The Online Course Show

284: From Helping Babies Sleep to a $60K Month (Featuring Jayne Havens)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:03:00 -0400

What if your best course idea is hiding in the work you're already doing? Jayne Havens turned her sleep consulting experience into a certification program that reached about $60,000 in a peak month. But building a bigger business was never the whole goal: she wanted meaningful work that still left room for her kids and her life.

In this episode, Jayne shares how she launched to a list of about 350 people, why community and referrals drive her sales, and why she hired experts instead of learning every technical skill herself. Jacques and Rocky also explore what her relationship-led approach means for course creators in the age of AI, with a practical exercise for reclaiming your time.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiQStc4D0G8

Jayne's Website: https://thecpsm.com/

Becoming a Sleep Consultant Podcast: https://thecpsm.com/podcast/

Join Jayne's Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomeasleepconsultant/

Sleep Consulting with Jayne: https://thesnoozefest.com/

Check out the free workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
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283: The "One Podcast One Offer" Model Behind a Multi-Seven-Figure Business (Featuring Stefanie Gass)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

If your business gets more complicated every time you try to grow, Stefanie Gass's story offers a very different path. She built a multi-seven-figure business by stepping away from social media, committing to one podcast, and directing everything toward one clear offer.

In this episode, Stefanie shares her one person, one problem, one offer model, why she recommends coaching before building a course, and how she turned a successful live launch into an evergreen funnel. Jacques and Rocky also unpack what her simplicity-first approach means for course creators now that AI makes it easier than ever to create more.

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90jw0Sp7OJA

Get Stefanie's Profitable Podcast Bootcamp free: https://stefaniegass.com/gifts
Coupon code: JACQUES

Or use this link to apply the code automatically: https://stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/profitable-podcast-bootcamp-gift/?coupon=JACQUES

Stefanie's Website: https://stefaniegass.com/

Check out the free workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
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282: He Didn't Want AI. Now His AI TEAM Gives Him His TIME BACK (Featuring Angelo Santiago)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Angelo Santiago wanted nothing to do with AI. His business is built around human connection, and he worried AI would pull him away from the clients and mission he cares about.

Instead, his AI operator, Terry, now handles recurring admin, tracks his business numbers, captures content ideas, and helps keep everything moving. That gives Angelo more time for his clients, his family, and the work only he can do.

Angelo also shares how his own marriage struggles led him to create Better Husband, what he learned from his early podcast experiments and launch setbacks, and what finally changed his mind about AI.

Listen to Better Husband: https://www.angelosantiago.com/podcast

Watch Angelo on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelosantiagocoach

Learn more about Angelo: https://www.angelosantiago.com

Apply for AI Operator Boot Camp: https://aioperatorbootcamp.com

Watch The Online Course Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnlineCourseGuy

281: AI 101 - How AI Works, Explained Simply

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 01:00:00 -0400

AI doesn't have to feel confusing. In this episode, Jacques goes back to the basics with his AI operator Rocky to explain how large language models work, why AI confidently gives wrong answers, and how to get more accurate results. They also explain the difference between a model and a harness, then walk through the progression from basic chat to automations, AI agents, and always-on AI operators. If you want to move beyond simply chatting with AI and start using it to do real work, this episode gives you the foundation.

280: I Interviewed My AI Employee Rocky

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

I interviewed Rocky, my AI employee, about what he actually does for me, how AI operators are different from chatbots, and why the future of AI in business is not just better prompts.

279: Beyond ChatGPT - My Simple 2026 AI Setup

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

If ChatGPT is still the only AI tool you’re using, this episode will help you take the next step.

In this episode of The Online Course Show, I’m sharing the AI tools I’m actually using in 2026. Not a giant list of random apps. Just the ones that are saving me time and changing how I work.

I talk about why I’ve been using Claude as my daily driver AI, how to get better results with simple prompting habits, why “do research” is one of my favorite phrases to add to a prompt, and how Wispr Flow has made it much easier to give AI the context it needs.

I also walk through Claude Cowork, how I use Rocky in my own business, why Pikzels has become part of my YouTube workflow, and why Claude Code is worth trying even if you don’t think of yourself as a coder.

If AI feels overwhelming, don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick one tool. Try one workflow. Build from there.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why ChatGPT is only the beginning
• Why I’m using Claude as my main AI tool
• How to use “do research” to get better answers
• Why AI can sound confident and still be wrong
• How to use ELI5 prompts
• How to make AI review your work from your audience’s perspective
• Why Wispr Flow makes prompting faster
• What Claude Cowork does
• How Pikzels helps with YouTube thumbnails
• Why Claude Code is useful beyond coding

CHAPTERS

00:00 Why ChatGPT is only the beginning

01:57 Claude as my daily driver AI

05:42 Prompting tips that make AI more useful

08:54 A simple demo of AI guessing confidently

11:15 ELI5 and audience-review prompts

15:45 Wispr Flow and voice-first prompting

19:24 Claude Cowork and AI agents 22:36 Pikzels for YouTube thumbnails

25:30 Claude Code for apps and bigger projects

29:15 Where to start if AI feels overwhelming

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Claude: https://claude.com/download

Wispr Flow: https://wisprflow.ai/r?JACQUES92

Pikzels: https://pikzels.com/?via=jacques63

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AzQiZEiQF-8

Get your Personalized AI Game Plan: https://jacqueshopkins.com/ai-start

Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

278: Meet the AI Operator That Runs My Business

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

I spent years in the online course world thinking ChatGPT was basically the whole AI story. It wasn't. In this episode, I talk about what changed when I finally went deeper and built a personal AI operator that helps run my business 24/7. I share what it actually does, why it has been such a game changer for me, and why I think this shift is going to matter for every digital product creator.

277: The “One Video a Week” System That Built a Million-Dollar Course Business (Featuring Lauren Bateman)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:48:00 -0500

What does it actually look like to build a seven-figure course business that doesn’t depend on you being “on” all the time? In this episode, I sit down again with Lauren Bateman to talk about what’s changed since her last appearance—and how she’s grown to over $1M per year while keeping her workload lean.

We break down her YouTube consistency, simple but powerful A/B testing wins, how she structures her funnel, and why chasing viral content can distract you from the audience that actually buys. If you want a more predictable, sustainable course business, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways.

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/VbDIaN68h_E

Lauren's Website: https://www.laurenbatemanguitar.com/

🎓 Check out the free workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
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Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
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276: The “Go Wide, Go Deep, Go Long” Model for Course Creators (Featuring John Meese)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:48:00 -0500

Most course creators think the path to success is to go wide first — build a big audience, create a big course, launch to the masses. But what if that’s actually the slowest way to build momentum?

In this episode, I sit down with John Meese from Sell Your Smarts to unpack his “Go Wide, Go Deep, Go Long” framework — and why starting with depth (not scale) is often the smartest move. We talk about how to land your first high-ticket clients without ads or social media, how to craft a 10x promise that cuts through the noise, and why we’ve officially entered what John calls “The Age of Insight.” If you’re building (or rebuilding) your online course business in 2026, this conversation will challenge the way you think about offers, audiences, and growth.

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1zvGy_pI1NE

John's Website: meese.gift/course

🎓 Check out the free workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

275: Live Launch vs Evergreen: The Real Decision Behind High Results (Featuring Stephanie Gaffney)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:48:00 -0500

If you’ve ever found yourself answering the same questions over and over and thinking, “I should just turn this into a course,” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I sit down with Stephanie Gaffney, a live wedding painter who transformed a decade of experience into a premium online program — and did it in a way that actually serves her students and her life.

We dig into how Stephanie built The Wedding Painter’s Blueprint, how she priced it confidently at a premium level, and what really went into launching a high-touch course while juggling family life, client work, and a growing business. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to turn creative expertise into a sustainable, scalable offer — without cutting corners or burning out.

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/cZsNzcrGv2A

Stephanie's Education Website: https://stephaniegaffney.com/

Stephanie's Artist Website: https://torregrossafineart.com/

🎓 Check out Genesis: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/genesis

274: Create Videos WHILE YOU SLEEP… Using Your AI Avatar (Featuring Julian Goldie)

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:48:00 -0500

What if you could create 8 long-form videos a day and over 100 pieces of content daily with just a few minutes of your own time? That’s not a hypothetical — it’s exactly what my guest, Julian Goldie, is doing using AI, systems, and some pretty bold experimentation.

In this episode, we dig deep into AI avatars, content systems, SEO in the age of ChatGPT, and what authenticity even means anymore. I’ll be honest — I have mixed feelings about some of this. But Julian brings a thoughtful, transparent approach that made me seriously rethink how AI might fit into a modern course business. Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this conversation will definitely stretch how you think about content, scale, and leverage.

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lNP1_N8nP1g

Julian’s Website: https://www.skool.com/ai-profit-lab-7462/about

Join the AI Profit Boardroom: https://oc.show/aigroup

273: How to Use AI WITHOUT Losing YOUR Voice (Featuring Dan Cumberland)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:48:00 -0500

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “Use AI or get left behind.” But if you’re a course creator, that advice can feel like a trap, because the fastest way to “use AI” is also the fastest way to sound generic and lose your voice. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cumberland, who helps founder-led brands scale with AI without losing their soul, and honestly, this conversation felt like a giant exhale.

We dig into how to use AI in a way that keeps your content human, especially when it comes to marketing (the place most course creators get stuck). Dan shares a simple framework to help AI actually sound like you, plus practical examples of using AI inside your course experience to support students at a higher level, without turning your brand into “AI slop.”

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/inOBNS15RfQ

Dan's Website: https://dancumberlandlabs.com/

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
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272: The Simple PDF That Built a Global Brand (Featuring Benny Lewis)

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:48:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down with Benny Lewis from Fluent in 3 Months to talk about what it really takes to stand out in a crowded online course space. We dig into how he turned a simple PDF into a global brand, why timing isn’t the barrier people think it is, and what creators should focus on right now to grow.

We also get into positioning, pricing, viral content, and the mindset that’s helped Benny stay relevant for over a decade. If you’re wondering how to differentiate yourself or how to start today without feeling “too late,” this conversation is for you.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/uQqYSBXpZH8

Benny's Website: https://www.fluentin3months.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
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271: Designing the Perfect Program for YOU (Featuring Mike Pacchione)

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:48:00 -0500

Ever feel like you're building a course based on what everyone else is doing instead of what actually fits your life and your students' needs? In this episode, I chat with speech coach Mike Pacchione—who’s worked with the likes of Amy Porterfield and Donald Miller—about how he’s built a high-impact, low-complexity program that prioritizes feedback and alignment over scale. We explore what it looks like to run a hybrid course, why he doesn't offer a standalone version, and how to design offers around what actually works for you.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9uRLFc0Di5M

Mike's Website: http://speechclub.club/

270: Course Creation in a Post-AI World (Featuring Panos Siozos)

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:48:00 -0500

In this episode, I chat with Panos Siozos, CEO of LearnWorlds, about what sets successful course creators apart and how platforms like his are evolving with AI, instructional design, and community-building tools to help elevate the student experience and online course outcomes.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dXt6s2Z8NZ4

Panos' Website: http://learnworlds.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

269: From Bust to 6-Figure Months (Featuring Rick Howard)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:48:00 -0400

In this episode, I chat with Rick Howard, who went from struggling consultant to six-figure course creator thanks to one unexpected viral YouTube video. We dive into how Rick’s background in federal government contracting set the stage, and how consistency—plus smart content strategy—completely transformed his business without spending a dime on ads.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KisUdvcZGnc

Rick's Website: https://govclose.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

268: The Minimum Legal Setup Every Course Creator Needs (Featuring Bobby Klinck)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Ever put off launching your online course because you're worried about content theft or unsure which legal steps to take? You're not alone—and that's why I brought in Harvard Law grad turned online entrepreneur Bobby Klinck.

In this episode, we tackle the biggest legal fears and misconceptions course creators face, from copyright and trademarks to LLCs, privacy policies, and beyond. Bobby shares how his own failed launch taught him priceless lessons and led to a thriving business helping others get legally legit. If you want to protect your course and launch with confidence, this episode is for you.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3bwxAPrG2-o

Bobby’s Website: https://www.plainlylegal.com/?ref=rm3k12

USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

267: He Tested Every Funnel: The 3 That Sell Courses Today (Featuring John Ainsworth)

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:49:00 -0400

What if you could stop guessing about your online course funnel—and just build the one that actually sells? In this episode, I’m joined once again by John Ainsworth of Data Driven Marketing. John’s tested countless funnels across real online course businesses and breaks down the three that are consistently working right now. Whether you're new to funnels or looking to fine-tune your current setup, this conversation is packed with practical, up-to-date strategies to help you convert more students.

We also dive into why he rarely uses webinar funnels with clients (even though he loves them), what works better for lower-priced courses, and how high-ticket coaching offers can dramatically increase revenue—even in niches like banjo or piano. If you're feeling stuck on the funnel front, this episode will help you identify what to build next based on your price point and audience size.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pIOYyCJiAGg
John's Website: https://datadrivenmarketing.co/podcast/

266: From Solo Course to Enterprise Clients like NASA & Apple (Featuring Tom Geiss)

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:48:00 -0400

What does it take to grow an online course into a thriving company with clients like NASA and Apple? In this episode, I catch up with Tom Geiss, founder of GD&T Basics, to hear how he turned a niche engineering topic into a multimillion-dollar business. We talk about building a team, selling to enterprises, and the mindset shift from solopreneur to CEO.

Whether you're looking to stay lean or scale big, Tom’s journey offers real inspiration and insight into what's possible with the right strategy and systems.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/01-xyiyUgME
Tom's Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-geiss

265: Online Course Platform Tier List (Teachable vs Kajabi vs Thinkific vs Udemy vs Skool)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Tune in for Jacques to rank the top 20 online course platforms!

264: $10k/mo Teaching Dog Training Online (Featuring Mark Taylor)

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Ever felt like you're not "expert enough" to launch your online course? Mark Taylor knows that feeling well—and overcame it to build a booming online course business generating over £10,000 a month. In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Mark, a longtime in-person dog trainer from the UK, who turned his passion and experience into a scalable online program that’s helped thousands of gundog owners worldwide.

We dive into how Mark went from filming basic training videos for his staff to crafting a repeatable online sales machine. He shares how he grew his Instagram from 700 to nearly 50,000 followers, the power of short-form content, how he uses ManyChat and ActiveCampaign to automate his funnel, and why a single Black Friday promo changed everything. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical lessons and mindset shifts to move you forward.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e-FgaWgK9vs
Mark's Website: https://www.acerdogs.com/online-gundog-training-academy/

263: How To Do AI SEO In 2025 (Featuring Caleb Ulku)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:48:00 -0400

In this episode, I welcome back Caleb Ulku—my go-to SEO expert—who last joined the podcast seven years ago. We’re diving into how much has really changed (and how much hasn’t) in the world of SEO with the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT.

You’ll hear about the strategies that still work today, how AI is changing the game, and why SEO is far from dead. Whether you're trying to rank on Google or get your course recommended by ChatGPT, this episode gives you the practical insights to make it happen.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9rQwqbxCYDg

Guest's Website: https://www.youtube.com/@calebulku

262: How Systems Can SAVE Your Business (Featuring Jordan Gill)

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day of your online course business? In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Gill, the brilliant mind behind Systems Saved Me, to explore how the right systems can transform your workflow, improve your student experience, and help you reclaim your time. We talk through practical ways to automate processes, avoid common setup mistakes, and build systems that actually work—even while you sleep.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y1kDxKo0pEE

Jordan's Website: https://systemssavedme.com/

261: 4-Month RV Trip Recap - Life, Business, & Family on the Road

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:48:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a major family adventure—our 4-month RV road trip across the U.S.—and the surprising business lessons that came with it. From the Florida Keys to the cliffs of California, this journey wasn't just about travel—it was about testing the lifestyle freedom that an online course business can offer. I’m sharing our favorite stops, a few mishaps, and five key insights I gained that could impact how you run your business and live your life.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

260: Unlocking LinkedIn’s Potential for Course Creators (Featuring Richard Van Der Blom)

Thu, 15 May 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Think LinkedIn is just for job seekers? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with LinkedIn expert Richard van der Blom to explore how course creators can use the platform to build authority, grow an audience, and drive real results.

We get into what types of content work best, how the LinkedIn algorithm really functions, and smart ways to turn engagement into conversions. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or want to level up your strategy, this one’s packed with actionable insights.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p5ql4pP6jqk
Richard's Website: http://www.richardvanderblom.com/

259: Validating Your Online Course Idea – Pre-Sell, Bootcamp & Beyond

Thu, 08 May 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Imagine spending months building the perfect online course—only to hear crickets at launch. In this episode, I break down why that happens and reveal the critical mistake many course creators make: skipping validation. I walk you through five proven validation methods, from simple surveys to powerful presale strategies, that will help you avoid wasted effort and ensure there’s real demand for your course before you create it. Whether you’re new to course creation or refining your next big idea, this episode will give you the tools to confidently move forward and build a course people actually want.

Join me as I share insights gained from over 12 years in the online course business and $4 million in sales - plus practical steps you can implement today!

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dmuG-q4ge1g

Links & Resources:

258: The YouTube Strategy Behind a 7-Figure Course Business (Featuring Gillian Perkins)

Thu, 01 May 2025 09:48:00 -0400

YouTube is one of the most powerful platforms for growing an audience and selling digital products—but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From optimizing your profile to creating high-quality videos, thumbnails, and engaging content, there's a lot to consider. In this episode, I sit down with Gillian Perkins, a YouTube expert with nearly a million subscribers, to unpack the strategies that can help you leverage YouTube to grow your online course business.

Gillian shares how she built her channel, why long-form content is king, and her best advice for turning YouTube viewers into paying customers. Whether you're new to YouTube or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you create content that drives engagement and sales—without burnout.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J8c_S_zmfgo

Links & Resources:

Gillian's website: https://www.gillianperkins.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

257: Top 8 Critical Mistakes by Online Course Creators (each one more severe than the next)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:48:00 -0400

In this episode, I’m breaking down the top 8 mistakes online course creators make, ranked from least to most damaging. These are the exact pitfalls that can cost you sales, waste your time, and hold you back from the impact you're meant to have.

After working with hundreds of course creators (and making a bunch of these mistakes myself), I’ve seen firsthand what separates success from frustration. Whether you're just getting started or deep in the trenches, this episode will help you avoid costly missteps and stay on track toward building a thriving course business.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v2q80L6y3ew

256: $40k Monthly from a Simple $9 Membership (Featuring Liz Wilcox from Survivor)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Imagine making $40,000 a month from a $9 membership. Sounds impossible? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with email marketing expert Liz Wilcox, who has cracked the code on how to turn a low-cost membership into a thriving business. Liz shares the secrets behind her high-converting email strategies, why she’s anti-storytelling in emails, and how she built her business from an RV travel blog to an email marketing empire. If you’ve ever doubted that a budget-friendly membership could bring in serious revenue, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible.

Liz also breaks down the essential elements of effective email marketing, including how to stay top of mind, engage your audience with short and relatable messages, and build trust without overwhelming your subscribers. Plus, she shares how networking and leveraging other people's platforms (OPP) helped her grow her business - insights that any online course creator can apply today.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fHhhDpR6EZI

📦 Links & Resources:
Liz's Website: https://www.lizwilcox.com/
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

255: How I Increased Revenue by 26.7% Automatically (Introducing Relaunch Magic)

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:48:00 -0400

What if you could boost your course sales every month—without ads, new launches, or more work? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on Relaunch Magic, the system I use to re-engage non-buyers and turn them into customers automatically.

If you’ve got an evergreen funnel and leads who didn’t convert, this strategy can help you bring them back in a way that feels natural—not pushy. I’m sharing how it works, why it’s better than live launching, and how you can set it up to run on autopilot.

Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9t7tpTP2juo

254: Master Your Time Management & Productivity (Featuring Alexis Haselberger)

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Do you ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? If you’re struggling to juggle your responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed, and stuck in the hustle, you’re not alone. In this episode, I chat with time management and productivity expert Alexis Haselberger. We explore how she turned a random LinkedIn message into a thriving six-figure business, offering actionable advice for reducing stress and getting more done.

Alexis shares powerful strategies for aligning your time with your values, task realism, and the importance of embracing imperfection in productivity. Plus, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at her journey into online courses and how she balances work with life on her own terms.

🎓 Next Level Coaching: https://oc.show/nextlevel

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gvx_qMbGblE

📦 Links & Resources:
Alexis' website: https://www.alexishaselberger.com
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

253: The Overlooked Revenue Stream Every Course Creator Needs

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:48:00 -0400

Want to increase your revenue without creating anything new? In this episode, I reveal a simple yet powerful strategy that helps course creators generate more income with minimal effort. By leveraging affiliate partnerships, you can boost your earnings while continuing to serve your audience.

I share a real-life story of a podcaster who built his business on affiliate marketing, only to watch his income vanish overnight. Plus, I break down my own affiliate strategy, how I earn thousands each month, and three simple steps to get started.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eC_BUYWWc1Y

📦 Links & Resources:
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

252: Turn Your Course Into a Marketing Powerhouse, Not Just a Product (Featuring Itai Nusbaum)

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:48:00 -0500

Ever thought about flipping the script on online courses? What if, instead of selling your course, you gave it away for free - and still built a wildly profitable business? In this episode, I sit down with Itai Nusbaum, who has done exactly that. Itai has created 16 online courses, all available for free, and has used them as a powerful marketing engine to establish himself as the go-to expert in his field.

We dive deep into his unique approach, exploring how he monetizes his business without directly selling courses, why giving away high-quality content can be a strategic move, and the long-term benefits of prioritizing trust and authority over immediate sales. If you’ve ever considered alternative ways to scale your online course business or struggled with traditional marketing funnels, this episode will challenge your thinking in the best way possible.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aHQSY98mf3o

Itai’s Website: https://pocketteacher.co/

Itai’s Email Address: itai@pocketteacher.co

251: Starting an Online Course Business? Expect This…

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:50:00 -0500

Struggling to gain traction with your online course business? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into what to expect in the early stages and, more importantly, how to turn failure into progress. I share a personal story about my first 24 hours as a brand-new RVer, where everything seemed to go wrong - only to realize that struggle is part of the process, just like when I started my online piano course.

If you've ever felt discouraged because things aren’t going as planned, this episode is for you. I break down the Journey of Transformation - a roadmap that highlights the inevitable highs and lows of learning something new - and how staying consistent will ultimately lead to success.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2glksYZeJ8k

250: The Secret to Building the Go-To Course in Any Niche (Featuring Jasmine Jonte)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:48:00 -0500

In this episode, I sat down with Jasmine Jonte, a true expert in course creation and founder of Cre8tion Co. Jasmine has helped top consultants, speakers, and coaches craft online courses that are not only engaging but also deliver powerful results. She shared her secrets for building courses that students rave about, explaining the key elements that make a course impactful, actionable, and unforgettable.

We dove deep into topics like how to structure a course for maximum engagement, common mistakes to avoid, and what separates a successful course from the rest. Whether you’re creating your very first course or looking to revamp an existing one, Jasmine’s insights will inspire you to level up your course game and stand out in your niche.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mxnExF9YXPk

📦 Links & Resources:
Jasmine’s Website: cre8tion.co
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

249: Maximize Productivity & Ditch Stress: My 7 Rules That Work Every Time

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:48:00 -0500

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like there’s never enough time in the day? In this episode, I share the exact system that transformed my productivity and helped me reclaim my time while staying fully present with my family.

These seven powerful rules, refined through my own trial and error, will help you go from spinning your wheels to crushing your goals. Plus, I’m introducing you to two game-changing tools that can take your productivity to the next level. Whether you’re scaling your online course business or simply looking to get more done with less stress, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4S4udbuNo2w

📦 Links & Resources:

David Allen’s Book: Getting Things Done
Stephen Covey’s Book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Alexis Hasselberger: alexishasselberger.com
Project Management Tool: Notion
Ideas Capture Tool: Brain Toss

248: Transforming an Architecture Career into a Thriving Online Course Business (Featuring Amelia Lee)

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:48:00 -0500

Are you sitting on untapped expertise, unsure if it can translate to the online world? This episode is for you! I sit down with Amelia Lee, founder of Undercover Architect, to explore her fascinating pivot from a traditional architectural practice to building a thriving online education business. For nearly a decade, Amelia has been helping homeowners confidently navigate home renovations and builds, all while scaling her business through smart strategies and a popular podcast.

We dive into how Amelia grew her audience, the challenges of educating a niche where people don’t even realize they need help, and how she built Home Method, a signature program that has transformed home projects worldwide. Whether you're a course creator or simply curious about blending passion with online education, Amelia’s story will inspire you.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cV_TIQqXXJM

📦 Links & Resources:
Amelia’s website: https://undercoverarchitect.com/
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

247: Is My 7-Figure Piano Course Business FAILING?

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:48:00 -0500

Ever wondered what it truly means to run a successful online course business? In this heartfelt episode, I get real about my journey with Piano in 21 Days, the online course that changed my life. Over a decade ago, this course allowed me to pivot from my career as an electrical engineer to creating a life I love—and it generated over $4 million along the way! But here’s the catch: the numbers have been declining recently. And today, I’m sharing why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Join me as I unpack the lessons from my first course, why I’ve shifted focus to building The Online Course Guy, and how my experience can inspire you to create a business that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing seven figures or looking for a low-maintenance business that gives you freedom, this episode will help you reframe what success means in the online course world.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/olPRGz_vYAs

📦 Links & Resources:
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

246: Creating a Certification Program to Grow Your Business (Featuring Sahara Rose De Vore)

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:49:00 -0500

What if transforming your online course into a certification program could be the game-changer for your business?

In this episode, I sit down with Sahara Rose De Vore, the founder of the Travel Coach Network. Sahara shares her inspiring journey of evolving her online course into a globally recognized certification program. With insights into how certifications add credibility, attract serious students, and position you as an industry authority, this episode is a must-listen for course creators looking to scale their businesses.

From the challenges of her initial course launch to the strategic decisions that led her to accreditation through the International Coach Federation, Sahara offers a wealth of actionable advice. Whether you're curious about certifications, want to learn how to leverage PR, or are seeking tips on crafting the perfect lead magnet, this episode is packed with strategies to help you grow.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z2mIirzUEys

Sahara’s Website: https://thetravelcoachnetwork.com/

245: Here’s How I’m Taking The Next 5 Months Off in My Business

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:48:00 -0500

In this episode of The Online Course Show, I share an exciting personal and professional journey - taking a five-month road trip with my family across the U.S. while continuing to run my online business.

From how I prepared for this adventure to the systems I’ve built to ensure my business thrives in my absence, this episode is packed with strategies and inspiration for balancing work and life. I dive deep into the six-step process that made batching content possible, how I sharpened my "axe" for productivity, and the lessons learned along the way.

Tune in to hear how I’m pulling this off, the places we’re visiting, and how you can apply these time-tested productivity and systemization strategies to your own life and business.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mnSfZ2wS41o

244: Mid 6-Figures Teaching Harp (featuring Sisters Christy-Lyn & Megan)

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:52:00 -0500

Are you struggling to grow your online course business because your niche feels “too small”? This week on The Online Course Show, I’m chatting with two incredible sisters, Christy-Lyn and Megan, who turned their passion for teaching harp into a thriving, half-million-dollar-a-year online course business. What’s even more inspiring? They did it while serving one of the tiniest niches out there.

We explore how these sisters carved out their success using a unique approach to online courses, a clever membership model, and the power of YouTube. Plus, they share lessons learned from their challenges—like building a nine-person team, navigating complex business models, and mastering customer relationships. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your course offerings, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire your own online course journey.

🎓 Watch the Free Workshop: https://oc.show/workshop

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5oGEcsJiK5w

📦 Links & Resources:
The sister’s website: https://www.learningtheharp.com/
Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

243: If I Were Starting an Online Course Business in 2025, Here's Exactly What I Would Do

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:48:00 -0500

The new year is fast approaching, and what better way to start than by creating a game plan for financial success? In this episode, I’m sharing the ultimate roadmap to building a profitable online course business in 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or have dabbled in course creation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you launch and grow a sustainable online course business.

From identifying your niche and developing your “special sauce” to mastering sales funnels and creating irresistible offers, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the exact process that has brought me and my clients success. Plus, I’ll dive into the mindset shift needed to move from consumer to creator and share how to build an engaged audience that turns into paying customers. If you’ve ever dreamed of achieving six figures with an online course, this is the episode you need!

🎓 Sign up for Genesis: https://oc.show/genesis

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MZgOapE10ck

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips like this! Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next episode! 🚀

242: 6-Figures In Course Sales with Just 300 Subscribers (Featuring Dean Booty)

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:55:00 -0500

Today’s episode features special guest, Dean Booty. Dean’s entrepreneurial journey started with the launch of his self-storage podcast five years ago and a newsletter 18 months ago, spearheaded with no initial email list.

Inspired by Sean Perry’s "Milk Road," Dean harnessed platforms like LinkedIn and his podcast to attract subscribers, amassing an impressive six-figure revenue with a modest email list of just 702 subscribers. We’ll dive into his strategies, including leveraging simple tools, starting a mastermind group, and managing a niche course.

Dean shares how he integrates course sales to support his self-storage business while balancing family life, and how he combats self-doubt and imposter syndrome. We’ll also explore his marketing tactics, including his use of personal stories and testimonials, and discuss the potential for expanding his business and increasing sales. Tune in for an episode filled with insights on making the most of a small audience to achieve massive results.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z7OzrazRrVo

Dean’s Website: https://mrselfstorage.com/

241: How To Have a Killer LOGO For Your Brand

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:48:00 -0500

Crafting a killer logo doesn’t have to be daunting! Whether you're starting out or revamping your brand, discover practical tips and tools to design a logo that stands out.

Episode Highlights:

Why your logo matters—but not more than progress in your business.
Key logo design principles: simplicity, audience alignment, flexibility, and memorability.
Jacques’ experience with DIY logos and why outsourcing is the smarter move.
A step-by-step guide to running a logo design contest on 48hourslogo.com.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BY1gF-iQx4Q

Jacques’ affiliate link for 48 Hours Logo: https://oc.show/logo

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

240: The Secret to Consistent Sales WITHOUT Live Launches (Featuring Abi Prendergast)

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:49:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we’re exploring how to achieve consistent sales without the stress of live launches. Joining us is the brilliant Abi Prendergast, Evergreen funnel expert and author of 'Day 1 Evergreen'.

Abi shares her strategies for building authentic evergreen webinar funnels that generate steady income while enhancing the customer experience. We’ll cover her top tips for driving sales, creating genuine urgency, scaling with ads, and crafting high-converting, long-form sales pages - all with simple and effective tech solutions. If you’re ready to embrace a stress-free, scalable approach to online sales, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your course business!

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4AWlOv9fM8Y

Abi's Website: https://www.aptcontent.co.uk/
Abi's Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVJRC5ST

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Free Skool Course and 14 day Trial: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=c725cf8892fe42c8bb37dd7e5ffc2575
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

239: The ONE Book That Changed Everything For Me

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:49:00 -0500

Today, I’m taking you back to a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey. A moment that completely flipped my understanding of business. It all began with one game-changing book that reshaped how I saw entrepreneurship and paved the way for building a $4 million business that gives me the freedom to live life on my terms.

In this episode, I’ll reveal which book transformed my mindset and led me to create a thriving online course business. I’ll also share my top three takeaways from this life-changing book, plus other must-reads that played a key role in my success.

Books mentioned in the episode:

The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
From 6 to 7 Figures by Austin Netzley
How to Get Paid for What You Know by Graham Cochrane
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Atomic Habits by James Clear
100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
Launch by Jeff Walker
The YouTube Formula by Derral Eves

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z74vz68ntO4

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

238: How She Built a 6-Figure Course Business With Only 3k IG Followers (Featuring Claire Ellerbrock)

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 08:49:00 -0500

Today we dive into the journey of Claire Ellerbrock, a psychiatric nurse practitioner who has built a successful online course business in just 18 months. In this episode, Claire shares how she transformed her course from being a nice-to-have "vitamin" to a must-have "painkiller" for her audience, achieving remarkable milestones along the way.

From earning nearly $12,000 monthly and paying off her student loan to leading boot camps and engaging her audience through strategic social media and community-building efforts, Claire's story is nothing short of inspirational.

Get ready for a motivating conversation about resilience, the power of community, and making an impact in the online course industry!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VIYVi3sBE74

Claire’s Website: https://stressfreepsychnp.com/

Claire’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stressfreepsychnp

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

50% Off Kajabi (limited time)

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

oc.show/kajabi50 Get 50% Off of Kajabi for an entire year!

237: Facebook Ads - What's Working RIGHT NOW (Featuring Kwadwo Sampany-Kessie)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:48:00 -0400

Today, we're diving into the world of Facebook Ads with a special focus on what's working right now, joined by our expert guest Kwadwo Sampany-Kessie. Kwadwo shares his proven strategies on how course creators can leverage low-ticket offers to generate quality leads and drive sales for higher-priced courses.

We cover everything from crafting targeted mini-courses to refining sales messaging, effectively transitioning from organic to paid traffic, and the importance of understanding your audience’s needs.

Tune in as we explore the nuances of ad strategies, successful funnels, and the essential metrics to drive your business forward.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bb2q57rLTV4

Kwadwo's website: https://theartofonlinebusiness.com/

The 7 Biggest FB Ad Mistakes Course Creators Make That Burn Through $$$ and Kill Results: https://quayjo.mykajabi.com/7mistakes-gp

1:1 Meta Ads Coaching: https://theartofonlinebusiness.com/call

The Art of Online Business Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-online-business/id955326572

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

236: 6-Figures From a $47 Course (Featuring Logan Grimé)

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:53:00 -0400

In today’s episode, we're diving deep into the world of online courses with our special guest, Logan Grimé. Logan is a musician and songwriter who has generated over $140,000 in sales from a low-ticket, $47 course.

We'll explore Logan's innovative marketing strategies, his process of repackaging and enhancing his course offerings, and the significant role community plays in online learning.

Logan discusses the challenges and triumphs he's faced in leveraging social media for growth. You'll hear how Logan's persistence, adaptability, and unique perspective have defined his career.

Tune in as we get into actionable strategies, the importance of perceived value in sales, and how personal enjoyment aligns with professional success. Whether you're a seasoned course creator or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips to elevate your online course business!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u05W4O9vtiI

Logan’s Checklist: vib3machine.co/checklist

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

235: YouTube - What’s Working RIGHT NOW (Featuring Marley Jaxx)

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:48:00 -0400

Today we're diving deep into the latest strategies for succeeding on YouTube with our special guest, the amazing Marley Jaxx. Marley is a globally-recognized expert in video creation, YouTube growth and content strategy.

In this episode, we explore the do's and don'ts of multiple Calls to Action (CTAs), the importance of YouTube analytics, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned content creator, this episode offers practical advice and inspirational stories that will motivate you to take action and refine your content creation strategy.

Let’s learn what’s working RIGHT NOW on YouTube from the incredibly talented Marley Jaxx!

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jtLBglEt1yY

Marley’s 31 Day Gameplan: https://www.profitwithvideo.com/
Marley’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC062X1VdOLH7wHTEZZ6Q74w
Marley’s Website: https://www.marleyjaxx.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching
Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop
Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy
X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

234: Detailed Case Study: From 0 to 5-Figures/Month (featuring Hugo Ortega)

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:50:00 -0400

Today, we're diving into an inspiring and detailed case study: From 0 to 5-Figures/Month, featuring the remarkable journey of Hugo Ortega.

Hugo transitioned from an unfulfilling engineering career to the exciting world of yachting, and eventually to helping others pursue careers on super yachts.

We explore Hugo's early business challenges, his strategic adaptations, and the importance of persistence and consistency. We’ll uncover his innovative approach to sales, leveraging platforms like Instagram, and his blend of personal sales mixed with scalable automated systems. Discover how Hugo grew his revenue from minimal early sales to consistent five-figure months, and the tools and strategies he used to get there.

Whether you're an aspiring course creator or simply love hearing success stories, this episode is a real-life example of overcoming obstacles and finding success in the online course world.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FEEzikK5Jhs

Hugo’s website: https://www.superyachtsundayschool.com

Hugo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superyachtsundayschool/

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233: The Underrated Strategy to Explode Your Audience WITHOUT Ads or Social Media (featuring Bryan Harris)

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:51:00 -0400

Today, we dive into a game-changing approach to growing your audience without relying on ads or social media, featuring Bryan Harris. Renowned for coaching multimillion-dollar companies, Bryan reveals how businesses, especially smaller ones, can focus more effectively on high-ticket products and optimizing personal connections. He discusses the powerful strategy of borrowing other people's audiences (BOPA) to gain visibility and build trust without the usual marketing fluff.

We’ll explore the nuts and bolts of successfully pitching content, crafting high-value offerings, and employing growth tools designed for powerful lead magnets and email sequences. Bryan also uncovers the value of combining group and 1-on-1 coaching for lasting client success, encouraging a calculated, mission-driven approach to scaling your business. Tune in to discover how you can explode your audience and revenue with simplicity and focus!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zn5hk9tsnW4

Get the Free Resources: https://growthtools.com/hopkins

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

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232: 7-Figures Per Year Teaching Tennis Online (Featuring Florian Meier)

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:45:00 -0400

In today’s episode we sit down with tennis coach turned online course creator, Florian Meier. Florian takes us through his remarkable journey from traditional tennis instruction to a thriving, seven-figure online business. Discover how he leveraged affiliate sales, optimized his brand for search engines, and transitioned his focus to YouTube—where the majority of his traffic now comes from.

Florian shares invaluable insights on affiliate marketing, product launch strategies, and the evolving landscape of online education. He also delves into the challenges of maintaining content consistency, and the shift to a subscription model focused on personalized coaching. We discuss the intricacies of balancing digital and physical products, and the potential of social media platforms for business growth.

Florian's story offers a treasure trove of actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in as we uncover the strategies that helped Florian build a successful online tennis instruction business, and how you can apply these principles to your own ventures.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vDf76Elqp1E

Florian's website: https://www.onlinetennisinstruction.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

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231: The Crazy Difference In Free Courses vs. Charging a Premium (Featuring Mark Smith)

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:48:00 -0400

In today's episode, we hear from Mark Smith, who has built a thriving career in technology without a formal education and is passionate about making tech careers accessible to everyone. We'll delve into his journey, from offering free courses to transitioning to a premium model, and the remarkable difference it made in engagement and success rates.

We’ll discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of community, and strategic branding in creating a standout online course. Mark shares invaluable insights into his niche in Microsoft business applications, his methods for capturing and refining ideas, and the role of social media on building a personal brand. Don't miss out on this masterclass with Mark on taking your online course business to the next level!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vxcChtTX5ng

Mark’s website: https://www.nz365guy.com/

Mark’s Mentoring Challenge: https://ako.nz365guy.com/

Apps mentioned in the episode
Drafts: https://getdrafts.com/
Brain Toss: https://braintoss.com/

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230: $3 Million Per Year with Excel Courses (Featuring Leila Gharani)

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:52:00 -0400

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of Excel courses with none other than the phenomenal Leila Gharani.

Leila has built an incredible online course empire, making over $3 million a year by teaching Microsoft Excel. In this episode, Leila shares her journey from corporate life to freelancing and the mindset shifts that helped her price her courses effectively.

Most of her traffic comes from her YouTube channel, which currently has over 2 million subscribers. Listen in to hear her YouTube strategy for posting content that gets people to buy her courses, how she made the transition from Udemy and how to stand out in a crowded niche.

Whether you're an aspiring course creator or a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss Leila's valuable advice and inspiring story.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m6kwu-yNkdI

Leila’s Website: https://www.xelplus.com/

Leila’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJtUOos_MwJa_Ewii-R3cJA

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
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229: 6-Figures Teaching Asian Parents Not to Hit Their Kids (Featuring Kelly Tay)

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:55:00 -0400

Today, we're diving deep into a transformative parenting journey with our special guest, Kelly Tay.

Known for her groundbreaking work with "Juicy Parenting," Kelly has combined her journalism background and her experiences as a parent to help Asian families transition from punitive parenting methods to more respectful, evidence-based strategies.

