Everyone says you need an online course… and they are right. You have expert knowledge that other people need. Don’t be selfish and keep it to yourself, seriously!! You have processes and experience and talents that would help other people do what they do better if you would just share that with them.
But honestly, even though you should create an online course, doesn’t mean that you are ready for it yet. Some people start creating online courses prematurely just because of the pressure and expectation that it will save their business and make them win what I call the “entrepreneur lottery.”
Now, everyone can create a course at any time of course, but they need to be clear about the reason and purpose based on the time they launch.
At the beginning of starting a business, if you don’t have an audience yet, the purpose for creating a course would be to establish credibility and use it to leverage one-on-one services. If a client knows that you have an online course, you can always lead them to the course if they can’t afford your services. It can also be used like a book to establish credibility since many people that should have online courses don’t have one yet, but you do.
If you have an audience, via an engaged social media audience or email list, then consider the following:
- Are you already providing a service that other’s would be able to follow DIY style?
- Are people asking you for advice on what you do and how you do it?
- Have people invested time and money in learning what you do?
If you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, that doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t create an online course. It simply means that you have some work to do before you should.
Start with creating a coaching or training program that you can teach people to do one-on-one, in a mastermind, or an in person workshop.
Start making a list of commonly asked questions, concerns, and mistakes that you continually see. In addition, add the answers or tips and tricks to avoid those mistakes.
Begin to build an audience. There are so many ways to do this but start with what you like: videos, blogs, podcasts, interviews, or whatever. Just begin and don’t be afraid to fail and restart.
So Should you create an online course? YES!!
Should you start now? Well, that’s up to you. If you aren’t sure and would like to find out more info, send me a message at hello@jessicalmoody.com, and we will chat about your options.