In this reflective episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I share something I wish I’d started sooner in 2025 — building an interest list for future students rather than relying on last-minute enquiries or traditional waiting lists. I talk openly about how this happened by accident, why it’s changing the way I grow Mr C’s Tutoring, and how nurturing parents early through content, workshops and light-touch offers can lead to stronger starts each September. If you run a tutoring business, offer 11+ or GCSE tuition, or rely on word-of-mouth marketing, this episode will help you rethink enquiries, demand, and sustainable growth.

I also reflect on the wider evolution of my businesses, from setting clearer boundaries to rethinking memberships, courses, group tuition and long-term scale. We explore why waiting lists aren’t always a sign of success, how interest lists can support ethical growth, and what tutors should be doing now to prepare for 2026 and beyond. This episode is ideal for tutors, teachers, and education business owners who want to grow with intention, improve their marketing and onboarding systems, and build a tutoring business that feels calm, strategic, and future-focused rather than reactive.

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Investing in yourself isn’t just about spending money — it can be free, it can be paid, and it can be the daily choice to put time, effort and belief into your growth. In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I share what investing in myself actually looked like while I was still teaching: the books, podcasts, YouTube and social media voices that shaped my thinking, the mindset shifts that helped me take a leap of faith, and why “skin in the game” can create the energy you need to move forward.

We’ll also talk about the impact — how personal development and business development go hand in hand, how investing in the right people can bring speed, clarity and confidence, and why the real return often comes through relationships, community and opportunities. If you’re a tutor, teacher, or tutoring business owner thinking about leaving the classroom, starting a tutoring business, growing your tutoring business, building online offers, or joining a course or membership, this episode will help you rethink what investment means and choose your next step with intention.

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In this honest, big-picture episode, I dive into intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation—how each fuels us at different stages of business. I share how my early “prove-them-wrong” fire evolved into a steadier, mission-led drive to serve families with nurture first, clear expectations, and mindset work around high-stakes moments (11+, GCSEs, A levels).

You’ll hear practical prompts to find your own fuel, balance impact with income, and avoid quick-fix traps like overspending on ads before you’ve proven your offer.

We also bring it back to tutoring practice: how to talk motivation with young people, build pride in hard-won skills (hello, times tables and habits), and use short-term rewards without relying on them. If this resonates, or you’ve got a story the tutor world should hear, I’m lining up new guests. Drop your details via the form in the show notes and let’s share what’s working.

https://forms.gle/Pc3pPXvkbe4ZeUaE9

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Emma Harper has only recently left her position as a teacher in secondary school. Her business story begins in what most of us would consider traumatic circumstances.

In spite of the many challenges faced by Emma, she has developed a successful business and has left teaching ahead of a planned schedule.

This is a truly inspirational story for anyone struggling with taking the next steps. Tuition is the gift a lot of teachers are waiting for.

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Tom Delahunt is an inspirational teacher, poet and author.

I'm a huge believer in his quest to complete his PhD because entrenched at its heart is a new way of thinking about supporting the most vulnerable within the education sector.

Tom shares his ideas in outside-of-the-box ways, which do not always get the recognition they deserve because of the nonconformity and anti-traditional ways of presentation. A PhD, which includes a children's book, a play and an artistic space including poetry and sound to represent trauma, is not what assessors want, but it's how Tom needs to present his research and work!

Every educator will resonate with Tom's message.

Connect and find out about Tom here https://linktr.ee/td5900?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6c98ea1c-f993-4981-aa1c-0f68048998d7

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Teresa is a highly acclaimed marketing expert, TEDx speaker, and an award-winning international keynote speaker. Her insights have empowered countless entrepreneurs and businesses to harness the full potential of digital marketing and social media. But Teresa's expertise doesn't stop there; she's also a mastermind in understanding the mindset shifts necessary for business success.

https://teresaheathwareing.com/

https://your-dream-business.captivate.fm/listen

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These are my thoughts about teachers, tutors, and business owners finding their network of like-minded people.

