The Solo Grind

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Hey there, my friends! It’s a brand-new year, and I’m so excited to kick off Season Two of The Solo Grind with you. This episode is all about getting clear on what YOU want—your dream, your business, your rules.

I truly believe with all my heart: you don’t have to settle for a life that happens to you. You get to choose. You have the power to create the life and business you want, in a way that fits you. And this month, I’m sharing how to connect with your vision, align your goals with who you want to become. So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever fuels your creative fire, and let’s dig in.
It’s time to get intentional about the year ahead, to build a business you love, and to create the life that feels just right for you. You’ve got this—and I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes us.

Episode Mentions:
Goals & Intentions Workbook >> CLICK HERE FOR YOUR NO STRINGS ATTACHED DOWNLOAD
Season 1, Episode 12: Stop Trying to Fit in and Build a business That Feels Like You!
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...
Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/)
Book a Coffee Chat HERE! (https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appo...)
Website — CaffeineCreative.io (http://caffeinecreative.io/)
Facebook — Teresa Schlup, The Caffeine Creative (@thecaffeinecreative )
Instagram — The Caffeine Creative (@thecaffeinecreative )
LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup (

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In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m joined by my trusted business coach and mentor, Nancy Ganzekaufer. Nancy is a no-nonsense, powerhouse business coach specializing in guiding interior designers and service-based entrepreneurs to build profitable, sustainable businesses. Together, we dive into one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: pricing.

Nancy shares her expert insights into why underpricing and undervaluing yourself can undermine your success. We explore the mindset shifts needed to confidently charge what you’re worth, the psychology behind pricing, and the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients. You’ll learn practical strategies for handling pricing objections, avoiding the pitfalls of over-explaining, and staying firm in your value.

We also discuss how body language, confidence, and preparation can transform your client interactions, helping you command respect and close sales with ease. Whether you’re struggling to price your services, attract ideal clients, or balance the demands of running a business, this episode is packed with actionable tips and empowering advice to help you take your business to the next level.Nancy's Bio:

Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business and Life Coach, Body Language Trainer, Speaker, and Author. Named one of New York's top coaches, Nancy specializes in coaching interior designers with a focus on marketing and sales strategies, helping them maximize their profitability while identifying and serving their ideal clients with confidence.

Through 1:1 coaching and her signature group coaching program, Profit Insiders Academy, Nancy guides her clients to develop the most straightforward path to higher profitability, visibility, and scalability through confident decision making, efficient systems development, and effective communication.

With her no-nonsense coaching style, Nancy has empowered thousands to know and charge their worth and position themselves in their market with authority and authenticity. She enjoys rolling up her sleeves and helping her interior design clients tackle the tough challenges in life and work, transforming them into happier, healthier, more focused professionals.

• Pricing Tool for Interior Designers - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/the-key-pricing-tool/
• Group Coaching - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/profit-insiders-academy-quick-apply/
• 1:1 Coaching - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/business-strategy-session/
• Free Resources - https://nancyganzekaufer.com/free-resources-for-interior-designers/
• Interior Design Business Forum - https://www.facebook.com/groups/interiordesignbusinessforum

Follow Nancy on Social Media:

• Facebook:

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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!

☕ 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

☕ (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.

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

• 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.

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

Website — CaffeineCreative.ioFacebook — Teresa Schlup,The Caffeine CreativeInstagram — The Caffeine CreativeLinkedIn —

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🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode, we’re talking about the two big approaches to marketing—transactional and relationship-driven—and how both can actually work together in your business. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each, why finding the right balance matters, and how to create a customer experience that keeps people coming back.

And let’s not forget the importance of stepping away from the grind. Taking a break isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Burnout is real, and if you’re constantly chasing the next sale without thinking about long-term relationships, you’re setting yourself up for a never-ending hustle.

So grab your coffee, hit play, and let’s talk about how to market smarter, not harder.

What I hope you take away from this episode:

☕ Transactional marketing focuses on quick sales and revenue.
☕ Relationship marketing is about building long-term connections.
☕ Both marketing strategies can be blended for better results.
☕ Creating memorable experiences enhances customer loyalty.
☕ Trust is a key component in relationship marketing.
☕ Personal touches can turn one-time buyers into repeat clients.
☕ Understanding your business model helps in choosing marketing strategies.
☕ Effective marketing requires a balance between sales and customer experience.
☕ Sustainable success comes from nurturing long-term relationships.

Links to some really cool stuff:

☕ Last Week's Episode: What do you do when all hell breaks loose (and you have a plane ticket in hand!)

☕ My FAVORITE coffee in the world! Rainy Day Coffee Co. https://rainydaycoffee.square.site/

☕ Erin Condren Planners & Notebooks: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/teresaschlup0214/1 (yep this is a referral link, feel free to just go straight to her website if you'd prefer!)

Links to Connect with Me!

☕ Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/)
☕ Website — CaffeineCreative.io (http://caffeinecreative.io/)
☕ Facebook — Teresa Schlup, The Caffeine Creative (@thecaffeinecreative) https://www.facebook.com/thecaffeinecreative
☕ Instagram — The Caffeine Creative (@thecaffeinecreative)
☕ LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup (https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaschlup/)

Send us a text

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Solo Grind, I’m sharing a little truth talk about all the times I’ve been told, “You can’t.” From standing up to bullies on a concrete bench as a kid to launching a business people thought I wasn’t “qualified” to run, I’ve heard it all—and guess what? I did it anyway.

These limitations weren’t always meant to hurt. Most of the time, they came from people who loved me, but were stuck in their own fear. Still, I’ve spent a lifetime proving them wrong—not out of spite, but because I know what I’m capable of (and spoiler alert: success looks real cute on a “can’t”).

So if you’ve ever been underestimated, doubted, or encouraged to play it small—this one’s for you. Let’s talk about quiet confidence, bold moves, and living a life that doesn’t wait for anyone’s permission.

What I hope you get from this episode:

☕ A reminder that someone else’s doubt has nothing to do with your potential.
☕ Encouragement to stop waiting for permission and start moving toward what you want.
☕ Proof that success can be quiet, steady—and incredibly satisfying.
☕ A little boost to trust yourself, even when others don’t get it.
☕ Permission to be bold, do the thing, and let your results speak louder than any “can’t.”

This week's inspirational tune - Can't Have by Pitbull
https://open.spotify.com/track/5vNulf3Z6xUrBzGy5hcFgM?si=614962b6c2454bd6

Links to Connect with Me!

☕ Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/)
☕ Website — CaffeineCreative.io (http://caffeinecreative.io/)
☕ Facebook — Teresa Schlup, The Caffeine Creative (@thecaffeinecreative) https://www.facebook.com/thecaffeinecreative
☕ Instagram — The Caffeine Creative (@thecaffeinecreative)
☕ LinkedIn — Teresa Schlup (https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaschlup/)