The Tutor Podcast
The Tutor Podcast
Neil Cowmeadow
The Tutor Podcast the weekly show that’s all about the business of helping people. If you’re a tutor, a teacher or a coach, join your host Neil Cowmeadow for news, tips and insights to help you Start, Grow and Love your tutoring business. Plain English, no buzzwords and no BS. So, if you want to make more money - and make more of a difference - The Tutor Podcast will be with you, every step of the way.
You Always Pay Twice
Neil shares insights and experiences from a round table meeting with property entrepreneurs. Drawing parallels between success in different industries, Neil emphasises the importance of learning from successful individuals and being willing to invest in oneself. He discusses the concept of "hurting money" as a motivator for taking action and highlights the value of paying the price of admission in order to gain valuable knowledge and skills. Neil encourages listeners to embrace the idea of paying the price, both financially and through hard work, in order to achieve success in their tutoring, teaching, or coaching businesses. KEY TAKEAWAYS Success leaves clues, so it's important to surround yourself with successful and generous individuals who can provide valuable insights and wisdom. Investing in education and learning from various industries can lead to innovative ideas and disrupt conventional thinking within your own industry. Paying the price of admission, whether it be financial or through hard work, is essential for personal and professional growth. The concept of "hurting money" emphasises the importance of investing in oneself and being willing to take action to ensure the investment pays off. Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for personal and professional growth, and it's important to always be open to new ideas and opportunities for growth. BEST MOMENTS "Success leaves clues. And so does failure."  "The disruption is unlikely to come from within the same industry. It usually arrives out of left field from somewhere else."  "The money isn't really a spend you see, it's an investment in myself and my future."  "No pain, no gain. That's what they say, right? It's the pain of wasting that hurting money that makes all the difference."  "If it's expensive and it's terrifying, good. Hand over the price of admission and then get busy paying the price of action."  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!
May 27, 2024
14 min
Opportunity Costs
Neil shares his experience attending a business and finance seminar over the weekend, where he learned from successful millionaires and a billionaire. Neil discusses the value of investing in self-improvement events and training, highlighting the opportunity cost associated with not taking advantage of such opportunities.Neil encourages listeners to consider the cost of ignorance and shares insights on how investing in education and mentorship can lead to significant returns in the long run.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Invest in Education: Attending seminars, courses, and events may come with a financial cost, but the knowledge and skills gained often far outweigh the initial investment. Opportunity Cost: Every decision has an opportunity cost associated with it. Consider what you could be doing instead of your current activities and evaluate if the potential outcome is greater. Value Your Time: Recognise the value of your time and expertise. Don't hesitate to let go of low-value tasks or difficult clients to make room for more fulfilling opportunities. Continuous Learning: Embrace continuous learning and growth. Education and mentorship may seem expensive, but the cost of ignorance and missed opportunities can be much higher. Share Knowledge: Be open to sharing your knowledge and learning from others. Collaboration and exchanging ideas can lead to mutual growth and success. BEST MOMENTS "The fact is that the great majority of people out there will never attend a business and finance event or any other kind of self-improvement event." "The seminar rooms I go to are full of weirdos, madmen who are crazy enough to think that they could do something new, learn something new, perhaps reinvent their lives and find their bliss and capture their fortune." "If the potential outcome is greater than the cost of the event, Go do the bloody event." "Someone can learn in a few hours with me something that they've struggled with for decades." "Remember guys, if you think education is expensive, consider the cost of ignorance." 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!
May 20, 2024
15 min
Escaping The Compliance Factory
Neil passionately discusses the importance of embracing failure in education. Drawing from his own experiences and interactions with students, Neil challenges the traditional mindset of avoiding failure at all costs. He emphasises the value of making mistakes, learning from them, and using failure as a stepping stone towards excellence. Neil shares anecdotes about disrupting the education system to encourage creativity and growth, advocating for a more holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Encourage Failure: It is important to encourage students to fail without consequence, as failure is a necessary precursor to excellence. Subvert Failure-Based Mindset: As tutors and mentors, it is crucial to subvert the failure-based mindset imposed by systems focused on compliance and fear. Disrupt Fear of Failure: Disrupt and destroy the conditioned fear of failure in students to promote progress, achievement, and learning. Break the Rules: Breaking the rules and encouraging students to do things badly can lead to improvement and growth. Think Independently: Emphasise the importance of thinking independently and pursuing personal theories and opinions, rather than conforming to prescribed guidelines. BEST MOMENTS "The system wants our kids to become compliant little workers. Back in the day, compliant little factory workers. These days, compliant little office workers to keep their heads down, to be watchful and not to screw up ever."  "I say nuts to that. I say that we as tutors and mentors have a duty to subvert that failure-based mindset."  "Every master was once a disaster. Every winner was once a beginner."  "If all that's taught is the test, the school is just a hoop-jumping factory."  "We, you and I, my fellow free spirits and shooters, are duty bound to disrupt and destroy that conditioned fear of fucking up."  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!
