Episode Summary: Crush Imposter Syndrome! Launch Your Digital Course? Best Selling Author! #1 Ranked Podcast Host with Teresa Heath-Waring

Podcast: Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson
Host: Jay Schwedelson
Guest: Teresa Heath-Waring
Release Date: June 20, 2025

1. Introduction to Teresa Heath-Waring

In this engaging episode, host Jay Schwedelson welcomes Teresa Heath-Waring, a distinguished figure in the UK known for her impactful work in developing online businesses. Jay highlights Teresa's impressive credentials, mentioning her status akin to the "sixth Spice Girl" and her highly acclaimed podcast, Your Dream Business Podcast, which ranks in the top 1% globally.

Notable Quote:
Jay Schwedelson [00:02]: “She's spoken everywhere, TEDx and all over. She's a big deal.”

2. Teresa’s Journey into Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Teresa delves into her professional background, sharing her decade-long experience in marketing, including a pivotal role as the head of corporate marketing at Land Rover. She candidly discusses a significant life transition triggered by a midlife crisis and a subsequent divorce in her early 30s, which compelled her to leave her stable job without a safety net.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [02:46]: “I had to go out there and hustle. It was either that or I lose my house.”

3. The Leap to Building Her Own Marketing Consultancy

Faced with financial pressures and the absence of savings, Teresa recounts how she swiftly established her own marketing consultancy. Leveraging her industry connections, she secured her first few clients, which rapidly grew her business to an impressive six-figure agency. Despite her success, Teresa recognized the need to transition to the online space to manage her workload and expand her reach.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [06:55]: “I fired my clients and went all in on the online stuff.”

4. Creating and Launching an Online Course

Jay inquires about the essence of creating and selling an online course, prompting Teresa to explain her own experience. She created a succinct course on content creation, encompassing videos and written materials, aimed at consolidating her expertise into a scalable product. Teresa emphasizes the distinction between developing content expertise and the strategic effort required to market and sell an online course effectively.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [07:27]: “If you have a passion to just show up and create content because you love it, then brilliant.”

5. The Crucial Role of Building an Audience

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the importance of building a dedicated audience before launching a digital product. Teresa asserts that without an established audience, even the best-crafted courses may fail to gain traction. She draws parallels to owning a billboard in a desert—effective only when positioned in a high-visibility area.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [10:45]: “It's the person who has all the passion and ... but they have no audience. It's literally going to do nothing.”

6. Strategies for Audience Growth and Engagement

Teresa outlines practical strategies for aspiring online entrepreneurs to build their audience:

• Content Creation: Start by producing content around your passion without the pressure of immediate monetization. For example, an Instagram account dedicated to photography or homesteading.

• Email List Building: Prioritize capturing email leads from day one. Teresa emphasizes the superiority of email lists over social media followers for reliable engagement and conversions.

• Strategic Positioning: Aim to become a recognized authority in your niche by securing speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and publishing valuable content consistently.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [12:15]: “If you can start to create an audience about that, then that's kind of one of the first things I would do.”

7. Email Lists vs. Social Media Followers

The conversation delves deeper into the effectiveness of email lists compared to social media followings. Teresa explains that while social media can help in building an initial audience, email lists offer a more direct and reliable channel for communication and sales. She highlights that algorithms can limit the visibility of social posts, whereas emails land directly in the subscriber’s inbox, ensuring higher engagement rates.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [16:43]: “When I look at stats of what you can expect to get in a launch, I don't take it from your Instagram following or your LinkedIn or your YouTube. I take your email list.”

8. Overcoming Barriers and Taking Action

Jay resonates with Teresa's insights, emphasizing the necessity of stepping out of comfort zones and actively pursuing opportunities. He reinforces the idea that building connections and reaching out are fundamental steps toward achieving business goals, whether it's launching a course or advancing in one's career.

Notable Quote:
Jay Schwedelson [15:55]: “The number one lesson I think in business is getting comfortable being uncomfortable.”

9. Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners aspiring to launch their digital courses:

• Start with Passion: Focus on creating content you love without immediate monetization goals.

• Build an Email List: Prioritize establishing and nurturing an email list as it serves as the backbone of your online business.

• Strategic Outreach: Actively seek opportunities to position yourself as an authority in your niche through collaborations and speaking engagements.

Teresa encourages listeners to leverage her expertise and offers resources for further learning through her website and podcast.

Notable Quote:
Teresa Heath-Waring [19:22]: “If you have an inkling, I want to turn this into something then... you'd have to build that foundation.”

Connect with Teresa Heath-Waring

• Website: teresaaring.com
• Podcast: Your Dream Business Podcast
• Instagram: @teresa_heath_waring

This episode provides invaluable insights into transitioning from traditional marketing roles to building a successful online business. Teresa Heath-Waring’s candid storytelling and strategic advice equip listeners with the knowledge to overcome imposter syndrome and confidently launch their digital courses.