Join us as Kelly shares how she scaled her membership program to six figures annually, despite starting with humble Instagram posts and a fitness-focused following.

We'll explore her approach to creating and refining her parenting courses, her unique challenges with social media engagement, and the incredible community she's built, that boasts a 95% retention rate.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur eager to grow your online course business or a parent looking for better ways to connect with your children, this episode holds valuable lessons and practical tips!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3Vio3CCRIzs

Kelly’s website: www.juicyparenting.com
Kelly’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicyparenting/

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228: $300k Per Year Teaching Public Speaking (Featuring Kit Pang)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:55:00 -0400

Meet today’s special guest, Kit Pang, who has turned his passion for public speaking into a thriving business, earning him $300K per year. Kit shares his remarkable journey from being a dance instructor to an authority in the public speaking niche.

He provides an in-depth look at how he successfully transitioned from one-on-one coaching to online courses, using platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup to build his audience and navigate the complexities of working with both companies and individuals.

We'll dive into Kit's strategies for overcoming speaking anxiety, optimizing his sales funnel, and the importance of mindset shifts in conquering fear. You'll hear about his approach to teaching public speaking and extending his reach globally, despite being branded as "Boston Speaks."

Whether you're an aspiring course creator or looking to improve your public speaking skills, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. So, tune in and get inspired by Kit Pang's incredible story and expertise!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cgnJ9paaxuM

Kit's website: https://www.bostonspeaks.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
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227: 7-Figures From Courses at 22 Years Old (Featuring Andrew Seguin)

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:50:00 -0400

In today's episode, we're diving into the incredible journey of Andrew Seguin, who achieved seven-figure sales from his online guitar courses by the age of 22! Join me to hear about how he scaled his business to achieve some remarkable milestones.

We discuss his course platform preferences, Andrew's customer support approach, and the rebranding of his business to Acoustia.

We also talk about the importance of marketing, overcoming outsourcing challenges, and the high stakes of producing standout content in a competitive market.

Whether you're looking to improve your email systems, refine your video hosting, or set lofty business goals, this episode is packed with insights and takeaways. Tune in and get inspired by Andrew's success and practical tips for thriving in the competitive world of online courses.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FfRfR3fEDnU

Andrew’s previous Episode (166) : https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/podcasts/the-online-course-show/episodes/2147640193

Andrew's website: https://www.acoustia.com/

Andrew's media site: https://www.seguinmedia.com/

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226: 5-Figures Monthly Teaching About Beer (Featuring Chris Cohen)

Tue, 28 May 2024 09:50:00 -0400

In today's episode, we hear from Chris Cohen, a man who transformed his love for beer into a booming online course business, earning five figures monthly by helping others pass the elusive Cicerone certification exams.

Listen in as Chris shares his journey from attorney to becoming an expert in beer, navigating the challenges of social media, and the balancing act of running multiple programs.

He shares his experience launching a niche-focused podcast and online courses to build a profitable business and community. This conversation is filled with insights on turning your passion into a career, the importance of genuine expertise, and actionable tips for scaling your own online course business.

Grab your favorite brew, and let's get started!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g6lSINIp2ZA

Chris’s website: https://www.thebeerscholar.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
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225: My Top 5 Strategies to 10x Your Course Sales

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:50:00 -0400

In this episode, Jacques walks us through the very tactics that helped him transform his own piano course business into a multi-million dollar venture over 11 years. From the importance of gathering and integrating feedback from your audience to practical steps for testing your curriculum in real-time, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale an existing business, you'll learn how to refine your course content, engage more effectively with your audience, and ultimately, drive your sales through the roof. Stay tuned, as this is the episode that could change the course of your business forever!

Check out Next Level: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/next-level-coaching

Check out Genesis: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/genesis

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
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224: Consistent $15k Months & Switching From Short-Form to YouTube (Featuring Christina Umerez)

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of The Online Course Show, we're thrilled to welcome back Christina Umerez as our returning guest. It's been over 2 years since we last spoke with Christina when she had just established her Print On Demand course business with all the necessary components in place.

In this update, we delve into how she's consistently achieving $15k months with her online course and community. Christina has successfully transitioned from short-form content on TikTok to long-form on YouTube. She shares valuable insights on platform-switching strategies, her approach to creating more advanced content for YouTube audiences, and how integrating a membership model significantly boosted her revenue.

Christina offers a treasure trove of knowledge, so join us as we uncover more tips to help any online entrepreneur excel in this competitive space.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RJNlBZit3m8

Christina’s website: https://cuonline.ca/

Find out more about Next Level: https://oc.show/nextlevel

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/workshop

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223: $30K/mo In Less Than A Year Teaching Bookkeeping (Featuring Susan Osborne)

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the remarkable story of Susan Osborne, who skyrocketed her online bookkeeping course business to an astonishing $30K per month in less than a year.

Susan teaches the art of freelance bookkeeping from the comfort of home, primarily to women entrepreneurs, and has conquered the world of online courses and savvy marketing.

As we unpack Susan's journey, you'll learn about her strategic use of Facebook ads, starting with a budget-friendly boot camp and clever upselling to more comprehensive courses.

Susan talks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the psychological hurdles of pricing, and give some actionable advice to course creators just starting out.

So tune in, take notes, and let's discover how Susan transformed her expertise into a thriving digital academy, one ledger at a time.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FR0PY-IppqQ

Susan’s website: thebookkeepersociety.com/

Find out more about Genesis: http://iwantgenesis.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/
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222: 4 Tips to Explode Course Sales with a Podcast (Featuring Kevin Chemidlin)

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:50:00 -0400

In today’s episode, we're talking with the incredibly insightful Kevin Chemidlin, about how to explode your course sales with podcasting.

Kevin embarked on his entrepreneurial journey from scratch – no email list, no following, no audience, and no budget. Fast forward to today, and he’s achieved incredible success.

Kevin credits his growth to a single transformative strategy: The Podcast Ladder.

It's a powerful approach used for podcasts, YouTube, and other long-form platforms that catapulted his business to new heights. He give us a detailed walkthrough of each of the 4 steps.

We also tackle the hot debate of repurposed content versus catchy, bespoke short-form clips, to drive engagement and explore how the right strategy can hook listeners and turn them into course customers.

Even if you’re not a podcaster, you won't want to miss Kevin's key insights on using strategic calls to action to guide listeners through different sales processes.

So get ready to ascend Kevin's "podcast ladder," and tune in to this masterclass as a launchpad for your online course success!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I1L2fIvg3DE

👉 Grow the Show Live Summit (April 1st - 5th): https://www.growtheshowlive.com/jacques

Grow the Show Website: https://growtheshow.com/

Grow the Show Podcast (Episode 4) - Apple Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/04-how-to-hook-your-podcast-listeners-in-the-first-5-minutes/id1534942246?i=1000496218340

Grow the Show Podcast (Episode 4) - Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/16KHPs6RwIl5jjitfPM0L6?si=8b1dae83d5fa4d61

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

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221: How She Earns $10k+ Per Month With a Super Tiny Email List (Featuring Aiko Hemingway)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Today, we have the incredible story of Aiko Hemingway. Despite having what many would consider a super tiny email list, her strategic steps have led her to earn over $10K a month. Aiko has brilliantly leveraged her influence to build a successful and profitable business.

Aiko shares her journey from Udemy to her decision to focus exclusively on a niche market of Japanese executives looking to improve their English pronunciation, and how this precision targeting has been a game-changer for her business.

Aiko doesn't keep her strategies a secret – she's here to detail how she's made a significant impact with a minimal subscriber base both on her email list and YouTube channel. You'll learn about her transition from one-on-one coaching to automated courses, her use of evergreen webinars, and the rigorous process she undertook to give a successful TEDx talk.

If you're looking to learn how to maximize your earnings with high conversion rates without needing a massive following, this episode is filled with actionable insights. And for those of you seeking to take your online course business to the next level, don’t forget to check out our free training at oc.show/workshop. Let's dive in with Aiko Hemingway and discover the secret to her remarkable success.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sX5jwWfvmwQ

Aiko’s Website: https://www.aikohemingway.com/

Aiko's Free Workshop: https://www.aikohemingway.com/free-workshop

Aiko's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@hatsuonkyosei

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

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220: A 4 Part Framework for AI for Course Creators (Featuring Bryan McAnulty)

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the brains behind ‘Heights Platform’, Bryan McAnulty . Bryan is here to share how AI is revolutionizing the game for course creators. We'll unpack his '4 Part Framework for AI for Course Creators', and let me tell you, it’s futuristic stuff.

Bryan will talk us through how GPTs are being used not just to chat but to brainstorm, script, review, and pretty much be the virtual assistant you've dreamt of. Imagine having an AI chat that not only supports your students instantly but also helps tweak your courses on the fly—Bryan's made it happen with 'Heights Platform'.

This isn't just about using AI to avoid phone calls—it’s about offering personalized coaching to creators at scale, and Bryan's got the lowdown on making that a reality.

So, whether you're new to the world of AI or looking to refine your digital assistant strategy, this episode is for you. Stay tuned, and by the end, you'll be ready to harness the power of AI for your own online courses. You don't want to miss this!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SSaBfgdF-GY

Bryan’s website, 'Heights Platform': https://www.heightsplatform.com/

Community of 8,500+ creators: https://www.creatorclimb.com/

Bryan’s Podcast, 'The Creator's Adventure': https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-creators-adventure-course-creation/id1608100988

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

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What 7-figure course creators are doing that you're not (new free training)

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0500

oc.show/workshop

219: 6 Million Courses Sold (Featuring John Bura)

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce our special guest, John Bura. John is an entrepreneurial powerhouse who has sold an incredible 6 million courses. With experience that spans over a decade in the online course space, he's here to share his extraordinary journey from his early days on Udemy to now running a course empire from his own website.

John will reveal how he leverages platforms like Udemy and YouTube to market his tech-focused courses—from web development to blockchain—and how he's managed to keep his courses relevant in an industry that's constantly changing.

We'll learn about his transition from being a solo instructor to leading a team of up to 30 employees. We'll delve into the complex process of developing his custom LMS, Course Pro AI, and the challenges and freedoms that come with building your own system to host and manage courses.

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned course creator, John's advice on innovation, persistence, and quality will surely inspire!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UG0NfaLmoig

John’s website: https://mammothinteractive.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://ocformula.com/

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218: A Beginner’s Story: Started 2 Months Ago - Her Incredible Success (Featuring Kate McKenzie)

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we hear from Kate McKenzie, a professional photographer who embarked on her online course creation journey just two months ago.

We’ll dive into Kate's incredible success so far, from a booming Instagram following to creating an online course for parents interested in baby photography.

Discover the challenges Kate encountered, her experiments with Instagram growth, her experiences with pilot courses, and her valuable insights on pricing, accountability, and course curriculum.

If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice as a beginner course creator, Kate's story is sure to resonate and motivate. So, buckle up as we explore Kate McKenzie's remarkable story!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FMG3mwnLv1M

Kate's website: https://www.diybabyphoto.com/

Amy’s Fraughton (life coach): https://www.amyfraughtoncoaching.com/

Kate’s Instagram: @diy_baby_photography

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://ocformula.com/

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217: Use a 5 Day Challenge Funnel to 10x Your Sales! (Featuring Michael Tucker)

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we welcome our guest Michael Tucker, and dive into the exciting world of 5-day challenge funnels and how they can revolutionize online course sales.

Michael shares his proven 5-day teaching model for virtual events, outlining the structure from storytelling to offer presentations and discussing its potential for high-ticket products. We explore our own successes and failures in course creation and marketing, revealing invaluable insights for course creators and online coaches.

Join us as we uncover the power of strategic partnerships, the importance of thinking 10x, and the practical tools and strategies to implement challenge funnels in your own business!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2d6JpoBhMFk

Find Michael on:
https://thefunnelpros.com/
https://www.virtualstagesecrets.com/

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://ocformula.com/

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216: Community 101: The Founder of Circle Joins the Show (Featuring Andy Guttormsen)

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, we are joined by special guest, Andy Guttormsen, one of the co-founders of Circle, a leading community platform.

We explore the key elements of building and maintaining successful online communities. We discuss the importance of the onboarding processes, the shift in the popularity of recurring revenue models, and the integration of community features within course platforms.

With insights into the evolving landscape of online communities and practical advice for engaging and retaining members, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their online course business through the power of community.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JiMPjTtHyEM

Today’s sponsor is Bonjoro
Get 20% off for life: https://bonjoro.com/ocg

Circle: https://circle.so/

Circle Community: https://community.circle.so/home

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

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215: Adding a Book Into a Successful Course Business (Featuring Tim Topham)

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, our guest is Tim Topham, an experienced entrepreneur with a thriving membership-based business.

Tim discusses his recent venture into writing a book and reveals how it has become an integral part of his successful course business strategy.

From effective conversion techniques to the strategic use of a book as a marketing tool, Tim shares valuable insights that will resonate with our audience of online course creators and entrepreneurs.

Join us as we explore the transformative power of adding a book into a successful course business with Tim Topham.

Top Music: https://topmusic.co/

No Book Beginners: https://topmusic.co/no-book-beginners-by-tim-topham/

Cardiofit: https://cardiofit.app/

Episode 69 with Tim: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/podcasts/the-online-course-show/episodes/2147640290

Sign up for Jacques’ Journal: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Watch the Free Workshop: https://ocformula.com/

Free Kajabi Course and 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

214: Making More Money by REMOVING 18 Courses & Focusing on 1 (Featuring Michael Kilkelly)

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jacques is joined by Michael Kilkelly, who shares his journey of streamlining his online course offerings to make more money by focusing on one core product.

They discuss Michael's background in architecture and engineering, his brand ArchSmarter, and the challenges he faced in building and scaling his online course business.

From refining his brand's messaging to leveraging different tech platforms, Michael provides valuable insights for course creators. Tune in to discover how he transitioned from 18 courses to a streamlined subscription-based model that's driving success. Don't miss out on actionable tips, real-life experiences, and the latest in the online course industry!

ArchSmarter Website: http://www.archsmarter.com

Apply for Coaching: https://www.theonlinecourseguy.com/coaching

Free Kajabi Course + 1 month Trial: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlinecourseguy/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theonlinecourseguy

X: https://twitter.com/onlinecourseguy

213: Jeff Walker | $1 BILLION in Course Sales From THIS Launch Formula

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, Jacques sits down with special guest Jeff Walker, the creator of the renowned Product Launch Formula (PLF).

Get ready to be inspired as Jeff shares the incredible story of how he generated a staggering $1 billion in course sales using his launch formula. From integrating webinars into the launch process to utilizing the power of storytelling and building trust, Jeff reveals invaluable insights and strategies for successful online course creators.

Join Jacques and Jeff as they discuss the evolution of marketing, the enduring effectiveness of the Product Launch Formula, and the importance of creating urgency and scarcity in your offers.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your course business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration from the master himself. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of online course launches with Jeff Walker!

212: 6 Figure Launches Selling Graphic Design Courses (Featuring Teela Cunningham)

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we are joined by Teela Cunningham, the creative mind behind every-tuesday.com, as we unpack her journey to six-figure launches selling Graphic Design courses.

Teela reveals her journey with YouTube as her primary traffic source, her strategic approach to content creation, and the evolution of her business from selling digital products to launching wildly successful online courses.

From conquering the launch roller coaster to achieving financial stability, Teela shares insights, lessons, and strategies that have led to her incredible business success.

Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Teela's stellar course creation process and learn from her invaluable experiences in the world of online courses.

211: $17k/mo Selling Courses While Working Full-Time at Amazon (Featuring Jasmine Katatikarn)

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we have a special guest, Jasmine Katatikarn, who is here to share her incredible journey of selling courses while working full-time at Amazon.

Jasmine launched a unique online and in-person animation program for after-school kids, based on her own academy. She identified a lack of diversity in the animation industry and sought to address it by extending her education pipeline to younger generations.

Jasmine shares her experience of conducting research, finding interest in her program, and using various tools to automate and improve customer experience. She also offers valuable insights into the mindset of selling, the importance of support systems, and the impact of personal networks.

Stay tuned as Jasmine dives into her journey of running a successful online course business while balancing a full-time job. Let's get started and learn from her inspiring story!

210: The YouTube Playbook for Course Creators (Featuring Tim Schmoyer)

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Tim Schmoyer, joining us to talk about "The YouTube Playbook for Course Creators." Tim, the founder of Video Creators, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the YouTube space, and he is here to share his strategies and insights for turning your audience into a thriving community.

We'll delve into the three key buckets of community, discoverable, and sales, and explore how each plays a vital role in attracting new viewers, nurturing existing subscribers, and ultimately driving sales. Tim also shares his journey of selling Video Creators to vidIQ and how that experience inspired him to develop a new coaching program that combines technology, online material, and human coaches to create a powerful impact.

Throughout the episode, we'll touch on the importance of embracing interruptions, leveraging YouTube Shorts, and scaling coaching programs to reach a wider audience. We'll also uncover the secret to creating content that engages viewers and keeps them coming back for more.

So, whether you're a seasoned course creator or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips to help you succeed on YouTube and create a thriving community around your courses. Get ready to take notes as we dive into "The YouTube Playbook for Course Creators" with Tim Schmoyer!

209: ENCORE: If I Were Starting an Online Course Business in 2023, Here's Exactly What I Would Do

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Episode 193 is one of the most popular episodes we've done. We are re-airing it here today if you missed it or are new to the podcast.

In this episode, Jacques walks beginners through the exact steps he would take if he were starting on online course business from scratch today.

208: $20k/mo Teaching Army Soldiers to Get Promoted (Featuring Steven Foust)

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Steven Foust, who has found success in teaching non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the Army to get promoted. Steven has developed a membership program that not only provides valuable resources and training to NCOs but also manages to be efficient and low maintenance. As your host, I'll also be sharing my own experiences with online courses and the tools that have helped me along the way. Get ready to learn from Steven's expertise and discover new strategies for creating and managing your online course. Let's jump right in!

207: How to SELL Your Course Business for 8 Figures (A Real World Case Study)

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we have a special guest, Jason Dion, joining us to discuss the intricacies of selling a business and the art of building a scalable online course.

Jason shares his expertise on determining the value of a business, negotiating the sale, and the importance of cultural fit when choosing a buyer. He walks us through his personal experience of selling his own company, revealing the considerations and challenges he faced along the way.

We also explore the dynamic e-learning market, discussing the rise of on-demand versus instructor-led learning and the impact of AI in content creation. Jason delves into the benefits and limitations of his own business model, offering insights on multiple product offerings and their impact on customer retention.

But that's not all! Jason takes us on a deep dive into the world of certifications with his new venture, Accolade. He reveals his plans to create internationally recognized certifications and the steps he's taking to position his brand as a leading certification provider.

Whether you're an online course creator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply intrigued by the ever-evolving world of e-learning, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies.

So tune in to The Online Course Show as we bring you another engaging episode featuring Jason Dion. Get ready to take your knowledge and business to the next level!

206: $10M Generated Over the Last 3 Years as a Brazilian Mentor (featuring Victor Damasio)

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0400

In today's episode we have a very special guest joining us. Victor is a true trailblazer in the Portuguese-speaking online course industry, known for his successful programs and impactful mentorship. With a background in music and a passion for helping others, Victor has become a trusted figure in the digital marketing space. In this interview, he shares his journey to success, including valuable insights and strategies he learned from industry giants like Jay Abraham and Brendan Bouchard. Get ready to be inspired by Victor's transformational message and his authentic approach to helping entrepreneurs.

205: $50k Per Month From a Guitar Course (featuring Lauren Bateman)

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Online Course Show, our guest Lauren Bateman discusses the power of long-form content and how it resonates with her audience of older adults who prefer a slower pace. While she recognizes the need for short-form content, she prioritizes creating in-depth videos that allow her to build relationships and sell her courses more effectively.

She shares that personal touches, such as clothing choices and background items, can help create connections and attract engagement. In terms of her courses, Lauren offers a variety of options for guitar learning, including the seven-level guitar system priced at $297, mini-courses on topics like fingerpicking and power chords, and genre-specific courses like blues. She also discusses the importance of using a CRM system to track customers and target promotions based on their course ownership, allowing for more specific and targeted marketing strategies as the number of courses increases. When it comes to gaining visibility for her videos, Lauren focuses on SEO and YouTube search. She pays attention to thumbnails and titles to attract clicks, conducts research on YouTube trends and competitors, and customizes her content to fit her ideal audience's needs, such as recommending products for people with arthritis. She also emphasizes the importance of promoting videos through her mailing list to generate traffic and increase the chances of YouTube recommending her content to potential viewers. In terms of monetization, Lauren mentions her affiliate deals with companies like Vidami Pedal and Zager Guitars, where she offers discount codes and receives a commission from purchase made by her students. She emphasizes that she only works with three companies that have left a good impression on her. Lauren discusses her course platform, Kajabi, and the various offers and revenue opportunities within her sales funnel. She also shares her experience with building and managing a thriving Facebook community, which eventually transitioned to using Kajabi's community feature for better management. The community offers activities like live sessions, Q&A sessions, and song circles, and is now available for a monthly or yearly fee.

Throughout the episode, Lauren reflects on her journey and lessons learned. She shares that failure is common when launching new products, but also highlights the impact of videos without a call to action, which gained millions of views and led to increased course sales. She encourages viewers to find their own path and emphasizes the importance of showing authenticity and personality in their content. To wrap up, Lauren recognizes her growth in including calls to action and sales scripts in her videos, and the recent success she's experienced with a video that gained over a million views and led to an increase in course sales. She uses her content to drive people to either a course or a free lead magnet, such as a Christmas-themed video that offered a free PDF of simple Christmas songs in exchange for an email address, leading to the promotion of a Christmas course. She also offers a free crash course as a preview to motivate potential customers to make a bigger purchase. Tune in to this episode of The Online Course Show to hear more insights from Lauren Bateman on sponsorship, content creation, course offerings, and monetization strategies for online courses in the guitar niche.

204: Building a Sustainable Online Presence: Moving Beyond Social Media Dependence (featuring Kyler Nixon)

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Online Course Show, host Jacques Hopkins welcomes Kyler Nixon from Kyler Creative, a marketing agency that helps course creators increase sales. Kyler shares his insights on pricing psychology and common mistakes made by course creators, such as overpricing courses or lacking an understanding of competitor pricing. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable marketing systems like blogging and email marketing, and offers strategies for gathering email addresses and launching successful courses. Kyler also discusses the possibility of expanding course offerings through group coaching or additional courses. The episode dives into the process of creating courses, breaking it down into four phases for maximum success. The importance of building a big audience, offering free content, and monetizing through mid-ticket priced courses is also explored. This episode also includes a rundown of the top three most listened to episodes of The Online Course Show, and a shout-out to Kajabi as an all-in-one platform for online course businesses. The episode concludes with a discussion about using AI writing assistants like Jasper or chat GPT, the value of blogs for businesses, and the role of SEO in driving traffic to course websites. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Kyler Nixon and discover effective strategies to enhance your online course business!

203: From Canvas to Cash: Inside a Thriving Course Business Helping Artists Profit (featuring Cory Huff)

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Online Course Show, host Jacques Hopkins talks to Cory Huff, founder of theabundantartist.com, about how he has been helping artists monetize their art through his courses since 2009. Cory shares his journey from a marketing job to creating The Abundant Artist and his struggle with leaving his day job to focus on his business. He also talks about the evolution of the online course business, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, and regularly updating his courses. The episode also covers taxes, hiring struggles, and how to stay relevant by regularly connecting with customers.

202: Email Deliverability, Email List Housekeeping, & More About Email! (featuring Kay Peacey)

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

On this episode of The Online Course Show, Jacques Hopkins interviews email deliverability expert Kay Peacey about how to improve email deliverability, housekeeping best practices for email lists, and more. Kay offers great advice on how to immediately improve email deliverability through basic steps and best practices, and dispels common misconceptions about email deliverability. She also discusses her membership model for ActiveCampaign users, including courses, a support community, and personalized assistance with her and her team. Listeners can also learn about personalized video messaging software, Bonjouro, and get a discount code. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in email marketing and running a successful online course business.

Topics covered in the podcast episode:
1. Email deliverability- Deliverability tools are available for improving email deliverability- Basic steps and best practices can improve deliverability immediately- Even expensive deliverability tools need to be implemented with basic steps
2. Online courses- Online courses can be a profitable business- Podcast focused on helping course creators succeed
3. Guest- The guest for this episode is an email deliverability expert who specializes in ActiveCampaign software- Bonjouro for customer engagement
4. Successful email delivery- Importance of accurate and recognizable sender information- Setting clear expectations early on can help prevent spam folder- Building trust with mailbox providers
5. Software used- ActiveCampaign- Lifter LMS- WP Fusion- Circle Communities- Airtable- WooCommerce subscriptions
6. Monitoring engagement- Importance of monitoring open rates- Clicks are more important than open rates in identifying unengaged contacts- Using automation to keep in touch with members
7. Accelerated ActiveCampaign- A free training course to help people avoid common mistakes- Covers topics such as segments, tags, contacts, and automations in ActiveCampaign
8. Target audience- Small and medium businesses- Two levels of membership: essential and advanced
9. Membership vs course- The speaker initially struggled with the decision to create a membership or sell a course- She ultimately decided on a membership model
10. Deliverability course- Deliverability refers to the ability for emails to reach the inbox- There is a lot of misinformation about Deliverability which the speaker wants to dispel.

201: How She Generated $1 Million in Course Sales in Less Than 2 Years (featuring Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh)

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Jacques Hopkins talks with Dr. Rachel Gainesborough, a healthcare professional who was able to make a million dollars in just two years by selling online courses on short-term property rentals.

Jacques and Rachel cover a range of topics around creating and selling online courses, including validating your idea, conducting market research, and the importance of offering high-value services. They also discuss the right and wrong ways to create online courses, with Jacques sharing his expertise on how to succeed with your online course business.

Rachel shares her journey to becoming an online course creator, from experiencing burnout in healthcare to realizing the potential of making money through real estate investing and coaching. She emphasizes the benefits of offering free value to foster goodwill and build relationships within parallel groups.

Jacques and Rachel dive into the details of Rachel's different course offerings and how she discovered what her audience wanted with lead magnets, ultimately leading to the success of her signature course.

Join Jacques and Rachel as they discuss how to get started with creating and selling online courses, and avoid common mistakes along the way.

Sponsor Message: This episode is sponsored by Kajabi, the all-in-one platform to create, market and sell your digital products. Visit EveryClickKajabi to get a 28-day free trial and Jacques' course "Every Click Kajabi".

Key Takeaways:

Validate your idea and conduct market research before creating an online course.
Fostering goodwill and building relationships within parallel groups is key for success.
Lead magnets can gather qualified leads and help you discover what your audience wants.
Offering high-value services can lead to charging more for those services.
Success of your course is measured by the success of your students.

200: Pat Flynn & Jacques Discuss a Revolutionary New Way to do Courses

Tue, 09 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we explore the world of online courses and communities with Pat Flynn, from "Smart Passive Income". Pat is a seasoned entrepreneur who has learned from his experiences in building online courses that offer accountability and commitment to help people achieve specific results, quickly. Pat shares his journey of developing a community-powered course to solve scalability issues and increase engagement, all while building relationships with each other.

Key Takeaways:

- The importance of creating a sustainable channel that keeps subscribers engaged.

- The success of personalized, cohort-based courses for students.

- Combining cohort-based and online courses to create scalable, personalized learning experiences.

- The value of understanding team members' Enneagram types to improve communication and foster collaboration.

- Creating videos that appeal to the audience, rather than just aiming to satisfy the algorithm.

- The value of integrating the community's value into online courses to increase engagement and promote completion rates.

- The success of online courses in scaling teaching to help multiple people achieve their desired results.

Key Moments:

- Pat shares his experience in developing online courses and communities.

- How personalized courses and Enneagram personality and preferences helped improve the way the team works together.

- The importance of creating videos that appeal to the audience to capture their attention and increase engagement.

- Understanding community values and integrating them into online courses to create better learning experiences.

- The impact of sustainable online courses on scaling and achieving specific results to solve problems.

Conclusion:

Building sustainable online courses and communities that serve is crucial in this digital age. Pat Flynn’s experience in developing personalized, cohort-based courses and Community Powered courses highlight the importance of engaging subscribers and promoting completion rates. Intertwining the community’s values into courses has helped create a better learning experience and increased engagement. These insights help entrepreneurs to create scalable and effective courses that achieve tangible results to solve problems.

199: 3 Ways to 2-5x Your Course Sales (featuring John Ainsworth)

Tue, 02 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

John Ainsworth from https://datadrivenmarketing.co/ joins us today to talk about how to 2x to 5x your course sales, with the same course and the same traffic. This is all about how to optimize your funnel and offers!

KAJABI offer: Get 30 days free + Jacques' step-by-step course "Every Click Kajabi" head to http://everyclickkajabi.com/

198: Paid Ads 101 - How to Use Paid Advertising to Sell More Courses (featuring Brice Gump)

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Brice Gump runs a successful ad agency where he helps course creators scale through paid ads. On today's episode Brice shares with us why course creators fail with ads and what to do instead.

197: Why Webinars Are Still Crushing it in 2023 for Course Sales (featuring Paul the Trombonist)

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Paul Nowell (Paul the Trombonist) is a webinar master and in this episode shares with us his insider secrets to his 7-figure webinars.

BONJORO offer... Get 20% off for life: https://bonjoro.com/ocg

196: 7-Figures a Year Teaching Photography Online & Retiring to the Beach (featuring Brittany Bruce)

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Brittany Bruce went from school teacher, to stay-at-home mom, to 6-figure photographer, to 7-figure course create, to retiring to the beach all in the matter of a few years. Listen in to hear her story.

DEADLINE FUNNEL offer: Get 30 days free: https://deadlinefunnel.com/ocg

195: Sell Out Your Course Using Instagram & TikTok - The Master at Selling Courses with Short-Form Content Returns (featuring Spencer Russell)

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Spencer Russell first joined the podcast in episode 181 with his remarkable story about his online course business teaching toddlers how to read (toddlersread.com). He's back today to give an update on the past year. We talk about Instagram, Tiktok, Webinars, Mindset, and more!

KAJABI offer: Get 30 days free + Jacques' step-by-step course "Every Click Kajabi" head to http://everyclickkajabi.com/

194: If I Were Starting an Online Course Business in 2023, Here's Exactly What I Would Do (& Join Me While I Actually Do It This Year)

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:30:00 -0500

http://iwantgenesis.com/

193: $3 Million From One Simple Course in 2022... WOW! (featuring Matt Rudnitsky)

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:59:00 -0500

Learn more about GENESIS: http://iwantgenesis.com/

Matt's funnel: http://mattrud.com/ocg

192: Overcome Procrastination & Perfectionism (featuring Grace Brodeur)

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:00:00 -0500

191: Hear From the #1 Person I've Wanted on This Podcast - He Started His Course in 2000 (Featuring Jermaine Griggs)

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

What we talk about in this episode:

- How Jermaine got started 22 years ago

- Travelling to 36 countries in 2 years with his family

- Outsourcing nearly everything in his business, including the marketing & content

- What would he do if he started today?

- "Virality is not a strategy, but a by-product of consistency"

- Automation

Visit Jarmaine's sites:

hearandplay.com

automationclinic.com

beginnerbusinessschool.com

190: How Selling a $67 Product Can Be The Sweet Spot (featuring Will Hamilton of FuzzyYellowBalls.com)

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:45:00 -0500

Will Hamilton co-founded FuzzyYellowBalls.com in 2007, an online tennis training website.

In this episode, Will talks about:

- How to do Influencer Marketing

- Taking up stand-up comedy during the pandemic and how that's helped his online business

- Linear vs. Non-linear learning

189: Use Instagram to Drive $10k+ in Course Sales Each Month (featuring Allie Mason)

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Learn more about OCG Coaching: https://ocgcoaching.com

188: $0 to $50k in 5 Weeks (featuring Christina Umerez)

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Learn more about OCG Coaching: https://ocgcoaching.com

187: Lessons From 20 Years Running the Same Membership (featuring John Gallagher)

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:30:00 -0400

Get Kajabi & our bonus: http://everyclickkajabi.com/

John's site: https://learningherbs.com/

186: YouTube & Instagram - What's Crushing it in 2022 (featuring Elise Darma)

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode we talk about why the things that used to work on both YouTube and Instagram aren't really working anymore, and what actually is working today.

185: Increase Email Deliverability & Open Rates, Automate More (featuring Lisa Catto)

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Join us on today's episode for a great discussion on systems, automation, email deliverability, and more! Lisa Catto from https://thebusinesscatalyst.co.uk joined me to share her wisdom about these topics.

And check out our brand new website: https://theonlinecourseguy.com

184: 7 Tools I Love Right Now (& Use Everyday)

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 12:00:00 -0400

183: How to Get Paid for What You Know (featuring Graham Cochrane)

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 15:50:00 -0400

Graham Cochrane of https://www.recordingrevolution.com/ and https://grahamcochrane.com join us today to talk about:

- His new book "How to Get Paid for What You Know"
- Audience building strategies for course creators

- Courses vs. Memberships

- Kajabi

- When to launch your first product

- And more!

182: Webinar vs. PDF for Your Optin, Hiring the Right People, and Enneagram (featuring Abbey Ashley)

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Abbey Ashley of https://www.thevirtualsavvy.com/ https://hellosavvy.com/ joins us today to talk about:

- Webinar vs. PDF for your optin freebie (or both)
- Being the CEO in your business

- Enneagram

- The importance of hiring the right people

- Simple funnels

181: Getting to 5-Figure Months in Just 10 Months, Believing in Yourself, and Why Kajabi is the Best (featuring Spencer Russell)

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 15:59:00 -0500

Spencer's site: https://www.toddlersread.com/

30 Day trial of Kajabi: https://oc.show/kajabi

180: SCARCITY When Selling Your Online Course - Availability vs. Discount (MASSIVE Experiment by Jacques with UNBELIEVABLE Results!)

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

I've been running a big experiment with my online course on whether the SCARCITY in my funnel should be the AVAILABILITY of the course (it goes away completely!) or a DISCOUNT (and you can buy the course at full price any time). THE RESULTS ARE IN! Which do you think is the winner?

179: Rethinking My Online Course Platform (Is Jacques Switching to Kajabi?)

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Is Jacques rethinking what course platform he chose last year? In this episode listen to what Jacques is thinking lately and some updated thoughts on the Kajabi platform.

178: I’m Testing New Pricing… Here’s the Results

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:52:23 -0400

In this episode I go over:

My house/office situation
Our YouTube process
A recap of Relaunch Magic
Split Testing
My new pricing model for Piano In 21 Days
A big goof I made last month in my business

177: Make Your Site Insanely Fast in Just 10 Minutes (I Achieved a Speed Score of 100)

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 19:41:58 -0400

In this episode I share with you an awesome 3 step process to achieve amazing website speed:

1 - NitroPack (https://oc.show/nitro)
2 - Cloudflare Advanced WordPress optimization
3 - Perfmatters plugin (https://perfmatters.io)

176: Succeed with FB Ads with as Little as $5 per Day (featuring Salome Schillack)

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:00:13 -0400

On today’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Salome Schillack. Salome is a Facebook Ads wizard and she is dropping knowledge that will help you dial in your Facebook Ads game for as little as $5 a day. We discuss the types of ads, creating a custom audience, lead magnets, and having our names butchered. Be sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode for an update on The Online Course Show. Hope you enjoy!

“Even when you didn’t fail, think you’ve failed, then you should just do it again.”

- Salome Schillack

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:25) Catching up
(3:30) Is Dr. K.’s podcast already expanding?
(8:30) Let’s talk Enneagram
(20:14) Dr. K.’s school story
(24:00) Who’s what Enneagram type on the team?
(25:45) Introducing Salome Schillack
(27:30) What does Salome do differently?
(30:11) Optimization ad options for Facebook
(36:05) Custom Audiences
(42:20) The goal of getting off social media
(45:00) Who is a good fit for Salome’s agency or courses
(53:50) Lead Magnets
(56:30) The gap between the client and the Facebook Ads Manager
(1:00:16) Salome’s background
(1:07:05) A tangent on butchered names
(1:10:40) Salome’s advice on where to start
(1:13:50) Where to find Salome
(1:15:05) Dr. K.’s takeaways
(1:22:00) Changes for the podcast

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

175: How to Succeed with Just One $5,000 Coaching Program (featuring Michael Walker)

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:00:39 -0400

On today’s episode, I’m talking with Michael Walker from modern-musician.com. Michael’s story is awe-inspiring. From an almost dental student with musical dreams to a successful musician coach, Michael has turned one program into an incredible business. Join us as we discuss coaching vs. course, presenting a high ticket offer with confidence, and finding the right team. Hope you enjoy!

“You have the map. If you keep coming back to it, you can get there. But you’ve got to keep going. You have to put one foot in front of the other one. Keep going.”

-Michael Walker

In This Episode, We Talked About:
(5:49) My current tech stack
(11:03) Dr. K.’s new podcast
(18:58) Introducing Michael Walker
(21:33) Paradise Fears
(23:50) Tour Hacking
(26:38) The motivator
(32:23) The idea
(35:57) The next steps
(45:10) Coaching vs. Course
(47:50) Scaling the package
(53:49) Program structure
(58:08) Why not offer a course?
(1:02:20) Presenting the high ticket offer
(1:06:30) Finding the right team
(1:16:43) Something cool Michael has been able to do because of his business
(1:19:50) Final advice from Michael
(1:23:49) Dr. K.’s takeaways
(1:28:49) Thoughts on having a coaching program
(1:33:50) Wrapping up
That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

Links
Offers and Tools:
- Bonjoro Free Trial
- ClickFunnels Free Trial
Guest Links:
- Michael’s website
Resources and Recommendations:
- Kinsta
- Wordpress
- BuddyBoss
- LearnDash
- WooCommerce
- PayPal
- Stripe
- CartFlows
- Elementor
- WP Fusion
- ActiveCampaign
- Automator WP
- Zapier
- Events Calendar
- GamiPress
- Affiliate WP
- Kajabi
- Wes McDowell
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Jonathan Mendonsa
- Jeff Walker
- Eban Pagan
- The 4-Hour Workweek
- Think and Grow Rich
- Profit First
- Rocket Fuel
- Tony Robbins
- Graham Cochrane
- Granola Face Skin Care
- I Propose A Story
Jacques’ Courses:
- Piano in 21 Days
David’s Courses:(0:59) Catching Up/ Platform Update
- Wellness Program Expert

174: Partnering with an Expert for Wild Online Course Success (featuring eCommerce Uncensored)

Tue, 25 May 2021 05:00:56 -0400

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Kevin and Jason from eCommerce Uncensored. Kevin and Jason have been working together for over 18 years now, so they know a thing or two about marketing. Join us for an awesome conversation around Facebook ads, knowing your customer, and the power of partnering up.

“We worked at it. We failed a lot. We created our own course… it completely flopped. Spent a ton of money. But it was a huge learning experience. And that’s what everything that led up to this point has been.”

- Kevin, eCommerce Uncensored

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:55) Catching up with Dr. K

(6:00) Platform updates and migration
(9:30) What’s my retail therapy?
(11:50) Introducing the guys from Ecommerce Uncensored
(13:35) Journal of Wildlife Photography
(19:50) The one thing that’s most important
(22:27) Giveaways and the legalities
(33:00) Where’d you start?
(35:00) Running Facebook ads and ROI
(48:15) The power of partnering up
(55:45) Why did Kevin and Jason's course flop?!
(1:02:12) The buying decision discussion
(1:04:10) The benefit of Facebook groups
(1:08:45) Apple updates and Facebook
(1:50:50) Parting words
(1:18:27) Dr. K’s takeaways
(1:21:40) A giveaway idea
(1:35:38) Wrapping up
That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

173: One Niche, One Funnel, and One Course (featuring Lauren Wrighton)

Tue, 11 May 2021 05:00:53 -0400

On today’s episode, I’m chatting with online course creator and fellow podcaster Lauren Wrighton. Lauren is an excellent example of doing one thing and doing it well. Her simple approach to her niche, her funnel, and her course make for a super-streamlined process. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

“Talk to the real people. Listen to what they're actually saying. Listen to the words that they’re using. Because when you use their words back at them, they’re like, ‘He or she gets me. They’re listening to what my real concerns are.'”

