The development of an online course for business completely from scratch
Read the case study, or listen to the complete interview of Marlene... And If this makes you think of creating your own online training course (and we are convinced that it is!) start by visiting RoadmapTo5k.com.
Marlene Hielema is the Image Maven
Marlene is an amazing photographer and video teacher. She's the founder of ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Go to both websites to find great videos and ideas to improve your photos and videos quickly.
What are the main reasons why you should start the teaching of online classes?
Flash dates back to 2004. Marlene taught photography in the classroom of the community college she attended in her area. Although she enjoyed working direct with student body, she felt she was burning out.
It became more tiring for her. It was impossible for her to enjoy a break whenever she wanted "I had to teach all the time."
Her goal? Flexibility and freedom in her timetable.
Marlene says, "I want to enjoy my life... my time is short. I'd like to take an afternoon trip to the skating park! I'd love to hop onto my longboard by the end of the afternoon and not feel ashamed."
The desire to be free and flexible led her design the first of her online courses.
How did she come up with her inspiration?
Marlene began taking photography courses online, and discovered it to be "clunky." Marlene thought to herself "this has to be done better."
Then she began looking for concepts to create her own class. Then, in fall 2010, she launched her first online course making use of .
Marlene currently offers eight online courses that have been offered multiple times to different types of students.
Her classes are inexpensive rapid, short-term, customized courses, and also more intensive and longer-lasting classes (some that are up to eight weeks in duration).
Marlene develops her courses based on specific questions which people write to her via email: "I've had this question 10 times in the last 3 months, maybe I'd like to design an instructional course around this topic!"
She is attentive to the questions people ask her about. As an example the people began asking questions about her videos: Could you show me the method of making a video like the one you've created?
Overcoming challenges
Marlene acknowledges that her biggest problem is selling "I'm by nature not a salesperson."
In the course of time she's found ways of connecting and educating the public before requiring them to purchase the course.
In the present time, she provides an opportunity to sign-up for 10 free photo lessons by email. Following these free 10 lessons the instructor offers a pricey program.
While she initially found sales to be intimidating at first, Marlene now says "I regularly sell classes -when people find a class, are interested and choose to purchase it."
A profitable business model that is based on courses
One of the biggest lesson that was an essential learning experience for Marlene was that training as well as services (one-on-one consulting for private clients) are inextricably linked.
They generate leads for her one-on-one client support. After a class "people simply want a little amount of assistance and they're willing to spend the money."
As an example, those who attend video classes need help with editing and making. People taking photography courses want private critiques and extra help with technical problems.
According to her "My revenue has increased by clients, just like it was during the course."
Courses are extremely valuable in their own right and are better when they're integrated with services.
Marlene is also able to add value to her service offerings with courses. Marlene explains "If somebody hires me, it's not just out from the blue.
In exchange for consulting, I provide my clients a training program without cost." This makes her services even more appealing to clients who are considering her services.
Making connections with students
Marlene makes use of her teaching to build relations with students and in addition to delivering information. Marlene has observed that many times "People have less fear when they're on the internet."
She connects by being extremely active and part of her classes: "I respond to every query, to every email."
Marlene declares that her experience is enjoyable and fulfilling for her "I am a teacher, and I love to help others... It's an absolute pleasure seeing people reach their goals! It makes me feel like a proud father If someone is able to pop up on the screen and show a brief video and a beautiful white background that I've helped them make. It's my goal to assist individuals overcome their anger."
The future is in the near future
Going forward, Marlene is looking to expand on the successes of her current course offerings. Marlene is planning on "relaunching and revitalising her present classes, creating more effective selling pages and raising the standards for each course she offers."
Also, she tries to develop 1 or 2 every year different courses to meet the needs of the community within which she lives. She states the reason for this "I've not created a course out of thin air." Instead she often thinks about the issue of what are people wanting to know?, and builds courses around those requirements.
She is also looking to collaborate with experts in order to develop unique and creative classes. In the past, for example, she worked with a counselor to make a self-development course"Take a break" Photography, to assist you in taking care of yourself.
Marlene's top suggestions and lessons to assist you in getting your online-based course business up and running
1 - Just Do It!
Marlene says, "My first course only was attended by about 20 students, as well as 10 students that was an incredible experience!"
Thus, put off the delay and start working. You can take a risk-free route for your first step with, even if you require a few friensd to join for free!
Be successful in overcoming the obstacles by gaining how much from the first course! Go for it.
Don't get obsessed with perfection when you first start an educational program. Most people are fairly accommodating.
#2 Connect
Focus on making a connection with your students and really create connection with them.
If they are confident that what that you're teaching is useful things that they can have questions, and you'll be able to learn from them.
If they are trusting you, then you are able to help them.
Participate actively on the forum answering questions or post your own questions.
#3 3. Express Yourself
Include your personal style into your classes. Marlene declares, "I act a little amusing in my videos." In the way she expresses herself on her instructional videos, classes and classes, she is able to create a strong personal connection to the students she instructs.
Begin now. Sign up to our online training program to get a free membership to master the five steps for creating and selling your course so that you can build your online course business right from scratch.
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