Stash, Save & Select

This week we are feeling back on track and super motivated after last week's reset! 💪 We're finalizing our tasks for WAIM Unlimited's Spring Enrollment, cooking up some exciting things for Teachery, and doing a handful of Zoom interviews with our audience so we can learn how to better serve YOU!

But enough about us, let's get into the goods!

- Jason and Caroline

PREDICTABLE 🔄

Creating “stash systems” to tame distractions

👩🏻‍🦰 👋: Ever been in the middle of a conversation, just nodding along, when suddenly, BAM!—a brilliant idea strikes, and you're itching to share? ⚡️

Yeah, this happens to Jason and me all the time. But we've got this neat trick we've been using for years to handle those lightning bolt thoughts without derailing each other.

Instead of full-on interrupting, we have a code phrase: "Keyword: podcast hosting" (or whatever phrase cues the thought). It's our way of mentally stashing the tangent for later and keeping the flow of conversation without losing the gem of an idea.

Seriously, this is a relationship communication pro-tip in our book. But it also got me thinking—what other "stash systems" have we created to stay focused yet capture inspiration as it comes?

For instance, as we grow Teachery, I'm constantly hit with ideas while skimming software business newsletters I'm subscribed to. But I don't want a quick email check turning into a productivity sinkhole. So, I created this database in Notion:

I jot down sparked ideas with a couple of notes and where I found them. Then, every three weeks, I have a recurring reminder to review the stash—this is a crucial step! I decide what's actionable and what's can wait for later.

Another trick? A yearly Apple Note, simply titled "2024." It's my archive for podcast insights, quotes, or random inspirations. This is my third year doing this, and looking back over the year is a goldmine of insights (and a fun journal of the year)!

These various stash systems keep distractions in check for me and add stability because I can rely on my well of inspiration without chasing every idea.

Now it's your turn: Set up your own stash system for those lightning-strike thoughts! ⚡️

Reply and share your stash systems with us! (And I'll be sure to stash your replies in my stash system for stash systems! jk jk 🤣)

​- Caroline 👩🏻‍🦰​

PROFITABLE 🤑

A simple ask = $2K annual savings!

👨🏻‍🦲👋: One of the mottos I’ve lived by is:

You don’t get what you don’t ask for.

It’s a handy phrase, and last week it helped us save $2,000. Here’s how…

We are evaluating a new CRM software option for Teachery, and the one we want to switch to is a bit pricey for a company at our stage. Instead of thinking, “ahhh, too bad, they’re priced higher than we can afford,” I decided to lean into my old motto and make an ask.

I sent a message through their support chat from their pricing page and said:

“"Hey there, I’m a founder of a small software company (with $0 outside funding) and we’re looking to switch from Intercom to your service. You have all the features we need, we love your ethos, but the monthly price is just a bit too high for us right now. Is there any chance you’d be willing to do a 50% off deal for the first year?"

2 hours later I received a reply and the short version was: “Yes, we do have a 50% off offer for smaller companies like yours!” (That 50% will save us $2k this year! 🥳)

Boom! One message sent and we get the software we want AND at a price that meets our budget. 💃🏻🕺

Here’s YOUR next step:

1. Is there a software or product you’ve wanted to buy but the price felt too high for you?

2. Is there something you’re currently paying for* that you wish you could get a discount on for the next year?

Whichever makes more sense for you, send a message today and make the ask for a discount. The worst thing that can happen is they say no. 👋 I’d love a reply if you send a few messages today and end up saving money.

*Note: We also did this when we were getting out of debt and saved $5,000+ between our cable, cell phone plan, and credit card APRs!

​- Jason 👨🏻‍🦲​

PEACEFUL 🧘

How to make more peaceful decisions: "Choose boldly"

👩🏻‍🦰 👋: The book “The Paradox of Choice" by author Barry Schwartz explores the stressful nature of decision-making.

A key study cited in the book found that when shoppers were offered a selection of 10 different jams to sample, they were less likely to make a purchase than when presented with only two options.

In the book, Schwartz explores the various factors that contribute to this phenomenon, but one intuitively stands out to me as most obvious: With every additional option we consider, that’s an additional path and possibility that gets closed off once we make a selection and an additional path our brains will try to compare our final selection to.

In short, more options = more paths not taken = more comparison, regret, wondering, and dissatisfaction with the present.

Once you realize this, you also realize why people get stuck in analysis paralysis considering every decision. Their overthinking is a strategy to mitigate that post-decision regret. But, as we know, overthinking is not conducive to entrepreneurship, experimentation, and action-taking.

So, years ago, Jason and I decided to embrace the mantra "choose boldly."

To us, “choosing boldly” is a reminder to make confident decisions without dwelling on the alternatives left behind.

This means decision-making is far less stressful for us because we simply decide not to spend any time comparing our final choice to what could have been.

What decision are YOU grappling with right now that could benefit from this mantra?

Whether it's selecting software, choosing a project to focus on, or narrowing your target audience, give yourself a deadline and choose boldly. Remember, every confident choice is a step toward ACTION, and taking imperfect action is better than standing still.

​- Caroline 👩🏻‍🦰​