The Heart of a Teacher Approach to Sales and Marketing

Why the Best Solopreneurs Adopt the “Heart of a Teacher” Mindset

By Dr. Bruce

For years, my speaking bio has included a simple line: “Takes a heart of a teacher approach.”

That’s not marketing fluff. It reflects my roots. Before I was a coach or podcast host, I was a teacher—subbing in high schools in my early 20s, earning a graduate assistantship at Middle Tennessee State University at 24, and eventually becoming one of the youngest program directors in the Texas A&M system.

What I learned in the classroom still shapes how I show up today. Whether I’m coaching a client or writing a sales page, I approach it with the same mindset I used in front of a room full of students: Teach, don’t push. Equip, don’t impress. Guide, don’t guilt.

That’s why I believe solopreneurs should stop trying to sell like salespeople and start showing up like teachers.

Marketing with the Heart of a Teacher

Back in my teaching days, I followed a tried-and-true lesson plan structure:

1. Tell them what you’re going to tell them.


2. Tell them.


3. Tell them what you told them.

It worked. It stuck. But as a coach, I realized it’s missing a critical fourth step: Tell them what to do with it.

Your audience isn’t just looking for information. They want direction. When someone listens to your podcast or reads your post, they’re essentially saying, “I trust you. Just tell me what to do next.”

So when you create content—whether it’s an Instagram caption, newsletter, or podcast episode—treat it like a lesson plan:

• Set the stage.


• Teach the concept.


• Summarize the takeaway.


• Give action steps.

Most importantly: Focus on being a person of influence, not just a person of interest. People of influence make it about others. People of interest make it about themselves. You know which one builds trust.

Selling with the Heart of a Teacher

Sales can feel sleazy—especially for solopreneurs who lead with service. But it doesn’t have to.

Here’s how I handle sales: I teach. That’s it.

I don’t chase. I don’t manipulate. I don’t try to “close.” I show up with value, share what I know, and trust the right people will resonate. Because if you’re in my target audience and I know I can help, that’s the offer.

Sometimes that means challenging beliefs. Sometimes it’s showing a better way. Either way, it’s rooted in education and experience—not pressure tactics.

If someone says no? That’s fine.

“Some will. Some won’t. So what? Who’s next?”

As long as I’m adding value, I’ve done my job. That’s how you sell without the sleaze, market without the masks, and build a brand that earns trust.

And yes, teaching sometimes means having hard conversations, pushing people to think differently, and standing your ground. That’s part of building trust and earning respect.

From Solo Hustler to Trusted Guide

When you bring the heart of a teacher into your business, everything changes.

You stop pretending. You stop pitching. You start guiding.

You become a trusted voice, not a noisy one.

Action Plan:

Next time you’re about to create content and feel that hesitation creeping in, remember this—there’s someone out there right now who needs to hear what you have to say. Not someone abstract. A real person, scrolling or listening or reading, who’s just waiting for a clear next step.

Serve them.

Thanks for being part of the Solopreneur Movement. If this resonated with you, do me a favor—share it with someone who needs to hear it. That’s how we grow this mission.

– Dr. Bruce

The post Ep.50: Heart of a Teacher Approach appeared first on The Solopreneur Movement.