Episode Description:

In this conversation, Judy Marano shares her journey from being a college professor to becoming a successful coach for college entrance tests and essay writing. She discusses the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of persistence, trust, and community engagement. Judy also highlights her passion for teaching and the art of writing, while navigating the impact of AI in education. She concludes with valuable lessons learned in business and effective marketing strategies. In this conversation, Judy Marano discusses the importance of teaching skills for standardized tests, the diverse roles within her tutoring team, and the challenges faced by international students transitioning to college. She shares insights on balancing her roles as a teacher, writer, and business owner, and offers advice for aspiring writers on monetizing their craft. Judy also highlights the use of technology in education and the upcoming changes in standardized testing formats.

Key Takeaways:

Judy's journey to coaching was not linear but evolved from her teaching experience.
Building a business requires patience and trust from clients.
Persistence is key; it took Judy five years to feel stable in her business.
Teaching keeps Judy connected to the youth and enhances her coaching.
Writing involves both structure and creativity, which Judy emphasizes in her teaching.
AI tools like ChatGPT can assist but cannot replace a student's unique voice.
Effective marketing relies on word-of-mouth and community connections.
Social media is crucial for reaching potential clients, especially parents.
Networking groups have significantly contributed to Judy's business growth.
Realistic expectations about income and growth are essential for entrepreneurs. Teaching test-taking skills is more effective than rote memorization.
Building a diverse tutoring team enhances the learning experience.
International students face unique challenges in transitioning to college life.
Time management is crucial for balancing multiple professional roles.
Aspiring writers should focus on a specific niche to monetize their work.
Technology can enhance the tutoring experience and facilitate learning.
Understanding student anxiety is key to effective teaching.
Transitioning to college requires support and guidance for all students.
A successful business model should have multiple revenue streams.
Writing can be a powerful tool for personal expression and connection.

Meet Our Guest:

Introducing Judy Marano, a distinguished guest on our podcast. With over two decades of experience teaching English at various educational levels, including college, high school, and middle school, Judy's expertise in verbal skills instruction is unparalleled. As a certified coaching practitioner and application/essay specialist, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her remarkable achievements include receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence and contributing as a writer for Best Self Magazine. Judy is also the author of the insightful book, "Words Matter," and serves as the founder and director of Community Connection, which focuses on adult ESL education. Join us as we gain invaluable insights from Judy, a New York State certified high school English teacher with expertise in K-12 ESL and a true expert in study skills preparation.