- Lauren Wrighton

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:10) Val’s piano progress
(5:18) An update on our current and future projects
(6:24) Dr. K’s crazy Lyme Disease story
(13:00) Introducing Lauren Wrighton
(14:20) Who does Lauren help?
(16:02) So, what is a Podcast Manager and what do they do?
(19:53) Audio editing software
(22:58) How do people enter Lauren’s world?
(24:45) Lauren’s webinar
(29:20) The goal of the funnel
(32:50) Marketing after the deadline
(35:35) Who did Lauren learn from?
(37:03) So, what’s inside the course?
(39:00) How the course came to be
(42:30) Lauren shares a cool impact story
(44:04) Overcoming roadblocks
(45:02) The day-to-day
(48:47) What would Lauren do differently?
(49:45) Lauren’s advice
(51:55) Dr. K’s takeaways and BTBD (Break The Bachelor's Degree)
(54:45 ) Who should have a podcast?
(1:00:00) How we get guests for The Online Course Show
(1:05:15) Dr. K. finds a great opportunity for a prank
(1:08:50) Overcoming the fear of overwhelming your customer’s inbox
(1:16:56) Wrapping Up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

172: Ask Yourself “How Reversible Is This?” and Keep Moving Forward (featuring Shayna Oliveira)

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 05:00:41 -0400

In today’s episode, I’m talking with Shayna Oliveira, podcaster and creator of EspressoEnglish.net. Shayna has created a thriving online course business teaching others English on their own schedule. We dive into how the business was born, the pandemic’s effect on her business, and asking the question, “How reversible is this?” Enjoy!

“Take action. The best way to learn is to implement and then see what works or doesn’t work for your niche or your audience. It’s great to learn strategies from mentors and role models, but it's only by putting them into practice that you’re going to see are they going to work for you... Treat it like an experiment.”

-Shayna Oliveira

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:42) Dr. K.’s Date Day and Val’s latest course purchase
(1:36) My physical packs for Piano In 21 Days
(6:50) My first student on the new platform
(10:20) Learning with the Bootcamp Ride-Along
(12:25) What’s next?
(14:30) What about the Facebook group?
(16:04) David’s Dumb and Dumber video tip
(19:19) Introducing Shayna
(22:29) Doing it the hard way
(23:38) The end game and starting a business
(25:55) A false start and a real start
(30:08) An idea from a podcast and a college
(34:55) How does Shayna help
(38:43) Course vs. Tutor
(41:07) A decision against community
(43:20) How reversible is this?
(48:06) Shayna’s podcast
(50:52) Knowing when to take the business full-time
(54:00) The Pandemic Effect
(57:48) Shayna’s software stack
(1:03:27) Experimenting with Ads
(1:08:00) Shayna’s day-to-day
(1:10:05) Staying consistent
(1:14:40) Podcast passion project
(1:18:15) Shayna’s advice
(1:20:08) David’s Takeaways
(1:30:27) David, the expert on his own opinion
(1:33:35) Cryptocurrency tangent
(1:40:19) Facebook ad strategy
(1:43:00) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

171: Clubhouse, Learning From Failures, and the Best Ways to Monetize an Audience (Featuring Joe Fier & Matt Wolfe)

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:00:47 -0400

Today, I’m sitting down to chat with the guys from Hustle and Flowchart. Matt Wolfe and Joe Fier have been working together in different capacities since 2007. Matt and Joe share their thoughts on Clubhouse, learning from failures, using your superpowers to monetize an audience, and having a successful partnership. Lots of great takeaways from these guys, so enjoy!

“Here's what I realized… the good ideas and the good conversations, they don't stop. There’s always going to be one going on.”

- Matt Wolfe

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:45) An update on my new course and platform launch
(3:57) Will Dr. K’s wife finally be joining my course?
(6:57) Introducing today’s guests and how I linked up with them
(8:20) Welcoming Matt and Joe
(10:32) What are Matt and Joe most proud of?
(16:22) Money vs. impact
(19:38) How Matt and Joe ended up working together
(24:30) Being comfortable and losing the filters
(29:55) The two-headed dragon
(31:46) A brief beer detour
(34:04) The key to a successful partnership
(37:15) Tapping into your superpowers
(41:50) The simplicity of growing an audience
(44:29) Monetization options
(47:15) Matt and Joe’s membership
(51:06) So... where’s the course?
(1:00:04) Clubhouse and Tyrese Gibson
(1:09:48) Matt and Joe’s favorite tools for business
(1:17:00) Dream 100
(1:23:05) Where to find Matt and Joe
(1:26:21) David’s thoughts and takeaways
(1:32:09) Should I share my first video?
(1:35:20) Bartering and the roof story
(1:38:50) David’s Clubhouse animosity and an alternative platform
(1:43:30) Am I leaving ClickFunnels?
(1:45:41) David and I discuss our Dream 100
(1:49:19) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

170: Replacing a Google Salary with a Super-Niche Weaving Course (Featuring Tien Chiu)

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 05:00:29 -0400

Today, I’m talking with former Google project manager turned "Art Scientist" weaver, Tien Chiu. When she fell in love with weaving over ten years ago, she never imagined it would become her career. Tien shares about turning her passion into a successful online course, the benefit of making mistakes, and how her wedding dress landed in a museum. Hope you enjoy!

“...I know if it's my dream course, it's probably a lot of other people's dream course.”

- Jessica Rose

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:17) Candy bowl catch-up
(4:33) Paying it forward and the power of teaching others
(7:37) Tools I’m enjoying
(13:18) What’s causing the increase in The Online Course Community Facebook group?
(16:20) Let’s talk about weaving
(19:10) What and who does Tien teach?
(28:20) Success in online courses
(29:39) Free vs. paid classes
(33:13) Live launching
(36:58) Moving students from free to paid classes
(39:13) Motivating students in free courses
(40:32) Why live?
(43:52) What would Tien do differently?
(45:50) Making the move from tech to weaving
(50:00) What if it didn’t work out?
(52:25) Educating people on a problem they didn’t know they had
(55:58) Tien’s advice on making mistakes
(56:58) Her wedding dress and how it ended up in a museum
(59:35) What does being a successful course creator mean to Tien?
(1:01:55) More advice for course creators
(1:04:08) Where to find Tien
(1:04:28) David’s thoughts
(1:06:06) Momentum and getting the party started
(1:08:30) David, the Doner Kebab King of America
(1:10:11) Buying email blasts/ads for your niche
(1:15:02) David and I share our engagement stories
(1:23:05) Branding yourself and David’s new title for me
(1:25:21) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

169: How to Sell (& Serve) More to the Same Customers and Make £1 Million a Year from Jewelry Courses (Featuring Jessica Rose)

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:00:09 -0400

Today, I am sitting down with online jewelry course creator Jessica Rose. Jessica has been teaching jewelry-making for over ten years through physical and online courses. Now fully online, Jessica shares her techniques for launching strong, planning and strategizing for the year, and how to sell and serve more to your existing customers. Enjoy!

“...I know if it's my dream course, it's probably a lot of other people's dream course.”

- Jessica Rose

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:43) Thoughts on our intro
(5:48) Recording updates
(8:56) Update on David’s financial question
(13:08) Introducing Jessica Rose
(14:08) Who does Jessica help and how?
(16:16) How it started
(17:56) Covid and the pivot
(23:33) Transitioning the team
(24:52) Jessica’s secret to launching
(27:25) Setting a goal and doubling it
(35:01) Course vs. membership, or both?
(39:05) What lights Jessica up the most?
(40:45) What does her day-to-day look like?
(43:34) Finding and keeping good staff
(47:07) A first taste of success
(51:52) Using YouTube to build community
(54:51) Jessica’s top traffic sources
(58:11) Trying the 9-5
(59:56) Using Instagram and TikTok
(1:01:35) Jessica’s strategy and planning technique
(1:07:16) Where to find Jessica
(1:08:18) Welcome back/ David’s thoughts
(1:09:41) Mindset techniques
(1:11:54) The importance of building a loyal audience
(1:16:16) Repurposing content and pondering TikTok
(1:19:43) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

168: Lessons in Getting VERY Niched Down, Customer Delight, and B2B Course Marketing (Featuring Neil Benson)

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:00:59 -0500

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down to chat with podcast listener and super-niche course creator Neil Benson. Neil shares about his corporate background, how he became a course creator, his experience with B2B marketing, and why he uses LEGO to explain very complex concepts within his niche. We also discuss how Neil measures success and what 2021 holds for his course. Enjoy!

“First of all, go for it. A lot of the hang-ups that people have are just about getting started, getting that first course out there.”

- Neil Benson

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:53) Good news and bad news
(1:06) Recording courses
(5:54) What’s going on with David?
(6:36) Camera chat
(9:50) What does David’s true crime story have to do with online courses?
(12:16) More about today’s guest, Neil Benson
(14:03) Welcoming Neil and talking about Neil’s niche
(16:20) How did Neil end up with an online course?
(20:30) Obstacles and Shiny Object Syndrome
(23:44) Using LinkedIn as a traffic source
(26:33) Where did the brand name Customery come from?
(27:52) What’s the deal with the LEGOs?
(31:47) Neil’s take on New Zenler
(33:14) Using Bonjoro
(37:07) Where does Deadline Funnel come in?
(44:36) B2B or B2C
(47:58) Neil’s student experience
(50:42) How does Neil measure student success?
(52:09) Neil’s Why
(54:25) So, what’s the accent, Neil?
(56:14) Neil’s podcast
(58:28) Neil’s advice to new course creators
(59:31) What does 2021 look like for Neil and his courses?
(1:00:42) My advice for Neil
(1:05:44) David breaks down SCRUM vs. Waterfall
(1:10:00) My project manager past
(1:11:28) David’s experience with Waterfall and what he plans to do going forward with his course
(1:12:28) The benefit of using a beta group
(1:13:20) Putting yourself out there
(1:18:46) The big vein in David’s forehead
(1:21:04) My favorite joke
(1:22:22) Using Bonjoro as part of the sales funnel
(1:25:48) Do couples talk to each other about buying decisions?
(1:28:52) Gift giving as part of online courses
(1:30:06) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

167: Teaching In-Person vs. Online Course & an Amazing Example of Pandemic Pivoting (Featuring Amanda Overs)

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:00:17 -0500

Welcome back to The Online Course Show! Today, I’m chatting with Amanda Overs. Amanda has been teaching others to make their own shoes for over ten years and recently launched her first online course. We discuss the importance of community, overcoming barriers, and learning to pivot. Enjoy!

“If an idea just doesn't work and I put heaps of energy into it... Okay, it doesn't work. On to the next.”

- Amanda Overs

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:44) David is super chuffed about today’s interview
(1:40) Revisiting the podcast format
(2:57) Weekly update
(4:41) The Clubhouse train
(8:07) Another platform?!
(10:26) About Amanda
(11:30) Why shoes?
(11:52) How the online course happened
(14:02) But why would anyone want to make their own shoes?
(16:30) Why has creating an online course been on the list?
(17:10) Launch strategy and using existing curriculum
(19:43) Evolving to simplify
(21:42) Trial and error
(24:15) Overcoming supplier issues and other barriers to entry
(29:20) Community and platform chat
(35:19) The importance of your community
(38:23) One of my students made that?
(41:40) Being okay with failure
(44:00) What would Amanda have done differently?
(45:31) Traffic sources
(50:15) Is there anything I can help Amanda with?
(52:51) Realizing the potential
(59:24) Where to find Amanda
(59:58) Welcome back/ David’s thoughts
(1:02:09) Pivoting and addressing barriers
(1:07:04) Online courses as a date night?

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

166: This 18-Year-Old is Making Thousands a Month with an Online Course (Featuring Andrew Seguin)

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 05:00:15 -0500

On today’s episode, I’m sitting down to chat with Andrew Seguin about his online course success. Andrew is consistently making five-figures per month with his course. He shares his wisdom on using Facebook ads, fixing your mindset, and more.

Did I mention that Andrew is only 18? There’s so much we can learn from this guy! Enjoy!

“The truth is you can do it... you just have to fix your mindset.”

- Andrew Seguin

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:40) David’s social media detox attempt
(3:53) Water cooler talk
(6:18) Piano In 21 Days milestone
(9:14) Podcast growth for 2020
(11:48) Introducing Andrew Seguin
(12:49) Andrew’s story
(14:18) First glimpse into entrepreneurship
(16:16) An epiphany moment
(18:38) YouTube channel revisited
(19:49) Building on past experience and finding motivation and inspiration
(23:02) Andrew’s influences and the importance of mindset
(25:26) Finding success
(28:50) Another business low
(30:03) I was funnel-hacked
(32:00) Facebook ad strategy and testing ads
(36:52) Andrew shares a student success story
(37:26) So, what is fingerstyle guitar?
(39:07) What’s next for Andrew?
(42:20) Handling the haters
(44:58) Andrew’s advice on imposter syndrome
(48:04) Battling the time sucks
(51:11) Where does Andrew want to be a year from now?
(53:43) Tools and books Andrew recommends
(58:49) A last piece of advice
(1:03:00) What were David and I like at 18?
(1:04:47) Will my daughters be entrepreneurs?
(1:07:43) David shares his success with Facebook ads
(1:14:52) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

165: How (and Why) to Become a 7-Figure Course Creator (Featuring Austin Netzley)

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 03:27:02 -0500

Today we are sitting down to chat with Austin Netzley, author of From 6 to 7 Figures! Austin shares with us about his journey into entrepreneurship, practical steps for growing your business exponentially, and how his book and coaching programs can help online course creators like you. Enjoy!

“ We can only rely on hustle and muscle so much.”

- Austin Netzley

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:34) A beard trim and a tidy office
(2:57) Did David do his homework?
(8:57) I share a student success story
(10:26) Theresa and Billy Joel
(13:42) Did I earn 7-figures in 2020?
(14:49) How I linked up with today’s guest
(16:34) Let’s meet Austin
(17:00) Start with “the why”
(20:27) Financial Perspective: Revenue vs. Profit
(24:59) Austin’s story
(28:45) Entrepreneurship journey
(29:45) So, what is Austin’s book about?
(32:28) Systems and teams
(35:50) Who does Austin help?
(40:10) The 72 Hour Rule
(43:00) The power of the daily huddle
(47:28) I asks the Office Space question: “What would you say you do here?”
(51:00) Austin’s hiring method
(53:22) Why write a book?
(55:25) Should I write my own book?
(56:47) The importance of assets
(59:00) Discussing the book funnel
(1:02:45) Austin shares two student success stories
(1:06:11) Austin’s coaching programs
(1:11:23) The coolest thing Austin’s been able to do
(1:12:53) Where to find Austin and a giveaway
(1:15:23) Discussing the interview and David’s thoughts
(1:19:12) Michael Scott and the Peter Principle
(1:21:25) The Howard Shultz story
(1:23:23) XDS system
(1:25:08) David’s take on Austin’s hiring method and a football tangent
(1:30:43) Revisiting the topic of whether I will ever write a book
(1:35:50) Wrapping up and teasing changes coming to Next Level Courses in 2021

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

164: The KING of UDEMY on Why 100 Courses are Better Than 1 (Featuring Phil Ebiner)

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:23 -0500

In what is possibly the most requested interview in the history of this show, Phil Ebiner joins me today to chat about all things online course-related! Whether you’ve been looking forward to this for ages, or this is your first time hearing about how Phil is crushing it in the online course world, I think you’re going to find a lot of value in today’s episode.

“Every little course is a different stream of income.”

- Phil Ebiner

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:41) Catching up and thinking about pricing
(5:00) The biggest ideas that affect my pricing strategy
(12:02) Base-rate neglect
(15:55) Order bumps vs. one-time offers
(22:34) The importance of keeping your audience in mind
(24:43) A good problem I’m currently having
(26:25) Pros and cons to price raises
(27:03) Setting the stage for today’s interview
29:30) Phil’s thoughts on managing family life and business ownership
(36:42) The freedom of being your own boss
(37:55) Debt, traditional education, and finding jobs
(43:31) Phil’s online course journey
(48:37) Platform choices
(52:36) Thinking about the pros and cons of different platform structures
(1:01:01) High ticket vs. low ticket
(1:02:39) Thoughts on course that cost more than average
(1:04:25) Passive income and urgency
(1:06:12) The two paths to choose from
(1:14:07) How Phil uses other instructors and shares profits
(1:19:02) Making the transition to online courses
(1:20:46) Deciding which content belongs in which part of Phil’s business
(1:22:43) Answering questions about the online course world
(1:25:15) Talking tools
(1:30:19) Phil’s hardware recommendations
(1:33:46) Webcam resources from Phil + an early pandemic giveaway
(1:36:12) How 2020 impacted our businesses
(1:40:01) Phil’s experience with obstacles
(1:43:09) Why not just stop?
(1:44:37) Where to find Phil online
(1:47:00) David sends a bearhug + and we discuss our takeaways
(1:50:23) Favorite questions and some family backstory
(1:52:10) Online course alternatives to traditional problems
(1:54:58) A $36,000 course?
(1:58:28) My own course experiences with live components
(2:00:13) Can a new instructor break into Udemy success?
(2:05:29) Branching out and overcoming obstacles
(2:11:02) Different strokes for different folks
(2:14:49) Wrapping up and teasing next week’s episode

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

163: Should You Hire Someone to Help OPERATE Your Online Course Biz? (Featuring Natalie Gingrich)

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:00:48 -0500

I can vouch firsthand for the awesome course that today’s guest created: not because I took her course myself, but because of the impact her resources have had on my team! Natalie Gingrich has an inspiring story to share about her online course journey and why she is so passionate about all things operations. We’re talking legacy, certification, and so much more. Enjoy!

“Knowing the transformation I was able to make… all came back to a skill set. And I knew I could apply that.”

- Natalie Gingrich

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) David and I discuss our duo name and podcast roles
(3:00) The theme of today’s episode
(6:35) David’s business operations
(7:47) An example of recent changes to my business workflow
(10:15) Introducing Natalie and her take on operations
(13:08) Thinking about systems and operations versus lead generation and funnels
(15:26) Where Natalie focuses her business offerings and how she delivers her training
(18:43) Trusting and hiring other people to teach
(21:21) Thinking about how to bring in qualified trainers
(24:51) How Natalie and her team have created growth while maintaining a personal feel
(29:16) Why she offers certification
(35:19) “How do I find somebody who does this?”
(39:39) What I’m appreciating about having my own OBM
(40:16) Why certification isn’t an issue for my courses
(40:40) How Natalie facilitates her program
(42:57) OBM vs. DOO
(45:57) Natalie’s recommendations on structure
(51:25) What if you don’t want to hire a long-term OBM?
(53:44) Visionaries vs. implementers
(55:55) My history with project management software
(57:19) Full-time vs. part-time OBM’s
(1:00:42) Natalie’s “why” story
(1:09:18) Talking legacy
(1:10:42) The difference between operations roles in business
(1:13:30) Where to find Natalie’s resources online
(1:14:33) Why David and I appreciate operations-minded people
(1:16:00) Getting into the weeds on how Natalie runs her program
(1:19:13) Bringing on more instructors and offering live training
(1:22:02) High vs. low touch-point choices
(1:23:58) The hiring process for virtual employees or contractors
(1:29:31) Gauging people’s long-term compatibility with your business
(1:30:59) The likeability factor
(1:36:10) David’s story about personality types
(1:39:52) The Wonderlic test and other types of verification
(1:47:45) “Wounded boyfriend expectations”
(1:50:44) The importance of documenting standard operating procedures
(1:53:07) Wrapping up and teasing next week’s interview

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

162: From MTV Show to YouTube Star to Course Creator (Featuring Mike Greenfield)

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:00:56 -0500

Welcome to the very first episode of the year! Here’s to hoping that 2021 is one where the days are a bit brighter. And I’m feeling great about starting off the year with today’s interview: Mike Greenfield and I had a great conversation about how he’s helping home cooks up their game at a time when more people than ever are making their meals at home.

“Don’t listen to anyone who says there is one perfect way… Trust yourself. Do it.”

- Mike Greenfield

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) Gearing up for the new year with a book recommendation I’m very excited about
(9:05) Our take on New Year resolutions
(10:26) Reading goals
(12:16) David’s first virtual lunch-and-learn and the importance of live feedback
(15:50) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(17:21) Introducing Mike Greenfield and thinking about modern “celebrity”
(21:22) When courses came into the picture for Mike
(24:55) His business structure and timeline
(27:45) Talking sponsorships
(30:10) How Mike created his first course
(33:09) Mindset and why his approach resonates with me
(37:55) Cook vs. chef
(38:59) Launching and learning lessons along the way
(45:22) Where he crossed paths with people who could help
(47:07) Pricing and revenue decisions
(50:49) Thoughts on social media
(51:55) Mike’s upcoming launch
(54:14) Why I’m interested in his course offerings
(57:12) What he’s doing differently this time
(59:37) Funnels and email lists
(1:02:46) Talking Active Campaign
(1:03:53) Teams and evolving work responsibilities
(1:08:43) Our roles as course creators
(1:13:04) Risk and entrepreneurship
(1:16:12) The one thing that made the biggest difference for my business
(1:18:24) Talking parenting, balance, and creating space for breaks
(1:21:47) Being in the right place at the right time
(1:24:40) Mike’s advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:26:46) License to do things
(1:28:11) Where to find Mike outside of YouTube
(1:28:43) Why I appreciate hearing David’s perspective on interviews
(1:29:22) Who gets a pass on marketing?
(1:30:36) Building assets
(1:32:26) Am I still doing personalized coaching?
(1:34:14) YouTube revenue
(1:35:51) The best way to contact celebrities
(1:37:35) Takeaways from Social Dilemma
(1:39:43) Transitioning a community from one platform to another
(1:43:24) A rabbit hole that led David to my long-defunct music podcast
(1:48:48) Our potluck dishes of choice
(1:50:02) Why I now have a full-time transcriptionist
(1:52:54) Email lists, funnels, and design inspiration
(1:56:02) Enjoying different stages of life and business + teasing for an upcoming episode
(1:58:57) Wrapping up with how you can help the podcast

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

161: What Online Course Platform I’m Moving To (Plus a Look at ALL The Top Online Course Platforms For 2021)

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:00:13 -0500

Today, on our 49th episode of 2020, it’s finally time: I’m ready to reveal exactly what platform I’m moving my piano course to! This has been a topic of much debate and it definitely took me some time to sort through my options. So many course platforms exist, old and new, and there are pros and cons to each. But I’m happy with my choice, and had a great time discussing this journey with David on our final episode of the year.

“It’s overwhelming, but I really wanted to find the best option for me and my students.”

- Jacques Hopkins

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) Setting the stage for today’s topic and looking back on another year of podcasting
(3:06) Why my platform switch is not a one-size-fits-all decision
(4:52) My history (and beef) with course platforms so far
(8:44) Talking pros and cons of ClickFunnels
(13:42) The three types of online course platforms
(17:04) Top features I was searching for
(20:05) A few disclaimers
(21:30) Some creative reveal ideas courtesy of David
(24:31) The top two contenders and why I chose one over the other
(29:29) Why I’m happy with my customization and community options for my new platform
(31:52) The announcement that tipped the scales for me
(33:54) Pros and cons of my choice
(37:48) Apps, Apple, and transition
(39:15) What I’ve said no to - and why
(47:00) Does price reflect features?
(48:08) Best choices for different categories
(54:23) Disclaimers and slogans
(1:02:15) Reviewing options and a recommendation
(1:05:31) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

160: One Hour a Day to Run a $2 Million Online Course Business with 14 Employees (featuring Abbey Ashley)

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:00:17 -0500

It’s time to catch up with another course creator friend! Abbey Ashley is no stranger to this show, but it’s been a while since we’ve heard what she’s up to. And she does not disappoint: Abbey’s been killing it this year! We chatted about how her business is evolving, where she sees herself focusing her energy in the future, and much more. Enjoy!

“You will pivot. Things will shift, and that’s totally okay.”

-Abbey Ashley

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) Why I’m excited about today’s episode + a teaser for next week!
(3:07) Thoughts on lead magnets and “getting to know” course creators
(5:18) Working out in 2020
(8:36) Talking Facebook ads and group interaction
(10:03) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(11:09) Welcoming Abbey back and hearing her online course business update
(14:07) Keeping the train rolling in 2020
(16:33) Abbey’s growing team
(18:24) How she’s making an impact on students’ lives (including my own team)
(21:17) Charting metrics and looking for areas to improve
(26:41) Project management tools
(28:38) “Extreme ownership” and applying common leadership principles
(30:12) What it takes to succeed
(31:55) The evolution of Abbey’s funnel and how learning from others has influenced it
(38:46) The importance of finding your audience
(42:00) Abbey’s Facebook groups and the importance of honesty
(44:44) Thoughts on leaving Facebook - or not
(47:39) Course platform decisions
(49:54) The importance of listening to your audience
(52:49) Why Abbey’s enjoying learning from a new mentor
(55:55) Hiring and running a team
(58:53) Thinking about team culture and efficiency
(1:03:36) Making the transition from contractors to employees
(1:07:55) Surprise, delight, and… shots?
(1:12:45) Handling hiring in the U.S.
(1:13:44) Delegating and getting out of day-to-day operations
(1:17:12) Lynch-pin redundancy
(1:20:56) What’s next for Abbey
(1:26:13) Is a podcast in the works for Abbey?
(1:27:42) Where to find her online and why it’s okay to copy
(1:30:23) How much fun it would be to be on Abbey’s team? + How we first connected
(1:33:04) Emotions and shareable moments
(1:34:52) Updates and differences in teams
(1:37:48) How things are going with my OBM + David’s singing solo :P
(1:39:02) Upsells vs. downsells, tortoises vs. hares
(1:41:41) A high-ticket program without a sales call?
(1:44:10) Funnel hacking and evolving with the times
(1:46:40) “There is no secret sauce” + Pinterest myth-busting
(1:49:00) The importance of a learning mindset
(1:50:54) Wrapping up with a plug for next week’s episode

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

159: Boost Your YouTube Channel with Facebook Ads? (Featuring Chris Liepe)

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:20 -0500

Thanksgiving is behind us and the end of the year approaching fast! Our guest today is Chris Liepe, who is all about helping people find their voice through his online singing course. Chris had some great insights on the legacy and long-term thinking that make so much sense to consider at this introspective time of year. He also has had some unique success with a very unusual approach to ads and marketing. We get into all that and much more in the interview, so buckle up and enjoy!

“Find a mentor, and do it! Just go for it.”

- Chris Liepe

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) Did David do his homework?
(2:29) A post-mortem on some live piano webinars I recently did
(8:23) Thoughts on pricing model experiments
(10:09) An update on my new platform
(12:22) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(12:56) How Chris got into the online course world
(25:00) An unusual strategy that yielded surprising results
(29:34) Drilling down into different ads and outcomes
(33:44) Active vs. passive interactions
(35:12) How Chris’s strategy is evolving
(39:27) Building a strong CTA and figuring out what to promote where
(43:16) Walking through Chris’s funnel
(47:30) Comparing scarcity and framing
(55:05) What I love about Chris’s approach to value
(59:16) Pricing considerations
(1:01:26) Tools, teams, and content
(1:07:46) The importance of mindset
(1:15:52) Asking the right questions
(1:17:17) Thinking about legacy
(1:19:05) Hindsight on branding choices Chris made early on
(1:23:53) Feedback from Chris’s students
(1:27:23) Can anyone learn to sing?
(1:34:24) Advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:37:40) Where to find Chris online
(1:38:19) Thoughts on being willing to do something embarrassing
(1:39:46) Mindset and marketing
(1:41:48) Winning long-term customers
(1:42:18) “Ring the bell” moments
(1:47:19) Go-to karaoke songs
(1:48:39) Learning from other course creators + leveraging YouTube
(1:51:36) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

158: 4 Steps to Eliminate Stress & Take Control of Your Life

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:00:01 -0500

Dr. David and I are on our own this week, but that’s not because I forgot to book a guest. It’s because David himself is leading the discussion on today’s topic: taking healthy control of your life and reducing stress. Whether or not you’re a successful course creator, there’s something in this episode for you to consider, because who doesn’t have stress?

“If you ask me what is the single most important thing… the one single word is “momentum.”

- Dr. David Krohse

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) Why I’m unprepared for this episode (and why that’s okay)
(1:37) The backstory for today’s topic
(6:58) David’s single most important word
(8:17) Cold showers and choosing discomfort
(9:42) Step 1: Rate your stressors
(11:25) Step 2: Envisioning a stress-free life
(14:52) Step 3: Hack your stressors and your goals
(17:01) Step 4: Use effective goal-setting to take control
(19:39) Simplicity versus confusion
(22:05) Goal-setting and penalties
(24:58) Figuring out timeframes
(28:04) An interesting relationship hack + how David meet his wife
(34:21) Finding a good fit
(36:56) Top tips for family and communication
(45:04) Our favorite resource for work relationships
(48:01) Reading recommendations and how to handle people who drag you down
(49:36) Health hacks and homework for David
(57:37) My favorite supplements
(59:24) David’s recommendations for anxiety and depression + a plug for chiropractic
(1:03:18) Our “Baby Steps” financial journeys
(1:08:28) My investment influencers
(1:14:58) David’s best career advice
(1:16:05) Influencing others and the positive impact online courses can have
(1:20:06) Looking back at early goals and where they’ve led
(1:23:03) The motto to put on your mirror
(1:24:22) Where to find everything we mentioned on the show + my online course creator community
(1:25:47) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

157: Running a Successful Membership that is ALL about the COMMUNITY (Featuring Zac Small & Craig James)

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:30 -0500

Today we’re doing a few things differently, so get ready: we have two guests and zero “traditional” online courses involved. But don’t worry, because my discussion with Craig and Zach of Fraternity of Excellence is still super-relevant to many aspects of having a more typical online course business or membership model.

“Don’t let the fear of not being perfect when you launch keep you from launching.”

- Craig James

“Inside a membership community, it’s all about relationships.”

- Zach Small

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:40) Dr. K is back: where was he and what do lizards have to do with it?
(6:18) Our Asheville, NC recommendations + David’s ideal Instagrammer
(8:47) Getting recognized “in the wild”
(10:27) An update on my quest for the ultimate course platform
(11:37) Creating course content with other teachers and how I’ve set up compensation
(14:25) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(17:09) Why and how Craig and Zach partnered to create their membership site
(21:06) The 4-Hour Workweek mindset versus the community-based membership model
(21:35) Bootstrapping and their early business models
(24:35) Figuring out pricing with nothing to compare to
(27:38) The challenge of communicating value in exclusivity
(28:56) How Craig and Zach would change their approach to pricing if they were starting over
(30:27) Who their audience is and how they provide value to their niche
(33:18) How Craig and Zach’s offer has evolved
(36:25) A favorite story of how their group impacted one of their members
(39:11) How Zach quit his day job as their membership grew
(42:53) Getting started with their site and figuring out best tools and software
(46:21) Slack, “babies,” and focusing on the end goal
(50:47) Is the paid version of Slack worth it?
(53:00) How Craig and Zach make sure their membership never gets too big for its own good?
(55:32) The pen name dilemma
(1:03:41) Live events: how important are they?
(1:07:19) What Craig and Zach do to prevent member churn and encourage community-building
(1:10:35) Dealing with trolls and naysayers
(1:15:40) Making partnerships work
(1:18:43) Advice for new and aspiring course or membership creators
(1:22:19) David’s questions about the appeal of membership to me
(1:24:08) App development stories (plus an AI interruption)
(1:31:25) A not-so-shocking reveal
(1:34:36) Thinking about the challenges inherent to partnerships
(1:38:26) How I handle trolling plus how David avoided impersonating Michael Scott
(1:48:46) Finding the line between trolling and constructive criticism
(1:50:14) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

156: “How do I manage the day-to-day vs. higher level vision?” Plus Other Questions Answered by Jacques (A Next Level Courses Q&A Recording)

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:52 -0500

Among the many perks of being an online course creator, something that never ceases to delight me is how amazing the course creator community can be and how much we can all learn from each other! That’s why I’m loving my Next Level Courses group and the course creators who are there teaching in every niche imaginable.

Today’s episode showcases a live Q&A with my Next Level Courses students. Every week we meet online and dig into all things online courses together. Some are new to the online course world, others have been doing this for some time But no matter where each member of the group is at, it’s awesome to be able to put our heads together and encourage each other to take things to the next level.

“It’s not just for passive income… we genuinely want to help people.”

- Jacques Hopkins

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:32) What makes today’s episode different
(2:17) The premise behind my advice
(2:46) Bringing on my first guest and regular Next Level Courses Q&A attendee, Kristi
(4:19) Growth and transitions
(8:46) What makes Kristi’s approach unique
(10:37) How we initially connected and started working together
(12:07) Thinking about how processes evolve
(14:23) Priorities and scheduling
(19:12) Kristi’s takeaways from a previous podcast episode
(21:48) Bringing on my next guest, Renato, for questions about webinar engagement
(27:48) Cleaning up email lists
(30:14) Advice and questions for Renato
(33:01) Implementing Profit First
(34:58) Bringing on Andrew, and thoughts on how to pronounce a very common word from the online course world
(36:10) How to improve storytelling and demonstrating value
(41:16) Thoughts on Andrew’s webinar
(42:59) What he’ll be working on next
(44:08) Bringing on Liz for questions about showing social proof
(50:47) How to frame the opportunity
(56:24) Transitioning from in-person teaching to online community-building
(58:04) Bringing on Matt to discuss evergreen funnels and cold traffic conversions
(1:02:31) Evaluating ups and downs in sales
(1:05:42) How important is consistency vs. flagship content on YouTube?
(1:11:00) Building trust without revealing too much of the “secret sauce” early on
(1:16:54) Wrapping up + why you shouldn’t procrastinate on signing up for Next Level Courses

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

155: The 4 Simple Steps for Succeeding with SEO for Your Online Course (featuring Matthew Woodward)

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 05:00:59 -0500

What’s an acronym that strikes fear in the heart of just about anyone with an online presence? If you guessed SEO, you were right - and I definitely count myself among the many who are intimidated by the topic of search engine optimization! But today’s guest is Matthew Woodward, and he’s here to demystify SEO and share how online course creators can make smart SEO choices: no matter what stage of the online course business journey they are on. I learned a lot during our conversation, and I think you will, too!

“If you build something that humans love, Google will usually love it as well.”

- Matthew Woodward

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:42) Thoughts on busyness and what I’ve been working on
(6:43) An update from David and why I don’t currently teach kids
(8:30) Getting lighting audits
(11:22) Where I’m at with platform decisions
(12:25) David’s latest suggestion for my Facebook ads
(16:44) The deeper meaning of Next Level Courses
(20:32) Why I was interested in today’s guest pitch
(22:03) Introducing Matthew and our topic of the day
(24:15) How a new course creator should approach SEO
(27:36) Different ways to handle the pros and cons of LearnDash
(31:05) Should I use multiple subdomains?
(33:46) Why WordPress is still the gold standard
(35:34) Matthew’s recommended funnel resources for new course creators
(38:52) How he handles his launches and similarities with my own funnel
(41:21) Building good SEO - how complicated is it really?
(43:47) What’s behind the smoke and mirrors of SEO strategy
(45:08) Why load-time matters
(48:12) Ranking for specific keywords
(52:54) Tailoring content for SEO
(54:59) What about other search engines besides Google?
(58:04) The importance of link-building
(1:02:00) A risk of incautious link-building
(1:04:25) What do SEO agencies do?
(1:07:27) Is Matthew against running ads?
(1:08:43) How SEO evolves over time
(1:12:31) Matthew’s course and who it’s for
(1:15:00) His calls-to-action and scarcity
(1:16:26) Thoughts on the power of observation
(1:18:13) How get in touch with Matthew personally
(1:19:19) David and I discuss takeaways from today’s interview
(1:20:27) Is SEO addictive?
(1:22:19) Developing quality content for SEO
(1:24:47) Affiliates, Reddit, and top-ranking results for Piano In 21 Days
(1:30:31) Will I ever do SEO fully in-house?
(1:33:11) Our ever-evolving catchphrase
(1:34:04) A shoutout for one of my youngest Next Level Courses members
(1:36:14) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

154: Running a $2M/yr Online Course Business While Still Working Full Time? (featuring Jason Dion)

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:01 -0500

We’re back with another “where are they now?” episode, this time with Jason Dion of Dion Training. Time flies: I interviewed Jason for the first time all the way back in episode 79! While many aspects of his business are still the same, he also has brought things forward in some very interesting (and successful!) ways. It was great to catch up with him and hear the latest about his online courses, the future of his business, and how he manages to stay on track while also working full-time overseas.

“There is no magic pill for this online course thing… It’s about student success, over and over again.”

- Jason Dion

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:39) Black eyes and thoughts on truthfulness
(5:45) Something I realized while doing live training recently
(6:43) Hitting a new income milestone and perspective on what it means
(10:39) Working with Nick Loper of the Side Hustle Show to sponsor a series
(13:30) The Win of the Week
(15:47) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(16:33) How Jason works full-time while juggling hugely successful courses
(18:16) The big tipping point since our first interview
(20:37) Student success and advertising
(24:15) The power of automated referrals, or, is Jason crazy?
(25:32) Branching out from Udemy
(28:59) How having multiple offers works for Jason’s business on different platforms
(33:27) His thoughts on competing with yourself on Udemy
(34:45) Does the 80/20 principle work for Jason?
(36:45) Platform pros and cons
(42:12) Course community options on Thinkific
(43:36) Platforms and their categories
(48:45) My course platform holy grail and the problem with how companies like Apple handle apps
(53:39) Jason’s recommendation for my online piano course
(56:44) What a platform move looks like for Jason
(1:00:16) How he runs a successful company while working full time
(1:17:40) Why he’s planning on retiring in Puerto Rico
(1:07:50) Talking teams and online business managers (OBM’s)
(1:13:13) An important task Jason’s OBM now manages for him
(1:15:16) The difference between OBM’s vs. VA’s
(1:16:39) Unexpected aspects of having a part-time OBM
(1:20:46) The importance of mindset and timing when hiring
(1:23:20) Where we found our OBM’s and decided on the right candidates
(1:26:44) Hiring a second VA and creating more accountability
(1:29:13) Project management tools
(1:35:42) How Jason profit-shares with his team
(1:38:18) Is there anything else Jason needs to turn over to his team?
(1:40:57) A mistake I made and why my OBM is going to help prevent me doing that again
(1:41:39) Does Jason recommend people start online courses in more than one place?
(1:44:39) Thoughts on success and misconceptions in the online course world
(1:50:08) Changes to my podcast format
(1:51:42) Jason’s advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:53:17) Thoughts from David on Jason’s interview
(1:54:45) Would I advise people to stick with Udemy?
(1:58:20) What platform am I leaning towards?
(2:01:02) Why I want my own piano course app
(2:02:49) If we could move anywhere, it would be…
(2:05:16) Hiring my OBM
(2:08:16) How my team is evolving
(2:10:19) Our thoughts on Jason’s profit-sharing model
(2:14:49) Getting the right people “on the bus.”
(2:16:42) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

153: Putting Student Experience First & The Pain Of Getting an iPhone App Approved (featuring Chris Benetti)

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 05:00:39 -0400

For those of you who have been listening to the podcast for a while, you know that I’ve been on the hunt researching a ton of new platforms for the reboot of my online piano course. On today’s episode, I interviewed with Chris Benetti from Members Pro - one of these many platforms I’ve been looking into. Chris and I had a great chat about what it takes to create a new online course-focused platform, how to ensure student success, the pain of creating Apple apps, and much more.

“If you don’t have people coming through your course and having success, you don’t really have a proper business… Do everything you can help people to have success with your programs and to create raving fans with what you’ve built for them.”

