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If you’ve ever considered creating your own online course but are overwhelmed with the steps to begin, this conversation will show you that starting small can be a lot less work and be the perfect way to get started!
Amy Porterfield is the brilliant mind behind Digital Course Academy, a program designed to help entrepreneurs turn their knowledge into profitable online courses. Save your seat for her LIVE training called: Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Digital Course Launch In 5 Streamlined Steps!
In this episode, we dive into why this seemingly modest step is actually a game-changer for new course creators, how to prepare for your first workshop, and how this approach can set the stage for creating more extensive and successful courses in the future.
You do not want to miss this! Years ago I attended one of Amy’s free trainings and my life has never been the same since. Save your seat for Amy’s Masterclass Experience now!
Now let’s get inspired and equipped with practical tips to turn your ideas into reality!
The Concept of a One-Hour Workshop Course
Amy introduced the idea of a one-hour workshop course as a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of digital courses.
Many aspiring course creators are already sold on the benefits of having a course—more freedom, the ability to scale their business, and the opportunity to share their expertise. However, the thought of creating a large signature course can be daunting, especially for those who may not have a substantial email list or audience yet.
So, what exactly is a one-hour workshop course? It’s a focused, live workshop where you teach a specific topic related to a larger course you might want to create in the future.
For example, if your ultimate goal is to teach people how to land their dream job, you could start with a one-hour workshop on crafting the perfect resume. This approach allows you to test the waters, gauge interest, and build confidence without the pressure of a full-blown course launch.
Why This Approach is a Game Changer
One of the most significant advantages of starting with a one-hour workshop course is that it allows you to take action quickly. Many aspiring course creators get bogged down in the details, worrying about what each module should include or how to structure their entire course.
By focusing on just one topic, you can create something manageable and specific, which can lead to faster results.
Plus, this method helps you validate your course idea. You can promote your workshop on social media or to your email list, charging between $100 and $300 for attendance.
This price point is accessible for many people and allows you to see if there’s genuine interest in your topic. If people are willing to invest in your workshop, it’s a strong indicator that they might be interested in a more comprehensive course down the line.
No Wrong Turns
During our conversation, Amy emphasized a powerful mantra: “No wrong turns.” This concept resonates deeply with me.
Often, we get stuck in analysis paralysis, overthinking every detail before we even start. But the truth is, you won’t know what works until you take that first step.
When you launch a one-hour workshop course, you’re not just creating a product; you’re also gathering valuable feedback. You can learn what resonates with your audience, what they’re struggling with, and what they want to learn next. This feedback loop is invaluable as you move toward creating a more extensive signature course.
Success Stories: Real People, Real Results
I love hearing success stories, and Amy shared an inspiring example of one of her students, Masha Goins. Masha was a busy mom working a nine-to-five job, and like many of us, she craved more freedom and balance in her life.
When COVID hit, she realized she needed a quick cash injection, so instead of diving straight into creating a large course, she opted for a one-hour workshop course.
Masha focused on teaching moms how to use Instagram to build a business. She quickly put together her workshop, promoted it to her small email list, and made $3,000!
This was a huge validation moment for her. Masha learned what her audience wanted and was able to pivot her focus to create a more extensive program called “Mom to Mom Fluencer,” helping moms become influencers online.
Over the next 18 months, Masha launched her bigger course multiple times, ultimately making $400,000. Her journey is a testament to the power of starting small, validating your ideas, and building confidence along the way.
The Importance of Taking Action
One of the most significant barriers many people face when considering creating a course is the fear of making the wrong decision. I can totally relate to this feeling!
It’s easy to get caught up in the “what ifs” and let indecision hold you back. But as Amy pointed out, there are no wrong turns when you’re taking action.
Every step you take, even if it doesn’t lead to the outcome you expected, provides valuable lessons. You learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to pivot your approach. This mindset shift is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in the digital course space.
Ready to take ACTION on your first digital course? Save your seat for Amy’s Masterclass Experience!
First Step Transformation
Another concept we discussed was the idea of “first step transformation.” This is about identifying the initial step your audience needs to take before they can achieve the bigger results you’ll eventually offer in a signature course.
For instance, if your ultimate goal is to help people land their dream jobs, the first step might be perfecting their resumes. By focusing on this initial transformation, you’re not only helping your audience achieve a quick win, but you’re also priming them for the next steps in their journey.
This approach is incredibly powerful because it builds momentum. When people see that they can achieve something, even if it’s small, it boosts their confidence and encourages them to take further action.
Simplicity is Key
In today’s fast-paced world, simplicity is more important than ever. Gone are the days when lengthy, complex courses with hundreds of modules were the norm. People are looking for quick, actionable solutions that fit into their busy lives.
The one-hour workshop course is the perfect answer to this demand. It’s a manageable time commitment for your audience, and it allows you to deliver value without overwhelming them.
Plus, it gives you the opportunity to create a course that’s focused and effective!
Building Your Audience
One of the common concerns I hear from aspiring course creators is the fear of not having a large enough audience. Amy reassured us that you don’t need a massive following to create a successful course.
In fact, she shared the story of Rob Greene, a photographer who launched a course on flash photography during COVID. With just 100 people on his email list, he made $12,000!
The key takeaway here is that when you put an offer out into the world, you start to attract the right audience. You don’t have to wait until you have a huge following; you can begin building your audience as you launch your courses.
Overcoming the Fear of Selling
Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of selling, and I totally get it. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there and ask for money. However, starting with a one-hour workshop course is a fantastic way to ease into the selling process.
By offering a lower-ticket item, you’re not asking for a huge commitment from your audience.
This makes it easier for you to practice your selling skills and gain confidence. Plus, as you see people investing in your workshop, it reinforces the value of what you’re offering.
The Power of Rinse and Repeat
One of the most liberating aspects of creating a digital course is the ability to rinse and repeat. Once you’ve created your course, you can launch it multiple times, refining and improving it with each iteration.
Amy shared that she’s been launching the same course since 2019, and each time, it gets better. This consistency not only helps you become known for your expertise, but it also allows you to streamline your processes and focus on what truly matters—serving your audience.
I can personally attest to this method, too. Every year, I launch the exact same courses. Sure, sometimes I update a module here and there, but the bulk of the course stays the same so it’s no extra work for me or my team when it’s time to launch!
The Masterclass Experience
Amy’s masterclass experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from her about creating and launching digital courses. She shares her creation and launching playbook, along with success stories from her students.
If you’re even remotely interested in creating a course, I highly recommend signing up for Amy’s FREE class, Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Digital Course Launch In 5 Streamlined Steps!
Remember: action creates clarity, and there are no wrong turns when you’re moving forward. Whether you’re a busy parent, a full-time employee, or someone juggling multiple passions, you can create a digital course that fits into your life and allows you to share your expertise with the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming your one-hour workshop course topic today, and let’s make those ideas a reality!
Save your seat for Amy’s Masterclass Experience now!
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