May 13, 2024
10 min
The 30 Minute Book Guru
Join host Neil as he passionately discusses the pitfalls of relying on AI to write books and the importance of genuine effort and passion in writing. He criticises the deceptive tactics of individuals selling shortcuts and secret algorithms for writing books, emphasising that true writing involves soulful expression and dedication. Neil encourages listeners to embrace the process of writing authentically, without seeking quick fixes or magic systems.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Avoid shortcuts: Writing takes time, effort, passion, dedication, and diligence. It is a process that requires the essence of the writer to be reflected in the work. Beware of conmen: Be cautious of individuals selling quick-fix solutions or secret algorithms for success. True success in writing comes from genuine effort and authenticity. Write with soul: When writing, let your voice, passions, and even agonies shine through. It is through this authenticity that readers can connect with the essence of your work. Value the process: Good writing is a result of sweat, passion, and dedication. It is a reflection of the writer's commitment to their craft. Engage authentically: Instead of seeking magic systems or shortcuts, embrace the process of writing authentically. Let your words flow from your soul onto the page. BEST MOMENTS "If AI is writing your book, where's the passion in the book going to come from?"  "Let's not talk to these idiots who want to sell you a loophole in the system, a secret algorithm, and a backdoor hack that nobody else knows about."  "Writing takes time. Good stuff takes time. Good stuff takes effort."  "When we write, we're putting blood and ink on the page. Something of the essence of us finds its way through the pen to the reader."  "Grab a pen and spoil a blank page. Do the work and as for the 30-minute book guru, wave at him with one finger." 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!
May 6, 2024
8 min
Death by Comfort Zone
Neil shares insights and reflections on the importance of avoiding the comfort zone in life and business. Drawing from his own experiences and wisdom gained over 25 years in the industry, Neil emphasises the need to push boundaries, challenge oneself, and stay uncomfortable to continue growing and thriving. The episode serves as a motivational call to action for individuals in the tutoring, teaching, and coaching business to keep moving forward, stay hungry for growth, and never settle for a comfortable existence. KEY TAKEAWAYS Avoid the Comfort Zone: The comfort zone is where dreams are broken, passions are slain, and hope goes to die. It is important to push towards the edge and stay uncomfortable every single day. Keep Moving: It is essential to keep moving, pushing against perceived limits, and avoiding a slowdown or gradual decline. Rage Against Settling: Do not settle into a comfortable existence. Instead, embrace risk, adventure, and daring to avoid the slow goodnight into a comfortable but unfulfilling life. Stay Hungry: The hunger to grow and be more, to live an uncomfortable life, is crucial. It is important to stay hungry and continue to seek growth and improvement. Seek Growth and Adventure: Embrace life with a spirit of risk, adventure, and daring. Do not go gently into a comfortable existence but instead rage against settling and embrace the uncomfortable journey of growth and discovery. BEST MOMENTS "If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much damn space." "The comfort zone is where dreams are broken, passions are slain, and where hope goes to die." "Old age should burn and rave at close of day. Rage! Rage against the dying of the light." "Going gentle into that good night is Thomas's magnificent call to life, to risk, adventure and daring." "Stay uncomfortable every single day." 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!
Apr 29, 2024
10 min
The Flying Roast Duck Myth
Neil emphasises the importance of taking action and actively pursuing one's goals, rather than waiting for success to come by chance. Neil uses the analogy of a man waiting for a roast duck to fly into his mouth to illustrate the concept of not leaving things to chance. He encourages listeners to define their goals clearly, know what they want, and take deliberate steps towards achieving them.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Don't wait for success to happen by chance: The old Chinese saying mentioned in the podcast emphasises the importance of taking action and not relying on luck or chance to achieve your goals. Define your goals clearly: Many people lack well-defined and visualised goals, which hinders their progress. It's crucial to know exactly what you want to achieve in order to work towards it effectively. Effort is essential for success: Success requires effort, just like successful hunting demands effort. Those who are willing to put in the work are more likely to achieve their dreams compared to those who wait for things to happen by chance. Take daily steps towards your goals: Consistent effort and daily pursuit of your goals are key to achieving success. By actively working towards your goals every day, you increase your chances of success. Share your progress and seek help: The podcast encourages listeners to share their goals and progress. Seeking help and sharing knowledge can be beneficial in achieving your goals and overcoming obstacles. BEST MOMENTS "Don't leave it to chance ever... get out there, get after it and make it happen." "If you ask them what happiness looks like to them... they haven't got a clue." "Find out what your duck actually looks like... go get your duck, don't wait for it to happen by chance."  "Success demands effort... successful hunting demands effort." 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!
Apr 22, 2024
8 min
The Risks of Having a Good Job
Neil shares valuable insights and advice for individuals in the tutoring, teaching, and coaching business. He emphasises the benefits and challenges of being your own boss, highlighting the freedom and responsibility that come with it. Neil discusses the importance of defining your ideal clients, setting pricing strategies, and diversifying income streams to ensure financial stability.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The tutoring, teaching, and coaching business offers the freedom to decide how to spend your days, who to work with, and how much to earn. Responsibility in running your own business includes making decisions on pricing, scheduling, and client selection. Cultivating multiple streams of income is crucial to ensure financial stability and success in the tutoring business. It is important to continuously innovate and explore new ways to grow your tutoring business, such as creating products or offering additional services. Despite the challenges and responsibilities, running a tutoring business can be a fair trade-off for the freedom and control it provides. BEST MOMENTS "For me, especially, I'm probably unemployable after working for myself for a quarter of a century."  "Remember don't deal with tossers and enjoy your life. Those two golden rules DDWT and don't do miserable making things." "There are no victims out there, guys. They're all awakening heroes. They're not who they've been told they are."  "Remember guys when you work for yourself if you're not working you're probably not earning."   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!