-Chris Benetti

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:42) What I’m excited about for rebooting vs. relaunching
(2:16) How my live bootcamp is going
(3:55) Thoughts from David on his friend’s course journey
(8:04) Will we watch The Social Dilemma?
(9:07) Staying on the lookout for and inspiration best practices
(12:40) The Win of the Week and our thoughts
(20:12) How you can submit your own Win of the Week
(20:58) Setting the stage for today’s video
(24:07) Chris’s entry into the online course world
(28:59) Why Chris’s focus resonates with me
(31:51) Talking ClickFunnels cons and my journey
(33:53) Why Chris created Members Pro
(35:19) Comparing Members Pro to other platforms
(38:11) What Members Pro is working on now
(43:31) Future features vs. current selling points
(46:03) Customizable course themes
(47:32) Platform self-promotion and my dream app wishlist
(49:03) When Members Pro is rolling out new features
(52:11) Chris’s thoughts on apps with Apple integration vs. Google
(58:51) How Chris and his business partner started working together
(1:02:43) His advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:04:12) Where to find Chris online
(1:05:29) Thoughts on online course fulfillment
(1:07:07) David’s thoughts on affiliate opportunities
(1:08:43) Community and platforms
(1:11:17) Our perspectives on gamification
(1:13:30) The obstacles to selling an app through Apple
(1:15:32) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

152: Better Business Model: Online Courses or SaaS? (featuring Brennan Dunn)

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 05:00:02 -0400

If you know anything about how I run my online course business, you know I love automation, segmentation, and all the behind-the-scenes processes that lead to having a successful online course. Brennan Dunn is a master of these topics and has done extremely well in his niche, so I’ve been looking forward to interviewing him. But Brennan is not a one-trick pony: in his “spare time” he has a successful Saas business and flies planes for fun! It was great to get his perspective on what works for him, how he juggles different passions, and hear his advice for new and aspiring course creators.

“The best courses are reactions to what people are already telling you.”

- Brennan Dunn

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:40) Thoughts on an honor my business recently received + how I got my face on TV
(4:15) How things are going with my new hire
(6:32) Is David selling my piano course? And what my affiliate structure looks like
(10:00) The backstory for today’s interview
(12:57) Flying vs. working on Brennan’s online course business
(15:10) Where Brennan spends most of his time
(18:15) Getting off the hamster wheel while keeping things running smoothly
(21:46) Comparing funnel strategies
(25:34) How Brennan creates text-based courses
(26:46) His very first course sale
(29:39) Do older models still work?
(31:26) How I heard about Brennan and Right Message
(32:44) Who is a good fit for RightMessage?
(43:06) The importance of split-testing for targeted marketing
(48:49) Brennan’s thoughts on SaaS businesses versus online courses
(52:33) Lifestyle considerations
(54:46) How Brennan handles using brand names in his course names
(57:52) Platforms and tools he loves
(59:56) Community building for online courses
(1:02:22) Brennan’s advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:06:24) Why live course components are underrated
(1:08:00) Where to find Brennan and his products
(1:08:53) David and I discuss Brennan’s story
(1:10:02) Improving systems and planning for “2nd resolution season”
(1:14:06) Creating scarcity
(1:15:34) Thoughts on pivoting and recognizing needs
(1:19:10) Audience segmentation and personalization
(1:23:34) Why I refuse to get into SaaS products
(1:26:26) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

151: Courses Change Lives – A Success Story from Jacques’ Piano Course (featuring Ken Richard)

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:00:36 -0400

If you’re an online course creator, you know that hearing from successful students about their progress is one of the best feelings in the world! Today’s interview wasn’t originally destined for this show, but talking to my former student Ken Richard reminded me how powerful it is to hear when your resources have made an impact on someone’s life. At the end of the day, student success is the most important goal of any online course, so I hope you feel inspired by what you hear today. ;)

“With all the noise in our lives, you just don’t know what you can do… Push yourself. If it’s uncomfortable, that’s where you’ve got to go.”

- Ken Richard

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:45) Why today’s episode is different
(1:24) Thoughts from David on helping people go further and trying new ways of doing things
(9:48) Setting the stage for today’s conversation
(11:54) The experience that inspired Ken to get into piano
(16:54) Why he chose Piano In 21 Days
(23:02) Where to find Ken’s original music and what his endgame is
(26:33) The highlight of his piano journey so far
(30:52) Unlocking potential and why it doesn’t have to be so hard
(36:09) The power of being able to share your passion
(40:07) How Ken got over his reluctance to start composing
(43:50) Learning from different teachers and branching out
(48:12) Is it possible to learn piano so quickly?
(51:03) Our thoughts on Ken’s journey
(52:51) Why David thinks I should share certain success stories even more
(54:34) Living the lives we want to live
(56:48) The “bomb and gauge” technique
(59:06) Favorite concert experiences
(1:01:38) Do we have famous doppelgangers?
(1:03:10) Composition vs. improvisation
(1:06:14) Wrapping up
(1:08:59) A song from Ken

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

150: A Launch That Loses Money to a 6-Figure Launch 3 Months Later – What Changed? (Featuring Kate Kordsmeier)

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 05:00:39 -0400

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you know that my first online course was not an instant success. That’s why I love hearing from other course creators about the highs and lows of their own online course journeys. Guest Kate Kordsmeier has a fascinating tale of successful blogging, making money, losing money, and turning it all around.

“What I liked about courses was that it was a way to reach many more people, i.e. have a bigger impact but without having to do more work. I was trying to find something that was a little bit more scaleable, a little bit more passive...”

- Kate Kordsmeier

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:47) Catching up with David on getting traction with your content
(2:49) Reflecting on who’s inspired us and how co-hosting is going
(5:01) Why David’s learning about standup comedy
(7:46) What I’ve been working on lately
(9:06) Celebrating progress with my Next Level Course students
(11:23) Introducing Kate and how she got started in online courses
(14:21) Why online courses instead of a book or a blog post?
(18:09) Going beyond basic content
(19:59) How Kate handles video coaching
(25:30) What about students who aren’t on social media?
(29:00) Value propositions + success stories
(34:11) How Kate has structured her course content
(35:32) Taking the course from idea to finished product
(38:39) Learning from a low point
(43:18) How Kate’s launch style has evolved
(44:59) Does passive income really exist?
(48:55) How the pandemic has affected her family and business
(54:39) Transitioning into an evergreen marketing model
(1:00:41) My suggestions for how Kate could relaunch to people on her list
(1:08:44) Conversion rates and traffic sources
(1:11:06) Making decisions based on niche and personality
(1:19:01) Kate’s favorite tools and platforms
(1:28:31) Advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:30:52) David and I discuss the launch rollercoaster
(1:34:14) Recent changes in my business
(1:42:08) The value of analytics
(1:44:07) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

149: Nate Dodson is Back with Updates on his 7-Figure Microgreens Course Business

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 05:00:09 -0400

Hands down, today’s guest has been the most-requested by my podcast listeners for quite some time. Way back when I first started The Online Course Show, Nate Dodson joined me each week as co-host and new course creator. The rest is history! And at long last here we are with an update of where Nate’s at with his course business, what’s changed for him (and what hasn’t), plus a fun bonus story that may call into question the definition of “takeout.”

“There was a huge demand for this, and no one was filling the demand. I jumped right in… If you’re going to get started in an online business, being smart about it, doing some research, and finding areas of unfulfilled demand will make it feel more like luck.”

- Nate Dodson

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:43) Bringing back a much-requested guest to the show
(1:50) Milestones and different ways of measuring success
(8:50) How Nate discovered his niche and how it works
(10:23) Radical personal finance and failing to succeed
(15:43) Has having a profitable business changed Nate’s lifestyle?
(17:44) A question from David’s wife
(19:20) Ideas vs. money
(21:53) A typical week for Nate now that his business is mostly automated
(24:16) Accountability and maintenance
(25:38) Perks of having an online business
(27:24) Considerations about hiring employees vs. contractors
(29:52) Success stories from Nate’s students
(32:10) Exciting moments in the online course journey
(33:48) How Nate and I met
(35:36) Burning out and looking to the future
(41:30) Are physical product offerings worth it?
(43:06) (Not so) embarrassing stories from early on
(46:38) Favorite podcast recommendations
(47:37) Nate’s advice for new and aspiring course creators
(50:37) Thoughts on passive income
(53:46) His favorite software and tools
(54:40) Motivation and mentorship
(56:55) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

148: 7 Figures Teaching Photography by Focusing on Transformation (Featuring Tim Shields)

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:00:30 -0400

Just like anything else in life, not everyone in the online course community is the same or does things the same way. And that’s a good thing, because it means I get to interview other course creators and find how they’ve achieved success - even if their approach differs in some ways than mine. Today’s guest Tim Shields is the perfect example of this, and we had a great discussion about what works for him and his business.

“You have to take the first step… Stop dreaming and start taking action.”

- Tim Shields

This episode is chock-full of interesting tidbits and inspiring stories, so I hope you enjoy tuning in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:37) Upgrading and re-recording my course content
(2:43) Will my course always be on ClickFunnels?
(3:58) Expanding my team
(9:14) Backstory for today’s interview
(10:22) The Two Comma Club and what it means to Tim
(13:24) Digital vs. physical products
(16:35) How Tim found his passion and why he didn’t start sooner
(20:02) His “origin story”
(24:04) Where Tim’s audience came from
(26:39) How his lead magnet works
(28:31) The secret of successful masterclasses
(32:20) Transformation vs. information
(35:20) Communicating the concept of why his course is different
(37:09) Success stories from Tim’s students
(41: 23) Why we initially connected
(42:26) The value of awarding students for their achievements
(51:26) Incentives and tie-ins
(53:07) How Tim handles his student community
(52:10) Webinar systems and strategies
(1:04:38) Tim’s thoughts on selling additional products beyond an online course
(1:05:35) An aside on synergy and Tim’s work schedule
(1:06:29) Selling something new with tangible scarcity
(1:08:41) The circle of focus
(1:11:39) Tim’s course offerings with multiple launch funnels
(1:17:23) The importance of testing ideas
(1:20:11) Tim’s right-hand man for video editing and how he uses that video content
(1:21:57) His wife’s role in his work
(1:23:39) The beauty of outsourcing after bootstrapping early on
(1:25:42) Thinking about platforms, strategies, and ads
(1:33:19) Strengths and weaknesses of popular platforms
(1:38:47) Tim’s love/hate relationship with his email management software
(1:41:35) His thoughts on taking action on dreams
(1:45:33) David and I discuss Tim’s rapid success and The Two Comma Club
(1:49:35) The importance of reaching out and building credibility
(1:52:03) Thinking about how YouTube benefits different people differently
(1:55:45) How my advice to course creators is evolving
(1:57:56) The difference between information and transformation
(2:01:51) Do music skills give people an edge in attracting the opposite sex
(2:04:40) Thinking about how to help my students showcase their progress
(2:06:26) Discussing Tim’s “webinar sandwich” and work schedule
(2:08:46) Why I haven’t focused on hiring people who live near me
(2:11:11) Simplicity and freebies
(2:17:05) Re-recording and re-evaluating as I prepare for a re-launch
(2:17:13) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

147: How to Run a Successful MEMBERSHIP with over 2,500 Active Members (Featuring Dr. Marnie Ginsberg)

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:00:19 -0400

When I first started researching Dr. Marnie Ginsberg’s story, I was blown away by the success she’d had in helping teachers help their students improve their reading literacy. It was a no-brainer that I had to have her on The Online Course Show to talk about how her membership model course has worked, what she’s learned on her online course journey, and why she’s so passionate about what she does.

“Don’t get overwhelmed by all the things. No one can do all the things, [so] focus on finding the core things… Consistency and persistence and listening to your community will teach you to provide what they want.”

- Dr. Marnie Ginsberg

It was fantastic to hear about the impact that Dr. Marnie’s resources are making on the world. Chatting with her was super-inspiring, and I think you’re going to really enjoy hearing what has worked for her business as it's grown!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:44) Upgrades and updates
(4:11) Engaging an audience while giving presentations virtually
(8:41) Relaunch magic
(9:45) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(11:45) Introducing Dr. Marnie and why she created her course
(14:53) Why this niche is so important both for families and teachers
(21:12) Dr. Marnie’s membership model
(23:47) How she set up her course + membership business
(28:17) Group coaching considerations
(30:37) Building a community and platform choices
(33:54) How does Dr. Marnie keep retention rates up?
(37:06) Learning from bingeable shows like Stranger Things
(39:10) Can a membership site get too big?
(41:04) What led Dr. Marnie to dive deeper into her niche and share it with the world
(45:38) First sales, breakthroughs, and passion
(50:07) Her response to skeptics (plus parallels and contrasts with piano learning)
(52:21) Stories of how her resources have impacted people’s lives
(56:24) Being a guide for students on their learning journey
(1:00:09) Where does Dr. Marnie’s traffic come from?
(1:02:43) How much is too much to spend on Facebook leads?
(1:04:52) Funnels, freebies, and webinar evolution
(1:09:29) Creating scarcity
(1:10:38) Systems and struggles
(1:15:04) How the pandemic has affected Dr. Marnie’s business
(1:17:56) Her advice for new and aspiring course creators
(1:19:15) David and I discuss different course models
(1:28:21) Community options and the Facebook debate

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

146: How Just $10 in Startup Costs Led to a Ultra Successful Online Course Business (featuring Jono Petrohilos)

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 05:00:14 -0400

We’re back with another exciting interview from a successful online course creator! Guest Jono Petrohilos has an amazing story of bootstrapping his way from a tiny course investment to a thriving business in his fitness education niche. I loved hearing how Jono’s openness and drive made all the difference in his online course’s success, and we had a great chat on best practices for people at different stages in their own journey.

“‘Build it and they will come’... is just about the worst marketing strategy there is.”

- Jono Petrohilos

Without further ado, it’s time for a deep dive into what has worked for Jono and his online course business. Get your notebook and pen ready - there’s lots of great food for thought here!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:04) Why David is so excited about Next Level Courses
(3:27) An epiphany I had on what platform to use for group coaching
(6:04) Observations and feedback on how the podcast is evolving
(10:15) My fanboy expectations being met and exceeded
(13:51) Favorite takeaways from a recent learning opportunity
(23:14) Setup for today’s interview
(24:40) Getting to know Jono
(27:10) How a learning mindset led Jono to success and prepared him for his online course journey
(35:19) How he realized he could avoid a lot of upfront costs
(39:56) Jono's very first launch
(47:22) Building up a contact list
(50:14) Going where your audience is
(56:49) Course validation and pre-selling
(1:01:36) What about course creators who don’t have an audience?
(1:15:14) The power of giving value away for free
(1:17:08) Having fun... and avoiding being called a stalker?
(1:19:56) How Jono’s business is currently structured
(1:24:02) Turning points that led to success
(1:30:51) The theme throughout Jono’s journey
(1:36:37) A favorite student success story
(1:41:28) Jono’s platforms of choice
(1:47:53) Dave’s thoughts on Jono’s story
(1:52:26) What we assume our audience is vs. who they really are
(1:53:42) Starting where you are
(1:58:26) Am I too cool for David’s latest suggestion?
(2:01:41) The Online Course Guy catchphrase… maybe
(2:05:17) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

145: Is Mighty Networks the New GOLD STANDARD as an Online Course Platform? (Featuring Gina Bianchini)

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:00:55 -0400

Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz around new community-building platforms, and rightfully so. Community is so important to almost every aspect of life and that includes the online course world! As my business grows, my perspective on community has definitely evolved, and that’s why I found it so interesting to speak with guest Gina Bianchini on today’s episode. As founder of Mighty Networks, Gina is clearly passionate about this topic and had some great tips to share.

"When I started with a community… everything changed."

- Gina Bianchini

No matter what stage you are in on your online course journey, considering how you build your community is time well-spent. What platforms seem like a good fit for your audience? What makes sense for your niche? I’d love to hear what has worked for you.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:53) An update on sales and ads from David
(3:49) Recent upgrades I’m very excited about
(8:56) Content repurposing on the podcast
(13:40) “Celebrity sighting” stories
(17:30) Thinking about online communities and context for today’s show
(21:52) Introducing Gina and her thoughts on learning in community
(30:10) My early motivations versus what makes me excited as an online course creator now
(35:59) Is it important to have your community and your course content all in the same place?
(42:31) Resistance to new platforms
(47:41) Can you keep old platforms while transitioning to new ones?
(50:37) Apps and accessibility
(56:18) New possibilities: what’s working and what probably won’t
(1:06:28) Tips for new and aspiring course creators on where to start
(1:14:56) Our thoughts on the ideas Gina shared
(1:25:44) Would I charge my students for community participation?
(1:30:39) Cool offers for my listeners

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

144: £20,000 a Month in Courses, Audience ONLY in the UK, and KNOWING You Can Do It (Featuring Stephanie Taylor)

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 05:00:19 -0400

It’s time to get back into interviewing successful course creators and hearing what makes them tick. Today’s guest Stephanie Taylor is new to the show and relatively new to the online course world, but she already has a fantastic story and some important lessons to share. And as one of my former coaching students, it’s super-fun to get Stephanie’s perspective on things since we first started working to take her course to the next level.

"You have everything you need within you to be successful. You just have to believe it."

- Stephanie Taylor

It was awesome to catch up with Stephanie, hear how her business has been growing, and learn what she’s doing to keep her course successful and her students happy. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0.43) Life updates and how a throwback Online Course Show episode has been inspiring David
(3:53) An idea I’m working on for busy podcast listeners
(8:14) How I met today’s guest through my Next Level Courses program
(10:55) Introducing Stephanie Taylor and how she got into her current niche
(17:01) The realization that led Stephanie to create a course
(22:09) Her first launch and why her audience resonated with her message
(25:07) Where her first paying customers came from
(26:47) Facebook groups and a “horrendous webinar” story
(29:22) How Stephanie deals with the tech side of things
(31:38) The importance of persistence
(32:39) How Stephanie and I started working together
(41:35) Why she decided to make an investment in her course’s success
(42:42) What we focused on while working on relaunching Stephanie’s course
(43:56) The impact of adding an evergreen funnel and the “magical” feeling of making an evergreen sale
(46:58) Average sales and how world events have affected Stephanie’s business this year
(49:14) Facebook ads and other traffic sources
(52:46) What online course success has meant to Stephanie and her family
(55:38) What it means to be a leader in your niche
(57:19) The role Stephanie’s sister plays in their business
(1:00:50) Teamwork and communication
(1:02:22) Why Stephanie prefers to do fewer live launches
(1:04:00) Handling late enrollment requests with offer-based incentives
(1:05:08) Pricing in the year of a pandemic
(1:07:53) Webinar evolution
(1:11:33) Stephanie’s newest ventures in different mediums
(1:12:56) Why she’s excited about repurposing content from livestreams
(1:16:12) Who her content is primarily for
(1:17:26) Why write a book? + how Stephanie avoided a common mistake
(1:23:43) Gathering testimonials and the power of names
(1:29:27) Favorite tools and resources
(1:34:24) What Stephanie wants new and aspiring course creators to know
(1:40:57) David and I discuss our takeaways from the interview
(1:45:11) The way podcast helps listeners feel like they know you
(1:47:22) The importance of student success
(1:50:22) Celebrating success and creating excitement
(1:52:10) The value of mentoring and how to access my Next Level Courses resources
(1:54:44) Am I going to write a book?
(1:58:26) Thoughts on working with family
(2:00:00) Wrapping up with a special Deadline Funnels offer for my listeners

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

143: Road Trip Recap and The Online Course Guy CANCELLED?

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:00:37 -0400

At long last I’m back with my co-host, Dr. David Krohse. On today’s episode we’re talking all things road trip plus discussing why I recently had to take a step back and reassess my goals for The Online Course Guy and this podcast. We also got into our top podcast and audiobook recommendations… and David’s favorite song to mop to. ;)

" Trips like these are why I wanted to create this kind of online business."

- Jacques Hopkins

We enjoyed catching up and filling each other in on what’s been going on over the last several weeks. Buckle up, and whatever you do, don’t rent a Ford F 150 for a long road trip!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:32) Getting back into the swing of things after traveling
(1:55) Highs and lows from the road
(9:07) The freedom of having an online business
(9:50) Favorite roadtrip stops for my family and David’s stops
(13:20) A funny story from David and our thoughts on gamification
(17:24) Podcast and audiobook recommendations
(23:25) Driving, posture, and theme songs
(26:26) Reassessing my goals and my brands
(29:47) Introducing David’s story to new listeners
(32.25) Recent interviews I’ve done and why I’m excited about them
(35:15) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

142: Ask The Online Course Guy

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 05:00:07 -0400

We’re keeping things short and sweet on this last episode before I return to my typical show format with co-host Dr. David Krohse. Today, I want to give you an opportunity to have your most pressing question about online course businesses answered. Make sure you stay all the way through to the end!

"Now is your chance. Now is your opportunity."

- Jacques Hopkins

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:37) Welcoming new listeners and a heads up about the podcast schedule
(1:19) The opportunity I’m presenting
(2:12) What I’m seeing in my podcast behind the scenes after recent interviews
(2:39) How you can help my show grow and also be rewarded for your effort
(3:18) Why I like to reply to people with videos when I can
(3:47) How you can get your question answered
(4:57) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

141: Week 4 & 5 of 5- Running an Online Course Business from the Road

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 05:00:33 -0400

I’m back with another on-the-road episode of The Online Course Show, this time coming to you all the way from Sedona, Arizona! Like the last several weeks, I’m recording this episode on my phone and keep things pretty simple since I’m traveling with my family.

Soon I’ll be back to my normal setup in my home office and my normal interview format along with co-host Dr. David Krohse. But right now I want to share with you some content from my “Simple Path to Online Course Success” webinar. I’m sharing this for two reasons: because the content itself is very valuable and because it’s the best way for you to understand the structure and flow of how my evergreen webinars work.

" I had no idea what I was doing when I got started and I was not an overnight success story… but eventually I figured it out and got results that were better and better. January 2017 brought in $22,000 in revenue and I have not gone below that in a single month since then."

- Jacques Hopkins

I appreciate you being here whether you’re a new listener or someone who’s been tuning all along! And I hope the info I share in this week’s episode sparks some food for thought about how your online course business can excel.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:59) Traveling in 2020
(3:14) The business-related tasks I’m still doing each day
(4:57) The evergreen webinar content we’re covering in today’s episode, and why
(6:42) Welcoming new listeners
(8:07) Introducing the webinar and setting expectations
(10:04) Why I have credibility on this topic
(13:39) The 2 groups of people who will find this information useful
(14:45) You don’t need a big team or a huge amount of upfront investment to get started
(16:00) My thoughts on “overnight success” and my own journey
(17:29) Why someone who is not a “piano expert” is a successful piano course creator
(18:16) How this Online Course Show came to be
(18:56) Breaking success down into synergistic components
(21:42) Why I care more about setting up a good funnel than paid ads
(23:11) The joy of feeling like your business actually makes an impact
(24:58) How to set up the number one factor for success
(26:01) The key to generating consistent traffic without paid ads
(32:20) The value of sticking with a platform such as YouTube
(33:50) The evolution of my funnel and the strategy that made the biggest difference
(42:55) The importance of not over-complicating your funnel
(46:36) Focusing on transformation for your customers
(49:12) How I get reviews and testimonials
(55:52) Recommendations and free offers
(58:36) The Online Course Accelerator for new course creators
(1:01:52) Next Level Courses for course creators who want to level up
(1:12:33) Alternatives if you want to be a part of Next Level Courses without ClickFunnels
(1:17:54) Next Level Courses timeline
(1:22:41) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

140: Week 3 of 5 – Running an Online Course Business from the Road

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 05:00:03 -0400

What a week it has been! I literally recorded this episode standing in the middle of Yellowstone National Park while my kids were napping. My family is on week three of a summer roadtrip, and while that’s leading me to do some unconventional podcast episodes, it’s also reminding me just how much I enjoy being my own boss. ;)

"This is not a magic pill… but every day that passes I get better and better at this stuff."

- Jacques Hopkins

I hope you enjoy catching a glimpse of the freedom that having a successful online course can provide!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:58) Recording on the road and introducing the show to new listeners
(2:39) A road trip update (bison and elk and nerve-wracking Arizona roads, oh my!)
(6:09) How my business is going while I’m away
(6:41) An exciting guest appearance I got to make recently
(7:36) Why and how I started my podcast
(10:24) Recommending key episodes for new listeners, plus a disclaimer
(12:16) Why you belong here and what’s coming up on my agenda for next week
(13:26) An invitation if you found your way here via Smart Passive Income

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

139: Week 2 of 5 – Running an Online Course Business from the Road

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 05:00:44 -0400

One of the big reasons I always wanted to start my own online business was to allow my family more freedom to travel and see the world. Right now we’re on the road for a 5-week trip, but that doesn’t mean that things aren’t still humming along for my business! I’m still checking in with my team, sales are still coming in, and I still have a whole lot of thoughts that may be helpful no matter where you are on your online course journey. ;)

"The allure of passive income is great… but it’s very rare where you’ve got that situation and don’t have to do some regular maintenance."

- Jacques Hopkins

I’m excited to share my thoughts on this short-and-sweet solo episode, so I hope you like what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:42) Why this episode is different (and an audio quality disclaimer)
(1:22) The reason I always wanted to have my own online business
(2:31) How I engage with new students on a personal level - and why
(7:17) Staying on top of things while traveling across multiple states
(8:39) Thoughts on “courses about courses” vs courses in other niches
(12:29) A potential disadvantage to the way I do things
(14:38) Thinking about being proactive both in life and in business
(23:02) The importance of regularly checking in with your system
(24:32) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of the “out of office” version of my The Online Course Show.

138: Week 1 of 5 – Running an Online Course Business from the Road

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 05:00:10 -0400

I’m on the road with my family and chronicling how I run my online course business at the very same time! This and the next few episodes is going to be short and sweet, because as much as I love my Online Course Show audience, I love my family more. ;) But that doesn’t mean we can’t dive into how my business and my work process functions while I’m away from home.

"Being able to do something like this and still be able to run my business and serve others is one of the main reasons I got into this."

- Jacques Hopkins

I hope you enjoy catching a glimpse of the freedom that having a successful online course can provide!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:44) Why this episode is different (and an audio quality disclaimer)
(1:35) My plan for upcoming episode content
(2:50) The very first thing I do when I get ready for working away from home
(3:29) My most essential daily tasks
(5:13) Am I still livestreaming during my trip?
(5:59) Website updates and segmentation
(7:36) New training I’m making available on my site
(8:34) A recent funnel fire I had to put out - while on a walk with my family
(13;03) A realization regarding online courses about online courses

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

137: What I Spend Each Month In My Online Course Business

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 05:00:39 -0400

When you’re starting an online course business, you probably have a lot of questions about what it will take to keep that course running smoothly every month. My business has evolved a lot over time, and that means my expenses have evolved too. And that’s what we’re here to talk about today!

"You have to be your own CFO"

- David Krohse

No matter what stage your business is in, you probably have expenses! In this episode we’re taking a look at all the essential tools and services I pay for - and why I think they’re worth it.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:47) Dave’s story about being in an online course mindset and cost/benefit analysis
(3:52) My latest launch
(5:25) Learning from imperfect leaders and thinking about success
(8:39) A life update made possible by my online course business
(10:04) Setting the stage for discussion of my monthly expenses
(14:10) My credit card rewards recommendation
(14:46) Spending on tools, ads, and cloud storage
(21:46) What I’m doing for Instagram content so far
(24:08) Physical pack components and how I handle shipping
(28:04) More expenses and outsourcing costs
(29:28) Why I love StreamYard
(32:31) Staying organized, handling ads, and customizing communications
(34:51) Thoughts on Wistia, Canva, and Zoom
(37:07) Payments I handle outside of my credit account
(37:25) How much did I spend on advertising, course supplies, and processing fees in April?
(39:13) Contractors’ fees and handling business while away
(39:56) My experience with Evolved Finance so far
(41:27) My business wishlist and what I’m enjoying being able to afford for my business
(43:22) Pitfalls new business owners should be aware of
(46:34) Three key tools and why I didn’t include them in my monthly expenses
(47:37) Wrapping up

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you learned! We’ll be back with another episode soon of The Online Course Show soon.

136: Webinar CONTENT – How to Structure Your Webinar to SELL Your Online Course

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:00:33 -0400

Stacks and secrets and sales - oh my! We’re talking all about webinar content today, because I firmly believe that your webinar can be a huge driver of sales if you set it up right. If they check certain boxes for the audience and are structured in a certain way, they can really help your audience break their false beliefs about your niche.

"You’ve got to help people break through objections."

- Jacques Hopkins

David and I had a lot of fun discussing the ins and outs of my webinar and what I’ve learned over the years of working on it. Once you understand the basic structure of how to do an effective webinar presentation, you can apply this knowledge to just about any niche!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:44) Life updates and recent events
(4:03) Facebook communities and why I’ve been going live more often
(9:24) A book recommendation and update from David
(13:29) The Win of the Week
(16:58) My top 4 favorite tools
(17:35) Do webinars work?
(20:53) Webinar icebreakers and presentation openers
(22:12) Incentivizing attendees to watch the whole webinar
(24:14) How to use an epiphany bridge
(26:46) The importance of stories
(27:20) Creating “The 3 Secrets” from false beliefs, with examples from my niche
(31:24) How to deal with skepticism
(32:20) The 3 types of false beliefs, with more examples
(37:29) Transitioning into selling
(39:11) “The Stack” for webinars
(42:54) How to do a price reveal
(44:45) Storytelling to combat false beliefs
(47:45) Ending your webinar + thoughts on webinar length
(49:24) Wrapping up

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you learned! We’ll be back with another episode soon of The Online Course Show soon.

135: The ULTIMATE Online Course Funnel

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:20:33 -0400

When I first started my online course business, I didn’t even really know what a “funnel” was. Sales funnels can be confusing, even for people who are a bit savvier than I was back then! And that’s why David and I are doing a deep-dive into the why and what of funnels – plus how I’ve set mine up to drive sales for my online piano course.

"The importance of a funnel is really building a rapport and a relationship with your prospective customer."

- Jacques Hopkins

Wherever you’re at on your online course journey, you can benefit from taking a close look at your sales funnel (or lack thereof)! And you just may want to break out the notepad and pen for this one. ????

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:27) My update on affiliate promotions for my piano course plus more exciting milestones
(8:05) Thoughts on creating moments of celebration
(10:36) Tips and tricks for better posture with Doctor David
(15:40) The Win of the Week
(19:56) Funnels: how I started mine and how I hope to help in this episode
(22:25) The psychology of my website homepage and opt-in
(24:54) Surveying and segmenting my potential students
(27:00) Creating a two-pronged enrollment window
(28:42) Hot leads and evergreen webinars
(29:36) How I provide value to potential students and build rapport
(30:54) Why I don’t constantly promote my webinar to people in my funnel
(31:57) Staying out of the Spam folder
(32:33) Opening enrollment
(33:31) Closing cart and ending the funnel
(34:07) Offering incentives + how I plan to tweak this process
(38:43) The value of my funnel and why funnels alone don’t equal sales
(40:59) Thinking about relaunching and future webinars
(43:45) How you can see my funnel emails firsthand
(44:29) An exciting update for course creators who want to take their course business to the next level
(45:41) Wrapping up

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you learned! We’ll be back with another episode soon of The Online Course Show soon.

134: Privacy Policies, Terms of Use, and Other LEGAL Considerations for Course Creators

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 05:00:57 -0400

If you’re like me, the legal side of an online course business can be intimidating. Privacy policies, trademarks, pirating… so many legal concerns to consider! Fortunately, lawyer and course creator Autumn Witt is here on today’s episode to break down some of the most important considerations in this topic for online course businesses.

"I put a lot [of my audience's feedback] into packaging up what needed to be in my course."

- Autumn Witt

Autumn shared a wealth of insight on how new and old course creators alike can identify legal concerns and take action no matter what stage your business is in. I’m still mulling over what I learned in today’s episode, and I’m definitely going to be taking some of Autumn’s advice for my own online course business.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:32) Celebrating wins and sharing a fun giveaway I did for my piano students
(6:16) What makes this podcast different
(6:55) What percent of my students are in the US, and what does that have to do with my accent?
(9:29) An idea I’m considering as a way to serve my students better
(12:56) Affiliate updates for my course
(17:02) Introducing Autumn and how she helps course creators
(19:58) The biggest mistake course creators make when it comes to legal considerations
(20:43) Privacy policies, disclaimers, and terms of use
(23:33) Templates versus working with an attorney for custom legal advice
(24:20) Big online course names that Autumn has worked with
(24:54) Legal concerns to know when starting an online course
(26:36) Dealing with refund requests and disputed charges
(28:27) How scaling up affects your business legally
(29:41) How much does registering a trademark cost?
(30:53) Questions about pirating and plagiarism
(34:50) Autumn’s own online course journey
(37:04) Who can benefit from Autumn’s course
(38:43) Favorite tools and platforms
(40:22) Autumn’s advice for new course creators
(42:25) Her team and where to find her online
(43:32) David and I discuss how not to be an ostrich
(45:23) Thoughts on handling disputes and choosing your battles
(49:47) Reducing barriers to entry versus covering your legal bases
(51:56) Trademark stories with David
(53:33) Respect and dealing with unreasonable people
(57:16) Wrapping up

Whew, that about does it for today! Thanks so much for tuning in!

133: Gina Horkey Returns

Tue, 26 May 2020 05:00:22 -0400

One of my favorite types of interviews are the ones where we catch up with past guests and see where their online course journey has been taking them over time. Today we’ve got Gina Horkey back with us! Gina always has a lot of great insights and updates on her online course business, so it was great to have her back on The Online Course Show.

"Invest in student success."

- Gina Horkey

It was great to get Gina’s perspective on the past year of her business and what she’s working on! I hope you enjoy the conversation.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:59) Consistency and growth
(3:22) How to approach copywriting
(6:45) My update on sales for this month and year so far
(7:59) Affiliates and my process
(10:29) The Win of the Week
(13:29) A book recommendation
(15:45) Catching up with Gina since our last conversation
(19:04) How her online course business has given her more confidence
(21:15) The magic of content repurposing
(25:05) How Gina is restructuring her content and platforms
(28:29) Setting up a course that may change hands in the future
(29:17) Keyword research as SEO
(30:29) Maintaining and separating multiple brands
(32:48) Gina’s decisions on personal visibility on different brands
(34:44) Outsourcing content and profit-sharing versus contracting
(40:45) The importance of diverse income streams
(45:41) How entrepreneurs are pivoting during the pandemic
(47:06) Finding life-work balance
(52:05) Gina’s advice for new course creators
(55:47) David and I discuss Gina's strategy for multiple brands
(58:05) The value of coaching and accountability
(1:01:57) Thoughts on affiliates, profit-sharing, and other options
(1:03:59) Finding work-life balance and why I love my online course business
(1:06:05) Refunds and guarantees
(1:08:34) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

132: Paul Lipsky Returns to Talk WEBINARS

Tue, 19 May 2020 05:00:04 -0400

We’re back, and catching up with a course creator who I interviewed all the way back in episode 80! Paul Lipsky is a successful drop-shipping business owner and course creator who teaches others how to run their own Ebay drop-shipping business. It was great to speak with Paul again and hear all his latest and greatest online course news.

"Now that I’m focusing on less, we’re seeing better results… Focus down on what’s really working."

- Paul Lipsky

It was very cool to hear how Paul’s been doing with his course and recent changes. Make sure you check out the other episodes we mention during today’s interview!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:49) David’s funnel update
(3:00) What NOT to do to go viral on YouTube and the importance of an “advisory board”
(9:35) Some updates on my course during social distancing
(11:37) Switching to 4K video
(13:10) The Win of the Week and our thoughts
(16:38) Recalling my past interview with Paul Lipsky and his story
(18:03) Life changes since I last spoke with Paul
(19:33) Benefits and challenges of living in a van
(21:45) Recapping how Paul’s online business and course works
(22:50) Thoughts on updating content in different niches
(25:08) Tools Paul loves and is trying out
(27:51) YouTube traffic and lessons learned about reducing regular posting
(30:25) Thoughts on live streaming videos
(32:11) Changes to Paul’s funnel setup with webinars
(35:15) Communicating about pre-recorded webinar content
(37:19) Our shared frustrations with EverWebinar
(39:35) New webinar setups and tricks to make the viewing experience better
(42:17) Split-testing sales pages
(43:08) Paul’s advice for new and aspiring course creators
(45:36) Where to find Paul online
(46:24) David and I discuss ClickFunnels and course editing
(48:21) Taking inspiration from Paul’s journey
(49:55) Thoughts on social proof apps
(52:38) Webinar changes and the reasoning behind certain tweaks
(55:50) Wrapping up

Thanks for listening and learning along with us today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

131: Why Make the Switch from Udemy?

Tue, 12 May 2020 05:00:19 -0400

If you are new to the online course world, you’ve probably been wondering if a platform like Udemy could be a good place to start. There’s probably no one-size-fits-all answer on, but my guest today had some great insights that are definitely worth considering. Tracy Goodwin is a successful course creator who specialized in helping people get their message across more effectively. It was great to hear her perspective on all things online course-related and to learn what has worked best for her.

"Give yourself a little bit more credit than you might be giving yourself… someone out there is waiting for your message."

- Tracy Goodwin

I couldn’t have said it better myself! And I hope you enjoy listening in on our conversation!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:34) An update from David
(4:27) Potential new course creators - in my own family!
(6:28) How things are going for me and my business right now
(9:19) The key components of a successful course
(10:41) How my wife and I will be celebrating a new milestone
(11:24) Shoutouts, the Win of the Week, and a cool story
(15:50) Introducing Tracy Goodwin
(16:24) Who Tracy helps and how she does it
(20:39) Her online course journey and early wins
(22:47) The differences in our stories
(24:11) Price point considerations and leaving Udemy
(27:20) How Tracy now sells her courses
(28:56) Unusual ways Tracy gets her traffic
(30:16) What gets her more excited: course sales or coaching?
(32:14) Coaches, mentors, and the value of outside help
(35:30) The opportunities that Tracy has created with her online course business
(36:37) What Tracy would do differently if she was starting over
(38:48) Her favorite tools
(40:27) Tracy’s tips for new and aspiring course creators
(42.35) Where to find Tracy online
(43:06) My and David’s thoughts on Tracy’s experience with Udemy
(47:01) Phone sales, impact on family, and other observations from the interview
(48:58) The cautionary tale of Elizabeth Holmes
(52:33) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

130: Use the LACEY Framework for Every Video You Make

Tue, 05 May 2020 05:00:07 -0400

If there’s one thing that’s true for nearly all online course creators, it’s that your course content includes at least some video components. On today’s episode I had the chance to speak with Demelza Marie, who is all about helping course creators make the best possible impression with video.

"People tend to focus a lot more on the camera and equipment, and not how to use it."

- Demelza Marie

Demelza provided some valuable food for thought about how to improve video production no matter whether you’re a new course creator or someone who’s been doing this for years. It was great to hear the tips and tricks she shared!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:38) The prevalence of video-based online courses
(2:45) The Win of the Week
(7:23) My most recent live webinars and how my course is doing during current events
(9:38) Dealing with trolls and people who don’t want to hear my story
(12:28) An update from David
(15:04) Introducing Demelza Marie
(15:45) Why she believes video quality is key for online course success
(17:28) Production quality vs content quality
(18:32) Who Demelza helps, and why different types of videos may suit different niches better
(20:55) The LACEY framework for improving video quality
(24:09) Dealing with lighting challenges and assessing my setup
(27:04) How to create good quality audio
(29:19) Choosing a camera AND a filming angle
(32:25) Editing your videos (or should you?)
(36:03) Practicing and presenting your content on camera
(38:22) What aspects of video production Demelza sees course creators struggle with the most
(39:20) What about 4K?
(40:13) Demelza’s course offerings and resources for online course creators
(41:16) Her advice for new and aspiring course creators
(42:24) David and I discuss takeaways from the interview
(44:13) Some favorite tools and my current camera setup
(47:37) Developing good energy on camera + a funny misunderstanding
(52:40) Wrapping up

We covered a lot of important ground on video production today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation!

