128: How to Keep Going When Your Business Hits a Slump
If your business has felt a little wobbly lately (slower sales, quieter customers, strategies that used to work suddenly falling flat) this episode is the pep talk you need!
Heather talks about the “trust recession,” how AI has changed buyer behavior, and why so many entrepreneurs are experiencing a slump. She opens up about her own recent setbacks and shares the honest behind-the-scenes of navigating frustration while still showing up for her people.
But this isn’t doom and gloom!
Heather walks through the mindset and simple next steps that actually move you forward: trying new ideas, trusting your best guesses, asking your audience what they want, and most importantly, not quitting before the breakthrough.
Hit play for some reassurance, and the reminder that business is a rollercoaster and you will rise again!
Key Takeaways:
- (02:20) The “trust recession” and how AI is changing online business
- (04:00) Picking yourself up after a slump and putting your offer out there
- (08:30) Testing new ideas and sales strategies
- (15:10) The #1 strategy that matters more than ever
Episodes Mentioned:
#119: Behind the Scenes of a Successful Funnel with Laura Kebart (Part 1)
#124: Testing New Facebook Ads to Find What Really Converts
Listen on:
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Navigating the Trust Recession: Thriving Amidst Uncertainty
Business slumps, low motivation, and changing markets are real—but so is your potential. Here’s how to keep going and come out stronger as a teacher entrepreneur.
Riding the Waves: Why You’re Not Alone
If you’re feeling like your business is in a slump, you’re not the only one. Many teacher entrepreneurs are noticing that what worked before isn’t working now: sales are down, audience engagement isn’t as strong, and it’s easy to start doubting your direction.
Knowing you’re not alone is the first step to pulling yourself out of a rut.
It’s natural to feel shaken when things shift—especially after putting in years of passion and effort. But as Heather explains, most of us are in the same boat, and that shared experience is something you can lean into, not hide from.
Beyond the Classroom: Your Skills Are Still Valuable
Just because the current business environment is tough doesn’t mean your teacher skills are no longer valuable. In fact, they’re more crucial than ever.
Heather reminds us of the journey so many teachers face: having all the qualifications, getting the job, but still feeling limited by systemic constraints—or even burned out.
“I just want to tell you what I wish I could go back and tell the kindergarten teacher version of myself,” Heather reflects. The message? There’s so much waiting for you beyond the classroom when you use your experiences and teacher skills online.
Building your own business isn’t just about income or flexibility—though those matter! It’s also about crafting a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with your values, on a pay scale you control.
Welcome to the Trust Recession
A perfect storm is happening in the online business world: people are tightening their wallets because of economic uncertainty, making them more cautious with spending.
At the same time, the rise of AI-generated content has flooded the market with low-quality info products, making buyers more skeptical than ever.
As Heather points out, “We’re going through a trust recession where people are just less likely to buy info products and buy from someone they don’t know on the Internet.”
The result? Numbers are down across the board, even for experienced entrepreneurs.
No Pity Parties: Instead, Test and Try New Strategies
It’s natural to want to lament when launches flop or ads stop converting. Heather opens up about her own recent setbacks—like a summit that didn’t meet expectations or Facebook ads that fizzled out after initial promise.
But instead of giving into frustration, the key is to keep testing.
Heather’s pep talk is simple but powerful: “You can’t lose if you don’t quit. And the way to win is to keep going until you win.”
This persistence is what separates long-term success from short-lived attempts. If the tried-and-true isn’t working anymore, it’s time to brainstorm new strategies, even if it’s just scribbling ideas in a notebook and taking your best guess.
Get Creative: Offer Value and Engage Your People
A key example Heather shares is her approach to Black Friday promotions.
Instead of sticking with old sales tactics, she brainstormed a new “free gift with purchase” strategy, offering high-value digital resources as incentives. Digital products are well-suited for this since there are no hard costs for giving away extra bonuses.
If you’re not sure which direction to go, ask your audience. Soliciting direct feedback via email or social media doesn’t just give you fresh insights—it builds genuine engagement and trust.
Relationships Over Robo-Marketing: Build Real Connections
With AI everywhere and trust in short supply, building real relationships with your audience is your superpower.
“Show your face more on social, make videos for your people,” urges Heather.
Let your voice and personality shine through, answer messages personally, and share relatable stories.
When people see you as a real person—not just a business—they’re much more likely to stick with you, even in a tough market.
The Ups and Downs Are Normal—And You’ll Get Through
Business is a roller coaster, especially for those new to entrepreneurship. There will be both slumps and surges in momentum. But the ride isn’t permanent—hang in there, innovate, and nurture your relationships.
And remember, “The way that you win is that you keep going when everyone else in your position would have stopped.”
In this trust recession, true connection and consistent effort are your best assets.