Learning in a group is powerful, and surrounding yourself with people who give you energy is essential for long-term success.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

If you are looking for a supportive place to meet and connect with other tutors and business owners, click the link and join us in our Facebook community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourtutoringbusiness

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Claire is an inspirational teacher who tells her story of leaving teaching twice! She shares how dedicating her time to teaching affected her family.

I know lot's of teachers who will resonate with Claire's story and will be inspired by her determination and success.

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Part of small series of short episodes focussing on business tips to grow your business.

Circumnavigating luck by being more visible for your business. Find out what increasing the volume means for you.

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Attending a live event is always an emotional experience. I share what emotions I was left with after the event but, more importantly, the process to help regulate and reframe my feelings.

Being uncomfortable is par for the course when running your own business but if we want to accelerate the progress then working through the reasons why we might be feeling imposter syndrome is going to be worthwhile in the long term.

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Meet Kevin Wrenn, a Conexus Franchise owner who left teaching after recognising his mental health was negatively affecting his life.

Kevin shares his journey and thoughts on how we can take action, which will help us with our mental health struggles.

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Meet Kevin Wrenn, a Conexus Franchise owner who left teaching after recognising his mental health was negatively affecting his life.

Kevin shares his journey and thoughts on how we can take action, which will help us with our mental health struggles.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this reflective, practical episode, I share why the show’s gone “edit-light” to reduce friction and ask if that works for you—before diving into ongoing CPD for tutors. Fresh from the National Tutoring Conference, I unpack what great CPD looks like, where to find it (inside and outside our industry), and how to apply it to real tuition challenges—like changing buying habits, low social reach, and the power of webinars, email, and community to keep your pipeline healthy.

You’ll hear simple prompts to streamline your workload (what can you stop doing without losing value?), plus a nudge to plan your next learning day so you stay on the pulse rather than playing catch-up. I also share what I’m attending next and why and invite you to do the same. Bonus: if packaging your services is on your list, I’ve got a £30 workshop on 23 November designed to help you clarify offers for groups and 1-to-1s. Tune in, take notes, and tell me what CPD you’re prioritising next.

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Another question I've pondered over the last few months. Invisible progress is a thing, but how do we bring this hidden growth to the front of our minds?

I first noticed some invisible personal growth with a skill set of mine (writing landing pages) after I wrote a high-converting page without having to go back and watch previously bought pieces of training. I remembered the flow of the page and what to include, and where. Writing about the features and benefits of the 8-week Tutors Who Thrive course became more manageable for me.

It's important to take notice of the invisible growth we have by scheduling moments where we can reflect.

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Rosanna started her tuition business in 2019. During the Covid 19 pandemic, her business really took off.

Rosanna shares how she reduced her school responsibilities so she had more time and headspace to focus on growing her small business.

We also get to hear about how having a business mentor changed the direction of her business and inspired her to start similarly supporting tutors.

Rosanna Loftus Links

Here are the links to my socials and 2 free calls.

Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/tuitionbusinessacceleration 

When you join the Facebook group you also get access to my free document - 5 ways to get clients using your Facebook profile. 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tuitionbusinessacceleration 

Free connection call - https://learninglinks.kartra.com/calendar/connectioncall 

Free Facebook banner review call - https://learninglinks.kartra.com/calendar/BannerReviewCall 

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Leaving behind a successful career as a classroom teacher and senior leader is a bold decision, but it seems that Jane recognised the importance of balancing her professional ambitions and her family life. Instead of pursuing the path of becoming a "super head" (a term often used in the education field to describe a highly successful and accomplished school headteacher), she prioritised her young family's needs and explored other avenues where she could make a positive impact.

Starting her own tuition business was a significant step for Jane. This venture not only allowed her to utilize her teaching skills but also provided her with the flexibility to manage her time according to her family's schedule. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, evident by her tuition business growing from strength to strength. This success is a testament to her expertise as an educator and her ability to connect with students and their families.

The turning point in Jane's journey came when she embraced an opportunity to teach a client from another country. This experience opened new doors for her, both professionally and personally.