Apr 15, 2024
11 min
Holidays - My Own Private Hell
Neil discusses the topic of holidays and the unique perspective entrepreneurs may have towards them. Neil shares his personal experience of finding more joy in teaching and working than in traditional holiday activities. He discusses the guilt and conflicting emotions entrepreneurs may face when taking time off from their businesses. Neil reflects on his own struggles with the idea of holidays and invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences on the matter. The episode offers a candid and relatable exploration of the complex relationship entrepreneurs may have with taking time away from their work. KEY TAKEAWAYS Holidays can be seen as hell for some individuals who are deeply passionate about their work and find fulfilment in their daily activities. Entrepreneurs, driven by their passion and purpose, may struggle to prioritise taking time off for holidays, feeling guilty about letting down students and betraying their mission. Anhedonia, a condition where individuals find their own work so pleasurable that they are reluctant to engage in activities of lower value, can make it challenging to enjoy traditional holiday experiences. Despite the reluctance towards holidays, there may be moments or experiences that are too valuable to pass up, such as creating memories with loved ones or exploring new cultures. Individuals need to reflect on their feelings towards holidays and time away from work, as everyone's perspective and priorities may differ. BEST MOMENTS "I know holidays are supposed to be all fun and special and all that stuff. It's something to look forward to, yada, yada, yada. But frankly, I don't get it."  "Her bliss isn't posh frocks, cocktails and dancing the night away. Her happy is on her building site and her bliss is ripping out the guts of a tired old property and working her own magic."  "We entrepreneurs can struggle to maintain our path and our social networks at the same time."  "I remember once driving as far as the airport and going through the barrier onto the long stay car park to go and join a bunch of friends and my brothers in Spain and driving straight out the other end of the car park."  "Holidays might be hell, but sometimes there are things you can't say no to."  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!
Apr 8, 2024
12 min
Anchoring Excellence, Silliness and Fun
Neil delves into the concept of anchoring in NLP and its profound impact on teaching and learning. Neil shares his personal experience of using anchors to access his optimal teaching state instantly. He explains the process of building anchors step by step and encourages listeners to try anchoring for themselves! KEY TAKEAWAYS The concept of state, as propounded by the founders of NLP, refers to the emotional, mental, and physiological condition of an individual at any given moment. Managing one's state and the state of students can be a game-changer in teaching business or any other setting. Building anchors can help in accessing desired qualities or skills at will by triggering a specific state. Anchors can be set on the body or even on physical objects or places, depending on individual preference. By using the right kind of anchor, individuals can enter a special state designed for themselves, leading to increased confidence and effectiveness in their work. BEST MOMENTS "Managing your state and the state of your students can be a game changer in your teaching business, or in pretty much any other setting from what I see." "I hit that button and it's like, boom! I feel absolutely unstoppable. I know I'm going to help my students. I know we're going to have fun."  "I think this is one of the reasons I still get fired up to teach Even after 25 years."  "I've learned to anchor myself into my own optimal teaching state in a matter of seconds on cue and completely at will."  "Every time now, he needs the courage to be honest, he taps the tattoo and he triggers his own anchor." 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!
Apr 1, 2024
10 min
The Right State
Neil delves into the concept of "state" as defined by the founders of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming). He discusses how understanding and managing states, which encompass emotional, mental, and physiological conditions, can be a game-changer in teaching and learning. Neil provides real-world examples of positive and negative states in students and explains how teachers can adapt their own state to create rapport and lead students in the right direction. Neil's engaging and informative discussion offers practical tips for tutors, teachers, and coaches to enhance their effectiveness and create a positive learning experience for their students. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding and effectively managing states can be a game changer in teaching and learning. Positive states foster engagement, receptivity, and effective communication, while negative states can hinder learning. The environment, such as a well-lit, clean, and positive teaching room, can significantly impact the states of both the teacher and the student. Teachers can mirror and establish rapport with students in negative states to gradually lead them towards a more positive state without them being aware. Utilizing NLP techniques like anchoring can help teachers quickly transition into their optimal teaching state, influencing students positively. BEST MOMENTS "NLP is a neuro linguistic programming developed back in the 70s by a mathematician and a linguist. And it has profound implications for teaching and learning."  "States are really, really important if we're trying to make that bridge between ourselves and the student." "If they get that, it's going to put them in a state where it's much easier for them to change and to become the sort of musician, player or even a person that they'd like to be."  "But right now I just want you to be curious and excited and get into that state of mind about how you could use state transitions and anchoring to simply flip yourself into your own peak state." 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!
Mar 25, 2024
9 min
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