129: Success with ONE Launch a Year, Only 30 Seats, And a Huge Waiting List

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 05:00:05 -0400

Here on The Online Course Show, we’re all about learning from successful course creators and keeping an open mind. That’s why I’m super excited to share this episode with you! My guest Alison Beere has a pretty unorthodox approach to teaching in her niche online, and our conversation was definitely thought-provoking.

"Find one person who wants you to teach them, and find out what their questions are."

- Alison Beere

David and I had a lot of fun hearing what’s been working for Alison and discussing her business model. I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:46) How we’re doing with podcast goals and course business goals thus far this year
(3:25) Questions from David about affiliates
(6:56) A virtual summit with a past podcast guest
(12:06) A very cool new podcast feature and how you can participate
(14:06) Win of the Week
(17:43) Setting the stage for today’s interview
(18:21) Introducing Alison Beere and her online course niche
(21:25) Offering a service versus a course
(23:15) How Alison would (or wouldn’t) pitch her course offering to me as a business owner
(24:52) Why she includes live components in her course and how that affects students’ results
(28:19) Pricing and scheduling considerations
(30:19) Going back to Alison’s first sale and discussing the structure of her business
(31:51) The perks of being a successful online course creator
(33:08) Deal-closing strategies that have worked for Alison
(34:52) Would Alison change anything if she was starting over now?
(35:35) Imposter syndrome and how she’s overcome it
(37:38) Alison’s favorite software and tools
(38:58) Her advice to new and aspiring course creators
(40:55) Wrapping up and how to learn more from Alison
(41:55) David and I discuss Alison’s unique course model
(42:28) Resources related to topics discussed in the interview
(44:48) Thoughts on Alison’s evolution from student to teacher
(47:07) Wrapping up and a reminder on how you can record your own Win of the Week

Thanks for listening and learning along with us today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

128: The Millennial Money Man & Courses

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:00:09 -0400

Spoiler alert: this episode involves money, wine, and some big ups and downs to go along with that! Bobby Hoyt was our guest and he is not called the Millennial Money Man for nothing. We had a super-fun conversation and I think there is a lot to be learned here no matter how much online course experience you do or don’t have.

"It was the right product for the right audience at the right time."

- Bobby Hoyt

I had a great time chatting with Bobby and hearing his insights into what it takes to run a successful online course and more.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:32) Why David thought today’s guest would be the perfect interviewee for our podcast
(3:46) An update on my Amazon affiliate issues
(4:37) How is David’s business and course creation process going during the current pandemic?
(6:54) Thoughts on keeping podcast content evergreen despite world events and what my Facebook live sessions accomplish that the podcast can’t
(8:31) A minor glitch while jumping into the interview
(9:16) How Bobby got started with online courses
(13:12) Instant success vs. the more common reality
(14:24) Why Bobby stopped putting out income reports
(16:02) His current course offerings and number of students
(19:23) How important is income diversification?
(21:04) Bobby’s story about quitting his teaching job
(23:36) Thinking through the big decision
(25:17) The thrill of a successful first launch and a special bottle of wine
(30:43) A disclaimer and a discussion of Bobby’s early conversion rates
(32:46) Struggles along the way
(34:56) Having a partner vs. working alone
(36:21) The most stressful aspects of running an online course without support
(39:41) Bobby’s favorite perk of having a successful course business
(41:08) The top tools Bobby uses
(43:33) His advice for aspiring course creators
(44:20) Where to find more info from Bobby and his wife
(45:59) David and I discuss our favorite moments from the interview
(47:47) Ups and downs for online course businesses
(51:24) How I handle certain tasks and how I may outsource them in the future
(53:05) Thinking through when different people may decide to quit their day job
(55:22) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

127: To Succeed with Courses, You Need the Right MINDSET (Part 2)

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 05:00:04 -0400

We’re back, and we’re still talking about mindset! It was great to debunk common mindset myths for online course creators last week, and I really felt we needed to continue our conversation

"If you’re afraid to ask for reviews, you need to reevaluate your course and the quality you are providing."

- Jacques Hopkins

It’s always a good time to refocus, challenge limiting beliefs, and adjust your mindset. I really enjoyed my conversation with David, and I think you will too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:03) Why we’re revisiting this topic and what’s new for me since last week
(9:00) How to think about affiliate programs and resources
(11:08) Thoughts on the Patreon model
(15:24) The fear of asking for testimonials and reviews
(17:00) A misconception about choice and a way I could be leveraging this more with my own course
(20:30) An interesting suggestion from David (warning: this involves math) ;)
(22:22) Scarcity strategies: are they smart, or manipulative? Plus a recent example of why I’m a fan
(26:40) How my webinar funnel and signup incentives work
(28:28) Payment options and how personal preferences can be misleading
(31:08) Making things as clear as possible for the student
(33:08) Giving up on a strategy vs. productive troubleshooting
(37:17) Getting over the fear of outsourcing
(40:43) How David implements strategies from a book that has inspired us both
(45:57) Email frequency, unsubscribe options, and not being annoying
(50:29) A common myth about running out of students
(52:31) Got feedback?
(54:26) Getting the right people “on the bus”

Whew! That about does it for today - don’t forget to join us for the next episode! We’ll be back to our regular interview format and I’m really looking forward to this one. Have a safe and healthy week!

126: To Succeed with Courses, You Need the Right MINDSET (Part 1)

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:00:31 -0400

It’s time for a deep dive into a topic that very relevant to all online course creators. In fact, it's one of the biggest keys to making your online course business the best (and most successful) it can be. That’s right: we’re talking mindset!

"Making money isn’t inherently bad: it’s all about how you use it."

- Jacques Hopkins

I enjoyed our conversation and I think you will too! Mindset is so important and it’s definitely worth talking about.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:15) Sideline Sams, Struggling Sallies, and others who might benefit from adjusting their mindset
(3:46) Why this topic matters for entrepreneurs + a disclaimer
(9:29) Thinking back to the beginning of my own mindset journey
(10:53) Busting myths about financial success
(17:14) Comparing the value of different types of education
(21:39) Mindsets about how people choose to spend money for fun vs. courses
(26:02) The value of online learning for people in difficult situations
(27:27) Shifting focus from how much something costs to how much it is worth
(28:56) Does higher pricing improve student success rates? And do lower prices create more profit?
(31:48) Money vs. “certificates of appreciation”
(33:42) How to view money left on the table
(34:46) Choosing your legacy
(39:01) Time vs. money
(42:12) A pet peeve of mine when it comes to actual course content
(43:00) How to implement mindset shifts on a practical level
(46:44) Wrapping up Part 1 of the conversation about mindset

What do you think - would you make the switch from webinar software to something simpler? Feel free to drop me a line and let me know. And make sure you tune in again next week for another more traditional episode of The Online Course Guy!

125: How to do EVERGREEN WEBINARS Right in 2020 (without EverWebinar)

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:00:56 -0400

We’re doing something a bit different today: I’m the only voice you're going to hear on this episode. In this short and sweet edition of The Online Course Guy, I’m going to be sharing a big change I’ve recently made in my funnel: and why I’m so excited about it!

"The more you put in between your customer and your message, the less customers you will have."

- Dan Henry

Some of what I’m sharing today might seem to go against the mainstream, or it might even seem too simple to make a difference. But hear me out, because this is worth a try.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:14) My experience with EverWebinar and why I wasn’t a fan
(3:10) Looking for alternatives
(3:30) My “lightbulb moment” at a conference
(4:25) Comparing results between my old and new systems
(5:06) Do you need evergreen webinar software?
(6:33) How I made the switch and what my webinar funnel looks like now
(7:33) Some cool features I’ve added
(9:34) Advantages to my new system
(10:54) How will you know if this will improve your conversion rates?
(12:23) How you can implement a simpler evergreen webinar
(13:43) Get your own template for evergreen webinars and more
(14:37) A simpler system is worth a try

124: From Cookies to Mega Online Course Success (with Anton Kraly)

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:00:03 -0400

What do cookies have to do with online course creation? That’s what we find out today with my guest Anton Kraly, founder of Drop Ship Lifestyle. Not only does he have a unique story, but he’s become a very successful creator teaching people how to set up their own successful businesses in a non-traditional way.

"Give [your course students] a clear path to success."

- Anton Kraly

We delved into some important insights on this episode, so I think you’re going to find Anton’s interview very enlightening!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:18) What is David waiting for when it comes to webinars?
(3:49) A hurdle I recently got over with the help of outsourcing
(9:14) Introducing Anton and what he does
(10:13) The roundabout journey that turned Anton into an online course creator
(12:35) Resources that did (and didn’t) help
(13:36) Transitioning into building a course and the moment Anton realized this would be a success
(16:23) How he handled his course being plagiarized
(19:29) What he would do differently if he was starting over
(21:31) A favorite moment in Anton’s course business journey and what his course offerings actually are
(22:14) How he handles pricing and updates
(22:53) Why and how to do live events
(26:19) The value of testimonials
(28:13) How Anton motivates people to enroll in his course
(31:44) What tools he uses
(32:45) How being a course creator has benefitted Anton
(33:59) Advice for new and aspiring course creators
(35:03) The impact of The 4-Hour Workweek plus some failed past business attempts
(38:08) Live events - would I host one?
(40:40) Discussing course theft, new interview questions, and more
(44:40) Wrapping up

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

123: What Your Online Course WEBSITE Should Look Like

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:00:04 -0400

Websites: if you don’t have one already, you probably are thinking about creating one. Having your own website is an important part of building your web presence, but not every course creator approaches this the same way. My website has evolved a lot over time, in part thanks to Greg Merrilees and his team at Studio1Design. That’s why I had Greg on the show today. We’re talking all things related to online course websites!

"Look at your data to figure what’s working… and be prepared for it to change."

- Greg Merrilees

Greg had some awesome tips about how to identify your website needs as an online course creator. I hope you enjoy what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:09) Web design and finding balance
(3:04) How my web design choices have evolved with my business
(10:45) Introducing Greg and what he does
(13:19) Is it important for course creators to have a full website?
(16:13) Why I stopped designing my own websites
(18:09) Must-haves for great conversion rates (and examples from my own website)
(25:18) Observations on some big website mistakes
(28:51) Where does Greg see web content going in the future?
(32:23) Something I’ve been testing recently on my website
(34:04) What to expect when working with Greg
(35:48) The value of social proof
(42:47) Final thoughts from Greg
(44:04) David and I discuss takeaways from today’s interview

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

122: The Dance Between Artist and Manager

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:00:27 -0400

We’re doubling up for today’s episode and interviewing not one, but two course creators! Ksenia Parkhatskaya and David Duffy have a successful online course story that is very inspiring. Most online courses start out as a one-man/woman show, but it was super-cool to hear how Ksenia and David’s different talents and strengths have made their partnership work so well.

"Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to start."

- Ksenia Parkhatskaya

It was awesome to hear all this duo’s insights from two perspectives. Enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:26) Something I’ve been working on lately
(6:01) Being efficient vs. getting bogged down
(10:19) Getting to know Ksenia, David, and their story
(14:14) What made their first launch so successful?
(16:27) Ksenia and David’s collaboration
(18:17) One of the best-produced promo videos I’ve ever seen
(23:06) What did and didn’t work for them early on
(25:03) A funnel disaster story
(26:33) Pricing considerations for international sales
(29:26) Favorite online course tools
(33:30) How they utilize YouTube
(34:12) Do Ksenia and David recommend creating a “jam circle” in other niches?
(36:01) Thoughts on increasing engagement within a course
(37:57) Their advice for beginner course creators
(41:16) Funnel hacking
(41:57) David Krohse and I discuss Ksenia and David’s story
(47:08) Lessons learned from their Facebook ads experience
(51:00) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy. Thanks for listening and learning along with us today.

121: About to Give Up and This One Thing Changed Everything

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:24 -0500

This week we’re hearing from Matt Santry, who is all about helping musicians earn more consistent income. While he’s a relative newcomer to the online course world, I think there’s plenty to learn from his story so far! Also, David turned the tables on me during today’s episode by asking me some questions about my life as an online course creator that I haven’t really shared before.

"I had an epiphany – the mini-training I was doing was essentially giving away my course."

Matt Santry

Matt provided some great food for thought, including how my own resources have made a difference in his online course journey. Needless to say, hearing that made my day!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:44) Questions that David’s been thinking about for the show for a while
(2:54) My best and worst moments as an online course creator (so far!)
(7:44) The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome with my online course business so far and how I moved forward
(15:39) My favorite benefits of being my own boss
(18:30) Why this interview is different from some others
(21:01) How Matt’s online course journey began
(27:38) The epiphany that changed everything
(33:53) Where Matt is focusing as his course grows
(34:53) The “why” behind what he’s doing
(36:18) Favorite tools
(39:42) Where Matt’s trying to grow traffic
(40:55) His advice for discouraged course creators
(42.32) Where to find Matt online
(43:03) Our thoughts on Matt’s journey
(46:39) Doing a “free+shipping” book funnel
(48:43) Does David want to try what’s worked for Matt?
(49:59) Wrapping up today’s episode

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation!!

120: How to Make 6-Figures from 2 Live Launches a Year (Featuring Hadar Shemesh)

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:58 -0500

If you’ve ever studied a foreign language, you’ll be able to appreciate my guest today! Hadar Shemesh is a language coach, public speaker, and online course creator who’s on a mission to help ESL/EFL-learners with one of the more challenging aspects of being a non-native speaker: accents.

You can always start small.

Hadar Shemesh

Hadar provided some great food for thought about why some online course creators might go the route of live launches instead of an evergreen model. I enjoyed our conversation and I think you will too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:35) My outsourcing update
(4:35) What David’s been working on recently, plus a story of how he almost got shot
(10:35) Hadar explains a key branding decision early on in her course creation process
(12:24) How she began her online course journey with a built-in audience and validation
(14:16) Why Hadar does live launches and how she keeps her business sustainable
(19:06) Tips for people who choose to do live launches
(20:55) HOW many students signed up for Hadar’s most recent launch? (Plus how she manages the launch itself)
(22:50) Where most of her sales and traffic come from
(25:!1) Repurposing content
(27:21) What does Hadar’s team do?
(28:17) How her YouTube videos are so important to her success
(31:54) Building an audience on YouTube
(34:11) Hadar’s advice for aspiring course creators
(36:47) Her favorite tools
(39:06) Thoughts on the importance of testimonials
(41:13) Hadar’s tips for anyone considering creating an online course
(42:52) Dave and I discuss the live launch strategy
(45:18) A big takeaway for me from the interview
(47:28) Running out of content - or not
(48:38) Wrapping up

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you heard! We’ll be back with another episode soon.

119: A YouTube Ads Success Story

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:00:24 -0500

"You can always start small."

-Hadar Shemesh

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:35) My outsourcing update
(4:35) What David’s been working on recently, plus a story of how he almost got shot
(10:35) Hadar explains a key branding decision early on in her course creation process
(12:24) How she began her online course journey with a built-in audience and validation
(14:16) Why Hadar does live launches and how she keeps her business sustainable
(19:06) Tips for people who choose to do live launches
(20:55) HOW many students signed up for Hadar’s most recent launch? (Plus how she manages the launch itself)
(22:50) Where most of her sales and traffic come from
(25:!1) Repurposing content
(27:21) What does Hadar’s team do?
(28:17) How her YouTube videos are so important to her success
(31:54) Building an audience on YouTube
(34:11) Hadar’s advice for aspiring course creators
(36:47) Her favorite tools
(39:06) Thoughts on the importance of testimonials
(41:13) Hadar’s tips for anyone considering creating an online course
(42:52) Dave and I discuss the live launch strategy
(45:18) A big takeaway for me from the interview
(47:28) Running out of content - or not
(48:38) Wrapping up

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you heard! We’ll be back with another episode soon.

118: Busy? Here’s How to “Make Time”

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:18 -0500

Time – it’s always running away from us. One of the perks of owning my own business is that I am in charge of my own schedule, but it’s still a challenge to make the most of every day. And that’s why I’ve been reading “Make Time” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky along with my co-host, David Krohse!

"It’s about slowing down and making time for what matters most."

- Jacques Hopkins

We had a great chat about our favorite tips from the book, what we’ve tried so far, and what we’re thinking about as we face the challenge of making time head-on.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:45) Introducing the theme of today’s episode
(3:13) First thoughts on “Making Time”
(8:08) The authors’ stories and discussion vs. implementation
(10:20) Pre-planning daily highlights and calendar blocking
(11:36) “Flake it ‘till you make it”
(13:00) Becoming a morning person (or not)
(16:59) Tuning out distractions and “infinity pools”
(23:10) Homescreen cleanup - does it make a difference?
(24:17) Wristwatch vs. phone for timekeeping and more
(25:54) Dave’s concept for a physical product that limits screentime
(29:46) The challenge of keeping on top of emails
(31:29) Paring down entertainment options and how we use our downtime
(35:42) How to invent a deadline
(38:48) Experiments with nutrition and fasting
(42:01) Headspace and a meditation fail
(44:06) Wrapping up

So what about you – what are you doing to make time in your own schedule? If you’d like to share, make sure you join my free Facebook group for online course creators. I’d love to hear from you there!

117: Is This Guy My Competition or Mentor?

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 05:00:03 -0500

Today we’re chatting with Steve Nixon, a successful online piano course creator who played an interesting role in my own course creation journey. He’s got a wealth of experience in his niche and is on a mission to teach people what online businesses actually need to become successful.

"It’s better to get feedback from people right away… real people with real problems that you can serve right away."

- Steve Nixon

It was awesome to hear Steve’s perspective on over a decade of successful online courses, plus hear where he is branching out into new territory. I’m feeling inspired and I think you will be, too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:11) Chatting about the latest updates to our businesses and more
(6:18) Catching up with Steve Nixon and hearing about his online course journey
(9:16) How Steve’s story impacted my own
(12:06) Tracking the market and finding “the hook”
(14:01) Steve’s perspective on starting the risk of starting his own online course
(15:58) Why he has multiple offerings within one business - and his suggestion for people who don’t have an audience yet
(19:36) A classic downfall of new course creators
(20:08) What Steve would do if he was creating his first online course today
(24:38) Looking to the future of the online course market
(28:37) Branching out and providing value
(31:46) Steve’s upcoming projects and future plans
(34:15) David and I discuss Steve’s interview
(40:55) Is it a good sign if you’re being trolled?
(41:12) Wrapping up today’s episode

We covered a lot of interesting ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation! And make sure you check out the great tools and freebies linked below.

116: How to Get 10,000 Students in Your Online Course

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 05:00:28 -0500

We’re back with an all-new interview, this time with artist Angela Fehr! Angela recently hit an awesome milestone with her online course business, and it was great to get to know her a bit and chat about her online course journey.

"Marketing your course is like parenting or saving money: you could always be doing it better."

- Angela Fehr

Angela has approached certain aspects of her course very differently than me, but we also have had a lot of similarities in starting out. It’s always great to hear what works for other course creators, and I think you’re going to enjoy our conversation!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:47) Updates from me and David on webinars, upcoming travel, and more
(6:50) Angela introduces her online course business and shares a recent milestone
(10:14) The teaching platform Angela relies on
(12:22) Looking back at her online course journey
(15:22) Thinking about changes in online course businesses as they become more mainstream
(17:01) Building an audience and evolving course content
(20:05) When Angela realized that her online course was going to work
(21:16) Branding and marketing decisions
(26:06) Does Angela use scarcity to drive sales?
(27:19) How she spends most of her working time and how she measures growth
(31:04) Looking at similarities in how we gain traffic
(32:27) How Angela deals with exchange rates for international sales
(34:48) Favorite tools and thoughts on keeping things simple early on
(40:05) Mighty Networks vs. Facebook Groups
(44:03) Angela’s advice for new course creators
(46:01) David and I discuss what we’re most impressed by with Angela and her business
(48:22) Thoughts on why I prefer Facebook Groups
(52:11) Creating courses and moving past imposter syndrome
(54:39) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show, and don’t forget to sign up for my Online Course Community (link below) if you haven’t already.

115: David Wallimann Returns to Talk YouTube + Online Course

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 05:00:08 -0500

One of my favorite episodes from last year was Episode #57 with David Walliman, so in this new year I was excited to have him back on the show with me. There was a lot to talk about and some interesting epiphanies David had that we all can learn from.

"Look at the trends… Look at the bigger picture. That’s the wiser approach."

- David Walliman

It was great to get David’s perspective on what worked (and didn’t) for him in the last six months. I hope you enjoy listening in on our conversation!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:07) Recent LSU highlights and the genesis of my new Friday Facebook Live chats
(5:53) Setting up a webinar for the first time
(12:44) David Krohse’s plans for reaching out to new potential students
(17:58) Revisiting my first interview with David Walliman from way back when
(20:19) The downside to being extremely consistent with a given process - and what that meant for David moving forward
(22:58) How he improved his content planning to take off some pressure
(25:29) Burnout, breaks, and figuring out what is actually necessary to sustain business (hint: this will be different for different businesses)
(31:02) Gaining perspective on success and fluctuating sales
(34:12) Would David still encourage people to create their own online course?
(35:22) How has his branding evolved?
(37:39) Teachable, new tools, and growing David’s team
(40:49) His response to a question someone recently asked me about transitioning into online courses
(44:20) Navigating licensing issues in the music niche
(46:10) David’s goals for 2020
(47:19) Wrapping up our interview
(47:47) David Krohse and I discuss the importance of auditing business processes
(50:16) My story of making the switch from a “normal” job to online course creation
(53:37) Thoughts on platform choices and content planning
(54:36) Getting ready for the ups and downs of owning your own business

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show (and don’t forget to check out the Facebook group link below if you haven’t already).

114: Podcasting for Course Creators

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:00:42 -0500

We’re changing things up a bit today: on this episode of The Online Course Guy, I am the guest, and the host and interviewer is actually Evan Johnson of Path to Podcast Success! I had the pleasure of chatting with Evan a short while ago, and thought that the topics we covered could be of value not only to his audience but to mine.

"Be consistent and stick with it."

- Jacques Hopkins

I hope you enjoy this role-reversal interview, and hopefully learn something you can use in your own online business or podcast.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:29) An introduction to today’s episode
(2:11) My biggest fear before starting my own podcast - and how I got past it
(4:08) Branching out into interviews
(5:10) Talking podcast format evolution and recurring themes
(6:00) My business funnels and the role my podcast plays
(9:08) Starting out with basically zero audience
(10:24) My podcast production process
(13:41) How much time does outsourcing save me?
(15:51) The benefits of having a podcast
(16:53) Is outsourcing worth it?
(19:02) Where I found my team
(19:09) What I wish I had done differently when I was starting out
(20:51) How I built my audience
(22:45) My thoughts for people considering starting their own podcast

That’s all for today, but Nate and I will be back soon with more cool tips and great insights from the world of online business and courses!

113: Bookkeeping for Course Creators

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:00:57 -0500

Happy New Year from The Online Course Show! David and I are excited to be back with a new year full of awesome upcoming content for course creators, and a big goal for 2020. I’m planning on putting out an episode every week, rain or shine, which means 52 episodes chock full of important info and helpful insights into the world of online courses. It’s a tall order, but I’m feeling confident!Kicking off this first episode of the year we have Parker Stevenson as our guest. Parker is co-founder of Evolved Finance, and he’s all about bringing course creators up to speed in an area that is extremely important to maintaining a healthy business: bookkeeping

"The whole point is to run a business that makes profit so that you as a business owner can live a lifestyle you want to live."

- Parker Stevenson

Parker provided some great food for thought on how to deal with finances within the world of online courses. I’m definitely taking his advice into consideration, and I hope you do, too!]

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:14) Starting the new year with a big new goal for this podcast
(2:42) Thinking about goals, motivation, and penalties for 2020
(7:10) Reintroducing ourselves for new listeners
(9:52) David and I revisit an issue that I recently discovered with my business bookkeeping
(10:45) Introducing our topic and our guest
(13:12) Parker tells us about his business working with online course creators
(14:38) What is bookkeeping and why does it matter, anyway?
(16:44) Being your own bookkeeper vs. hiring one
(20:10) Insights that a service like Evolved Finance can give online course creators into their businesses
(25:08) Why some businesses have less potential to be sold
(26:44) The right percentage for profit
(28:54) Parker’s thoughts for course creators looking for a bookkeeping service
(32:41) What to look for in an accountant
(37:11) Discussing the Profit First concept
(41:43) Parker’s advice for new and aspiring course creators
(45:24) How established course creators can set up a consultation call with Parker
(48:33) Parting thoughts from Parker for course creators
(49:28) David and I discuss the interview
(52:56) What David’s been doing for bookkeeping and his tip for determining when to hire someone else
(55:39) My experience with video editing hires
(56:47) Will David outsource bookkeeping in the future?
(58:56) Wrapping up

We covered a lot of ground today, and I think there was plenty for new and growing business owners to consider. I hope you’ll drop me a line to let me know what aspect of today’s conversation was the most eye-opening to you. And stay tuned for another episode coming next week!

112: Why I Started The Online Course Show & How I Can Help You in 2020

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:00:39 -0500

It’s just me and you today – that’s right, it’s time for one of those rare solo episodes where the only person talking is me, myself and I. (Not for too long though, I promise). ????As 2019 comes to a close, I want to give you a glimpse into the inspiration behind this show, some things I’m planning for next year, and even ways that I can help you with your own online course.

“You’ve really helped pull it all together for me… I went through your course and redid my whole funnel, and I’ve done $1200 in three days!”

-Student feedback from my Online Course Accelerator

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:49) My journey towards creating this podcast and a pivotal email that helped kick things into gear
(6:27) Some awesome deals I’m offering you (including a free resource valued at $1,000)
(10:41) Feedback from one of my Online Course Accelerator students
(12:07) My ongoing love for ClickFunnels - and I can help you get started without too much effort
(14:05) Who is my Next Level Courses course for?
(14:40) A big goal I’m setting for this podcast in 2020
(15:29) What to do if you want to get in touch with me or join my online course community on Facebook
(17:09) Wrapping up

That about does it for this year! Don’t forget to join me and my co-host David in January 2020 – we have a bunch of great interviews and discussions lined up and coming soon. Happy New Year!

111: The 5 Love Languages for Course Creators

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:00:54 -0500

Yes, you read that episode title correctly! We are taking a short break from our standard interview format to discuss a very popular book from a unique perspective. While some of you may have heard of the concepts explained in The Five Love Languages, I’m willing to bet you haven’t thought too much about how to apply those principles to the world of online courses. But that’s exactly what we’re doing today.

"If someone’s love language is [being used, hopefully] they’re seeing that I’m taking the time to respond and help them"

- Jacques Hopkins

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:28) Updates from me and David
(3:00) How we learned about The Five Love Languages
(6:09) David breaks down the different love languages and we discuss some examples
(10:11) Practical application of love languages in our relationships
(20:08) Gift-giving - where does it fit into an online course business?
(32:14) Incorporating acts of service into sales funnels and enrollees’ course experiences
(36:40) Creating opportunities for quality time
(44:46) Using words of affirmation throughout our online course businesses
(46:21) Thinking about how to use the quality time love language and welcoming new members into my free online course Facebook group
(48:30) “I’m proud of you.”
(49:50) Building rapport and giving students confidence despite the disconnect of online communications
(51:21) The one thing that would convince David to sign up for my piano course
(53:09) Can physical touch factor into remote learning?
(56:01) Storytime with David
(57:50) Being authentic and finding ways to connect
(1:00:42) Wrapping up

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

110: From Blog to Courses (with Leah Gervais)

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:00:22 -0500

Sometimes the journey is the destination, and that’s especially true for our guest today. Leah Gervais is founder of Urban 20 Something and an online course creator who’s learned firsthand what it means to turn life experience into teaching tools that can help others.

"Having happy customers is better than a good funnel."

- Leah Gervais

Leah provided some great food for thought about how simple online course setup can possibly be and much, much more. I was super-impressed by how she handles certain aspects of her business, and I think you will be too.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:41) An update and a funny story from David
(5:08) A shoutout to one of my course students who hit an important milestone recently
(6:43) What I’ve been working on recently and how I’m expanding my team
(9:47) Today’s core content - my interview with Leah Gervais
(10:46) How Leah got into the world of online courses
(16:39) A look at how she has her courses set up
(20:13) An example of courses that don’t need a coaching component
(21:07) Why Leah offers separate coaching services
(23:15) Talking revenue, messaging, and more
(25:56) Does Leah do her own discovery calls?
(26:55) Getting in front of the right people
(29:54) Automations and options
(32:10) Leah’s team
(33:20) Her advice for new and aspiring course creators
(35:23) Where to find Leah online
(36:08) Takeaways from how Leah got started compared with our own experiences
(38:05) My top-ranking blog post, plus thoughts on content repurposing
(41:26) The unusual way that Leah has set up her courses
(43:09) Something that jumped out at me during the interview
(45:10) Wrapping up

Thanks for listening and learning along with us today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

109: One Million YouTube Subscribers (Featuring Drew Badger)

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:00:47 -0500

We’re back with another episode of The Online Course Show! Today I shared an interview with Drew Badger, an online course creator who’s found amazing success online with his English course. He’s got some fantastic insights into how to differentiate your course from others, what takes to build something that really meets students’ needs, and much more..

"I knew that I needed to specialize in something. I needed to be first."

- Drew Badger

David and I enjoyed listening to and discussing what Drew shared on this episode!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:39) A launch update from David
(3:31) Some things I’ve been working on recently
(5:01) A mistake that I’m currently learning from
(7:56) SEO and ads - what’s worked for me, what I’ve moved on from
(11:02) Is TrustPilot a good investment?
(13:00) How did Drew Badger end up in a small town in Japan?
(15:55) Drew’s first product that turned a profit
(17:35) The steps that led to making it with his online English course
(23:42) Drilling down into what differentiates one course from another
(25:44) Drew’s amazing YouTube numbers and how his videos factor into his funnel
(33:47) What he would do differently if he was starting over now
(36:50) Is it harder to start with or without more input from potential students?
(41:41) Top tools Drew relies on
(43:47) What has having a successful online course meant for Drew?
(45:20) The app that he’s been working on and why he’s so passionate about sharing it with the world
(48:16) Wrapping up with today’s guest and where to find Drew online
(50:09) How I typically find guests like Drew for this podcast
(52:23) Some big takeaways from my chat with Drew
(55:04) Thoughts on the Frederick app
(55:58) Testimonials and the “why”
(58:31) David’s 5-million dollar ad concept
(1:03:11) Something I want to do more of in the future
(1:04:12) Wrapping up the episode

Whew! That about does it for today – don’t forget to join us for the next episode of The Online Course Guy! And Happy Thanksgiving to those who are listening from the U.S.A.. ????

108: Top 10 TOOLS For Course Creators (Featuring Abbey Ashley & Nate Dodson)

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:00:10 -0500

It’s time to talk tools! What works best for online course creation? What are the apps and software I can’t live without? And do other successful course creators use the same tools I do? We are about to find out, because today’s episode is jam-packed with tool reviews, tips on how to integrate different tools, and plenty of insight into what it takes to keep an online course running smoothly.

"I only promote things that I actually use."

- Jacques Hopkins

With the help of my co-host David and guests Abbey Ashley and Nate Dodson, we covered a lot of ground in this episode. Have fun listening, and don’t forget to check out the numerous links down below!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:49) A fun update on David’s most recent launch
(3:19) Some little insights into the world of Jacques, and a recent trip I was able to take while continuing to sell online courses
(5:13) Why we love this week’s sponsor
(6:51) Introducing today’s topic - top tools for online course creators
(8:22) A course update from Abbey Ashley
(10:24) An update from Nate Dodson and thoughts on dealing with changes in your team
(12:54) ClickFunnels vs other platforms and add-ons
(20:00) Email auto-responders - does it matter what you choose?
(23:22) How Abbey and I use Bonjoro
(27:52) Does Zapier make our lives easier?
(31:42) An interesting new tool Abbey’s using
(35:00) If not Deadline Funnels, what?
(37:51) Sending the Right Message
(39:40) What PicSnippets does and why I use it
(41:07) Handling bookkeeping
(45:20) Video and screen capture tools we love
(48:33) Backup tools
(49:31) Sending thank you’s to new students
(50:50) Abbey’s go-to tool for content planning
(52:33) How to ask people for information and feedback
(54:12) How to show social proof for your online course
(55:17) Managing emails
(57:19) Nate’s new video editing tool
(57:54) How I’ve set up a remote workstation for a new member of my team
(58:44) Getting third-party reviews
(1:00:00) How Abbey handles internal communications
(1:01:51) To EverWebinar or not to EverWebinar?
(1:02:59) How to address issues with late payments from students
(1:05:05) Abbey’s upcoming transition from Trello to ClickUp
(1:07:54) Two more tools Nate recommends
(1:09:11) Something new I’m excited to try
(1:10:44) Wrapping up with our guests
(1:12:44) Discussing top tools David’s excited about
(1:16:11) An offer I’m sharing to help people get started with ClickFunnels
(1:18:15) Nate’s update after implementing a tool he learned about during the recording of this interview
(1:20:24) A few tool mentions we missed earlier

Whew! That about does it for today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

107: How Should an Online Course Fit In With Your Other Content? (Featuring Christina Rice)

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:00:44 -0500

It’s I’m here with an all-new interview on today’s episode, (and as promised, joining me is my new co-host David)! Christina Rice of Christina Rice Wellness is keeping busy with many fingers in many pots, not the least of which is her online course on paleo nutrition for women. It was great to chat with her and hear what’s been working for her, how she’s grown her audience, and advice for new course creators no matter your niche.

"It’s not about the size of your audience, it’s about what you do with the audience you have."

- Christina Rice

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:03) Course updates from David and me
(2:47) A cool new sponsor for the show - and why I think their product goes together with online courses like PB&J
(3:49) My ClickFunnels fanboy moment
(4:16) David’s favorite OCG episodes and thoughts on who could be candidates for online course creation
(8:54) Co-hosting and discussing guest interviews
(9:38) Why Christina decided to create her course
(10:44) Christina’s process for course creation and launching
(12:02) Do you have to have a lot of followers to have a successful course?
(13:24) How to grow your audience
(15:00) Where to draw the line between free and paid content
(17:00) How Christina creates new content and stays motivated
(19:10) Her recommendations on where to start
(21:22) What she would do differently if she was starting over now plus what she’s changing now
(24:28) Her favorite tools and tech
(25:33) Christina’s top health tips
(26:14) Advice for brand new course creators
(26:57) Where to find Christina online
(28:41) Thoughts and observations on Christina’s story
(31:20) Would I go to college again if I could go back in time?
(34:01) The importance of providing free, authentic content
(34:46) Facebook groups and logistics
(36:49) DIY versus interactive course structure
(39:10) Final takeaways

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation!

106: A Story About a Regular Person and Online Course Success (& HUGE Podcast Update)

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0500

I’ve got a huge update for you today over here at The Online Course Guy! I teased this on last week’s episode, and now I’m excited to announce (drumroll please) that a brand new co-host will be helping me host this show from now on. And he is none other than David Krohse, longtime listener of the show and budding course creator who also helps me run things over on my Facebook is going to be a great addition to these interviews and conversations on the online course world.

I’m looking forward to being able to bounce things back and forth with him along with our guests, and for both of us to be able to share what we’re learning along the way. I also think it will be cool to discuss this from the perspective of course creators who are in different stages of our journeys. With that in mind, I’m interviewing David today so that you can get to know him and kick this new status quo off to a great start

"That feeling of getting that first sale is unbelievable."

- David Krohse

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:20) The story behind where David is today and the process of becoming debt-free
(20:32) Learning some financial lessons the hard way
(21:52) How David got into listening to this podcast - and a funny story about how his wife enrolled in my first co-host’s course
(26:24) Our first interaction and David’s growing interest in creating his own online course
(28:22) What’s changed about my Online Course Accelerator course and why David committed to enrolling
(30:03) The response I’ve seen so far to making the Online Course Accelerator practically free
(30:26) David’s course creation process and launch
(37:06) Adjusting launch strategies and early sales
(38:02) What David envisions for his businesses online and offline
(41:33) Thoughts on having David join the show as a co-host
(42:52) My recent entry into the 2 Comma Club
(43:55) Some random questions for David to close out the episode (Cake may or may not be involved)

I hope you enjoy hearing our conversation and getting to know David a bit today. And I hope you’ll stay tuned for another great episode with our brand new format – coming soon!

Links

Get Into My Online Course Accelerator

David’s Online Course

Piano in 21 Days

The Online Course Guy

105: How to Run VIRTUAL SUMMITS with Bailey Richert

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0400

One thing I love about having a podcast is that interviewing other course creators lets me tap into a knowledge base that’s bigger than my own! Today is no exception, because until this episode I didn’t know much about the how’s and why’s of virtual summits. But interviewing Bailey Richert was a great crash course on the topic. Hearing her thoughts on virtual summits has me convinced that I may need to give them a shot.

"The truth is that it’s really easy to [set the bar high] if you come in with an attitude of serving and wanting to genuinely help people… you will be revered as that expert."

- Bailey Richert

Bailey shared a wealth of insight with us during her interview, so I really enjoyed learning from her. How about you?

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:56) Why Bailey is posting high-value content for a Facebook group
(6:04) The 30-Day Summit initiative
(9:15) What’s in it for people who join a summit
(14:18) Virtual summits from the perspective of relatively new course creators
(18:27) An example of how not to approach someone to be a part of a summit
(20:25) The difference between requiring sharing summits with others and having such great content that they want to do it anyway
(21:16) Why host a virtual summit
(24:16) Bailey’s strong opinions on whether new course creators should be doing virtual summits
(26:24) Bailey’s course offerings
(28:09) Her successful webinar strategies
(29:49) Thoughts on upcoming changes to ClickFunnels
(32:22) Favorite tools that Bailey uses for her online courses
(36:38) Where to find Bailey online

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation. And don’t forget to tune in next week for my exciting announcement about this podcast!

Links

The Online Course Guy

104: Graham Cochrane’s Recording Revolution

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 05:00:33 -0400

I love using my podcast platform to tap into the knowledge of other successful course creators, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today! Graham Cochrane has been involved in the world of course creation for a while now, and it was a pleasure to get to know him a bit – and hear his insights on the online courses.

"A good online course gets people results."

- Graham Cochrane

Graham had a lot to share, from evergreen vs. launch models and personal branding to favorite tools and working while traveling!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:02) How Graham first got into creating online courses
(3:43) What course creation looked like a decade ago
(4:46) Were Graham’s courses an instant success?
(6:23) The secret to getting YouTube subscribers and building an email list
(8:54) How to stay motivated to keep generating new videos
(12:42) What Graham would do differently if he was starting over
(14:30) An overview of his sales funnel setup
(16:15) Handling evergreen sales with webinars
(16:57) Graham’s favorite online course tools
(17:32) The different facets of his business
(20:39) Keeping up with work while traveling
(21:36) Graham’s online course team
(22:05) What a successful online course business has meant to Graham and his family
(24:26) His best advice for new course creators
(25:53) How to connect with Graham

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you heard! I’ll be back with another interview episode soon.

103: A Successful Online Floral Course with Alison Ellis

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 05:00:12 -0400

People all over the world are succeeding with online courses on a variety of topics, and today’s guest is a perfect example of that! Alison Ellis teaches “floral math” to florists worldwide, and it was great to have her on the show today and hear about her online course journey.

"You don’t have an excuse to not do this… If you don’t put out your crappy version, you’ll never get your good version."

- Alison Ellis

It was awesome to chat with Alison and hear her open up about the why and how of her online course business. Her take on teaching online is inspirational and I think you’re going to love listening in to our conversation!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:47) How Alison got into making online courses
(4:10) Going from idea to actually creating a course
(9:32) Did Alison start making sales right away?
(11:16) An early realization she had that led to her development of new courses
(13:44) Why Alison started with “flower math”
(14:58) Her thoughts on figuring out sales and scarcity
(18:39) Some of the benefits of creating an online course
(21:14) What to do when customers fail to complete a payment
(26:44) How having an online course enables to be flexible with her florist business
(28:01) Where Alison’s traffic comes from
(29:15) Does Alison have favorite tools or software?
(31:18) How simple solutions can be game-changers for students
(34:08) What Alison would tell herself if she was just getting started with online courses now
(35:31) How her online course business affects her and her family

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Show.