By being open to new opportunities and taking calculated risks, Jane has discovered a world of possibilities beyond what she might have imagined while confined to a traditional tuition setting. Her story is a reminder that stepping outside of one's comfort zone and saying "yes" to unfamiliar experiences can lead to personal growth, expanded horizons, and unexpected achievements.

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Join me in another dive into my notes and thoughts, which are recorded in my journal. It's an open and honest account of my week with a positive spin.

I ponder questions and share learnings from books and podcasts.

I'm launching two services for tutors. To find out more click the links below.

Intensive beginner course. - rcowell13.ac-page.com/tutors-who-thrive

8-week course - https://www.mykudos.co.uk/september-8-week-course/

Alteratively, contact me richard@richardcowelleducation.com

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Arthur Moore is a tutor who has a clear purpose for his business. He is not motivated by financial goals, but rather by the desire to help students succeed and to create a life where he can spend time with his family.

Arthur's story is inspiring. He left the UK to teach in Thailand, where he learned a lot about himself and about what he wanted out of life. He realized that he wanted to start his own tuition business so that he could help students achieve their academic goals and so that he could have more time to spend with his family.

Today, Arthur's tuition business is thriving. He can help students succeed and he can spend time with his family. He is an inspiration to other tutors who are looking to start their own businesses.

In this podcast, Arthur shares his story and insights on starting a successful tuition business. He talks about the importance of having a clear purpose, the value of networking, and the need to provide high-quality services.

You can connect with Arthur - https://podfollow.com/tandteaching

If you have some tips to share with others click this link https://lnkd.in/eYKKRNbR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-moore/ - connect with Arthur on LinkedIn.

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A quick run down of my journal entries this week.

A mixture of the future of the both businesses and how I get consumed with the work and forget other important aspects of life.

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Nikki is going all in, in her business. She shares her story of moving away from the classroom and towards becoming a business owner.

Nikki qualified as a teacher at the age of 45, which means she has a wealth of experience to share from outside of education alongside her time in education.

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Fresh from the National Tutoring Conference at the Royal Lancaster, Richard shares the standout ideas and people that made the day special—beginning with a huge nod to event lead Sam Nichols and the superb TTA team. Highlights include Susie from PS Education on humanising our language (“families,” not “clients”) and building belonging through richer onboarding and regular check-ins—even online, where a 30–120 second end-of-session parent touchpoint can transform trust. Beata Inskip opened Richard’s mind to scalable GCSE groups online, using Zoom breakout rooms for exam-board/ability differentiation without spinning up endless classes. Amin (A Team Education) offered a grounded look at the fast-growing home-education landscape and what quality, school-like provision can look like when built around a family’s needs.

President John Nichols closed Richard’s loop with a call to values-led leadership and a timely return to foundations: Bloom’s lower rung (remembering) as the base for real understanding—think times tables before fancy gimmicks—then build up to application and analysis. Richard and Vicky’s own ABC framework—Attraction, Belonging, Connection—pulled the day together: tried-and-tested pedagogy plus intentional community. Expect practical takeaways you can use this week: add micro-feedback moments, trial breakout-room differentiation, explore home-ed opportunities, and double-down on fundamentals that work.

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Sarah runs Read to Grow Tuition and has grown her business whilst working at a school.

Sarah is a passionate teacher and has acquired a variety of skills. She is an expert in handwriting, a qualified SENCo and is about to study as a dyslexia specialist at Christ Church University, Kent.

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Brooke Bownes is a trauma specialist. She supports people to process previous traumas so they can live their best lives.

We discuss how certain emotions appear to protect our inner child but can also get in the way of progress.

