that genuinely help teachers and continue building your store. If your teacher business feels slower than you hoped, this episode is meant to encourage you and help you understand what growth actually looks like in the early stages. In this episode: Why many teacher sellers stop working on their business The early stage of a teacher business and why it feels hard Why your store needs time and energy in the beginning The mistake of trying to build everything at once Why building a well-stocked store matters If you’re currently building your teacher business or TPT store, this episode will help you understand why patience and consistency matter so much in the early stages. If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  46: Why My First Businesses Failed (But My TPT Store Finally Worked) 11.03.2026 12m

  Have you ever wondered why some businesses work while others never really take off? Before I started my TPT store and my teacher business, I actually tried several other business ideas. Looking back, I truly believe those businesses could have worked. But they didn’t… and the reason might surprise you. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what finally made my teacher business work and how starting a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store helped me build the confidence I needed to grow something much bigger. If you’re a teacher who has been thinking about starting a business, creating resources online, or building a TPT store, this episode will help you think about your next steps a little differently. I also talk about some ideas I’ve been learning from Alex Hormozi about having a clear offer and a clear niche, and how those principles showed up in my business long before I even knew what they were. You’ll hear the real story behind how my teacher business started and the three things I believe every successful teacher business needs. In this episode, we talk about: Why my first business ideas didn’t work The fear of visibility that holds many teachers back from starting a business How starting a TPT store helped me build confidence as a business owner The importance of having a clear niche and a clear offer Why niching down can help your teacher business grow faster How to know if there is a real market for your resources or business idea Why building a teacher business is a long game Resources Mentioned $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  45: What I Learned After My TPT Sales Flatlined: Funnels, Traffic, and Facebook Ads 04.03.2026 10m

  What I Learned After My TPT Sales Flatlined: Funnels, Traffic, and Facebook Ads If you’ve ever looked at your TPT dashboard and wondered, “Why are my sales suddenly… not moving?”  this episode is for you. For months, I blamed everything for my plateau: the algorithm, SEO, the saturated market, AI, promoting my membership, even the season. But the real reason my sales flatlined? It wasn’t any of those things. It was something much simpler  and something I didn’t even notice until I sat down and compared my numbers. In this episode, I walk you through the exact moment I realized what changed, the product line that suddenly tanked, and how turning off one small part of my funnel impacted my entire business. I’m sharing what I found inside my TPT analytics, what happened when I stopped running Facebook ads, and why traffic matters way more than we think it does. If you’re in a season where things feel slow, or you’re not sure why certain product lines aren’t performing anymore, this episode will help you look at your data in a totally different way. What you’ll hear today: Why my sales plateaued for several months The assumptions I made (and why they were wrong) The moment the data finally made it clear How Facebook ads were quietly feeding my best-selling product line What I’m testing next with a brand-new funnel A reminder to go back and look at what actually changed in your business If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  44: The 4 Steps to Making Time for Your TPT Business When You Have No Time 25.02.2026 20m

  If you’ve been staring at your TPT store, your ideas list, or that half-finished product thinking, “I just don’t have the time or the energy right now,” this episode is for you. We’re in testing season.It’s the end of the year.And teachers everywhere are exhausted. Today, I’m breaking down the 4 steps that helped me grow my TPT business while teaching full time, raising kids, and juggling all the real-life responsibilities we don’t get paid for. These steps are simple, realistic, and designed for the teacher who feels like they have zero time left in the day or zero brain cells left at night. Inside the episode, we talk about: How to organize your workday so you’re not giving all your energy to school. How to protect your after-school time so you can rest and reset without guilt. How to schedule focused business time (and what to do when you’re drained). How to own your calendar so your goals and your rest both have space. Mentioned in this episode:  Episode 36: Why More Time Doesn't Make You More Productive Leverage the time you already have with intention so you can build a TPT business that supports your life instead of draining you. If you’ve been feeling behind, stuck, overwhelmed, or just too tired to even think about TPT right now… this episode will help you take a breath, get grounded, and see a clear path forward. Book a Free Teacher Business Clarity Call If you’re ready to grow your TPT business but don’t know where to start, I offer free consult calls to help you get clarity on your goals and your next steps. 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me anytime at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and I’d love to hear from you.
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  43: How to Grow Your TPT Store: Course, Coaching, or Just Execute? 18.02.2026 15m