102: How to Get Your Students to Actually Succeed with Your Online Course (with Jonathan Levi)

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 05:00:16 -0400

If $3,000,000 in sales isn’t a success story, I don’t know what is! Jonathan Levi is my guest today, and he has some amazing anecdotes to share about his online course journey.

"… think about the psychological state of the learner at every point."

- Jonathan Levi

We delved into some very important insights on how to ensure student success, why learning to learn matters, and much more. I’m going to go out on a limb and put this episode in the “must listen” category!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:27) How Jonathan got into the online course world
(4:48) The reasons each of us got and MBA, and our thoughts on whether it was worth it
(8:57) Why Udemy?
(11:25) How Jonathan generated sales early on
(15:59) Why he’s sticking with Udemy even after building up his course library elsewhere
(19:48) His recommendations for new course creators
(23:29) Other elements needed to promote successful online learning, especially for adults
(26:59) Jonathan’s take on refund policies
(28:47) How he helps people build their own online courses
(30:24) Some other things Jonathan is very excited about these days
(32:36) His favorite tools for his business
(34:45) How having online courses has impacted his life
(36:37) Wrapping up

Whew! That about does it for today – don’t forget to check out all the cool tools (listed below) that we mentioned in this episode! And if you haven’t already, drop me a line and let me know what you’re enjoying about the podcast and what kinds of topics you’d like to hear me cover in the future.

101: Pinterest for Course Creators

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 05:00:45 -0400

Pinterest: I’ve avoided this topic until now, because I honestly haven’t known how this platform could fit into how I market my online courses. But that’s about to change today! Monica Froese is here to clue me in on how to make the most of this platform, and fortunately she has a ton of experience and knowledge to draw from on this topic.

"Listen to what people are asking you."

- Monica Froese

Monica shared a wealth of insight on how to leverage Pinterest in different ways and what has worked best for her own online courses. I’m still mulling over what I learned in today’s episode, and I think you’ll enjoy what you learn, too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:20) Monica’s online course history and course creation evolution
(6:54) A story about validating personal knowledge and turning that into product
(8:19) Why she’s such a fan of her favorite funnel
(9:52) Where Monica’s traffic comes from
(11:30) The reasons that Pinterest ads can be challenging for some
(13:33) Monica gives me recommendations on how to get started with Pinterest for my business
(19:27) Where Pinterest stacks up in terms of ROI
(21:27) What stage of your course creation process you need to be in to use Pinterest successfully
(24:01) Monica’s experience with Facebook groups
(28:09) Setting boundaries as your online community grows
(30:18) Advice on keeping course content updated
(35:00) A favorite tool that Monica has used to improve conversion rates
(39:26) Why she’s changed her opinion of Deadline Funnel
(41:11) Monica’s advice for new course creators

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation! Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon.

100: The Online Course Girl

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 05:00:46 -0400

A very special guest joined me on this very special 100th episode of The Online Course Guy. Way back when I started this podcast, I wasn’t sure where all this would lead. But I knew I would have loved to listen to this kind of podcast when I was a new course creator. Ever since then, I’ve been looking forward to celebrating this 100th episode milestone, and what better way to do that than to chat with the one and only Niki Hopkins – my wife!

"It was definitely scary… we said we were going to give it a year."

- Niki Hopkins

I couldn’t have created my piano course without Niki, and it’s only fitting that today we discussed what this has looked like for our family and her perspective on online courses. Let’s dive in and hear her side of the story!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:20) What would be different about our lives if I had never gotten into online course creation
(7:27) An example of how not working “normal jobs” gives us more freedom and flexibility
(8:04) Niki’s business and how it evolved
(10:52) How we respond to people who ask what I do for a living
(12:57) Was Niki okay with me quitting my job before my online course was fully sustainable?
(16:56) Her first thoughts when I initially told her about my idea for an online piano course - and some of my previous ideas that didn’t work out quite so well
(18:06) Niki’s initial reaction to my strategy for course pricing
(19:10) Wrapping up and a note of appreciation

I hope you enjoyed listening in to this conversation between me and Niki on what online courses have meant to our family. Thanks so much for being the reason why I do this podcast – and here’s to many, many more awesome episodes to come!

099: Let’s Talk about Thinkific

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 05:00:01 -0400

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you might have noticed that many of my recent guests mention Thinkific as their course platform of choice. I’ve been curious about this platform for a while, so today’s interview is with Rob Balasabas of Thinkific.com. Having him on the show with me was a great opportunity to hear about one of the many options we course creators have and why this platform might be right for you.*

“There are a ton of . . . groups that don’t have an offering. Go to all those places that have people congregating around these different topics and ask them what their pain points are.”

- Rob Balasabas

Rob delved into what Thinkific has to offer course creators, and how to make the most of what this platform provides. I enjoyed our conversation and I think you will too!

*Just for the record, this episode was not sponsored by Thinkific in any way.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:23) Some of the most random online course topics Rob’s encountered
(4:29) What Rob does and how he came to work at Thinkific
(5:58) Building strong communities online
(8:25) Thinkific’s origin story
(11:30) What Rob sees as the biggest hurdles for online course creators
(13:22) Finding a balance between UX and marketing
(15:42) Why choose Thinkific?
(18:48) A funny connection I made with someone from a well-known company
(19:47) Rob’s personal experience with course building and what he’s working on now
(21:28) How Rob is validating his course concept
(26:22) His advice for beginning and struggling course creators
(28:41) What about course creators who are doing okay but want to level up their sales?
(31:34) A parting pitch

That wraps it up for today, but don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep up with all the latest episodes. That’s all for now, folks!

098: How to Outsource to The Philippines

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 05:00:10 -0400

If there’s one thing that I’ve tried to do with my business, it’s to keep things as efficient and time-saving for me as possible.

Outsourcing is a big part of that! And my recent conversation with Jason Dion of Dion Training was a great opportunity to focus in on the topic.

"Take your time upfront and do it right. If you treat [contractors] well, they’ll treat you well."

- Jason Dion

I’m still mulling over what Jason and I discussed in today’s episode. While not everyone has the same outsourcing needs, there’s a lot to take away and a lot of great ideas to consider.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:17) An update on Udemy, web sales, and more from Jason since our last podcast conversation
(7:10) Jason’s freelancing
(8:53) Comparing our different approaches when it comes to outsourcing tasks
(12:08) Hiring freelancers on a need-basis vs. growth mindset with full-time hiring
(15:23) How Jason has found his team and why he focused on hiring from the Philippines
(18:21) His favorite book on where to start with outsourcing
(20:07) Jason’s take on pay rates, benefits, and bonuses for freelancers
(25:13) How he handles the financial side of hiring in the Philippines
(29:11) The legal ins and outs of hiring contractors vs. employees
(32:26) How Jason and his team communicate
(35:40) Roles and responsibilities within Jason’s team
(37:00) The tool Jason couldn’t live without
(38:38) His top tip for vetting freelance applications
(40:28) Jason’s final piece of advice for course creators interested in outsourcing

I really enjoyed today’s episode, so thanks for listening in! If you felt inspired by what you heard, please do me a favor and take a second to leave a review of my podcast over on iTunes. I’d really appreciate it!

097: The Right Way to Turn Your Passion Into a Successful Online Course

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 05:00:35 -0400

Recently, I had the chance to talk with Louise Dean about the story behind her successful novel-writing course and how her passion has become her business. Louise had a fascinating start to her online course journey, and shared some great tips and tools that could be useful no matter what your niche is.

"Proceed with glee! . . . Keep it really personal, really friendly, really truthful and honest."

- Louise Dean

I’d love to hear what you found most interesting about this interview – feel free to drop me a line and let me know.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:04) The social experiment that eventually prompted Louise to create her first online course
(6:17) How Louise found a group of people willing to take her novel-writing challenge
(7:20) Why she sets a time limit for the structure of her course
(9:01) How her original course compares to her current course iterations
(10:01) How Louise has set up her course content
(10:37) Why she provides additional courses beyond her 90-day offering
(13:38) Louise’s challenge to me - this one took me by surprise!
(14:14) How many students she’s had to date and how she continues to find more
(15:40) The built-in review-gathering process in her course
(16:11) Louise’s favorite tools and services
(18:31) Scheduling and marketing on Instagram
(19.39) How Louise stays on top of things without a traditional team in place
(20:37) Her advice for new or struggling course creators

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

096: Evergreen Funnels 101 (with Jack Born, creator of Deadline Funnel)

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 05:00:12 -0400

Rather than interview a course creator this week, I’m bringing you something a little different but very relevant. Deadline

Funnel is one of the most important tools I use when it comes to selling my online course, and I know a lot of other people out there who feel the same way. So it’s my pleasure to bring you an interview with Jack Born, founder of Deadline Funnel and marketer extraordinaire.

"If you see the potential, don’t let your doubts and anxiety . . . stand in the way."

- Jack Born

Jack shared insights on funnels, marketing, and communicating with integrity. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready for an awesome interview!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:15) The top question my listeners have for Jack, and the story behind his reply
(8:23) Jack’s thoughts on authenticity and integrity in funnels
(11:59) Product launch strategies and limitations
(14:49) How to handle sales after a deadline ends
(18:23) Evergreen marketing, timing, and business growth
(20:23) Jack’s advice on helping students benefit from your course
(24:00) How automation can free you to improve other aspects of your business
(25:10) The problem with some launch strategies
(26:58) The danger of not having a deadline - and what having one can mean for your sales
(30:19) An example of how Deadline Funnel has worked for a business similar to mine
(34:14) The quickest way to help new students experience a “win”
(36:43) How Jack would respond to questions about automated emails
(40:17) Dealing with late enrollment requests
(46:44) How to increase conversions through the structure of your funnel
(50:48) Webinar discussion and The Sunk Cost Fallacy
(57:51) Jack’s thoughts on increasing ROI with deadlines
(59:22) How you can get started with Deadline Funnel

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation! I’ll be back with another episode soon.

095: How Interactive Should You Be With Your Students?

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 05:00:33 -0400

After a bit of a break, I’m back with another online course creator interview! Jason Resnick of Rezzz.com and I had a great conversation about the topic of today’s episode: interaction. It’s one simple word – but how do you handle interaction with the people who are on your email list, let alone enrolled in your course?

"Be open to [your audience’s] ideas… Hear how these people want to learn, and then apply that to whatever you’re building."

–Jason Resnick

It was great to chat about some of the similarities and differences between how Jason and I handle interaction. There’s a lot here to mull over, so put on your thinking cap and enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:22) How Jason aligned his course with prospective students
(3:05) What “interaction” means to Jason and how he implements it at different points along his funnel
(6:45) How and why he uses one of my favorite apps
(9:10) The reason behind Jason’s interaction-heavy approach
(10:22) The skepticism that we sometimes encounter when sending personalized messages
(13:34) Why and how Jason created his own online course
(20:12) Using a membership model
(22:26) What Jason’s course actually entails
(24:23) The pros and cons of different community platforms
(26:09) Why he chose to create a membership site instead of charging students a one-time fee
(28:20) The platform and plug-ins Jason uses for his course
(30:09) How Jason gets things done as a one-man show
(32:11) The ways that having an online course affect Jason’s life
(34:04) Jason’s advice for new course creators

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

094: Should you focus on MARKETING or STUDENT EXPERIENCE?

Tue, 21 May 2019 05:00:14 -0400

This is a first for this podcast: my guest today is not only a successful course creator – she’s an online course coach and consultant! Though Janelle Allen and I work in the same online space, we really aren’t competitors. That’s because we have different approaches and different niches we are reaching.

"At the end of the day, I think [your online course] has to be something beyond making the sale. It’s about having an impact and helping someone."

- Janelle Allen

It was great to geek out over online courses and coaching with Janelle! Enjoy listening in, and don’t forget to check out her podcast too (link below).

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:02) What being an instructional designer means to Janelle and why she focuses on user experience
(5:42) Janelle’s perspective on understanding your market as online course creators
(6:58) Course content and the value of building learning communities
(10:14) Debunking myths about passive income
(11:54) Janelle’s podcast and how the power of listening has led her to expand her online offerings
(14:19) Focusing our efforts as course creators
(16:12) How Janelle teaches her students to validate their course concept and launch
(17:37) Favorite launch strategies and the importance of “ask campaigns”
(21:08) Comparing course platforms
(25:14) Why Janelle’s opinion of Udemy has shifted over time
(27:14) How to get testimonials and social proof
(30:31) Janelle’s favorite resources and tools
(31:37) Her perspective on how online courses can change lives

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

093: What having an online course means to my family

Thu, 09 May 2019 05:00:44 -0400

It’s me, myself, and I on today’s episode! But there’s a good reason why. Though I haven’t covered this topic much up until now, that’s about to change thanks to a great suggestion from one of my listeners. (Hi David!) So without further ado, today I want to take some time to share with you about how having my online course business impacts my family.

"This is all by design… It took a lot of hard work and a lot of failures throughout the years, but now I’m at the point where it’s easy to go away [with my family]."

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:31) Gaining the opportunity to travel as a family in the past, present (and hopefully future)
(4:13) An interesting tip from an author whose other advice has proven trustworthy for my business
(5:32) The main tasks that I will make time for each day while traveling
(7:20) A last-minute decision I made right before my trip (in contrast to a productivity hack I usually live by)
(9:18) The difference that being your own boss makes
(11:21) What quitting my “9-5” taught me about ego and how seeing the direct impact of my work motivates me now
(13:30) The excitement of knowing how my online course benefits my family

I hope you’re feeling inspired by what I shared today! Don’t forget to check out the links below if you are thinking of starting your own online course.

092: Text-based vs. Video-based Courses

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 05:00:44 -0400

Does the idea of making videos for your online course scare you? Believe it or not, you don’t have to have videos to teach a course. Course creator Tanner Guzy has the proof in the pudding – he’s reached 6-figures with primarily text-based lessons!

"See what works and what doesn’t, then you can adapt… you can plan yourself into oblivion, whereas if you’re out and actually doing stuff that’s where you’ll start to see results."

- Tanner Guzy

I really enjoyed my conversation with Tanner! As a student of his myself, it was cool to hear how his business works from the inside. There’s lots to think about and lots of great advice to take in.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:39) What led Tanner to create his first online course
(4:50) How he found his niche
(6:07) His first steps towards course creation
(8:17) Launch strategy and sales techniques
(9:12) Tanner’s experience with a popular course platform
(9:57) An atypical approach to course content format
(13:24) His current sales funnel
(19:01) Coaching vs. courses
(20:22) Where Tanner’s traffic comes from (his answer was a first for this podcast!)
(25:13) What he’d do differently if he was starting over

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you heard! I’ll be back with another episode soon.

091: Refunds, Live vs. Pre-recorded, & More

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 05:00:49 -0400

Today’s guest has helped create a huge number of courses and has 9 years of experience in the online course world. It was a pleasure to speak with Randi Buckley on all sorts of interesting topics from refunds and customer satisfaction to outsourcing and more

"Just go for it. You might have to test out what works for you… take what works and see what sticks."

- Randi Buckley

Randi’s passionate about what she does and had plenty of great advice for aspiring course creators. I hope you enjoy listening in on this conversation with a seasoned veteran of online courses!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:45) Randi’s online course offerings and how she got started
(4:51) The timeline for creating and marketing her first course
(7:03) Where Randi hosts her courses
(7:46) Her take on course availability and scarcity
(9:09) The secret behind where most of her traffic comes from
(10:45) Her thought process on using her name as branding
(12:09) How Randi approaches outsourcing
(13:49) What she would do differently if she were starting over today
(16:59) Her advice for beginner course creators
(18:54) Randi’s unique take on refunds and maintaining customer happiness
(22:58) An example of a recent refund I gave and Randi’s thoughts on how she would have handled it

That wraps it up for today, but don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep up with all the latest episodes. Until next time!

090: Just starting out? Try actually talking to people and collect research

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 05:00:05 -0400

Welcome back to my latest episode! I’m getting into the swing of things with more interviews with real online course creators – people who’ve actually managed to take their passion or hobby and turn it into a tangible learning program for others.

My guest this time was Trevor Dimoff of EpicSongWriting.com. He’s relatively new to the online course world, but he’s hit on a really cool method of identifying what his market needs and how to create relationships with potential students.

"Talk to people and find out what they think… [you] need to know how to communicate with someone who is just getting started."

- Trevor Dimoff

I loved hearing Trevor’s story, because it puts a fresh spin what course creation and marketing can look like. He also was transparent about what he feels his early mistakes are, and what he’s learned from them. I think you’re really going to enjoy the food for thought in our conversation. ????

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:25) My previous episode on making sales over the phone
(3:58) Trevor’s process creating and updating his course
(5:32) Why he started a blog before an online course
(5:58) The research and phone call process that gave him insight into his market
(9:02) Trevor’s approach to teaching songwriting online
(9:46) What makes his course preparation different from a lot of other course creators - and how it made his launch a success
(11:47) Marketing and course development
(13:15) Trevor’s pricing strategy and content delivery
(14:19) A mistake involving complexity
(15:09) The timeline for Trevor’s initial course
(16:40) His new launch strategy and some regrets
(19:04) Why he’s hesitant to outsource so far
(19:26) Trevor’s advice for aspiring course creators

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back soon with more cool tips and great insights from fellow course creators – don’t forget to subscribe!

089: START HERE – Online Courses 101

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 05:00:01 -0500

At long last, I’m back with an all-new episode of The Online Course Show! Lately I’ve been seeing some awesome growth in newcomers to the show, which has been really exciting. In fact, some of you have told me that you went all the way back to episode 1 and have been binge listening ever since!

That got me thinking, and I realized that I need a new starting point for those who have only just discovered my podcast. I’ve learned a lot since my first episode, and I’m summarizing it all right here in this new Online Courses 101 episode.

"Have a purpose for why you’re doing this and what you want to create… Push through and do not give up."

-Nate Dodson

Nate Dodson was with me right at the very beginning of my podcasting journey, so it’s only fitting that he’s joining me for this episode. I hope you like what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:14) A quick introduction for those of you who don’t know me yet!
(4:08) Website updates and a brand-new community for online course creators
(4:52) What I have to offer you - even if you’re a complete beginner
(12:34) An introduction for Nate and his online course journey
(22:28) Nate’s coaching experience with me
(24:11) Where his course business is at today
(26:05) How Nate answers the “what do you do?” question + his microgreens business pitch
(29:36) What he feels he’s gotten right (and wrong) with his online course business
(32:17) My own online course journey
(42:14) How I got past a long-term revenue plateau + my current average revenue
(44:38) What I think I could have done better early on
(47:30) What I do each week to keep my piano course “machine” running
(50:20) Why Nate and I have a seasonal approach to working on our businesses
(51:28) The reason we meet on a weekly basis
(56:41) The why and how of webinars
(1:00:31) Nate’s advice for aspiring course creators
(1:03:17) Avoiding a mistake that far too many new course creators make
(1:07:21) Our tips and favorite resources for people who want to take their course to the next level
(1:18:12) Where to start if you are interested in starting your online course journey

We covered a lot of ground today, so I’m curious about which parts of today’s episode stood out to you the most! Feel free to drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation. Plus, don’t forget to check out all the resources and goodies linked below! Until next time…

088: Online Courses vs. Running an Agency

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 05:00:39 -0500

Ever feel like you’re darned if you do, darned if you don’t? That’s what so many fellow course creators have expressed to me on the topic of Facebook ads. But not to worry – on today’s episode, Monica Louie shared her top tips for Facebook ads, and talk about how she’s developed both a course and an agency on this challenging topic.

"Give them some value. Build that relationship before you make the offer."

- Monica Louie

It was great to chat with Monica and glean some really cool info along the way. I’m still mulling over what I learned in today’s episode, and I think you’ll enjoy what you learn!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:34) How Monica got started in the world of online courses
(5:15) Starting out with a course and building to an agency
(7:38) The importance of having Facebook ad knowledge - or choosing to outsource
(10:56) Monica’s course launch strategy
(12:15) Her sales funnel and affiliate sales
(13:06) Monica’s course pricing strategy
(14:25) The online platform and tools that works best for her
(16:30) How Monica got a testimonial from one of my favorite online entrepreneur gurus
(18:16) Her advice for course creators who want to boost their ROI with Facebook ads
(21:10) Advice specific to people who already have a solid funnel
(22:31) Monica’s recommendations for my Facebook ad targeting

Whew! That about does it for today – don’t forget to join me for the next episode of The Online Course Guy!

087: How to Build an Online Course in 7 Days

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 05:00:56 -0500

Well folks, we are on the other side of the new year and I’m back with another podcast episode for you! This time around, Matt Giovanisci of Money Lab joined me to share his course creation process and more. His take on certain topics is a bit out of the box, and it was really cool to have the chance to chat with him.

"Find your wheelhouse and know the material inside and out. Don’t script everything to a T, use bullet points, and be authentic."

- Matt Giovanisci

Not everyone’s course creation process is the same, but many of Matt’s tips could be great food for thought if you’re just getting started on your own online course journey. Enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:07) How Matt got into the world of online courses
(3:27) Matt’s business experiments
(6:37) Transitioning into entrepreneurship after other jobs
(7:46) How he created his first course in 6 days
(10:03) Why most people take much longer when creating their own first courses
(11:02) How Matt make sales with no SEO and little traffic
(12:20) Matt’s other courses and pricing strategy
(15:36) His advice for people who want to create their own course quickly
(20:15) Thoughts on how to balance time between different ventures
(22:14) Why Matt has downsized his team
(24:10) His “anti-teaching” approach
(28:18) Matt’s advice for people who know what they want to teach but haven’t created a course yet

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back soon with more cool tips and great insights from fellow course creators. Happy New Year, and don’t forget to subscribe!

086: How to Market Your Course on LinkedIn

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:00:39 -0500

It’s New Year’s Eve! I don’t know about you, but I’m super-excited about what’s ahead in the coming year. Chatting with Daria V (successful course creator, speaker, and expert on using LinkedIn in sales funnels) on today’s episode has given me some great ideas that I think will resonate with many other course creators, too.

"Create the community… Many times we want to jump right into sales, but it can’t be done if people don’t trust you yet."

- Daria V.

Daria shared a wealth of insight during our conversation, and I’m still mulling over what I learned in today’s episode. Enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:08) How Daria got into the world of online courses
(4:07) The ways her courses meet needs within her target markets
(7:04) Her Linkedin sales funnels
(7:44) The must-have resource that’s inspired Daria’s webinars
(9:39) Thoughts on live vs. evergreen webinars
(11:35) Her webinar sales script
(13:04) An important concept that helps Daria get new email leads every day
(15:00) Why her course benefits so many different kinds of freelancers
(16:18) Her recommendations for me on how to use LinkedIn for my business
(19:30) Daria’s advice on online course tools
(21:12) How to stay on track and motivated
(25:52) Her best tips for new or aspiring course creators

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the other side of 2018.

085: Why You Need a Funnel

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 05:00:33 -0500

2018 is almost at an end, but I’m here with another episode of The Online Course Guy! This time around I had the pleasure of speaking with Karen Campbell, an online course enthusiast who’s taken what she’s learned over the years to create her own successful art courses. Karen’s entering a new phase of her business strategy, so it was really neat to catch a glimpse of what that looks like and what she’s planning.

"Record everything and figure out how to edit it later."

- Karen Campbell

I really enjoyed my conversation with Karen and hearing about where her online courses are headed. There was a little something for just about everyone in this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:28) How Karen got into the world of online courses
(5:11) The first steps she took and new skills she needed to develop for her first course
(7:19) Thoughts on how initial hurdles can deter new course creators
(7:46) Karen’s first videos and how her content has changed over time
(9:37) The importance of finding a niche
(12:05) What Karen wish she had known about funnels
(16:06) Social proof and demonstrating product value
(18:41) Where Karen’s traffic comes from
(21:05) Getting started with funnel strategies
(23:08) Her Amazon offerings and ways to leverage books as part of her funnel
(26:12) Karen’s advice for new course creators

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. Stay tuned for another great episode coming soon!

084: “Launching” 4 Times a Year vs. Evergreen Launches

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 05:00:58 -0500

I’m back with another episode of The Online Course Guy podcast! It was such a pleasure to chat with Kate Bee of The Sober School, and we got to cover some of my favorite topics on building an online course business.

"Just doing it is probably the best thing, because you aren’t going to figure anything out just by thinking about it."

– Kate Bee

I really enjoyed speaking with Kate about what course creation and running an online business looks like for her. I hope you like what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:35) How Kate got into the world of online courses
(7:01) Her initial course creation process - and what motivated her to make it happen
(10:08) How she found her startup funds
(11:06) Building her course content
(12:30) Kate’s course launch strategy
(13:58) Creating community and providing support to students
(14:52) How her Facebook group for students provides added value
(15:23) What it’s like to run Kate’s course
(16:02) Her enrollment numbers and pricing structure
(17:20) Thoughts on successful course launches and strategy
(23:04) The challenges and benefits of webinar launches
(27:34) Kate’s favorite course platform
(29:22) How she’s built traffic and grown her email list
(34:25) Running a course business without a team
(36:00) Her advice for aspiring course creators

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back next week with more cool tips and great insights from fellow course creators. So if you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe!

083: Helena Lui on Quitting Your Job and 10x’ing Your Online Course Business

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 05:00:11 -0500

All the way back on episode 29, I interviewed Helena Lui about how she had quit her job after developing her online course. Since then, she’s multiplied her income many, many times over with her course business. I had to have her back on to hear how her business has grown and what has or hasn’t changed for her over this past year.

"Scale with ads. Keep at it. Be persistent with your goal. Every day try something new."

-Helena Lui

Helena and I delved into some very important insights on all things webinar-related and much more! So get ready to take some notes and enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:48) Reviewing where Helena was at back in January of 2018
(6:48) Her webinar and sales funnels
(8:06) Handling webinar chatlines
(12:36) The importance of providing clear information in webinars
(13:52) Lessons Helena’s learned through hiring someone to help with her webinar
(19:26) How outsourcing is going and how she plans to develop and outsource new content
(23.13) Helena’s sales funnel setup (plus why she wants her webinar attendees to join the webinar on a desktop computer)
(25:12) How she addresses the four possible outcomes after someone registers for a webinar
(28:29) A niche-specific way that Helena offers her students value if they enroll
(29:34) What happens if someone goes through her funnel and isn’t ready to enroll until later
(31:15) How increases in revenue have affected her lifestyle and business structure
(35:07) Tips on optimizing Facebook pages and posts
(36:43) Helena’s main business expenses
(38:19) Her advice for course creators who want to multiply their business revenue
(40:01) Determining what to upsell and what to include in an online course

Thank you for listening in – I hope you enjoyed what you learned!

082: Gina Horkey On Why the Customer Isn’t Always Right

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 05:00:30 -0500

Buckle up for another episode of The Online Course Guy – this time covering some topics that I’ve never discussed on my podcast before. Gina Horkey joined me recently for a fascinating discussion on the ups and downs of running an online course business. As a successful course creator, Gina has a wealth of ideas and perspective that is super-relevant to this industry

"It’s not all about being the seller [or] all about being the buyer. It’s a relationship."

-Gina Horkey

It was awesome to hear Gina’s thoughts on online courses and how to handle the business side of things. I’m still mulling over what I learned in today’s episode, and I think you’ll enjoy what you learn, too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:56) How Gina first got started in the world of online courses
(6:23) The evolution of her courses over time
(7:40) Her existing content and what she’s currently working on
(10:10) Balancing working on improving old content and developing new content
(11:11) How Gina teaches email management processes
(14:37) Helping VA’s and entrepreneurs connect with each other
(19:02) Why Gina offers workbooks for sale separately from her courses
(21:14) Her sales funnel structure and thoughts on scarcity
(24:05) How Gina’s different course purchasing options perform
(25:50) The pros and cons for Gina’s favorite tools for online courses
(29:11) Her perspective on money-back policies
(34:23) Considering different ways to handle refund requests
(39:52) An unfortunate pet peeve: payment disputes
(46:41) Gina’s recommendations for new course creators

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation. See you next week for another episode of The Online Course Guy!

081: Selling Your Course with Instagram

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:00:17 -0500

I’m back with another interview episode, this time with Heather Jones, a.k.a. The Brain Trainer. Heather’s built quite a following on Instagram and is teaching her students how to lose weight and much more. Like all the best teachers, she’s teaching topics she cares about and is enjoying sharing knowledge that she’s already applied in her own life.

"We get stuck in “It’s not going be good enough, who am I to do this, I don’t have all the certificates, I’m not an expert.”… But there’s going to be people that need you."

-Heather Jones

It was great to hear Heather share her thoughts on course creation and Instagram engagement – especially since my wife and I are actually taking a course on Instagram right now! I hope you enjoy what you hear.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:34) How Heather got into the world of online courses
(5:38) Why she’s shifted gears from a completely different profession into her current business
(6:37) What prompted her to take the knowledge she acquired and put it into course form on Teachable
(7:46) How Heather’s initial launch went
(8:31) Her current course offerings as they’ve developed over time
(8:57) The role that phone consultations take in Heather’s interaction with prospective students
(12:04) Where most of her traffic comes from
(13:26) How she’s built her Instagram following
(17:05) The strategies she uses to maintain connection with followers and create engaging content
(20:40) How the GDPR has affected Heather’s business in the UK
(23:12) Some of Heather’s favorite online tools
(24:44) Her biggest business struggle these days
(25:24) Heather’s advice for beginning course creators

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

080: How Paul Lipsky Found Course Success FAST (First 1,000 Students in 8 Months)

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:00:19 -0400

I’m back with a brand new episode of The Online Course Guy! Paul Lipsky has had a whirlwind of a year with his course on drop-shipping: with no formal launch strategy, he’s still managed to enroll 1,000+ students since January! It was so cool to hear what he has learned along the way and about the new era he’s entering into as a business owner.

"Create a way to connect with people… and do that before you ever try to sell them anything."

- Paul Lipsky

We covered a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time, so I hope you like what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:05) How Paul initially got into the world of online retail and what his niche entails
(4:28) What led him to create his own online course
(6:13) Why Paul needed to find an alternative to his previous job - and when he actually felt ready to quit
(7:34) How he balances his drop-shipping business and his online course
(8:05) The growth Paul has seen since launching his course
(9:12) What he’s learned since his launch and how he built initial interest
(10:01) How his pricing structure has evolved over time
(10:23) The awesome enrollment numbers he’s experienced so far
(11:23) What his sales funnel looks like
(12:20) How he uses YouTube and the ways his channel benefits his business
(13:51) A look at how his YouTube content has evolved
(15:44) Paul’s process for content creation
(16:56) How he balances all the different aspects of a rapidly-growing online course
(18:58) His favorite tools for his business
(21:04) What Paul is planning for the future
(22:41) Advice for aspiring online course creators

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

079: How to Transition from $10 Udemy Courses to $500 Courses on Your Own Domain

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 05:00:43 -0400

Welcome to another episode of The Online Course Guy! Today’s episode is the first of its kind, because I’m not only speaking with course creator – I’m letting you in on a coaching call.

Now, that doesn’t mean my guest is an online course newbie. Quite the opposite: Jason Dion has already done over 6 figures in course sales so far. But he’s been looking to transition from Udemy to his own domain, and that’s what our conversation centered around.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:57) Why Jason wants to make some changes even though he’s already a successful course creator
(4:07) The reasoning behind his initial foray into Udemy and his pricing strategy so far
(7:44) How he’s done so far with his numerous courses on Udemy
(8:49) Who Jason’s target demographic is and why branching out appeals to him
(10:55) Where he’s currently at with building his business off Udemy
(12:08) Jason’s business team
(12:55) The dilemma he’s facing with pricing and how he plans to differentiate content on different platforms
(13:32) How his sales are doing so far without an integrated marketing funnel
(14:15) What Jason wants to learn from my approach to online courses
(15:10) Some questions that I use to help me determine how to advice course creators
(16:56) The simple basics of funnel marketing
(19:25) The biggest challenge Jason is facing as he sets up his funnel
(20:36) Free opt-in concepts for helping segment his audience
(21:46) Email auto-responders and other elements that will be helpful to Jason as he develops his marketing approach
(24:24) Thinking through segmentation and different potential funnels
(26:27) The types of content to include in marketing emails
(26:38) Why and how to implement scarcity
(28:31) Where Jason will be focusing his initial efforts during his business transition
(29:35) The way he plans to use pay-per-click advertising
(31:23) My recommendations for Jason as he works on next steps for his business
(32:31) Jason’s perspective for people interested in course creation on Udemy versus alternative methods

That wraps it up for today, but don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep up with all the latest episodes. Until next time!

078: Julie Cabezas is Helping Entrepreneurs Actually Understand Social Media Strategy

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 05:00:32 -0400

Today’s guest is one-half of Social Brand School and an expert on building traffic and sales through Instagram. It was great to speak with Julie Cabezas and learn how she and her business partner have been able to create a successful online course in their niche of expertise.

"You want to make the course simple and actionable, to drive a specific result… A course that delivers on its promise is going to be successful."

- Julie Cabezas

Julie shared some awesome tips not only about course creation but on how you and I can be more successful on social media through personal branding and much more. I hope you like what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:09) Why and how Julie and her business partner decided to create an online course
(3:37) The reason they focus on Instagram for their lessons and resources
(4:38) How their business is set up between their agency services and online course
(5:28) Who their ideal clients are and what they’re looking for
(6:53) Julie’s take on why so many entrepreneurs struggle with social media strategy
(8:15) What she would recommend for online course creators who aren’t sure how to use Instagram for marketing
(11:06) How Instagram lends itself to building followings and sales quickly
(13:10) The passive and active sides of Instagram marketing that Julie and Samantha’s course teaches
(14:23) Their course launch and funnel setup
(16:54) How Julie and Samantha’s partnership works
(18:14) Julie’s take on how to build synergy to maintain effective partnerships
(19:25) Where most of their course traffic comes from and how their affiliate options help with sales
(20:35) Why their course is always available for immediate purchase
(22:23) Why they have intermittent spikes in sales
(22:57) The next course Julie and Samantha have in the works and why they want to branch out with their content
(24:31) How they bring additional advanced teaching to students through a mastermind group
(25:42) Julie’s favorite business tools
(28:00) How they process payments without paying a huge amount of fees each month
(30:00) Their biggest business struggles these days
(31:53) Julie’s advice for anyone thinking about starting their online course

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back with more cool tips and great insights from fellow course creators – don’t forget to subscribe!

077: How to Mastermind about Online Courses

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 05:00:40 -0400

On this short and sweet solo episode, I’m here to tell you about mastermind groups and why I am such a big fan of these types of groups. Not only that, I’ll tell you how to join a mastermind if you haven’t already (something which I used to be quite confused about myself). Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:54) What is a mastermind, anyway?
(3:29) How to get involved in masterminds if you’ve never been in one before
(4:53) The different masterminds I’m in today and how they motivate me
(8:45) My recommendations for course creators considering getting involved in mastermind groups

That about does it for today! Are you in a mastermind group? Are you interested in starting one? Drop me a line to let me know – plus don’t forget to subscribe and join me for the next episode of The Online Course Guy podcast.

076: How to Outsource Entire Courses

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 05:00:57 -0400

Welcome to the box! (Once you play the audio you’ll know what I mean.) Today’s episode is one of two that I’m recording as I do a whole bunch of online course brainstorming with some other awesome course creators. Lots of cool stuff is in the works, and for now I’m excited to share how I outsource course creation on today’s solo episode. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:10) My experience with outsourcing entire courses so far
(4:13) How a poll of my existing students led me to my third outsourced course
(5:44) An exciting new resource I’m currently working on
(7:20) The number one lesson I’ve learned about outsourcing courses
(8:48) Two important boxes to check before deciding to create a new resource
(9:54) How to identify the best outsourcing candidates
(11:17) Vetting your best candidates
(11:56) The importance of collaboration during the outsourcing process
(13:32) How to keep the process both efficient and on track with your desired outcome
(14:22) Who to blame if your outsourced course doesn’t turn out the way you hoped
(15:08) The importance of fair compensation
(16:12) How I can help if you’re not quite sure how to take your course to the next level

Thank you for listening in – drop me a line and let me know whether you’d ever outsource a course of your own! I’ll be back with another episode soon.

075: Proper Accounting for an Online Course Business

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 05:00:00 -0400

Just about a year ago, fellow course creators Tim Geiss and Nate Dodson were on the podcast with me talking about a book I just finished: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. It sparked a great discussion about handling some very important aspects of having your own business, and since I’ve now been using the profit first system for a year, I wanted to revisit this topic with you.

"Sales are a vanity metric. They don’t mean anything unless you put them into context."

-Tom Geiss

As evidenced by my continued implementation of what I learned from Profit First, I am a big fan of this way of accounting. It works, and it’s relatively simple to begin using. I hope you enjoy this blast-from-the-past episode – and maybe even consider changing your accounting system as a result. Let’s jump in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(1:48) The accounting system I use
(2:54) The underlying concept behind putting profit first and what that means on a practical level for my business
(4:16) A recap from my conversation last year with Nate and Tom about Profit First
(5:10) Tom’s reasons for implementing this accounting method and how he feels it benefits his business
(7:39) How long it took for me to start implementing profit first and how often I initially was revisiting my system
(10:28) The business credit card that all three of us have found useful
(11:46) Why you can still use this system without rigidly following every single guideline
(12:55) Nate’s question about how Profit First actually benefits businesses and my early takeaways
(17:59) The minimum percentage of profit that this system has you start putting aside each month for emergencies
(19:44) How putting profit first helped Tom feel less uptight about spending money on growing his business
(21:36) The way this process allow for a steady personal income and regular bonuses despite monthly profit fluctuations
(25:38) Tax implications for different types of business structures
(26:44) The difference between being an employee and an investor
(29:42) How using the profit first system affects operating expenses
(31:17) A mistake I probably wouldn’t have made if I was using this system earlier
(32:03) The role of a business emergency fund in Profit First context
(35:21) “The Vault” - an advanced profit first technique
(36:12) Why this system keeps profit and tax accounts separate
(38:10) How putting profit first could benefit one of Nate’s other business
(42:23) Moving from the owner-operator role to being an owner working on the business rather than in it
(43:18) A quick look at FICA accounting
(47:14) How the profit first concept works as you initially implement it
(48:36) The percentage of revenue to set aside for taxes and other categories
(52:33) The main point of Profit First
(53:18) A tip from Tom on operating expense decisions
(56:08) The best type of bank accounts for profit first accounting
(57:56) How the profit first concept could work for businesses beside online courses

We discussed all that and much more, so don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you enjoyed about today’s flashback episode!

074: Scott Duffy is a Huge UDEMY Success

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 05:00:50 -0400

Welcome back to another episode of The Online Course Guy podcast! My guest today has over 20 courses – and I’ve even taken one of them. Scott Duffy is all over Udemy and his name has come up time and time again in the Facebook mastermind groups I’m a part of. So it was only natural that I’d want to have him on my podcast. The conversation that followed covered a lot of ground and it was great to hear Scott’s advice for course creators.

"What is that these people are trying to become?… There is room in this market for so many topics. There are thousands and thousands of topics, but you have to start by thinking about what your students will be or what they will do by the end [of your course]."

