The Solo Grind

The Metrics That Matter: How to Measure Real Business Growth

In this episode of The Solo Grind, we take a deep dive into the world of metrics and why focusing on vanity numbers like social media followers, website views, and email open rates can steer us away from real success. Host Teresa Schlup shares her insights on why these popular metrics don’t always paint the full picture of a thriving business and discusses what truly matters when it comes to measuring success as a solo entrepreneur.

 

The Power of Pivoting with Special Guest Crystal Nerpel

We have all heard about the power of the pivot, but what exactly does that look like, and what does it mean in this episode with my very first guest, my best friend, Crystal Nerpel. We dive deep into the power of pivoting in life and business—what it means, why it’s necessary, and how to overcome the fear and resistance that often comes with big changes. Crystal shares her own personal journey of navigating multiple pivots, from teaching and professional organizing to becoming an aspiring author, and Teresa reflects on her own experiences of embracing career shifts and the lessons learned along the way.

Is It Risk or Just Fear Holding You Back?

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Solo Grind, we’re diving deep into a common struggle for entrepreneurs—indecision and the fear of making a mistake. Are you frozen, stuck in perfectionism, and afraid to take the next step? What if the step you fear isn’t really a risk at all? What if it has little to no impact on the outcome of your business? Today, we’ll unpack how to assess what’s truly at stake and how to move forward with confidence.

What You Will Get From This Episode:

☕ The difference between striving for perfection and pursuing mastery

☕ Why focusing on perfection keeps you stuck in fear and indecision

☕ Practical risk assessment questions to help you move forward with confidence

☕ How even small steps toward mastery can boost your confidence and help grow your business

Risk Assessment Questions 

1. What’s the worst that could happen if I take this step?
2. Is the financial cost of this step smart for my business? 
3. Does this decision move me closer to my goals, or is it a distraction?
4. Who can I talk to for perspective on this decision?

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

 

Where To Go When You Really Need Advice

Being a solo entrepreneur can be a wild ride—especially when it comes to making those big decisions. You’re wearing all the hats, juggling CEO duties with admin work, marketing, and everything in between. But when it’s time to make a tough call, who do you turn to for advice?

In this episode, we’ll explore the importance of having the right people in your corner. We’ll talk about whose advice you should probably avoid (hello, unsolicited Facebook advice), and more importantly, how to build your own personal Board of Directors. These are the trusted voices that guide you in different areas of your life and business, even if they don’t know they’re on your board!

What You Will Get From This Episode:

☕ The importance of having trusted people to lean on for business advice

☕ Why some advice (especially unsolicited or from social media) should be taken with a grain of salt

☕ How to build your own personal Board of Directors for decision-making support

☕ Why it’s important to find advice that aligns with your goals and values

🎙️ Highlights: 

☕ (3:57) Avoid the social media “experts”: Not all advice is worth following, especially if it’s from people who don’t run successful businesses themselves.

☕ (5:47) Unsolicited advice isn't always helpful: Friends and family mean well, but if their goals don’t match yours, their advice may not be right for you.

☕ (7:28) Build your own Board of Directors: Surround yourself with people you admire and trust. These people don’t even need to know they’re on your board—just let their wisdom guide you.

☕ (8:03) Diversify your board: Your board can include mentors, friends, family, or even authors and speakers whose work resonates with you.

 

Action Steps to Build Your Board:

Ready to build your own board of directors? Here’s how to get started:

1. Reflect on Your Needs
2. Identify Your Board Members
3. Diversify Your Board
4. Seek Out Mentorship
5. Use Your Resources

Resources Mentioned:

• Andy Andrews’ book, Mastering the Seven Decisions for Success – A great resource for learning how to create your own personal board of directors.
• Jen Sincero and Denise DT – Two of my go-to financial mentors whose books and advice keep me grounded.

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Defining Success in a New Way

In this episode of The Solo Grind, we’re diving deep into the concept of success. What does success look like for you? How has your definition of success evolved over time? And more importantly, are you chasing success based on what you truly desire, or are you following external pressures and expectations?

I share my personal journey of hustling hard, burning out, and realizing that success wasn’t about having 10,000 followers or working 24/7. It took an unexpected diagnosis and a complete shift in my life to redefine what success meant to me—and I hope my story helps you rethink your own definition. Tune in as we explore how you can break free from the grind, redefine success, and start living the life you’ve been striving for.

🎙️ Highlights: 

☕ Break up with the grind: Hustling non-stop without clear boundaries isn’t the answer. Discover how I shifted my focus to what really matters.

☕ Redefine success: Success isn’t about ticking off every box on your to-do list; it’s about how you feel along the way.

☕ Claim your success: If you don’t recognize what you’ve already achieved, you’ll never feel truly successful.

 

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!  

Welcome to The Solo Grind!

Welcome to The Solo Grind, with me, your host, Teresa Schlup, The Caffeine Creative. Our first full episode will broadcast bright and early Tuesday, September 24th! 

In this welcome episode, I’m excited to share a little bit about myself, the dream that started this podcast, and what you can expect from the show. 

Being a busy, doin’-it-all solo entrepreneur myself, I know what it feels like to have a dream so big those around me can’t see it. 

I know what it means to keep pushing the needle forward even when others think I am crazy, or when they wish I would just “go back to a real job” 

The struggles in this life of solo entrepreneurship can be overwhelming, but when you have a dream this good, it is worth it. 

I created this podcast with the hope of letting you know you aren’t on this crazy hamster wheel alone. There are others just like you working every day to create life on their own terms, and I, my friend, am one of them. 

In the episodes to follow I am going to be real and honest about what it’s like to be a solo entrepreneur, and share my own journey including the ups and downs and everything in between. 

This podcast is going to encourage you to keep going, take the next step forward and never lose sight of your dreams. It will at times share some unpopular opinions and question the status quo, and that simply because following the path laid out by others doesn’t often lead to your dreams. 

For detailed Show Notes and the transcript for this episode CLICK HERE!

If you would like to connect with me outside of this podcast here is where you’ll find me… 

Website — CaffeineCreative.io
Facebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine Creative
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup
Email — theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io 

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Solo Grind Podcast!