If anyone wants a complimentary call with Brooke they can email at

brooke@brookebownes.com

Fb

https://facebook.com/brookebownes01

Book link

You Can Have It! How to breakthrough the self sabotage cycle by Brooke Bownes

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09DX7PB11

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-bownes-the-trauma-breakthrough-queen-b17815116

Instagram

https://www.Instagram.com/brookebownes

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@brookebownes2?_t=8bJvoaDOBPx&_r=1

Link to FREE Heal Your Inner Child - Heal You Bootcamp

https://brooke-bownes-coaching.newzenler.com/f/bootcamIf anyone wants a complimentary call with me they can email me at

brooke@brookebownes.com

Fb

https://facebook.com/brookebownes01

Book link

You Can Have It! How to breakthrough the self sabotage cycle by Brooke Bownes

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09DX7PB11

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-bownes-the-trauma-breakthrough-queen-b17815116

Instagram

https://www.Instagram.com/brookebownes

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@brookebownes2?_t=8bJvoaDOBPx&_r=1

Link to FREE Heal Your Inner Child - Heal You Bootcamp

https://brooke-bownes-coaching.newzenler.com/f/bootcamp

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Zahurah needed to find a way to continue to use her teaching skills to create a life where she was available for her young family. Staying as a full-time teacher would not provide her with a lifestyle that fits her family values.

Listen to Zahurah's journey away from teaching and becoming a business owner.

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Hey, welcome to another episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business.

We have Jemma Zoe Smith, who has an amazing story to share with you. Listen to how Jemma decides to move away from classroom teaching at the end of her PGCE and uses her previous experiences to set up a successful tutoring business.

Jemma shares some fantastic golden nuggets with us, so get your notepad ready!

Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallbusiness.to.soleincome

https://educationhotel.co.uk/

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Welcome to the latest podcast, where I have the incredible opportunity to introduce you to an amazing individual who has made the inspiring journey from the classroom to becoming the CEO of a 7-figure tuition company. Meet Sharon Cawley, known from Life After Teaching, one of the largest Facebook groups filled with tired, frustrated teachers looking for support from people who have transitioned away from the classroom. What better person to ask than a trailblazer in the world of education and entrepreneurship. 🚀📚

In this interview, Sharon shares a wealth of ‘golden nuggets’ and reveals her blueprint for creating a successful business and a fulfilling life. 💼🌟

Get ready to be inspired, learn valuable insights, and gain actionable advice on elevating your business and life. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stories and life-changing content! ✨🎥

Use this link to connect with Sharon

https://linktr.ee/SharonCawleyConexusTuition

#SharonCawley #SuccessStory #BusinessBlueprint #EducationCEO #FromClassroomToCEO

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Welcome to the latest podcast, where I have the incredible opportunity to introduce you to an amazing individual who has made the inspiring journey from the classroom to becoming the CEO of a 7-figure tuition company. Meet Sharon Cawley, known from Life After Teaching, one of the largest Facebook groups filled with tired, frustrated teachers looking for support from people who have transitioned away from the classroom. What better person to ask than a trailblazer in the world of education and entrepreneurship? 🚀📚

In this interview, Sharon shares a wealth of ‘golden nuggets’ and reveals her blueprint for creating a successful business and a fulfilling life. 💼🌟

Get ready to be inspired, learn valuable insights, and gain actionable advice on elevating your business and life. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing stories and life-changing content! ✨🎥

Use this link to connect with Sharon

https://linktr.ee/SharonCawleyConexusTuition

#SharonCawley #SuccessStory #BusinessBlueprint #EducationCEO #FromClassroomToCEO

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Welcome again to Rachael, who was the first-ever guest on the podcast. I invited her back to talk about her experience on my course. If you are considering enrolling, listen to what Racheal took away from attending.

Rachael also shares how she uses TikTok to get eyes on her business.

Enjoy, I always learn something new when I talk to Rachael.

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In this podcast, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Ghulam Fernandes, a compassionate and experienced grief specialist. Ghulam supports people in navigating through the challenging and often lonely journey of grief. From coping with the loss of a loved one to working through personal struggles and hardships, Ghulam's approach is empathetic, uplifting and effective.