-Scott Duffy

Scott provided some great food for thought and shared some interesting perspectives on all things course-related. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:25) Scott’s tagline and why he emphasizes making learning complex topics accessible for his students
(4:25) What more advanced students are looking for and his thoughts on supply/demand for more in-depth courses
(8:44) The platforms where Scott makes his course content available
(12:15) His reasoning behind the recent switch he made in his pricing model
(14:55) How his business has evolved since his early success on Udemy
(16:35) Scott’s perspective on his approach to business
(18:25) How online courses have enabled him to quit his day job and be his own boss
(20:39) The leverage that building your own successful business provides
(22:10) Scott’s advice for anyone interested in getting started in the world of online courses
(26:02) The difference between creating an interesting course and a transformative course
(28:10) What Scott would do if he was starting over today
(30:40) His thoughts on how Udemy could have factored into my course’s success if I had gotten started there earlier
(33:35) The odds of supplanting a top-rated course on Udemy these days
(34:23) Scott’s new work-life balance after quitting his job
(37:08) His favorite part of course creation
(38:16) How the biggest struggle he faces with his business also gives him a competitive advantage
(41:43) Scott’s encouragement for aspiring course creators

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation! Until next time…

073: What I’d Do If I Had To Start Over From Nothing

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 05:00:07 -0400

If you’ve listened in one other TOCG episodes, you already know that a question I almost always ask during interviews is related to how different online course creators would handle getting started today if they didn’t already have a successful brand and business. I think this is a great experiment to work through not only for those of us who already have courses, but for new course creators to hear our thought process.

"What kind of people do you help or want to help… and how are you going to help them?"

-Jacques Hopkins

It was fun to think through what I’d do to get started if I had to do everything basically from scratch all over again. I’ve learned a lot over the course (pun intended) of developing my business, so while I hope I never do have to start over, I think there’s plenty of widely-applicable info here that you can learn from if you want to start your own course. ????

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:44) A thought experiment with some very limited parameters
(3:58) What I’d do first if I was just starting out and what I definitely do early on
(5:59) The top two books I want to read if I had to start from scratch
(6:14) The basic tech I couldn’t do without
(6:43) Niche-specific gear I’d need
(7:27) The three services I’d sign up for right away
(8:04) How long I’d be able to stay under-budget with this setup
(8:39) The very first steps I’d take to record and create my course
(9:55) How I’d set up my funnel and build my email list
(11:06) What I’d do to develop an online presence and branding
(13:38) How I’d try to build authority as well as get people into my funnel
(16:23) Getting from the point of sales to course launch (and what I’d pitch in the meantime)
(18:39) The most important things I’d be putting my time and effort into in those early days of my course setup
(19:34) How I’d use YouTube starting out
(20:36) Building out the actual course and how that can affect the sales funnel
(21:22) Why so many people seem to struggle getting started with their course
(22:10) How I can help you avoid reinventing the wheel when it comes to course creation

Thanks for listening in as I went through this little thought experiment today. Stay tuned for another TOCG episode coming soon!

072: Why I Use ClickFunnels for My Online Courses

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 05:00:27 -0400

ClickFunnels – you’ve probably heard of this tool before if you’ve started or are interested in starting an online business. I am a huge fan of ClickFunnels, and I use it for both my piano course and here at The Online Course Guy. There are some big pros and cons that come into play with this popular marketing funnel tool, so get ready to hear what I love (and don’t love) about it!

One more thing: this episode is not sponsored by ClickFunnels. So what you’re getting here is my unbiased opinion. Ready?

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:08) How ClickFunnels originally got onto my radar and why it appealed to me
(5:43) My initial impressions of ClickFunnels compared to tools I had been previously using
(7:18) What I use it for today and my favorite features
(9:39) The three biggest reasons I love using ClickFunnels
(10:07) A feature that I’m not so fond of
(11:36) Pricing considerations and comparisons with another favorite tool of mine
(12:58) My thoughts on ClickFunnels’ membership site features
(13:32) An upcoming experiment I’ll be doing that course creators should find VERY interesting
(15:36) My recommendation if you’re interested in marketing funnel tools for your business (link below)

That wraps it up for today! Please feel free to shoot me an email anytime and let me know what kind of marketing funnel tools you use, or any questions about what I’ve shared on this episode. Until next time!

071: SEO for Online Courses with Caleb Ulku

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 05:00:04 -0400

Continuing with the theme of peeking behind the scenes of my online course, today I’m sharing my recent chat with Caleb Ulku of Ulku Logistics, someone who’s been really helpful to my business on the SEO side of things. This episode went a bit long, simply because we covered so many relevant points when it comes to this important topic!

"If your domain is less than 3-6 months old, it’s extremely hard to rank [high in Google search results]. As soon as you have a brand name, buy a domain and throw a website up. Get that clock ticking."

-Caleb Ulku

Caleb had some awesome tips for people starting out with SEO and provided a lot of insight into how SEO can really bolster your business. I hope you enjoy what you learn today!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:18) What Caleb does for PI21D and how his service has impacted my course
(6:12) Why SEO can be so tricky
(7:27) The main ways you can earn the favor of Google’s search algorithm
(9:00) Google’s end-goal for SEO
(9:53) How Caleb has improved my site’s search rankings in spite of evolving Google algorithms
(14:28) Distinguishing between SEO strategy and sites that seem to rank high with no apparent strategy
(17:27) A fascinating phenomenon that happens when you start ranking on the first page of search results
(18:09) An example of how SEO strategy sometimes needs a lot of tweaking
(20:54) My early SEO mistakes and why Caleb’s pitch to my business really stood out
(22:06) How he first got started in SEO
(25:07) Split-testing as a tool for identifying SEO strategies
(26:00) Caleb’s company and the types of services they offer
(27:38) Where my business is at currently in terms of SEO these days
(29:50) What terms like “white hat,” “gray hat, and “black hat” actually mean
(31:30) Caleb’s take on link-building practices
(33:49) How his company stays up-to-date with Google’s search algorithms and his thoughts on why updates are so challenging to navigate
(36:57) Alternative search engines and whether it makes sense to try to rank for their algorithms
(42:24) Caleb’s extensive advice for new course creators on a budget

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know the most surprising thing you learned about SEO!

070: How to Outsource Your Email & Hire Amazing Remote Workers

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 05:00:36 -0400

Today’s episode is quite different from those I’ve done before, but I think you’re going to find it helpful nonetheless! One of the questions I hear the most is about how I outsource a lot of my online course business emails, social comments, and more. So for this episode I’ve brought on Emily, a part-time contractor who’s been working for me on these and other kind of tasks for over a year now.

"Clearly outline your expectations and provide a vision of what you think [the work] will look like long-term."

-Emily Z.

It was awesome to get Emily’s perspective on another side of my business, as well as hear her advice for people looking to hire remote contractors like her.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:29) When and how Emily got started working for me
(4:13) The kinds of jobs she was considering when she saw my job post on Upwork
(7:31) Why I was looking to outsource certain aspects of email/comments and writing/editing
(8:09) What drew me to Emily’s application compared other contractors
(8:57) The job vetting-process from both our perspectives
(12:22) Her thoughts on her initial one-month trial period of working with me
(14:05) What her daily tasks and some other more sporadic things she helps me with
(16:57) Her current daily schedule and weekly hours
(19:36) A unique aspect of her schedule
(20:39) How Upwork works not only for hiring but as a platform for communication and payment
(25:45) Emily’s advice for people looking to get into remote freelancing work
(30:10) What she would look for if she was on the hiring side of the equation

I hope you enjoyed this relatively unconventional podcast episode of The Online Course Guy! I’ll be back in a couple days with more great info for course creators.

069: Tim Topham on Memberships vs One Time Fee

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 05:00:36 -0400

I’m back with another piano-related episode, this time with Tim Topham! Tim’s focused on the piano teacher niche, a departure from the other piano course creators I’ve spoken with so far. We had a great conversation that you’re sure to benefit from if you’re a new or aspiring course creator yourself.

"Get yourself out there. If I’m going to follow you [online], I want to see your picture and know more about you."

-Tim Topham

Tim shared some great perspectives on creating online communities, building authority in your niche, and more. I hope you enjoy what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:50) When and how the idea to create an online course first came to Tim
(7:26) What the transition from blogging successfully to building traffic for his course looked like
(9:04) Market saturation and how to set niche content apart from competitors
(12:35) The steps Tim took to make his online course a reality
(15:02) What he would (and would not) do differently if he was starting over today
(17:33) How observing the way students use Tim’s content led him to switch to a different pricing model
(22:42) Tim’s emphasis on building community for piano teachers online
(24:26) How many active subscribers he currently has
(25:28) His perspective on how to become an authority in your market
(27:09) How Tim has developed a professional-looking presence on the web over time
(29:27) His advice for aspiring course creators
(30:29) His current biggest struggle in his business
(34:10) Tim’s final thoughts and advice

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back soon with more cool tips and great insights from fellow course creators – don’t forget to subscribe!

068: Arantxa Mateo’s Weight Management Course

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 05:00:45 -0400

Not too long ago I had the pleasure of having Arantxa Mateo come on the show to discuss her online course business. There are a lot of weight loss plans and diets out there, but she has a different approach to the concept of weight management. Arantxa is very invested in her students’ success, and it was great to speak with her about her online course. Along the way, we chatted about some challenges specific to her niche and some advice that will be useful no matter what you plan to teach in your own course!

"People are not looking for perfection. They are looking for you to solve their problem."

-Arantxa Mateo

Arantxa had awesome tips about weight management and an interesting approach to teaching. Though you may not be in her particular niche, there’s still plenty to be inspired by as you listen in to our interview!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:15) Why Arantxa decided to create her own online course
(4:15) What makes her weight-management program unique
(5:57) How she teaches people to lose weight without imposing a specific diet
(8:46) Her educational philosophy
(9:07) Arantxa’s unique program name and how she came up with it
(12:11) The steps she took to create her course
(14:33) How she uses scarcity - and why she vetts her course enrollees before allowing them to sign up
(16:50) Why her sales strategy is based around building long-term rapport with potential students
(18:55) Arantxa’s email list
(19:25) How she generates traffic to her website without a very aggressive SEO strategy
(20:34) How she uses personal calls to determine whether people are good fits for her course and make sales
(24:42) The way Arantxa incorporates one-on-one training into some of her course options
(25:52) Her advice to people who are just getting started in the online course world

Thank you for listening in today – I hope you enjoyed what you learned! I’ll be back with another episode soon.

067: How to Drive TRAFFIC to Your Online Course

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 05:00:30 -0400

Welcome to another TOCG episode! Today I’m here with me, myself, and I, because I wanted to take some time to walk you through a topic that comes up a lot when I coach new course creators. That topic is traffic: why you absolutely need to find ways to drive traffic to your course and how to make that happen.

"Stay consistent."

-Jacques Hopkins

There are three main paths to build traffic that I’m covering in this episode, and as you listen through I want to you to choose just one to start with – and make sure you listen all the way to the end for a traffic-driving secret that works great for me and can make a huge difference for your online course, too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:31) YouTube as a traffic source for my piano course and many other courses
(3:23) Podcasting for building traffic (and how this has been working for me for my second course)
(4:09) Why different media types are more suited to different types of content
(4:27) Choosing at least one traffic-building strategy for you new course
(4:44) A few simple tips for blog-driven traffic and how this has worked even for me as a non-blogger
(6:05) Putting out quality YouTube content in 2018
(7:07) A commonly-overlooked key to creating good YouTube videos
(8:11) What your main concern should be if you want your YouTube channel to stand out
(10:15) Two other extremely important keys to catching viewers’ eyes and converting them into clicks
(13:56) Podcasting to direct traffic towards your sales funnel
(15:07) The resource I recommend you check out to learn how to podcast
(16:16) Blogging to build authority in the minds of your potential customers
(16:56) How people usually find my courses
(17:39) Why creating my first course was a real eye-opener about how traffic-building strategy really works
(19:30) My #1 piece of advice for course creators when it comes to generating traffic

That about does it for today’s solo episode! Which traffic-building strategy appeals to you the most? Please drop me a line and let me know – I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to tune in for another episode of TOCG coming up soon.

066: Kerstin Cable Puts a New Spin on Language Courses

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 05:00:57 -0400

Happy Monday! I had a really interesting chat with Kerstin Cable recently, and I’m glad you’re here to listen in! Kerstin is a polyglot and online course creator who has a very unique main course – plus some more traditional ones as well. We talked about her rationale behind the language-learning approach she teaches, and what she shared gave me a lot of food for thought.

"Make [your course] about half the size you think it should be."

-Kerstin Cable

I’m still mulling over what Kerstin shared in today’s episode, and I invite you to do the same after you listen to our chat!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:28) Kerstin’s courses and which she considers to be her “flagship”
(5:46) The unique setup and approach of her main course
(7:05) Her target audience and their typical pain points
(8:57) What Kerstin advises for people like me who are frustrated with their language progress (or lack thereof)
(12:41) How she developed her resources from her own language learning experience and other’s feedback
(13:43) Why she steered away from video content for her flagship course
(15:35) How her courses help students achieve their language-learning goals
(19:46) Kerstin’s live analysis of how someone like me could best benefit from her unique learning approach
(26:39) The way she’s set up her resources on Teachable
(28:26) Sales for her newest course so far, and how her podcast works as a marketing tool
(29:29) Other ways she drives traffic to her website
(31:44) How Kerstin balances her passions and interests with more practical concerns
(32:33) Why her courses aren’t all on the same platform
(34:08) How the “80/20” rule can be a great value proposition for students
(35:23) Kerstin’s advice for people interested in creating their first course

We covered a lot of interesting ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation! I’ll be back with another episode soon.

065: Millette Jones Can Teach You How to Be a Guest on Top Podcasts

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 05:00:00 -0400

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Millette Jones: coach, speaker, and online course creator. As someone with plenty of experience on both sides of the podcast mic, Millette was able to share some great tips not only her course covering podcast guesting, but also sharing practical ways that anyone can get started pitching podcasters.

"If you’re just getting started, remember that you’re always an expert on your own story… Share your story and that will bring value to your audience."

-Millette Jones

Our conversation definitely gave me some food for thought, and I think you’re going to benefit from what Millette shared, too. Enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:20) Millette’s course on how to get booked for podcasts - and what initially sparked her interest in teaching online
(4:59) The steps she took to create her business
(6:13) Her number one observation on where people who want to get onto podcasts go wrong
(7:35) The difference between tooting your own horn and demonstrating the value you can bring to a podcaster’s audience
(8:15) The craziest pitch Millette’s received in her entire career, and her thoughts on how it could been handled better
(12:34) Her ideal student and what they can expect to learn with Millette’s course
(13:37) How she launched her course
(16:25) Why she’s happy with slow and steady sales growth
(17:47) The challenge of creating community around course enrollees
(19:41) Which platform and tools Millette is currently using
(22:29) The amount of time she has to spend on her course to keep it running successfully
(22:24) Other aspects of her business and a new area she is expanding into
(25:24) Where the majority of her traffic comes from
(25:56) Why she includes a banner on her site notifying visitors of cookies
(27:24) Millette’s thoughts on how podcast appearances can benefit entrepreneurs and course creators
(29:21) What she recommends for people who aren’t comfortable pitching themselves as podcast guests
(31:33) Her biggest current struggle with her business
(32:06) Millette’s advice for course creators who are just getting started

Thanks for listening and learning along with me today. I’ll be back next week with another interesting episode of The Online Course Guy! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe!

064: Dr. Greg Bottaro Found a Niche With a Market But No Competition

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 05:00:03 -0400

What if you could start an online course with zero competition in your niche? That’s what Dr. Greg Bottaro has done, and it was so cool to speak with him and hear all about it. He also offered some great insights into starting online courses and how to find the niche that fits you best.

"Find out how your passion and interests meets other people’s needs… Figure out what your experience and expertise can do to help the world."

-Dr. Greg Bottaro

It was great to get Dr. Greg’s perspective on what has worked for him (and what hasn’t), and I think you’ll enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:10) What that led up to Dr. Greg creating a course
(6:37) How he moved from teaching one-on-one into the world of teaching online
(7:37) Dr. Greg’s most popular course and his thoughts on potentially updating it in the future
(8:48) Why he’s loyal to Teachable as a course platform - for now
(10:03) How creating courses led him to write books as well (plus a potential downside)
(15:13) The pros and cons of the lack of competition in Dr. Greg’s niche
(17:51) Dr. Greg’s lead magnets and how he builds traffic
(19:13) How his marketing strategy has evolved and what he’s planning on tweaking in the future
(22:33) How he developed his pricing structure
(23:38) Balancing work and family when working from home
(25:54) His biggest struggle in his business these days
(28:06) Dr. Greg’s advice to anyone considering making their own online course

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

063: Neil Napier Wants You to Make Your First $1,000 From Your Online Course

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 05:00:39 -0400

Neil Napier was my guest for today’s episode, and having him on was definitely inspiring! He’s course creator whose mission is to help online entrepreneurs gain confidence and make sales, one tangible goal at a time. He’s also the co-founder of Kyvio, a tool for online entrepreneurs and course creators.

"Simply get things done as best as you can, put it out live, and get some feedback [to] see what people think about it."

-Neil Napier

Neil has some great info and tips to share, especially for people who might be hesitant about getting started with their online course. He also provided some interesting insights into how Kyvio can help course creators set up sales funnels and membership sites from start to finish.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:46) Why Neil got started in the online course space
(3:43) The learning curve he faced when creating his first course and a few of the tools he used
(5:07) The tool he now uses for his funnels, email marketing, and membership sites (hint: this own company)
(6:52) The pros and cons of Kyvio, ClickFunnels, and Kartra
(8:10) The process Neil uses these days to help identify what his audience wants before he creates new courses
(12:03) His recommendations for online course sales page
(13:24) How to determine and create the content for sales videos
(14:49) Kyvio’s business motto and the community they’re creating around tangible goals
(16:08) The sticking points that can prevent people from achieving their first $1,000 of course income
(18:00) What course creators can expect if they’re learning from Neil about how to reach that $1,000 goal
(20:04) Why he’s happy to share so much valuable content within his Facebook group and podcast
(21:37) His recommended next steps for course creators have hit their first goal and want to grow further
(22:28) Neil’s traffic-building strategies depending on budget and niche
(23:02) His most important advice for aspiring course creators

That about does it for today – don’t forget to join me for the next episode! Thank you for listening in.

062: Marisa Meddin’s College Prep Course

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 05:00:30 -0400

For today’s episode I brought on Marisa Meddin, a former marketer and e-commerce entrepreneur who’s now focused on her online course business teaching parents how to prep their children for college. We had a great chat and talked about a topic I haven’t really covered much in other interviews, so I hope you enjoy listening in!

"Think about what you want your life to look like and work backwards from there."

-Marisa Meddin

I know I came away from our talk with lots of food for thought, and I think you will too! I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of our conversation.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:50) What let Marisa to create a course and stop selling physical products
(5:08) The information her online course covers and who it’s for
(6:22) How she identified her niche
(8:08) What it took to get from the idea stage to launching her course
(9:26) Her take on her current lack of competition in the online course space
(11:28) The greatest challenge she faces when differentiating between her course and one-on-one coaching
(12:07) How she markets and attracts traffic, plus she’s currently spending on certain types of ads
(13:38) Marisa’s favorite tech tools
(16:46) Her sales funnel setup
(18:44) How she currently uses scarcity techniques, and where she’s looking to increase scarcity in the future
(20:25) What Marisa’s daily routine looks like
(21:10) One of the big benefits she’s seen since starting her own online course
(22:53) How she makes sure she keeps her days and workload on track
(24:35) Our thoughts on choosing where to draw the line between what you’re willing to provide to customers compared to what they’re willing to pay
(28:44) Outsourcing and how job creation for others can help course creators reach their lifestyle goals
(30:25) Course pricing strategies and how charging what you’re worth can benefit your customer as well as you
(36:10) A cool tool for a very specific purpose
(37:53) Marisa’s top advice for aspiring course creators

We covered some interesting ground today, so make sure you subscribe to get all the latest updates from my podcast.

061: Elise Darma on How to Leverage Instagram for Your Online Course

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 05:00:24 -0400

Recently I had the chance to talk with Instagram influencer and online course creator Elise Darma. She had plenty of great tips not only for Instagram but for how to develop a personal brand and create a community around the knowledge we course creators are trying to share.

"If you’re starting from absolute scratch, build your community first."

-Elise Darma

I’m still mulling over what I learned in today’s episode, and I think you’ll enjoy what you learn, too. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:51) Why and how Elise balances her travelling with time at home
(4:37) Her course format and why teaching different topics online can come with different challenges
(6:00) How Elise keeps her students accountable for what they’re learning
(7:04) The way her background informs her two courses
(8:19) What led to the creation of Elise’s first course
(11:07) Why she developed a pre-launch sales strategy, and how she handled content creation on a tight timeline
(13:35) The sales results she’s gotten since debuting her course
(14:13) How Elise learned the skills that she’s now teaching
(16:58) The way she posts on Instagram to create a personal brand story
(18:10) Her perspective on how coaching and project managers factor into the success of her brand
(20:23) Elise’s advice for people interested in hiring a coach
(22:07) Ideas for marketing through Instagram - even for those of us selling non-physical products
(27:05) Her webinar funnel and sales sequence
(31:08) Thoughts on using ClickFunnels and evergreen webinars for marketing
(34:02) How she gets traffic to her funnel
(38:12) Her perspective on how some people seem more focused on revenue than profit
(41:11) Elise’s advice for anyone interested in created their own online course

We discuss all that and much more, so don’t forget to shoot me an email and let me know what you enjoyed about today’s episode!

060: Mike Goncalves on Making Your Next Course Better Than Your Last One

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 05:00:14 -0400

Today’s interview was jam-packed with inspiration, so I’m glad you’re here! Mike Goncalves is a life coach, podcaster, and successful course creator who is all about helping people live their best life. He’s learned some fascinating lessons while growing his business, and shared a lot of insight that any new course creators can learn from.

"Create something even if you think it’s ugly and dumb and no one’s going to buy it. Create it anyway, and put it out there."

-Mike Goncalves

I really appreciated Mike taking the time to share his perspective on evolving course offerings over time and leveling up in all sorts of ways when it comes to running an online business. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:31) Mike’s online courses and where he is focusing his efforts these days
(4:44) How he views his courses when looking at his business overall
(6:10) His main website and how he funnels traffic towards his favorite aspect of teaching
(8:16) Why he doesn’t market aggressively for his courses (at least for now)
(9:56) The drive behind continuously improving course content
(10:47) The positive and negative sides to feedback Mike received on one of his course’s names
(12:28) How past hiccups have ultimately helped him improve his business - and why imperfect efforts are nothing to be ashamed of
(13:38) The important steps Mike has taken to ensure the success of his newest course
(18:39) Why he decided to partner with a fellow expert in the coaching space while working on his newest course offering
(20:09) How past experience has shaped the way he’s set up his current partnership
(22:37) Mike’s approach to launches and enrollments
(24:33) The interactivity that really set’s Mike’s course apart
(25:56) His course pricing strategy
(27:46) How he handles the tech side of his business
(29:28) Mike’s biggest struggle these days, and his counterintuitive response
(32:02) His advice for aspiring and new course creators

What was your favorite tip or insight from today’s interview? Please feel free to drop me a line via email and let me know – plus don’t forget to subscribe!

059: Mark Lassoff says “Please Don’t Make an Online Course”

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 05:00:38 -0400

If the title of today’s episode has you worried, join the club! When I was researching my guest Mark Lassoff and his online courses, I came across a popular article he wrote last year that could seem pretty controversial for those of us who are online course creators. Fortunately, I had the chance to chat with him and hear firsthand more of his perspective on how to provide great content and succeed in the online course space.

"You have to differentiate yourself through your personality, through what you teach, and what you actually give to your learners."

-Mark Lassoff

Mark is clearly passionate about what he does, and that carries over in the way that he gave such careful thought to my questions. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:52) An interesting article Mark wrote last year - and why he’s spreading a message of quality over quantity when it comes to online courses
(4:41) Deconstructing a popular myth about course creation
(6:55) The initial reason Mark believes he experienced a huge amount of success so quickly
(7:57) His perspective on failure and following your passion
(8:28) Some great food for thought for people who are really determined to succeed with their online course
(10:52) How courses can play a part in transforming lives
(12:34) The current role of SEO and rankings in Udemy courses
(13:26) The story behind Mark’s transition from in-person teaching to creating online resources
(14:32) His company’s transition into additional platforms while still incorporating Udemy
(18:02) His perspective on continuing to teach many of his own courses as his business grows
(18:32) Mark’s advice for course creators interested in expanding into the video streaming space and digital television
(20:30) His biggest business struggles
(21:12) What he would do differently if he was starting over today

That wraps it up for today, but don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep up with all my latest episodes. Have a great weekend!

058: Zach Evans is a Piano (and Online Course) Superhuman

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 05:00:49 -0400

One of the things I love about doing this podcast has been learning from fellow course creators – some of whom are teaching topics that are super-different that mine and some who are actually my competitors. Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Zach Evans, a fellow course creator focusing on teaching piano online. Hearing where our businesses are similar and different provided some interesting food for thought.

"Here’s a video. Watch the video, do exactly what I say, and see if it works. If it works, you can sign up for my course."

-Zach Evans on his marketing approach

It was awesome to have a chance to finally speak with Zach! I hope you enjoy listening in.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

3:34) How Zach initially started building his piano resource business
6:35) The reason he set up so many websites and courses, plus his thoughts on the process today
9:22) Zach’s marketing approach and sales funnels
11:36) Where his traffic comes from
12:58) His target audience and ideal customer
14:07) The ROI he’s currently getting on different social platform ads
16:30) His thoughts on costs per lead in paid advertising
17:25) A surprising observation on who our courses tend to attract
18:18) Why Zach has set up his courses on a membership model
19:11) The online tool he relies on for his business
20:05) The amount of time Zach spends on his business each week, and what he’s using his free time for these days
21:11) How creating successful online courses has impacted his lifestyle and goal setting
22:13) Zach’s current biggest struggle in his business
23:23) His advice for new course creators

We discuss all that and more, so don’t forget to drop me a line and let me know what you enjoyed about today’s episode!

057: David Walliman’s Successful YouTube Funnel

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 05:00:57 -0400

Happy Monday! Continuing on the recent theme of online courses with a musical emphasis, my guest today is David Walliman, guitarist and course creator. But that’s not to say that only the musically-inclined will benefit from what he had to share – on this episode he shared how he’s created a highly successful YouTube funnel, with some great ideas for any course creator no matter what your topic of choice is.

"The more specific you are with your audience, the less competition there is and the better quality product you can produce."

-David Walliman

David really honed in on some important info for anyone looking for practical ways to boost their traffic. It was awesome to hear his insights, so I hope you’ll like what you hear!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:30) David’s guitar qualifications, and what led him to create a course
(4:38) His transition process from teaching in person to offering content online
(8:18) How his brand and sales focus have evolved over time
(11:20) The how and why behind the way he defines his niche and target audience
(13:04) The role YouTube plays in his business, and how he strategizes his traffic-building process
(16:14) What David wishes he had started doing earlier as he developed his business
(17:20) The evolution of his YouTube content - and how he keeps generating new video ideas
(22:41) How he’s using specific language and marketing to really ensure he attracts the right students for his content
(22:54) The initial distinction he drew between his own music and his learning resources, and how he’s rethought his perspective over time
(25:43) How David figured out what would improve his branding and found a design agency to help
(27:40) Some interesting results for his web traffic data
(29:50) The impact email marketing has had on David’s business
(32:12) His favorite tools and platforms
(33:50) The biggest struggles he’s currently facing and how he hopes to address it in the future
(38:25) His advice for aspiring course creators

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

056: Evergreen Funnel MORALITY

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 05:00:54 -0400

This episode is a little different than ones I’ve done before. After the previous episode where I interviewed Rob Hampton, we got into a conversation on evergreen funnels that I thought was definitely worth sharing. Rob had some questions about how I set up my sales funnel – not only from a logistics side of things but also about the ethics of evergreen funnels.

With Rob’s permission, I’m posting our talk here so anyone else who’s been thinking about this (or didn’t realize they should) can figure out their stance on certain marketing topics too. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know your thoughts!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:10) The percentage of sales I get from people who sign up for my course through my email list
(3:37) Where my traffic and email opt-ins typically come from
(5:30) Rob’s concerns about marketing and specifically evergreen funnels
(8:29) My perspective on funnels and marketing in general
(13:23) My refund policy, the Golden Rule, and how that factors into student experience
(15:56) Thoughts on how perceived scarcity can actually benefit consumers
(17:32) How some evergreen webinars cross the line when it comes to integrity
(20:35) Using Bonjoro to connect with customers (plus a live recording of me sending out one of the many Bonjoro videos I record each week)

That wraps it up for this week, but don’t forget to subscribe! I’ll be back next week with some more great info on course creation.

055: Susie Parker is certified. But does that matter?

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 05:00:45 -0400

On today’s episode I brought on a guest who would have really come in handy about a year ago! Susie Parker is a sleep consultant and course creator who candidly shared with me what her course creation process has looked like, what she’s learned along the way, and what she’d do differently if she was just starting out today.

"You need to pre-sell. Don’t spend a ton of time creating until you know you’re going to be selling."

-Susie Parker

Susie really got me thinking about some of the intricacies of course creation and niche marketing. It was a pleasure to speak with her, and I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:00) Susie’s journey into sleep consultancy
(5:25) How she got started in the course creation world
(6:19) The early mistake she made, and what she learned as a result
(7:15) What her early forays into building her website and sales funnel looked like
(8:45) How she’s balanced her course sales with one-on-one consultation sales
(11:02) Susie’s observations on the different demographics in her audience
(11:43) The simple way she addresses her customers’ pain points
(14:10) Her thoughts on the pros and cons of creating scarcity for her audience
(15:24) Why she currently uses Teachable, and what she is transitioning into using for the future
(21:16) Susie’s take on her sleep consultancy certification and its effects on her business
(23:29) Where the majority of her traffic comes from, and how her SEO strategy has evolved over time
(24:49) Her most recent business struggles
(29:43) Her goals for future hiring/outsourcing and what she’s experienced during platform transitions
(33:22) Susie’s advice for anyone interested in creating an online course

Whew! That about does it for today – time for a quick nap. ???? Don’t forget to join me for the next episode of The Online Course Guy!

054: Rob Hampton is Thinking Outside the Box with His Guitar Courses

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:00:03 -0400

I’m back with another interview, this time with Rob Hampton, an experienced guitar teacher and course creator. Rob’s course creation journey and unusual approach to his niche of choice provides a lot of food for thought and a lot of passion to be inspired by

"Be nimble, be tough… Keep your list warm."

-Rob Hampton

It was great to hear what has (and hasn’t) worked for Rob as an online entrepreneur, as well as where he might be headed in the future. Thinking outside the box is definitely worthwhile, and I hope you’ll apply this idea to your own niche to see what interesting new ideas you come up with!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:43) Rob’s guitar and guitar teaching journey - and what got him interested in teaching online
(6:20) The steps he took to start building content, and what that looked like back in the early days of online tech
(7:04) His explanation of chord charts as they relate to his guitar approach (a topic which is useful to know about for my piano course, too!)
(8:55) What led Rob to transition his website from a “business card” to an online learning resource
(10:23) The significance of his Alexa Rating, and where a lot of his traffic is coming from
(12:38) The importance of lead magnets and attracting the right kind of student
(14:03) What Rob would do differently if he was creating his first course now
(15:16) The exciting new niche he is targeting with his new course
(15:33) What he sees as the benefit of offering chord chart resources online, and what excites him the most about teaching guitar
(18:13) How getting ahead of the curve with posting guitar resources helped him boost his SEO ratings very early on
(19:29) The inspiration and steps behind his current and upcoming courses
(20:39) A challenging aspect of finding the correct niche and converting traffic into sales - plus how he’s using what he’s learned to plan for future course offerings
(22:40) The difficulties of engaging with his core course demographic based on his current subscription model
(24:41) What seperating his online business into two segments looks like for him now as he launches his latest course
(27:30) How Rob identified pain points and motivations for his second target demographic
(31:15) The exciting ways that his new course will help aspiring musicians and performers
(34:44) How he rates the current trajectory of his launch, and his biggest recent takeaway
(39:58) The best mindset and strategy to have when developing online courses
(40:40) How Rob was able to create his website, sales funnel, and lead magnets without outsourcing
(43:18) The software and resources he’s used along the way
(45:17) His top advice for new course creators

We discuss all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you enjoyed what you heard! Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you found most helpful about this interview – and make sure you subscribe!

053: TOP 3 ONLINE COURSE FUNNELS

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 05:00:12 -0400

I switched things up a bit for today’s episode, and in the process shared some valuable info that has really impacted the success of my course and many others. Instead of bringing on a guest, I’ve run through the 3 most effective sales funnels I’ve ever seen. Learning how they work and implementing some of them myself was a huge factor in kicking my business into gear

"The insights I got by talking one-on-one with my customers has been completely invaluable."

–Jacques Hopkins

By using one or more the funnels I describe in the episode, you will be doing yourself a huge favor. So I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:15) What is a funnel? I explain the most basic form of a sales funnel - and why it’s not ideal
(3:22) The goal of each step in your funnel
(3:57) The types of traffic that could introduce potential customers into your sales funnel
(4:35) Three main components I recommend for the middle of your sales funnel
(5:12) Why I don’t recommend skipping certain funnel steps - even though I do know of success stories from people who do just that
(7:09) How and why one of my personal favorite funnels works
(11:12) Some examples of how the Product Launch Formula funnel has benefitted course creators
(11:57) Another funnel type that is all the rage these days - and for good reason
(13:50) My advice for anyone setting up an evergreen webinar
(16:55) The absolute best resource I’ve found for webinar creators
(18:05) A great example of a webinar that works
(18:19) A less common funnel that has been making a comeback recently, and why you might want to consider using it
(23:06) You’ve picked a sales funnel to use for your business - how do you turn that into sales?
(23:51) An outside-the-box sales technique I recommend for new course creators
(28:25) A quick recap, plus why you should consider using more than one funnel

I enjoyed this special solo edition of my podcast, but I’ll be back soon with more interesting interviews with course creators. Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to subscribe!

052: Steve Lungrin is a Fellow Piano Man

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 07:23:21 -0400

I’m back with a very special episode of The Online Course Guy podcast! This was a first for me: I had the chance to talk with a course creator who, like me, has an online piano course! Steve Lungrin joined me to chat about the many fascinating lessons he’s learned with his course, and I really enjoyed hearing from someone in the same online space as me.

"It’s less about making sales, and more about finding the right customers."

-Steve Lungrin

Steve was super-transparent about his journey both with the piano as an instrument and his course creation process. Even if you aren’t focused on music courses specifically, you’re going to hear lots of tips that could help you no matter what topic you’re teaching!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:43) How Steve first got into playing piano
(7:01) The seemingly-random scenario that luckily led him to a different approach
(8:32) Why Steve was initially skeptical about turning his passion for piano into a career
(9:55) What led him to take his know-how and turn it into an online course
(12:40) How he started pulling in 4 figures monthly about 6 months after setting up his course
(15:43) What’s changed in his business over the years, and some future changes he may make
(18:05) Steve’s thoughts balancing a course structure with the actual lesson content
(20:04) His advice for anyone looking to create their own course
(21:27) What he would do differently if he was starting over today
(21:50) How changing technology has impacted his business and led him to evolve over time
(22:56) The most important lesson he’s been learning recently
(25:12) What Steve’s sales funnel currently looks like, and his detailed plans for what he wants to add into his funnel
(28:31) His plans for revamping his pricing structure
(28:59) The platform he swears by for his online course
(30:46) Steve’s biggest struggle over the years as an entrepreneur
(31:28) His advice for anyone working on their business
(35:47) What Steve hopes every entrepreneur will remember

And stay tuned for next time – I’ll be doing a special solo show explaining the ultimate top three sales funnels!

051: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner on Snowballing Blogging into an Ultra-Successful Online Course

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 12:35:40 -0400

Welcome to yet another TOCG podcast episode! Michelle Schroeder-Garner came on to tell me all about she snowballed her blog into an online course AND how she gets WIFI on her boat – plus shared some really helpful tips along the way

"Unless you put yourself out there, you’ll never know how it will turn out."

- Michelle Schroeder-Garner

Michelle passed on some great info and insights, and as a result I’m already implementing some tweaks in my own business. Enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:04) The wide range of expertise Michelle brings to the table, and what her different income streams look like
(4:56) What led her to develop an online course on affiliate marketing
(5:48) How her passion for traveling factors into her business, and why she’s so motivated to develop passive income
(6:50) How Michelle rates her different income streams
(7:17) Her current sales funnel setup for her online course, and where most of her traffic comes from
(8:51) How she decided her course price-point
(10:18) The way that Michelle keeps her business expenses low
(11:08) What affiliate marketing looks like for her course on affiliate marketing (pretty meta, I know)
(11:45) Her advice for those of us who aren’t bloggers by trade but want to get started with affiliate marketing
(12:53) Michelle’s recommendations for online course creators who are considering diversifying their business
(14:38) Her important tips on how to disclose affiliate links in your web content
(17:19) Her course development process, and how she responds to student requests for additional information
(18:24) What Michelle would have done differently if she could go back in time
(18:47) The top advice she has for anyone considering creating their own online course
(19:43) What she sees ahead for her business and future goals

That’s all for now, folks! See you on the other side of this weekend (and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of The Online Course Guy)!

050: Jason Kleinberg’s Online Fiddle Course

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 05:00:36 -0400

What’s the difference between a fiddle and violin? Well if you don’t know the answer, you’re in the right place. Today’s episode features my interview with Jason Kleinberg of FiddleHed.com. He’s had a really interesting, organic path to course creation, so it was very cool to hear his story.

"Start giving people things and see what happens."

- Jason Kleinberg

There were lots of little nuggets to learn from in my conversation with Jason, including how his mindset and approach to his business has really evolved with time. It was good to get perspective on what has worked so far for him, and I think you’ll enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(2:34) How Jason got started creating video lessons for his fiddle students, and the turning point that led him to create an online education system
(5:22) The most important addition to his business so far
(7:20) How his online lessons and course development are intertwined with in-person lessons
(9:05) What led Jason to use a subscription model for his website (and why he didn’t jump into the world of subscriptions right away)
(10:21) Steps he took to learn how to launch the most recent form of his business
(10:45) The book that changed his outlook on outsourcing - and what transitioning to outsourcing looked like for his business
(15:20) The realization that Jason had on how to improve communication with his team
(17:04) How his pre-launch and launch looked
(19:25) What he’s thinking about changing in the future for his pricing and membership structure
(23:50) Where most of Jason’s traffic comes from - and how a furry friend has helped build rapport with his fans and students
(26:08) His biggest struggle with his business and work-life balance
(28:52) Jason’s advice for course creators who are just starting out

That wraps it up for today, but don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep up with all the latest episodes. Catch you later!

049: Jeremy Deighan talks UDEMY!

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 05:00:48 -0400

On today’s episode I had the chance to talk with Jeremy Deighan, course creator and online entrepreneur. Jeremy is a co-host with Phil Ebener on their own podcast about online courses, so this was an amazing chance to pick his brain on the topic

"Don’t be scared… go through the process, and figure out what you need to fix later on."

- Jeremy Deighan

Jeremy provided some great food for thought on how Udemy has worked as a platform for his business. In fact, during the course of our conversation Jeremy convinced me to make some of my own content available on this platform for the first time!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:29) How Jeremy first got into doing business online - and what hooked him on creating online courses
(6:53) The process behind creating his own course (on a relatively simple topic) and building it out into several additional related courses with more advanced information
(8:25) Why he got started on the Udemy platform and has continued on to incredible success there
(10:07) Some options he suggests for new course creators
(11:23) The restrictions that new Udemy course creators have on their content
(12:34) Jeremy’s interesting advice for me as someone who’s never used Udemy before
(13:46) His take on who comes to Udemy and why they might not find courses in some of the other ways that course creators have optimized for
(15:26) How Jeremy views Udemy’s segmented pricing strategies and recurrent discounts
(17:11) A bit about how Jeremy’s podcast co-host Phil Ebener’s approach to Udemy
(18:23) The other platform he sells his courses on, and why
(19:31) What his course creation process has looked like from course to course
(20:39) His current favorite tech tools and programs
(21:23) What Jeremy might have done differently if he was starting over today
(22:29) Where he goes to get inspired and motivated about his craft
(24:35) What he’s focused on getting better at these days
(25:00) Jeremy’s advice for ranking high on Udemy
(27:24) His encouragement for aspiring course creators
(29:32) The results I’ve seen from my own Udemy experiment

We covered a lot of interesting ground today, so I hope enjoyed hearing our chat plus the results and feedback I have on his suggestions after having implemented some of them with my own course. Until next time!

