The development of an online course business from the ground up

Take a look at the case study , or watch our entire discussion on Marlene... as and if you find it inspirational to create your own program, (and we think it can!) start by signing up on RoadmapTo5k.com.

Marlene Hielema is also referred to as the Image Maven

Marlene is an outstanding photographer as well as video teacher. She's also the brain behind the development of ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Go to both websites for great videos as well as tips to increase the quality of your images as well as videos within a matter of seconds.

What are the main reasons why you should take up online instruction?

Flash from the year 2004. Marlene was a teacher in the Photography classes at her local community college which she was attending within her region. Though she was a fan of working directly with the students, she was exhausted.

The workload became more tiring for her. There was no way to take anytime she wanted "I taught continuously."

Her goal? Flexible and free to her working timetable.

Marlene declares, "I want to enjoy my life... my life just isn't long enough. I'd love to get a skateboard! I'd love to take my longboard during lunchtime without guilt."

A desire for freedom and flexibility led her to develop the first online course. online courses.

From where did she gather the ideas she came up with?

Marlene started taking some photography courses online, and was a bit "clunky." Marlene considered to herself "this could be improved."

She then began researching ideas to create her personal course. In the fall of 2010, she started the first class that was entirely online, with the aid of .

Marlene is currently offering eight classes online. Many of these she's taught many times to various groups of students.

The course she's created comprises a variety of short cost, affordable, and specific courses as well as more lengthy classes that are more demanding (some which last longer than 8 weeks).

Marlene builds her short courses around specific inquiries that clients send her email: "I've had this question over 10 times during the past 3 months. Perhaps I'd like to design an online course to answer this!"

Then she also gets to know the queries people ask regarding. In the above example, at when she first started receiving queries about her video, she'd say: Do you have some suggestions for me regarding how to create a video that's like that?

Overcoming challenges

Marlene admits that her greatest challenge is selling -- "I'm obviously not a salesperson."

With time, she's come up with strategies to educate and inform individuals, prior to making them purchase the course.

The photographer is offering you an opportunity to receive free 10 lessons in photography through email. If you take these classes, she'll provide an expensive course.

While she initially found sales hard at first, Marlene now says "I frequently sell courses. Students find the class they want to take then like it, and they decide to purchase the course."

A profitable business model that is based on classes

One of the main lessons discovered by Marlene was the fact that both education and services (one-on-one consultation for individuals) are inextricably linked.

The courses she offers can provide the possibility of one-on-one client support. Following a class "people seek a little of extra assistance and are willing to invest money on."

As an example, those studying video classes require support in the editing process and also production. Students in photography courses will need critiques from private tutors along with additional technical assistance.

In the end the final report, she states, "My revenue has increased in the same way through my clients, just like it has grown through classes."

Courses are extremely valuable by themselves however, they're much more efficient when they're integrated with services.

Marlene can also increase her skills by offering classes. Marlene states that "If I get recruited by someone else, it is a surprise and comes out of the out of the blue.

(for consulting) For consultation reasons, I'll offer the training course at no fee." The training course will help make her service as a consultant more appealing for prospective customers.

Connecting with students

Marlene uses her classes as a way to engage with studentsand not just to provide details. Marlene has noticed that often "People are less anxious when they're on the internet."

Engages students through actively and present in her class teaching "I answer every question and message."

Marlene states that teaching is fun and rewarding to her "I teach, and I enjoy helping people... I love seeing people get results! My pride is in my daughter whenever she comes to me with photos that feature a beautiful white background I helped to create. We are here to assist those who are suffering from a lot of anger."

In the future

Moving forward, Marlene is looking to take advantage of the popularity of her classes. Marlene is planning on "relaunching as well as revitalising her existing courses, creating better advertising pages, and increasing the standard of each course she provides."

Also, she tries to create at least every two years in order to develop new courses that meet the needs of the communities within which she lives. She states that "I've not created courses from beginning to end." She rather, constantly considers the issues people have regarding?, and builds courses that reflect the needs of the community she lives in.

Additionally, she would like to work with other experts to develop creative new ways to create programs. For instance, she has worked with a counselor in the development of a program to help you develop your personal skills called Take breaks - Take a break Photography. It will assist with taking care of your self.

Marlene's top advice and tips for helping you to start your own online learning company in the right direction

1. Do it! Do It!

Marlene shares with us "My initial class had around 20 students who paid and 10 students, and it was so satisfying!"

So, put your procrastination behind you and begin working. Start with a plan that offers a low-risk way for you to begin, no matter what you're willing to pay for the pleasure of inviting a girl to take a trip!

Surmont the obstacles, as you discover how in the beginning! Take it on.

Do not get caught up in the perfectionism when you begin the course. The majority of people can handle making mistakes.

#2 Connect

Be sure to connect with your students and truly be connected to your students.

If they believe that your teaching is good stuff and they're keen to learn more about it then they'll contact your aid with inquiries and have the opportunity to benefit by their knowledge.

If they're trusting you, you can help them.

Be active in forums. Participate in the forums by answering questions and posting questions.

#3 3. Express Yourself

Bring your personality into your teaching. Marlene admits "I make a funny appearance when I upload YouTube clips." When she lets us glimpse her personality in her videos and courses and classes, the more she develops an intimate bond with her students that she teaches.

You can start right now. Begin by taking our online course absolutely free to learn the 5 ways of creating and promote your online course to aid you in developing your own online course business beginning from scratch.

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