  Have you ever wondered if you actually need another course… or if you just need to get to work? In today’s episode, I’m talking about investing back into your TPT business and how to decide whether you need: • A course• A coach• Or just more execution I break down the different stages of business growth and what kind of help makes sense at each one. Because not every season requires spending money.And not every plateau means you’re missing some secret strategy. Sometimes you need to learn a new skill.Sometimes you need clarity and direction.And sometimes… you already know what to do and you’re just hesitating. If you’re in that messy middle where not brand new, but not scaling yet either, this episode is especially for you. We’ll talk about: The difference between a skills gap and a strategy gap Why over-learning can actually slow you down When coaching makes sense And how to figure out what stage you’re really in If you’ve been asking yourself:“Am I missing something?”“Why isn’t this growing faster?”“Do I need to invest again?” This will help you sort that out. ----more---- If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
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  42: How to Make TPT Work for You, Not the Other Way Around 11.02.2026 16m

  If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard on TPT but not getting the results you want, this episode will show you how to flip that dynamic. TPT is one of the smartest, lowest-risk business platforms available to teachers, but only when you know how to make it work for you strategically, instead of feeling like you’re endlessly creating without moving forward. Today, I’m walking you through the exact mindset shifts and strategic decisions that helped me go from scared to charge $2 to confidently building multiple income streams. You’ll learn why TPT is more than a marketplace, how it quietly trains you to think like an entrepreneur, and how to identify when you’ve outgrown your old strategies and need a new level, a new plan, and a new mindset. Inside the episode, we’ll cover: Why TPT is still the smartest place for teachers to grow an online income How to leverage the platform at any stage of business The “mindset layers” every seller must peel back to grow When to update your strategy so you don’t stay stuck How TPT sets the foundation for memberships, courses, coaching, and more What’s possible when you strengthen or expand your income streams Four powerful questions to help you identify your next level Whether you’re earning two figures or four, this episode will help you step back, reassess, and finally use TPT in a way that supports your goals instead of draining your energy. Want clarity on your next step?If you’re ready to stop guessing and start moving forward with a clear plan, schedule a free consult call with me. We’ll walk through where you are, where you want to go, and the exact strategy that will get you there faster and with less stress. Resources & Links:👉 Schedule a free consult call with Monica
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  41: What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With 04.02.2026 16m

  🎙️ What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With If you’ve ever opened your computer and thought, “Okay… but what do I even make for TPT?”  This episode will help you finally get clear. Today I’m walking you through four simple steps to figure out what to sell on TPT, without chasing trends or guessing what teachers want. These steps work whether you’re brand new or you’ve been selling for a while and need a reset. In this episode, I break down: ✔️ Step 1: How to look through your own files to find product ideas that actually workBecause your best ideas are the things that already helped your students. ✔️ Step 2: How to polish those activities so they’re ready to list on TPTCovers, thumbnails, clipart, and making them look clean and usable. ✔️ Step 3: Why publishing quickly matters more than getting it “perfect”You can’t learn anything until it’s up and running. ✔️ Step 4: Why you should leave your product alone (and stop checking the data every day)This one saves so much stress. If you’ve been wanting to start your store but you never feel “ready,” this episode will give you a clear place to begin. Wanna start the right way? If you want help making your TPT storefront look clean and professional from day one, check out my TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course. It’s six short videos on: Your logo and brand elements Covers, thumbnails, and previews Setting up your store visuals in Canva or PowerPoint Making your storefront something you’re actually proud of If you have questions or want to share your progress, email me anytime at info@monica-lopez.com. I love hearing from you.
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  40: Should You Sell on Your Website? The Real Pros, Cons, and TPT vs. Your Own Store 28.01.2026 17m

