The creation of an online course business right from scratch
Have a look at the case study and listen to our full interview of Marlene... And if it inspires you to develop your own online course, (and we're sure that it will!) get started at RoadmapTo5k.com.
Marlene Hielema, also known as the Image Maven
Marlene is a fantastic photographer, as well as a video instructor. She was the main creator behind the development of ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Visit both websites to find great videos and ways to enhance your images and videos in just a couple of few seconds.
How can I start teaching online courses?
Flash Since 2004. Marlene taught photography classes at the community college in town. She loved being in direct interaction with her students but she was tired.
It became more and more stressful for her. It was difficult for her to stop for a moment at any time she would like: "I was just teaching constantly."
Her goal? Freedom and flexibility for her working schedule.
Marlene is now saying, "I want to enjoy my life... my life is small. I'd like to take a an excursion to the skatepark! I'd love to ride my longboard through the midday times without worrying about being uncomfortable."
The desire to be free and flexible led her to develop the first of her online educational courses.
From where did she gather her ideas?
Marlene started taking some photography classes online and found the website "clunky." Instructors were of the opinion that "this ought to be changed."
Then she began to research theories in order to design her own course online. In the fall of 2010, she started her first online course created by .
Marlene has a current schedule of eight online classes, most of which she's taught several times to various kinds of students.
Her curriculum consists of short courses that are low cost along with lengthy intense classes (some which can be up to eight weeks in length).
Marlene creates courses based on particular questions that people ask in her email: "I've had this question about 10 times during the last three months. Perhaps I'd like to develop an instructional course around the topic!"
She is also attuned to the questions that viewers have about. As an example, she noticed that people began asking the content of her videos. She would ask: Can you teach me how to produce a video like that?
Overcoming challenges
Marlene says she has a major difficulties is selling "I'm clearly not a professional salesperson."
Through the years she's come up with ways to connect and educate people prior to soliciting them to purchase the software.
She is currently offering an possibility to register for free 10-photo classes via email. Following these free 10 lessons, she'll provide an affordable program.
Although she was initially apprehensive about sales to be daunting at first, Marlene now says "I teach weekly classes when students find the online courses they like, then take it in, and then purchase this course."
Building a successful business around the programs
One of the major lesson learned from Marlene is the fact that classes and services (one-on-one consulting with private clients) are inextricably linked.
The course generates leads for clients during individual sessions. After completing a course "people want more assistance, and are willing to pay for."
For instance, students who take classes in video need aid in editing and making. Students studying photography want personal reviews along with assistance for technical queries.
Her statement says, "My revenue has increased via my customers, exactly the way it did with my education courses."
The courses are fantastic by themselves, but they're better when combined with other solutions.
Marlene can also expand her services through classes. Marlene clarifies her clients she will inform them that "If you decide to hire me this isn't completely out of the unexpected.
(for consulting) For those who require consultation services or training, I can provide it free of charge." This course is completely free, and helps to make her service more appealing for potential customers.
Engaging in conversation with students
Marlene uses her method of teaching for students to be informed and not solely to impart the most recent information. Marlene is aware of there are many occasions "People have less fear on the web."
Engages her students by being engaged and active during her teaching classes "I respond to every query and every message."
Marlene claims that the experience can be enjoyable and rewarding for her "I am a teacher at heart, I love to help individuals... I'm amazed by seeing students achieve their goals! It's like being the proud mother of my child whenever someone displays on screen and play a video on a stunning white background that I've helped them create. My goal is to aid the people who feel angry overcame it."
Future plans
The future is bright for Marlene. Marlene hopes to maximize the rising popularity of her current course offerings. Marlene is planning on "relaunching and revitalising the current courses, creating more efficient selling pages , and improving the quality of each class she offers."
Additionally, she strives to create one or two courses each year, in accordance to the demands of her particular community. She states that "I've made courses out of open air." She is often thinking about what people are asking about?, and builds courses according to the requirements of her audience.
Additionally, she'd prefer experts to work together for the purpose of generating creative ideas for courses. In the past, for instance, she joined forces with a counselor in developing self-development programs titled"Take a break" photography to assist you in taking good care of yourself.
Marlene's best advice and suggestions to get an online learning beginning off on the right foot
1. Do it! Do It!
Marlene shares with us "My initial course was attended by 20 students , and 10 students, and it was so satisfying!"
That's why you should you can put off procrastinating and begin right now. Do a low-risk course to start and even inviting your acquaintances at no cost!
Learn to get over the obstacles, as you will take a lot of lessons from your very first lesson! Take it on.
Avoid getting too caught up in perfectionism for your first time -the people are very open.
#2 Connect
Concentrate on developing a rapport with your students. maintain contact with them.
If they think that the information they're learning from you is high-quality, then it can they inquire about it and profit from your expertise.
If they feel confident in your abilities, then you're in a position to assist them.
Keep active on the forum to answer questions, and posting queries.
#3 - Express Yourself
Integrate your unique style into your classes. Marlene says, "I act a little humorous when I create my videos." As that she reveals her personality through her videos and in her courses and lectures, the better she will be able to create a personal bond with her students.
Get started now. Participate in our Free training program to understand the 5 steps required to start developing and selling your course. you can create your own course on the internet starting from the ground up.
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