The creation of an online course business beginning with scratch
Read the case study, or read our entire video interview of Marlene... in addition, we hope it will inspire you to create your own online course, (and we think it can!) get started at RoadmapTo5k.com.
Marlene Hielema, also referred to as Image Maven
Marlene is an amazing photographer, as well as video instructor. She's the brain behind ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. You can visit both websites for amazing videos as well as ideas to improve your video and photography in a matter of seconds.
What are the reasons to begin online teaching?
Flash in 2004. Marlene was a teacher of photography in her class at the nearby community college. Marlene enjoyed having direct contact with her students. She was full of energy, yet she was exhausted.
The demands increased for her. It was impossible to take the time to unwind at any moment she needed: "I was just teaching all day."
Her goal? She would like to be flexible and remain flexible within her work timetable.
Marlene says, "I want to enjoy my life... my time is limited. I'd like to take a skateboard! I'd like to ride my longboard at the end of my day , without feeling embarrassed."
The desire to be free and flexibility led her to develop a unique on-line course.
From where did she gather the concepts she came up with?
Marlene was a student at a number of online photography courses. Marlene was disappointed that the class appeared as "clunky." Marlene considered about herself "this should be changed in order to make it more user-friendly."
At that point, she began to look for concepts for her own courses. In the fall of 2010, she began her first online course developed by ..
Marlene has eight online courses available on the internet, some that she's regularly taught by various groups of students.
Her courses include small inexpensive, targeted, and affordable courses. Additionally, she offers longer and intensive classes (some lasting up to 8 weeks in length).
Marlene designs her programs in response to specific inquiries that people ask her in emails "I've been asked this question approximately 10 times in the last three months. Maybe I'd like to develop an educational course around the subject!"
She is also aware of the questions people have concerning. For instance, when she started getting inquiries about her videos, she would ask: Have you got any suggestions on what you could do to make the same video as you've made?
Overcoming challenges
Marlene states she has a big issue with sales "I'm normally not a professional salesperson."
With time she's discovered ways to reach out and educate the general public and later, make students take a class.
Presently, she's providing the opportunity to receive free photography lessons by emails. Following 10 free lessons you can choose the option of purchasing a program.
While she was nervous about selling at first, Marlene now says "I frequently offer courses -- students find a course they'd like take that they enjoy, and they purchase the program."
An effective business model built on classes
One of the biggest aspects to take away from Marlene is that the education system and services (one-on-one consulting with individuals) are inextricably connected.
Her courses can lead to the possibility of one-on-one customer service. Following completion of the course "people simply want more assistance and are prepared to shell out for it."
Particularly, students who are taking classes that require video will need assistance with editing and video production. Photographers need critiques from a private tutor and technical assistance.
Her statement says, "My revenue has increased more through my clients than the increase it saw with the classes I teach."
Courses are extremely valuable as an item their own and are stronger when they are paired with other services.
Marlene also adds value to her offerings by offering workshops. Marlene tells clients "If someone hires me in the beginning, I'll be grateful.
(for consulting) (for consultation) I will provide the course for free." Her offerings are more attractive to prospective customers.
Engaging with students
Marlene utilizes her classes to make connections with her students and not only for the purpose of delivering information. Marlene has observed that, typically "People are less confident on the internet."
Communicates with students by engaging and actively participating in classes of instruction "I answer every query, to all emails."
Marlene affirms that her job is enjoyable and rewarding for her "I am a teacher, and I am passionate about helping people... I enjoy watching people accomplish their goals! It's like having a proud mother when you see people on the screen and then show them the video on gorgeous white backgrounds that I've helped with the creation of. My goal is to help people who feel frustrated."
Future plans
The outlook for the future is positive for Marlene. Marlene hopes to grow upon the success of her present courses. Marlene plans to "relaunching and revitalising her current coursesand creating attractive selling pages and raising the standard across the entirety of her courses."
Also, she tries to develop at least either one or two courses each year according to the demands of her particular community. She explains the reason of this "I've never created courses that are complete from start to finish." Her mind frequently thinks about about what people are talking about?, and builds courses based on the demands that her learners.
The instructor is looking to collaborate with other experts in the development of innovative concepts to develop classes. As an instance, she teamed up with a counselor to create a program for personal growth"Take a break" Photographing Self-Care.
Marlene's top tips and advice for getting your online course going to get started with a solid foundation
1. Do it! Do It!
Marlene shares with us "My first class was comprised of about 20 students, as well as 10 of my classmates. It was rewarding!"
It's time to put off your excuses for putting off work in the past, and get started. Begin with a secure and secure way to begin regardless of whether you need to recruit some new members for no cost!
You will be able to conquer any obstacles you encounter in the course of learning in your very first lesson! Don't be afraid to try it.
Be careful not to be too focused on getting things done the first time around - folks will understand.
#2 Connect
Make sure you form an emotional connection between your student. Be sure to establish connections with them.
If they think that the information they've acquired from you is useful, they'll have questions you'll be able to respond to, and you'll be able to learn from their experiences.
If they trust them, then they are in a position to assist them.
Participate in discussions by responding to questions and posting questions.
#3 3. Show Yourself
Integrate your personality and unique style into your classes. Marlene admits, "I act a little ridiculous in my YouTube channel." The more that she reveals her personality in the instructional videos, classes and lessons as she forms an emotional bond with her students she teaches.
Start today. Begin your journey with our FREE training course to discover five key ways to design and market your courses to start your own business of online courses with the fundamentals.
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