  Are you wondering whether you should sell your teacher resources on your website or if it’s just one more thing everyone says you “should” do?You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions teacher-sellers ask when they start taking their business seriously. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can make the right decision for YOUR stage of business.By the end, you’ll know whether selling on your website is worth it, what it actually takes to make it profitable, and how to avoid wasting time or money in the process. We cover: Why so many teacher-sellers want their own website Shopify vs. Squarespace vs. WordPress (and what I chose) The truth about uploading your entire product catalog How long it really takes to see sales What you must have in place BEFORE you open a store Website pros, cons, and deal-breakers When a website becomes more profitable than TPT Whether you should add a TPT “buy” button on your product pages Why email list + trust = the secret to website sales The long-term payoff most teachers never talk about If you’ve been confused, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re “ready” to add a store to your website, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been needing. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready—or you need help figuring out the next right step in your business, I offer 1:1 coaching to help you grow with clarity and confidence. I support teachers with: TPT store strategy Website setup + offers Messaging + positioning Mindset and overthinking Anything your teacher brain is stuck on If you’re craving real progress with way less overwhelm, book your coaching call:yourteacherbiz.com/coaching Links & Resources Mentioned Squarespace (my website platform) Shopify (another popular website option) Emily Bryant, CPA for TPT sellers My 1:1 Coaching: yourteacherbiz.com/coaching
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  39: Track Your Data to Make Your Teacher Business Easier + What to Track at What Stages 21.01.2026 18m

  If your teacher business feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. Most teacher entrepreneurs are making decisions based on emotion, guesswork, or daily dashboard checks that send them into panic mode. In today’s episode, we break down why your business feels overwhelming and how simple data tracking can instantly bring clarity, calm, and direction. We’re talking about what to track (and what NOT to track), how to set goals that actually fit the season you’re in, and why focusing on the right metrics will make your business feel lighter, more grounded, and easier to grow. Plus, I’m sharing the tool that completely changed how I make decisions in my own business: ✨ The Teacher Business KPI Tracker: now available in my shop. If you want your business to feel less emotional and more empowered this year, this episode is your roadmap. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why running your online teacher business feels so overwhelming How data helps calm your brain and reduce the “nothing is working” spiral The #1 metric that matters most when you’re just starting out What to track in Year 1 versus Years 2–3 versus later stages Why tracking too many things creates confusion (not clarity) Why TPT dashboard dips don’t actually mean what you think How a year-at-a-glance view can completely change your confidence How to choose metrics that match your season of life The simple tracking habit that makes business decisions easier Mentioned in This Episode 👉 Teacher Business KPI Tracker Get the simple Google Sheet that helps you track revenue, product growth, email metrics, website traffic, and more all in one place. 👉 Book a Free Teacher Business Clarity Call Need support deciding what to focus on in your business? Let’s talk through your goals and simplify your next steps.
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  38: Social Media for Teacher Sellers: What to Post, How Often, and What Actually Works 14.01.2026 37m

  Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling teaching, life, and a growing TPT business. Do you really need to be on Instagram? Does marketing actually work? And how do you promote your resources without living on your phone? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ashley Mickelson, a longtime teacher seller and self-described accidental entrepreneur. Ashley shares what she’s learned over nearly a decade of selling on TPT, building relationships online, and using simple marketing systems that don’t lead to burnout. We talk honestly about social media, automation tools like ManyChat, and why relationships (not hacks), are what truly grow a sustainable teacher business. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting more visibility and wanting more peace, this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this episode, we cover: How Ashley accidentally turned teaching into a long-term TPT business Why relationship-building matters more than posting perfectly What ManyChat is and how teachers actually use it (in simple terms) How automation can save time instead of adding stress When it makes sense to invest in tools and when it doesn’t How introverted or camera-shy teachers can start showing up online The difference between content that lasts vs. content that connects How Ashley balances family life, marketing, and running her business Key takeaway: You don’t need to do all the things to grow your business. You need to connect with real people, show up as yourself, and build systems that support your life, not consume it. Connect with Ashley: YouTube nameTeach the Teacher Author with Ashley Mikkelsenhttps://www.youtube.com/@teachtheteacherauthorSocial media linksInsta-https://instagram.com/teach.the.teacherauthorFB-https://facebook.com/teach.the.teacherauthorFB group -Instagram for Teacher Authorshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/ReJUNEvateyourIGChallengeWebsitehttps://teachtheteacherauthor.com/Contact emailashley@srtaspanish.comlanding page or freebie linkHow to start your email list:https://teachtheteacherauthor.myflodesk.com/dzu6rybc2d   Work with me: If you’re a teacher who wants to build income outside the classroom, whether through TPT, digital products, or mindset work, I’d love to support you.Book a 1:1 coaching call if you want personalized guidance on income planning,
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  37: Thinking of Leaving Teaching? The Realities of Full-Time Business Income 07.01.2026 17m

  What if working from home and “passive income” aren’t as stress-free as we’ve been led to believe? In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest reflection on what it’s actually like to run a business full time, especially as a former teacher who was used to a steady paycheck. I’m recording this at the start of a new year, in the middle of selling our house, and coming off a season that felt busy, heavy, and lacking joy. That reflection led me here. If you’re a teacher dreaming of leaving the classroom, working from home, or building “passive income,” this episode is for you. Not to discourage you, but to help you make the best decision at the right time with clarity instead of fantasy. In this episode, we talk about: Why business ownership brings a different kind of stress no one really talks about What “passive income” actually looks like in real life The financial difference between a teacher paycheck and business income Why making just enough money in your business isn’t enough How taxes, expenses, and slow months really impact your take-home income Why saving 3–6 months of expenses is non-negotiable The importance of having more than one income stream (especially if you sell on TPT) What surprised me when I reviewed my own income data How to think clearly and realistically before quitting your job This episode is about grounding your dreams in truth and making empowered decisions instead of emotional ones. You absolutely can build a business and work from home. I just want you to do it in a way that protects your peace, finances, and future. Here’s to 2026:Create value. Go sell it.And don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Book a 1:1 coaching call if you want personalized guidance on income planning, product strategy, or your next step out of the classroom
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  36: Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive 23.12.2025 14m

  Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive When we’re working full time, it’s easy to believe that if we just had more time, we’d make more money in our business. But what happens when you finally have the time and productivity still feels off? In this episode, I’m sharing honest lessons I’ve learned from staying home to work on my business full time, and what that taught me about productivity, time management, and execution. If you’ve been working hard but not seeing results, this episode will help you see what’s really getting in the way. We talk about why time isn’t the real issue, how planning can turn into procrastination, and the simple strategies that helped me move from busy to actually getting things done. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why having more time doesn’t automatically lead to more money The hidden productivity trap of working for yourself How planning, learning, and “preparing” can become disguised procrastination Why motivation is a myth (and what actually works instead) How hesitation, overthinking, and fear slow down execution How the 5 Second Rule helped me take action faster The First Domino Concept and how routines reduce decision fatigue How scheduling in realistic time blocks creates clarity and momentum Key Concepts Mentioned The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins The First Domino Concept (starting with one small action that triggers momentum) Decision fatigue and why structure matters when you work from home How to Apply This to Your Life & Business Identify your first domino (your one non-negotiable starting point). Use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule when you feel hesitation or resistance. Write out your schedule in advance to remove daily decision-making. Focus on execution—not learning, planning, or scrolling. If this episode hit home for you and you know you’ve been busy but not productive, this is exactly what I help teachers with inside my one-on-one coaching calls. We look at what you’re working on, what actually makes money, and what you need to stop overthinking so you can start executing. No fluff. No endless learning. Just clarity, a plan, and action. If you want support applying what we talked about today to your business, you can book a one-on-one coaching call with me.👉 Schedule a Call Connect With Me Got questions or want to share your story?Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.