Use this link to discover 10 mistakes we make when handling our grief.

https://tinyurl.com/10mistakes-handlingyourgrief

Connect with Ghulam in her free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/handlinggrief/

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In today's fast-paced world, embracing technology is no longer an option but a necessity. In this video, we'll show you how to use tech as an extra employee to grow your tutoring business and earn more money from your tutoring business. By harnessing the power of AI and other advanced technologies, you can achieve remarkable results that would have been impossible just a few years ago.

In "How to use tech as an extra employee," I'm sharing some simple tips on how to implement technology in your tutoring business. Our expert tips will help you streamline your operations, reach more students, and ultimately increase your revenue. By the time you finish watching this video, you'll know exactly how to utilize tech to grow your tutoring business exponentially.

By leveraging technology, you can automate tedious tasks, personalise learning experiences for your students, and create a more efficient workflow. From scheduling and task management to sending and sending invoices and collecting payments, the potential benefits of using tech in your tutoring business are endless. With the right strategies in place, you can truly make technology work for your business and help you earn more money from your tutoring business.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more amazing content. Leave a comment below with any questions you may have, or let us know what other topics you'd like us to cover in future videos.

So, are you ready to embrace the power of AI and transform your tutoring business? Watch "How to use tech as an extra employee" now, and prepare to revolutionise the way you work and earn!

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In this practical, real-talk episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, Richard unpacks how to find clients without feeling spammy or overwhelmed. He reframes the journey as three stages—Know-Like-Trust → personal touch (discovery calls) → onboarding—and argues that onboarding is the middle of the business, not the start or end. You’ll hear why visibility matters beyond social media, with examples like community boards and soft local partnerships, and how the most effective tactics right now are the human ones: showing up as you, inviting real conversations, and building trust through consistent touch points.

Richard also shares a simple metric to aim for—around 20 meaningful touch points a month—as a realistic “sweet spot” for momentum without burnout. He explains how to use “hand-raise” calls to action (comments, messages, opt-ins) instead of jumping straight to “Buy now,” and how those signals earn you the right to send info and make an offer. Expect clear, usable guidance on closing conversations, nurturing before the sale, and protecting your headspace with financial security—so you can stay consistent long enough for the compounding effect to kick in.

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We explore why it is important to be visible or the face of your business.

Why is it hard to show our face or upload a video to social media?

Find how you can take baby steps towards being visible in your business to help you find more clients.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spoke with Jean Clayton for the podcast's last episode of season 1.

I've proclaimed Jean as the SLT of tutoring. We had a fantastic conversation about how she started tutoring over 20 years ago and has never advertised or made a Facebook page. Jean employs past students to support her and has inspired me to do the same.

My only regret is not allowing the recording to run because we continued to talk for another 30 minutes off-camera, where Jean shared even more pearls of wisdom!

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This is my story away from teaching and towards starting my tutoring business.

Find out why my teaching career came to an end and why I started my tutoring business.

If you would like to connect with me my email address is richard@richardcowelleducation.com

My Free Facebook group for tutors is https://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourtutoringbusiness

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On today's show, we hear from Sarah, who found that teaching in the classroom was not for her and, after reading an article about tutoring, decided to invest in a course to help her grow.

There are some great takeaways from the show. Get your pencil and pad ready to take notes.

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I talk to Katie Lane about her incredibly fast business growth.

All of us have something to learn from Katie. She shares her strategy on how her business income grew beyond her old teacher salary within 6-months.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode one's guest is Rachael Benton. Her story describes family and colleague support with the ups and downs of teacher life.

Get your notepad ready to take down some amazing information to help you build your own tutoring business into creating you a full time income.

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Feeling flat or “off your game” with your tutoring business? In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I open up about losing my mojo after the big push for TutorFest and how that dip crept into my motivation, marketing, and mindset. I share a practical, compassionate reset: identify the trigger, capture the mental load through journaling, and use solution-focused thinking to turn worries into simple next actions. We talk rest without guilt, routines that actually fit real life, and why community time (family, friends, fellow tutors) can be the quickest route back to energy and clarity.

