The creation of an online course company starting from scratch
Check out the case study and watch our full discussion of Marlene... in addition well if it inspires you to think of creating your own online course, (and we're sure it will!) begin by registering at RoadmapTo5k.com.
Marlene Hielema is known as the Image Maven
Marlene is a great photographer and video teacher. She's also the brain behind the design of ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Explore both sites to find amazing videos and strategies to enhance your images and videos in just a couple of minutes.
How do I begin offering online classes?
Flash from 2004. Marlene taught photography in the classroom of the local community college. She was a fan of being in close interaction with her students, but she was exhausted.
It was becoming increasingly exhausting for her. She was never able to enjoy a break anytime she wanted "I was just teaching each day."
Her goal? She wants to be flexible, and be open of her schedule.
Marlene says now, "I want to enjoy my life... my life is way too short. I would like to skateboard! I'd like to ride my longboard at the end of the afternoon without having to be ashamed."
The need to be completely free and flexible led her to create her own online course.
What was the process that led her to develop her ideas?
Marlene took some photography online classes and discovered it to be "clunky." Marlene thought of herself "this needs to be changed to make it more enjoyable."
She began researching concepts to develop her own classes. As of the autumn of 2010, she launched her first online class, with the help of .
Marlene now offers 8 courses online. Some of them she has taught several times to different kinds of students.
Her courses include small, low-cost, targeted course, but also more intensive and longer-lasting classes (some lasting up to 8 weeks).
Marlene develops her courses on the specific queries that individuals send her emails: "I've had this question more than 10 times during the last 3 months. It might be interesting to develop a course around it!"
She pays attention to the inquiries people ask about. As an example, she noticed that she started getting questions about the videos she made, and asked: Could you show me how to create the same video?
Overcoming challenges
Marlene states she has a major issues is the sales process "I'm usually not a pro salesperson."
Over time, she has come up with ways of connecting and instructing the masses, prior to urging for them to sign up to a program.
At present, she gives an option to receive 10 free photography classes by email. After 10 free lessons she'll provide a costly program.
Though she was initially apprehensive about sales intimidating at first, Marlene now says "I give courses every weekPeople are able to find the class they would like to learn about is appealing, they take it on and decide to purchase the class."
A successful business model based on courses
One of the most important lessons for Marlene was that learning and the provision of services (one-on-one consultation with clients privately) are inextricably linked.
They generate leads for her one-on-one client service. When they complete a course, "people just want a little bit of assistance, and are willing to pay for it."
In particular, students taking video courses want help with edits and video production. Students studying photography want individual critiques, as well as assistance on technical questions.
In the end her statement is, "My revenue has increased in the same way through my clients, just like it has increased through classes."
Courses offer tremendous value for a standalone item and are superior when they're combined with services.
Marlene is also able to enhance her service offerings with courses. She explains "If you hire me from the beginning, I will be happy to help.
To consult for purposes of consulting, I provide the training course for free." Her services are more attractive to prospective clients.
Connections with students
Marlene makes use of her classes to build friendships with her students- not only to provide material. Marlene has noticed that in many cases "People tend to be less confident on the web."
The connection she makes is created by engaging and engaged during her classes "I respond to every inquiry and each message."
Marlene claims that the experience is rewarding and enjoyable for her "I am a teacher at heart and am a huge enthusiast of helping others... It's fun to enjoy getting people to see positive results! I consider myself a proud mother whenever someone shows up with a short video on an amazing white background I helped them create. It's my goal to assist people overcome their anger."
We're excited for the future.
Moving forward, Marlene is looking to expand on the successes of her current classes. Marlene plans for "relaunching and revitalizing the current classes, creating better sales pages, and also improving the quality of all her offerings."
Furthermore, she is trying to develop 1 or 2 annually new courses that are based on the requirements of the communities in which she is a part of. She claims that "I've made courses not out from thin air." She often thinks about the subject of what do people care to know more about?, and builds courses around these requirements.
The artist is also hoping to work with professionals from other fields to come up with creative new ideas for courses. For instance, she partnered with a counselor to make an self-development program"Take a break" Photography for helping you take good care of yourself.
Marlene's top tips and lessons for getting an online education start-up off on the right foot
1. Do it! Do It!
Marlene states, "My first course only was attended by about 20 students and 10 students and it was extremely satisfying!"
It's the time to stop the procrastination and get working. Begin with a program which is risk-free to begin, even if it's just inviting some of your buddies to join to join for free!
Get over the hurdle, because you learn so many things from that initial class! Get it done.
Don't get too caught up in perfection the first time. People can be quite accommodating.
#2 Connect
Focus on building a relationship with your students. Really keep in contact with them.
If they are sure that what they've learned from you is valuable information, they'll come to your aid with inquiries and you'll benefit from their experiences.
If they are able to trust you, then you are able to help them.
Participate actively on the forum , answering questionsand posting your queries.
#3 3. Express Yourself
Integrate your personality and unique style into your classes. Marlene declares, "I act a little goofy on my YouTube channels." As that she reveals the persona she is in her lessons and her videos as she creates an intimate relationship with her participants.
You can start your course today. Start with our online course absolutely free of charge. Learn the five steps needed to begin designing and selling your online course to begin building your online course business right from the beginning.
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