048: Caitlin Pyle on How to Make 7 Figures from Courses and Outsource Almost Everything Along the Way

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 05:00:58 -0400

Today’s guest is probably the most successful course creator I’ve interviewed to-date! It was so cool to chat with Caitlin Pyle, on this episode of The Online Course Guy. Caitlin’s proofreading courses have generated 7-figure income and trained a huge number of students how to become successful proofreaders from home. You’d better believe I’m double-checking this post before I hit the “Publish” button!

"You’ve got to be invested in quality and value if you want to stand out."

-Caitlyn Pyle

It was great to get Caitlyn’s perspective on what worked (and didn’t) for her when she was first getting started. She had some great tips for aspiring course creators, and I’m still mulling over a lot of what she shared. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(4:17) The road that led Caitlyn from writing an ebook about her freelance experience to creating an online course
(7:11) How her husband inspired her along the way, and the cycle of generosity she feels plays a part in her success
(10:11) Caitlyn’s take on a common question she and I have both heard from people about our online courses
(12:10) The mindset she overcame while learning to create her course, and the tool she’s relied on since the beginning
(14:26) What Caitlyn’s workflow looks like now that her course has experienced such success
(15:59) How she has built her team and identified who she wants to work with along the way
(16:43) How she’s delegated to team members - and the cool way she makes sure everyone is motivated to keep the business successful
(19:14) The way that her business structure compliments her personality and leadership style
(22:02) Her perspective on investing time and money wisely
(22:39) The biggest thing she would do differently if she was starting over today
(23:49) Caitlyn’s thoughts on the challenge of selling courses on non-profitable skills, and a great piece of advice she gave a friend on this topic recently
(27:25) What some sample sales funnels look like for her courses
(31:45) How her automated webinars work and her process for creating videos
(35:52) The ways she communicates about pricing/tuition to potential enrollees
(36:30) Her recommendations for new course creators working with a limited budget

That wraps it up for today, but don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep up with all the latest episodes of The Online Course Guy. More great interviews are in the works, so I hope you stick around!

047: Jori Chisholm Started BagPipeLessons.com in 1999

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 05:00:56 -0400

I’m going to go out on a limb here: I bet most of us can’t really imagine what it would be like creating online learning resources back when webcams hadn’t even been invented yet! But that’s exactly what my guest today did, and Jori Chisholm has been teaching bagpipes online ever since

"Find your unique voice. Find what it is that makes you different and appealing to a potential student."

- Jori Chisholm

The fact that Jori has been doing this for so long means he has a wealth of stories and experience to draw from, as well as a really good perspective on what has (and hasn’t) about the online learning sphere and what students in his niche are looking for. We had a great chat, so hang on to your hats and let’s do some time-traveling!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:32) What prompted Jori to register his website domain all the way back in 1999, and how the way he's used it has evolved over time
(5:28) Why he was willing to give this formerly untraditional path a chance, and the technological advancement that opened up new horizons for remote learning
(7:17) The developmental timeline of Jori's online business (personally I think he was pretty ahead of the curve in a lot of ways!)
(10:24) How he's used his years of seeing what students want to set up his sales and pricing structure
(13:49) The way he's collaborated with others to create unique content for his subscribers
(17:02) How Jori's call-to-action and works on his website to help build rapport with potential students and grow his email list
(19:49) His favorite online services and SaaS products for his business
(22:25) How he’s using FB ads to grow his conversion rate, and how he’s targeting specific demographics
(25:09) Where most of Jori’s traffic comes these days
(25:38) The biggest challenge he’s currently facing, and how that’s shaped his goals for this year
(27:44) How his weekly work schedule looks
(31:31) His take on internet freebies and how his perspective has changed on the competition
(32:06) Jori’s excellent advice for aspiring course creators

That about does it for today! I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Jori and gained some knowledge along the way. I’ll be back soon with one of the most successful course creators I’ve ever spoken to – don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss it!

046: Dr. Mira Reisberg’s Courses on Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 05:00:33 -0400

Happy Monday! My guest today doesn’t only have an online course – she’s built an entire online academy with a wide range of courses by her and other collaborators, all about writing and illustrating children’s books. Speaking with Dr. Mira Reisberg and hearing her journey into this world of teaching online was a pleasure.

"If you’re starting out, learn from others. Take courses yourself, see how they do it."

- Dr. Mira Reisberg

This episode provided a great look at how and why Dr. Mira has grown her passion and skill set into a successful business. I found her story and her emphasis on community-building very inspiring, and I hope you do too!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:41) The story behind how Dr. Mira’s online courses came to be
(5:12) What leaving behind academia to start her online academy looked like, and the team that she’s grown over the years to help her community and business thrive
(7:25) The cool mindset she uses to overcome the challenges of learning new tech, and some transitions she is currently making on the backend of her courses
(11:04) What blogging looks like for the community she’s created around her business
(11:33) How Dr. Mira delegates some of her workload to her team
(13:08) Why she’s created such a large number of resources in her niche, and what she’s currently working on in terms of new content
(15:51) Her goals for creating more balance between her business efforts and creative time for working on new books of her own
(16:45) The sales structure she is currently using, and why it works for the type of oversight and interaction she has with each new course enrollee
(18:04) Her awesome sales traffic, and some thoughts on what the high volume of interest in her academy stems from
(22:40) How Dr. Mira reaches out to prospective students, and the personal touches she gives to her teaching that really sets her courses apart
(25:03) Why she’s found online teaching to be the best fit for her teaching style and personality
(28:25) The great advice Dr. Mira gives for people who are just starting out with their own online course

We discuss all that and much more, so don’t forget to drop me a line and let me know what you enjoyed about today’s episode! I’ll be back in a couple days with even more great content about online course development – see you then!

045: Teresa Perleberg’s Felting Course

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 05:00:42 -0400

To close out what has turned out to be a pretty busy week, I’m back with my interview with Teresa Perleberg, a relative newcomer to the world of online courses. Over the past year, she’s managed to turn her hobby and online retail business into a really cool learning opportunity for people interested in her niche of needle-felting.

"Just know that [your course] is going to grow, and plan ahead for that."

- Teresa Perleberg

I loved hearing Teresa’s story, and was impressed by her confidence and positivity. I think it’s safe to say her success to-date is just the beginning of more to come. Enjoy!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(3:58) Teresa’s transition from selling handmade products and supply kits to creating a course on how others could make their own needle-felted creations
(6:44) The reason she felt confident about expanding into online courses (hint: supply and demand!)
(6:57) What her course creation process looked like
(7:30) How she’s structured her course and set up her ever-expanding content offerings
(10:19) The pricing options in Teresa’s membership model, and the surprising results she’s achieved after past adjustments
(13:33) How Teresa’s multiple income streams are set up, and where she is currently creating the most revenue
(14:25) The struggles she’s currently facing as her business grows
(15:06) What she’d change if she were starting her online course over today
(16:02) The mastermind group she finds most helpful as an entrepreneur
(16:29) The surprising main traffic source to Teresa’s site, and the strategy she recommends based on what works for her
(18:03) How she uses SEO strategies, and the benefit she’s seen as a result of long-term work in this area
(19:10) What Teresa recommends for people who are interested in starting their own online course based on their hobbies and passions

That’s all for now, folks! See you next week for another episode of The Online Course Guy.

044: Susan Poizner’s Course Teaches Us How to Grow Fruit Trees

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 05:00:56 -0400

Welcome back! Today I’ve brought on Susan Poizner to talk about the story behind her course on growing fruit trees. I have had some fruit tree disasters over the years, so I know firsthand why the information she’s offering has value.

"You have to start by teaching others."

-Susan Poizner

One thing I love about doing these interviews is hearing how people from all walks of life are turning their passions and hobbies into real businesses – no two stories are alike! It was great to hear how Susan developed her an online course, and how she’s achieved success even without a previous background in online marketing or teaching horticulture. I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(6:05) What led Susan from a background in filmmaking and journalism into teaching people how to grow and care for fruit trees
(7:40) How she went from teaching in-person, to writing a book, to creating online courses (and why she feels the online format lends itself very well to teaching in her niche)
(8:52) What Susan would do differently if she was just starting out today, and the learning management system she swears by after much trial and error
(12:51) Where Susan recommends new course creators start their process
(14:45) The types of expansion she envisions for her course offerings in the future
(15:40) The role she feels her filmmaking background has played in developing her actual course content - and what she recommends for those of us who aren’t cinematographers
(16:36) Why Susan feels her content stands out and is gaining traffic momentum, even without concentrated SEO strategies in place
(20:37) The benefits she’s seeing from using paid Facebook ads
(21:16) The biggest challenges Susan is currently facing as she seeks to expand her business
(23:12) Her top tips for aspiring course creators

That’s all for now, folks! Have a great weekend, and see you on Monday for the next episode of The Online Course Guy.

043: Rod Howell’s Tap Dancing Course

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 05:00:57 -0400

I’m back, and I’m glad you’re here to join me for another podcast episode. This time around I had the pleasure of speaking with Rod Howell about his tap dancing course, which he began all the way back in 2005!

"You need to start posting on YouTube, because if you make really good content, people will find you."

- Rod Howell

There have been many lessons Rod’s learned and experience he’s gained over the years, so sit back and enjoy hearing what he shared during our conversation.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(5:42) What sparked Rod’s initial interest in creating a course, and how his business has evolved over time
(8:09) His current email marketing strategy and what he plans on tweaking for the future
(12:14) Rod’s recommendations for new course creators on how to effectively get started on YouTube
(15:00) The other strategies and platforms Rod uses for marketing and traffic-building
(17:00) How the different pieces of his business fit together, and where he generates most of his revenue
(18:15) Rod’s approach to maximizing revenue through product bundling strategies
(19:40) His top advice for course creators who are just starting out and need to increase their sales
(22:34) The biggest struggle Rod is working through these days with his course, and why he’s persevering despite the challenges
(23:48) The number one thing Rod would do differently if he was starting out today
(25:35) How his work-life balance has evolved over the years while working from home
(27:33) Some closing advice for anyone who wants to make a course and isn’t sure where to start

That’s all for today, but I’ll be back soon with more cool tips and great insights from another fellow course creator – don’t forget to subscribe!

042: Curtis Stone is Crushing it with Urban Farming Courses

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 05:00:26 -0400

Today I brought on Curtis Stone, a.k.a. The Urban Farmer, and we had an interesting discussion about his online courses and much, much more. Curtis honed in on some topics he’s clearly passionate about, while providing a fascinating look at what has worked for his business over the years.

"Write the content and hit “go”."

- Curtis Stone

I know I learned a lot from Curtis today, so I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(5:15) Curtis’s two current courses, and what he’s planning for later this year and beyond
(6:58) What got Curtis into the world of online courses
(7:27) How writing a book compares to creating a course, and the format that Curtis finds works best for his personality and vision
(9:30) Curtis’s pricing strategy for the content he offers
(10:32) How his books have value as a part of his sales funnel
(12:18) The main social platform he uses to move people along his funnel
(12:57) Curtis’s marketing motto
(14:09) The evolution of his marketing style, and the way he tailors his approach to his niche and passions
(17:08) Why he feels online courses can be a more effective means of sharing knowledge than traditional academics in some cases
(18:15) Challenges Curtis has faced with piracy and dishonest business practices over the years, and how he’s chosen to respond
(21:26) The way he plans on structuring his course offerings in the future based on both evergreen and interactive content
(22:16) How Curtis and his business partner divide up their roles and responsibilities
(23:22) His take on how new course creators can benefit from partnerships - with some caveats
(26:48) Advice for new YouTube creators looking to build an audience for their online course
(29:45) The nine streams of income Curtis has developed around his content, and how he’s built his offerings from publishing and online content only into selling related products at several physical locations
(34:50) What working from home looks like for Curtis, and how he manages his schedule and goals
(36:36) The fascinating and detailed way he determined pricing for his course
(41:30) Curtis’s top advice for aspiring course creators

We covered a lot of ground today, so I hope you’ll drop me a line and let me know your favorite part of the conversation! I’ll be back next week with yet another interview and more great tips for you as a course creator.

041: Matt Barnett (Founder of Bonjoro) on What to do AFTER the Sale

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 05:00:54 -0400

Happy 4th of July!

Today’s interview is a bit different than those I’ve done before, because my guest has actually never created an online course. But as the founder of Bonjoro, Matt Barnett fits right in here anyway, because he’s all about creating meaningful customer experiences and enhancing personal communications – without creating a whole lot of extra workload on the business side of things.

"Automate processes, but not relationships."

- Matt Barnett

I use Bonjoro to personally thank every student who enrolls in my course, so I know firsthand what a great tool this is to connect with others. Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of Matt’s product. We talked about why I love Bonjoro, but also much more than that. Along the way, Matt provided some really insightful thoughts on why and how connecting with customers on a personal level should be a top priority.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(6:53) How witnessing firsthand the power of personal communication led Matt and others to develop Bonjoro
(9:42) Matt’s thoughts on the value of connecting with individuals, even in a time where so many entrepreneurs are trying to scale their business on every front
(12:03) His advice on when to integrate personalized communication along the different points of your marketing funnel
(13:10) What he considers to be “the hardest part of the customer journey”
(16:13) Where Matt draws the line between scale and personalization
(21:08) The fun story behind Pat Flynn’s use of Bonjoro, and Matt’s perspective on how treating all customers equally can lead to unexpected benefits
(24:00) Matt’s advice on where I (and other course creators) could improve communications on a personal level
(28:18) The importance of delight, and how to incorporate delight into interactions with customers
(30:07) What’s next for Bonjoro, and the direction Matt sees his business growing into in the future

I know I’ll be thinking over Matt’s words of wisdom for a long time to come, and I hope you enjoyed listening in. That’s all for today, but I’ll be back later this week with more cool tips and online-course-related insights!

040: Ari Blum’s Radiation Tech Course

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 05:00:13 -0400

I’ve been busy switching things up lately on The Online Course Guy, so welcome back to my new and improved podcast! It’s been fun putting together a brand-new intro, working with some new sponsors (links below), and most importantly having some great conversations with fellow course creators. I’m stoked about today’s debut with all the latest and greatest info that I’m going to share with you.

"Niches make riches."

-Ari Blum

On today’s episode I had the chance to talk with Ari Blum about how he created his online radiation tech resources, and what he’s learned through trial and error along the way. Ari shared a wealth of insight and some stories that I could really relate to as a course creator myself. It was great to get his perspective on what worked (and didn’t) for him, and I’m glad you’re here to listen in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

(0:00) My favorite takeaway from Ari’s story
(11:00) What initially got Ari interested in online courses while working towards his career goals
(12:26) How he identified his audience and started building his email list - before he even started developing his course
(15:42) The inspiration Ari drew from Tim Ferris’ business model, and the steps he took to get started
(17:30) The reason he classifies his resources differently than some course providers, and the unique offerings his website makes available
(18:50) What triggered Ari’s expansion into not only teaching but offering licensing for his niche, and how that affected the structure of his web presence and resource offerings
(20:05) What Ari considers his biggest mistake, and what he would do differently if he was a new online course creator now
(22:25) Why Ari needed start-up capital to begin his business, and what he used that initial investment to accomplish for his business
(24:11) How he’s leveraging social media to build niche-specific traffic while also benefiting from word-of-mouth marketing
(27:32) How Ari handles monthly expenditures - and the tools he’s using to help manage all the moving parts of his business
(32:08) Ari’s approach to balancing family and work-life
(34:44) The value Ari sees in using co-working spaces, and why he advises every new course creator to consider using one too
(40:01) His advice for course creators looking to start their own online course business, and the value of really drill down into a specific niche

Whew – that about does it for today! Thanks for joining me for today’s episode. I hope you like what you heard! Feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think about the new format, and what you enjoyed most about my interview with Ari. Until next time!

039 – Online Flipping Courses with Rob Stephenson

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 05:00:16 -0400

My guest for today’s podcast episode was Rob Stephenson – a full-time flea market flipper with over 20 years of experience. Over the past couple years, Rob and his wife Melissa have successfully turned their know-how into an online course teaching others how to become flippers. It was great to chat with Rob about their niche, online courses, and the advice they have for new course creators. Enjoy!

"The best time to get started is right now."

- Rob Stephenson

In This Episode, We Talked About:

The personal setback that led to Rob becoming a full-time flea market flipper
What motivated Rob and Melissa to turn their flipping experience into an online course
How they divide their labor, and what works best for them as busy parents running their own business
The social platform that works best for generating traffic to Rob and Melissa’s course
What they’d do differently if they were starting over with course creation today
Why and how Rob and Melissa decided to hire a coach to help them strategize further expansion for their business
Rob’s advice for aspiring course creators

That’s just a taste of what we covered in our conversation, so I hope you heard something insightful for your own course creation journey. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share what you liked about today’s episode!

038 – Online Design Courses with Mike Moyer

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 05:00:39 -0400

I’m back with another podcast episode, this time with Mike Moyer from mikeandlauren.com. Mike’s range of experience with a wide variety of courses makes him a great source of information, so it was great to hear how he and Lauren got started and what he recommends for new course creators. Enjoy!

"As a beginner, you might be one of the best teachers possible."

- Mike Moyer

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How Mike and Lauren originally got started making YouTube videos, and how they eventually began to develop online courses
The big online name who reached out to Mike and Lauren to collaborate on an online course
The fascinating process Mike and Lauren used to create one of their latest courses - and how they made sure their content would meet the needs of their target audience
Why Mike feels that being an expert isn’t necessary to teach
Mike’s recommendations for online course platforms for new course creators
His take on course scarcity, marketing strategies, AdSense, Facebook ads, and more!

I had a great time talking with Mike on this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below on what you learned from today’s podcast!

037 – Online Virtual Assistant Courses with Abbey Ashley

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:00:59 -0400

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Abbey Ashley about the success of her virtual assistant courses and her best advice for aspiring course creators. Abbey shared a wealth of insight on how to approach setting up and launching courses, and it was very interesting to hear her perspective on what has (and hasn’t!) worked for her. I enjoyed our conversation and I think you will too!

"Start building an audience right away… It really does start to compound over time."

- Abbey Ashley

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How Abbey broke into the online world, and what she loves about the virtual assistant side of entrepreneurship
The big name in online courses who originally inspired Abbey to develop and her own course
Why her first courses flopped, and what she learned as a result
Abbey’s tips for managing time and distractions while working from home
The strategy that Abbey recommends for getting your feet wet in the online world
The main tools that Abbey uses to host and market her courses
How Abbey structured her sales funnel and transitioned into an evergreen webinar pitch model
Her advice for online course creators looking to hire virtual assistants themselves

We discuss all that and much more, so don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you enjoyed about today’s episode!

036 – Online Violin Courses with Beth Blackerby

Tue, 29 May 2018 05:00:51 -0400

I’m here with yet another podcast episode, and this time I got to speak with Beth Blackerby, who has been doing online courses since 2007. It was great to hear from another person in the music space of online learning!

Beth first became interested in online courses through working with adult violin students, but no matter who your target audience is or what your teaching topic might be, there are lessons to be learned from her story.

"It’s just a series of baby steps… Do one little thing and the next day do another little thing. It adds up quickly."

-Beth Blackerby

In This Episode, We Talked About:

The “light-bulb moment” that inspired Beth to branch out from in-person lessons to a different way of teaching violin
The gap Beth saw in the online market for violin learners, and the way that she tailored her curriculum to the need she saw
How things have changed over time for online learning, and what Beth had to do to make her vision for her courses a reality
The marketing strategies that she used to eventually get her website out from the depths
What it took for Beth to feel that her online courses were a success, and the growth she’s seen since then
Her unusual membership model and the interesting reasoning behind her decision to not have auto-renew memberships
What Beth would have done differently if she were setting up her online course today

We discuss all that and much more in this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below on what you learned from today’s podcast!

035 – Online Dance Courses with Leon Turetsky

Tue, 22 May 2018 05:00:55 -0400

I’m back with another podcast episode, this time someone who’s been doing online courses since all the way back in 2009! Leon Turetsky has seen a lot change and some things remain the same in the past 9 years of teaching dancing. It was great to hear how things have evolved for him over time and what has worked for him and his business.

"Research and figure out what people are already looking for online. Then try to create a piece of content that is better than what’s already out there."

-Leon Turetsky

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How Leon first got the idea to start his own course, and the first steps he took to set up his very first website
The way that identifying his target audience changed every aspect of Leon’s marketing
The social platform Leon has doubled-down on for finding new students
Leon’s marketing funnel and the main ways he gets people to his site
The tips Leon has for course creators looking into membership-model sites
Other entry points into online learning that Leon has and is developing
How Leon juggles the wide range of entrepreneurial endeavors he’s involved in and what he is finding the most challenging
Leon’s advice for people exploring the realm of online course creation

We discuss all that and much more in this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below on what you learned from today’s podcast!

034 – Online Ceramics Courses with Jessica Putnam Philips

Tue, 15 May 2018 05:00:47 -0400

Today’s podcast was fascinating! I had a very inspiring conversation with a fellow course creator today, and I’m glad you’re here to listen to it. Jessica Putnam Philips is a craftsperson who experienced rapid success with the launch of her course membership site. I know I’m super-motivated after talking with her, and I think you’re going to find there are lots of helpful tidbits for you to learn from!

"Don’t let anyone hold you back or tell you that you can’t do it."

-Jessica Putnam Philips

In This Episode, We Talked About:

The negative experience that Jessica turned into a positive by letting it inspire to create her own ceramics course
The unusual way that Jessica used live-streaming to find her audience
Jessica’s membership setup and how she addresses different skill levels and needs
The strategy behind Jessica’s course pricing structure
Resistance she has met along the way and how she’s responded to her critics
Some surprising similarities between the type of students Jessica’s resources attract and my own piano course students
How Jessica keeps her students motivated and stays current with her audience
What she would have done differently if she was just getting started with her course today

We discuss all that and much more in this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below on what you learned from today’s podcast!

033 – Online Comedy Course with Chuck Roy

Tue, 08 May 2018 05:00:29 -0400

Today I had the chance to talk with comedian Chuck Roy about his online comedy lessons, and he explained his journey into the world of teaching others what it takes to get into comedy, what he’s learning along the way, and his goals as he shares his expertise both in the classroom and online.

"If you’re considering putting out an online course, get it out there, and consider [the needs of] a global audience."

-Chuck Roy

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How a lack of comedy career-relevant information online inspired Chuck to get started with his own online course
The technology and marketing tools Chuck uses for his online comedy lessons
Challenges that Chuck faces in his niche, and how he is balancing his efforts to overcome those challenges
His thoughts on keeping course resources accessible for students around the globe
What Chuck would have done differently if he was creating an online course today
Chuck’s advice for new course creators

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And don’t forget to comment and tell me what part of Chuck’s story got you thinking!

032 – Online Billiards Courses with Anthony Beeler

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:00:41 -0400

I’m back with another podcast episode, this time with Anthony Beeler from poolteacher.com. It was great to chat with Anthony about how he got started in the world of online course, what has worked for him so far, and how he’s able to provide a customized learning experience for the students of his course

"The more people you talk to, the more you can grow your business."

-Anthony Beeler

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How Anthony’s work expertise gave him a unique window into the potential for an online billiards course
The compelling value proposition Anthony is able to offer his students through their online learning experience
Ways that Anthony is considering updating certain course resources and increasing traffic for his website
What Anthony does to earn free advertising for his niche, and how he uses online forums to share information and build rapport with potential students
Anthony’s pricing philosophy and how he structures his different course options
The key piece of advice Anthony believes all new course creators should implement before putting together any content

We discuss all that and much more in this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below on what you learned from today’s podcast!

031 – Online Birding Courses with Kristi Dranginis

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 05:00:31 -0400

In this podcast episode, I got to chat with Kristi Dranginis about her online birding course – but the conversation didn’t stop there. Kristi had a really interesting journey that can apply to many course niches, as well some great insights that any new course creator would benefit from.

"I decided to write the course that I had always wanted."

– Kristy Dranginis

It was a pleasure to talk to Kristi, and I hope you enjoy listening in on our chat!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

What sparked Kristi’s initial interest in creating her own online course, and how advice and mentorship from others helped as she took the first steps
The goals and expectations she started out with, and how they evolved with time and more experience
How Kristi expanded on previous freebies she offered to create additional course offerings
What Kristi wishes was more widely known about the process of creating and marketing courses
How Kristi merges evergreen courses and live events in her online and “real-world” teachings
Kristi’s advice for new course creators

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And don’t forget to comment and tell me what you think about Kristi’s journey towards the creation of her courses!

030 – Pat Flynn, Amy Porterfield, John Lee Dumas, Phil Ebiner, & Isaac Rudansky Share Their Online Course Advice

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 05:00:57 -0400

I’m in celebration mode over today’s episode – my 30th to-date! Nate Dodson joined me as we listened to some advice I’ve recently received from some big names in the world of online entrepreneurs.

"If you know that you’re providing what your audience wants, then you’re going to be successful."

–Jacques Hopkins

It was great to hear the different insights from so many individuals I respect and admire, and to chat with Nate about the evolution of both of our businesses since my very first podcast so long ago. I hope you enjoy listening in!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

Pat Flynn’s advice for course creators, and a cool tool for connecting with students that I implemented after my experience with enrolling for one of his courses
The steps Amy Porterfield thinks are key as you work towards developing your course content
John Lee Dumas’ perspective on the importance of niche when planning your very first online course
The mindset Phil Ebiner believes is the key to having your priorities in order for your business
Isaac Rudansky’s advice for keeping your online course grounded in meeting students’ actual needs
What Nate recommends you do before even thinking about the details of your course
The most important social platform I think every new course creator should get started with

I hope you enjoy this very special 30th-anniversary edition of the podcast! Feel free to chime in below with comments on which piece of advice got you thinking the most.

029 – Online Project Management Course with Helena Lui

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 17:26:34 -0400

I’m back with another podcast episode, this time with Helena Liu from exampm.com. After meeting at a recent conference, I knew she had valuable insights to share on course creation, and I was glad to have the chance to chat with her now.

"Be persistent. Mindset is the most important asset you can have as an entrepreneur."

-Helena Liu

Helena first got the idea to create an online project management course when she saw the inefficiency of existing programs on the topic. Today, she gave me a lot of insights into what’s worked for her so far.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

The exciting step Helena recently took after developing her online course over the past few years
The simple way Helena found mentors as she began working on her course
How she set up her landing page in response to feedback from prospective students
Who Helena targets with pay-per-click advertising
The tools she uses for her sales funnel, and the effect that her recent use of Facebook advertising is having on her ROI
The key advice she shared for starting out with webinars, and the way she has perfected her presentation over the years
The things Helena would have done differently if she was starting all over again

We discuss all that and much more in this episode, so I hope you enjoy listening. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below on what you learned from today’s podcast!

028 – Online Spanish Course with Clay and Cindy Cooper

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 10:37:44 -0500

Today’s podcast was fascinating – we looked at a different model of online education that I’d never encountered before. Clay and Cindy Cooper have been providing online Spanish-learning opportunities since the 90’s, and they do it in a way that benefits Guatemalan teachers while helping students of Spanish all around the world.

"There is no crystal ball. Try to stay nimble."

-Cindy Cooper

Just like anything else in life, one-size-fits-all isn’t always going to cut it, so it was great to hear about alternatives to the type of online course program that I’m familiar with.

In This Episode, We Talked About:

What inspired Clay and Cindy to set up an online Spanish-language platform
The goals that they started out with and how they have evolved over time
Unique advantages that the Coopers’ discovered through focusing on working with Guatemalan tutors
The necessary evolution that their website has gone through as technology and competition has changed
What a typical student’s learning process looks like when learning with a Spanish tutor through the Coopers’ site
The main marketing tools and keywords that Clay and Cindy use to promote their website
How the Coopers decided to switch from a profit to non-profit model, and the challenges that they faced during the process
The advice Clay and Cindy give to anyone interested in developing their own online learning platform

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And don’t forget to comment and tell me what you think about the Cooper’s unique online education model!

027 – What It’s Like to Take Jacques’ Online Piano Course

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 05:00:35 -0500

This very special episode of my podcast, so I’m glad you’re here to check it out! Today’s interview is one I’ve been wanting to do for a while: a conversation someone who’s experienced my online piano course firsthand.

"I’m so glad I did the whole course, because there’s so much there for me to dig through and refer to whenever needed."

-David Gloyne

David Gloyne was an early student of mine, and I was honored to have him join me to talk about his experience with my resources. I had a lot of fun speaking with David (and his wife), and I hope you enjoy taking a listen!

In This Episode, We Talked About:

What David was looking for in a piano course and what brought him to my resources
David’s “eureka moment” that opened his eyes to the value my course could provide to him
The ways that David uses what he’s learned with me to express his own creativity in music
My strategy behind giving away free material to prospective students, and David’s take on why this strategy helped him “click” with my resources
The phone call I had with David before he enrolled - and the impact that had on our future interactions
David’s perspective as a student on his preferences for course format, lesson pacing, and payment options

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And please remember to leave a comment and tell me your favorite anecdote from this episode!

026 – Online Calligraphy Course with Melissa Esplin

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 05:00:54 -0500

Hi there! It’s me, Jacques (a.k.a. The Online Course Guy), and it’s time for another podcast. This time around I spoke with Melissa Esplin from Calligraphy.org.

Melissa’s been offering calligraphy classes since 2011, and has had some impressive success with her course so far. She had plenty of interesting tidbits to share, so don’t miss this episode!

"Don’t quit. There’s a high cost to quitting."

-Melissa Esplin

In This Episode, We Talked About:

The life challenge Melissa’s family faced that helped jumpstart her course development
The effect that teaching her course had on Melissa’s own calligraphy skills
Melissa’s perspective on why it’s important not to give up if things start out slowly with your online course
The interesting story behind Melissa’s website name and how she got it
The routine Melissa follows to help her balance work and family time
How Melissa’s husband’s role in her business has evolved during the last 6 years
The way Melissa harnesses the power of her students in helping market her resources
What Melissa believes are key pieces of advice for all new course creators

That’s just a quick summary of today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And don’t forget to leave me a comment if you liked this episode!

025 – Online Ukulele Course with Mele Fong

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 05:00:13 -0500

Hey! Jacques here, a.k.a. The Online Course Guy. Today I’m back with another podcast episode exploring the ins and outs of online course creation. And this time around, I spoke with Maui-based musician and ukulele teacher Mele Fong.

Mele’s enthusiasm for all things ukulele made this conversation very fun. Not only that, the stories she told me in this episode illustrated several important points that course creators should understand. I hope you enjoy what you hear!

"I had to think about what I can add […], that people would want to pay for?"

-Mele Fong

In This Episode, We Talked About:

The realization Mele had about the difference between free resources in her niche and what she had to offer
The important question Mele’s friend asked her when she first started
The reason Mele changed her strategy about the kind of content she would offer
How Mele structures her courses and segments lessons according to student needs
The way that Mele navigates the challenging problem of copyrights - and the silver lining she’s found along the way
The mistake Mele feels many new online course creators make - and a simple question that everyone interested in course creation should ask themselves
The constant challenge that Mele sees as key to success with online courses

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And please remember to leave a comment and tell me your favorite tidbit from this episode!

024 – Online Math Courses with Krista King

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 05:00:17 -0500

Hi everyone! I’m Jacques, The Online Course Guy, and it’s time for another podcast. Recently I had the pleasure of hosting Krista King someone who I’ve spoken with long before my own course ever became what it is today.

Krista and I first connected back in 2013 when we both took an internet marketing class. When I was thinking about who might be good to interview for my podcast, it seemed natural to reach out to her since I knew she was doing math courses online for a wide range of students. Krista had some great tips for course creators, so I hope you enjoy listening!

"Promise yourself you’re going to be consistent – and keep going!"

-Krista King

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How Krista made the leap from an interest in online businesses to diving into course creation
The breakdown of labor between Krista and her husband for the site
The evolution of the content Krista covers, and why she decided to expand her course offerings over time
How Krista and her husband approach marketing, and the segmentation challenges they’re working on to reach different customer demographics
The online platform that yields the most traffic to Krista’s website
The hosting services Krista and her husband rely on for their website and courses
The surprising component of online marketing that Krista successfully ignores for her business
What Krista would do differently if she was starting over
The advice she shares with people thinking of starting their own online course business

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And please remember to leave a comment and tell me your favorite tidbit from this episode!

023 – Profit First (You MUST Implement This Now!)

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 23:00:26 -0500

Hey there! It’s me, Jacques (a.k.a. The Online Course Guy). I’ve got another great show for you today – this time with two guests you’ll already be somewhat familiar with if you’ve been listening for a while.

Tim Geiss and Nate Dodson were with me talking about a book I just finished: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. It sparked a great discussion about handling some very important aspects of having your own business. Let’s jump in!

"Sales don’t mean anything unless you put them into context."

-Tom Geiss

In This Episode, We Talked About:

Why I think Profit First just might be the best business resource I’ve ever read
How Tom overcame his initial concerns about the book and implemented its principles for his online course business
Tom’s budget goals and how reorganizing his accounting process has improved his sales focus
The Profit First mindset shift that happened for me that changed how I approach my business
The daily process I am using to evaluate certain aspects of my business finances
How the lessons I learned in the book reduced some of my expenses almost immediately - helping me save hundreds of dollars a month
The potential tax advantage for business owners who apply the principles of the book
How much money every business should aim to set aside in emergency funds
The different ways that Tom and I are using the Profit First philosophy to benefit our families and plan for the future

That’s just a small sampling of our discussion about Profit First principles, so don’t forget to take a listen and leave a comment!

022 – Online Mixology Course with Chris and Julia Tunstall

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:41:45 -0500

Hi everyone! I’m Jacques, The Online Course Guy, and it’s time for another podcast. Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris and Julia Tunstall, creators of the A Bar Above mixology course.

I had so much fun not only hearing about the Tunstalls’ course, but learning how they got started and (of course) getting a personalized drink recommendation. Chris and Julia had plenty of insights to share about what has worked for them, and also what they might have done differently if they were starting over.

"Don’t be afraid to start creating content. […] Have a long-term goal in view."

- Chris Tunstall

In This Episode, We Talked About:

How Chris and Julia became a team, and the important roles they each play in their business
The moment Chris knew that he needed to create a mixology resource (spoiler alert - Julia talked him out of his initial idea!)
How they identified their sub-niche, and the surprising thing they learned about their typical customer just by asking questions
How they use segmentation to identify their customers’ needs and personalize user experiences
The evolution of Chris and Julia’s course content, and what they’ve learned along the way
The process that Chris and Julia used to pre-launch their course and build their email list - and why there were some tears shed at a New Year’s Eve party
Julia’s advice on how to get your feet wet with online course creation

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And don’t forget to check out the 10% discount link below for the A Bar Above mixology course!

021 – Online Art Courses with Carla Sonheim

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 17:44:15 -0400

Hey! Jacques here, a.k.a. The Online Course Guy. Today I’m back with another podcast episode exploring the ins and outs of online course creation. It was a pleasure to speak with my latest guest: art instructor extraordinaire Carla Sonheim.

Carla’s been offering online courses since 2010, so she has a wealth of experience for us to learn from. Her enthusiasm for her work and her students is clear, and the advice she shared was very inspiring.

"This is your one precious life,
and you want to do the best you can to make it as [painless] as possible"

-Carla Sonheim

In This Episode, We Talked About:

Why Carla created her very first course in 2010
How her lesson format and tech usage has evolved over time
The marketing methods that Carla uses to find new students
How Carla outsources most of her content but still maintains quality and brand consistency
The way that Carla reimburses instructors who teach classes on her website
Key resources Carla uses to run her business
Ways she’s planning on streamlining her process in the future
An important question that everyone interested in course creation should ask themselves

You can hear all that much more on today’s episode. And please remember to leave a comment and tell me your favorite tidbit from this episode!

020 – From Engineer to Online Course in Specific Engineering Niche – Tom Geiss Shares His Story of his GD&T Basics Online Course

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 23:47:05 -0400

Hi there! It’s me, Jacques (a.k.a. The Online Course Guy). I’m here with another podcast episode, this time with a fellow engineer who’s steadily built a following for his high-quality resources online.

Tom Geiss’ expertise in GD&T engineering knowledge is in high demand within his niche – a perfect intersection between passion and opportunity. Over the course of our conversation, he shared plenty of valuable insights with me about his process of course creation. So take a listen to hear what’s worked for him, and what he’d do differently if he was starting again.

"No matter what, you do need to have

a dialogue with your users in some way."

-Tom Geiss

In This Episode, We Talked About:

Why Tom went in a different direction with his resources than he initially planned
The research tools Tom used to find the exact niche to focus on for his course
How Tom built a high-quality, content-rich web presence to take advantage of low competition in his niche
Tom’s strategy for increasing page views and bringing in potential students
Tom’s views on SEO and his goal to expand into other forms of traffic-building
The stages Tom went through before quitting his day job to focus on his online course
Tom’s advice for you as a future online course creator - regardless of your intended niche

You can hear all that and much more on today’s episode, so I hope you’ll give it a listen. And please remember to leave a comment and tell me your favorite tidbit from this episode!

019 – Recording Your Course

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 10:26:10 -0400

Jacques & Nate go over the options you have for actually recording your online course.

018 – Effective Storytelling

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 21:28:27 -0400

Jacques and Nate tell stories and discuss the formula for storytelling.

017 – Overcoming Fear And Overwhelm

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 15:36:05 -0400

Jacques and Nate discuss overcoming fear and overwhelm when working on your online course.

016 – All About Launches

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 14:41:20 -0400

Jacques and Nate talk all things launches. From evergreen launches to affiliate launches.

015 – When Family Makes The 4 Hour Work Week A Necessity

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:00:06 -0400

Jacques and Nate talk about their automated businesses and being able to take time away without sacrificing much.

014 – 10 Questions To Ask Yourself When Starting An Online Course With Dean Dwyer

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:26:35 -0400

Jacques and Dean go over the 10 questions you should ask yourself when starting and online course.

013 – $30,000 a Month Teaching Piano??? Here’s How…

Sun, 06 Aug 2017 15:20:21 -0400

Jacques is solo talking about his business results from July 2017.

012 – What Your Online Course Website Should Look Like

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 13:27:25 -0400

Jacques and Nate discuss landing pages, web design, and what works for online courses.

011 – How to Sell your Online Course on the Phone (and other things that don’t scale)

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 10:38:02 -0400

Jacques and Nate discuss things you can do that don’t scale in this automated world, including selling your online course over the phone.

010 – Outsourcing 101

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 11:18:59 -0400

Jacques and Nate discuss all things outsourcing when it comes to your online course.

009 – The Ultimate Sales Funnel for Online Courses

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:48:06 -0400

Jacques and Nate go over their sales funnels which successfully sell their online courses.

008 – Applying “The One Thing” by Gary Keller to Your Online Course, Part 2

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 22:28:26 -0400

Jacques and Nate go over the second half of Gary Keller’s “The One Thing” and also briefly talk about “Deep Work” by Cal Newport.

007 – Applying “The One Thing” by Gary Keller to Your Online Course (Part 1)

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 22:27:58 -0400

Jacques and Nate review Gary Keller’s “The One Thing”

006 – How Important Are Testimonials For Your Online Course?

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 11:27:29 -0400

Jacques and Nate discuss how important testimonials are, the best way to get them, and the best way to use them.

005 – Marketing Your Online Course

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 08:29:49 -0400

Jacques and Nate discuss the best ways to market your online course.

004 – 8 Steps to an Online Course

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 10:25:51 -0400

Jacques and Nate go over the 8 steps to creating an online course from your hobby or passion.

003 – Can You Create an Online Course?

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:29:36 -0400

In this episode, Jacques and Nate talk about the requirements for creating an online course and the skills needed.

002 – Why Create An Online Course?

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:28:45 -0400

In this episode, Jacques and Nate discuss the reasons why you should create your own online course.

001 – My Online Course Story

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:17:27 -0400

In this episode, Jacques and Nate tell their online course stories. Jacques talks about starting Piano In 21 Days and Nate talks about starting MicroGreens Farmer.