You’ll hear exactly how I’m rebuilding momentum—batching content, scheduling posts, and setting up boring-but-beautiful systems that keep the flywheel turning even on low-energy days. If you’ve felt the same, this episode will help you spot your own pattern, pick one gentle lever to pull, and get back to showing up for your students, your business, and yourself. If it resonates, hit subscribe, share this with a tutor friend, and drop a comment: What’s your go-to move when the mojo slips?

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In this candid, energising episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I share how I’m getting my mojo back by tackling a topic many tutors avoid: sales. We unpack the difference between the sales conversation and the close, and why the “salesy” feeling usually shows up at the very end—not at the start. I break down stalls vs objections (overwhelm vs price, add-ons, and negotiation) and explain why pushback happens at every price point, whether you charge £15 or £60+ per hour.

You’ll leave with three practical moves you can implement today: make pricing front and centre (or give a clear “from” range if you’re bespoke) to pre-filter enquiries; turn your most common objections into FAQs and content across your website and socials to answer them upfront; and use confident closing questions that smoothly move parents to a decision—think “Which evening works best?” and “Here’s how to get started.” If you don’t have a website, a pinned PDF/proposal works too. Simple tweaks, fewer awkward chats, and more right-fit clients.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I’m digging into what it really takes to keep showing up when your energy is low and motivation is slipping. We’ll talk about perseverance, determination, and the small but powerful habits that help you keep moving forward when you hit a hurdle. Whether it’s a dip in momentum, admin overload, or that nagging feeling that nothing is working, this conversation is about finding ways to reset, re-energise, and build consistency without burning out.

I’ll share insights from a recent Q&A session in the Tutors Who Thrive community, as well as my own experiences of being in a “funk” and what I do to pull myself out of it. From the importance of creating habits and triggers, to showing up even when it isn’t perfect, this episode will help you think about how to stay visible, stay consistent, and keep your business growing, even when motivation feels far away.

I'm here to help

https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/together-membership

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I’m diving into a topic that every tutor and business owner needs to face head-on: running on empty. The summer months are some of my busiest, especially with 11+ preparation, and while it’s exciting to see so many children working hard, it also means something has to give — in my case, that’s been the podcast. But today I want to pause and explore an idea that came from a powerful message I read earlier this year: is it ever okay to pour from an empty cup?

We’ll look at what exhaustion really means for tutors and business owners, the difference between teaching in schools and running your own business, and how we can build better boundaries for ourselves. I’ll share my own reflections, practical questions to sense-check your workload, and even a little challenge: are you being a good boss to yourself, or a rubbish one? If you’ve ever felt tired, stretched, or wondered how to balance growth with wellbeing, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to run not one, not two—but three interconnected businesses. From the tuition company to the growing Tutors Who Thrive membership, and now events like TutorFest, it’s all getting exciting… but also a bit complicated! I share how I'm currently navigating multiple launches, prepping for September tuition intakes, and managing long-term goals without burning out.

At the heart of it all? Simplification. I reflect on what’s working (like recording this podcast straight into my phone!), where I’m saving time and energy, and how simplifying certain processes is giving me more space to show up where it really counts. If your business is starting to feel a bit tangled, this episode is your gentle reminder to step back, strip it back, and find the clarity within the chaos.

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In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I get a bit raw and real about something that knocked me sideways recently—a run-in with online negativity that triggered some old feelings around teaching, identity, and how we show up in business. What started as an annoying Facebook comment turned into a much bigger reflection on the kind of messaging out there for teachers right now, especially those being promised magic-wand solutions to leave the classroom. I share how I let it get to me, what it revealed about my own journey, and why not everyone is ready to receive help—because healing takes time.

But this episode isn’t just a vent. I also talk about what lifted me back up again: a great real-world connection in a board game café, the joy of serving others through meaningful 1:1 conversations, and how important it is to create safe, judgement-free spaces for people who are navigating change. Whether you’re still processing your exit from the classroom or figuring out your next steps, this episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear—but there are moments of light, connection, and progress when we stay open to them.

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