The creation of an online course business from the ground up

Take a look at the case study or listen to our full discussion of Marlene... as well do you find it inspiring to develop your own program, (and we believe it could!) begin by signing up at RoadmapTo5k.com.

Marlene Hielema, also known as the Image Maven

Marlene is a brilliant photography and video instructor. She's also the brain behind the creation of ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Go to both websites to get great videos and suggestions to improve the quality of your photos and videos in a matter of minutes.

What are the reasons to begin online teaching?

Flash back to 2004. Marlene taught Photography in the class of her community college that she was attending in her area. Although she enjoyed working directly with the students, she was exhausted.

It got more and more tiring for her. She was unable to have any time she wanted "I taught continuously."

Her goal? Freedom and flexibility to her working timetable.

Marlene says, "I want to enjoy my life... my life isn't enough. I would like to skateboard! I'd like to ride my longboard during the middle of the afternoon and not feel guilty."

The desire to be free and flexibility led her to design the very first online course. online courses.

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

Marlene started taking some photography courses online, and found it "clunky." Marlene thought of herself "this could be improved."

Then she began looking up ideas to create her own course. As of the autumn of 2010 she launched her first course that was completely online with the help of .

Marlene currently offers eight online classes Many of them she has taught numerous times to diverse classes of students.

The course she's created is a mix of small, low-cost, and focused courses, as well as more lengthy classes that are more rigorous (some that are longer than eight weeks).

Marlene builds her short courses based on specific questions which clients send her email: "I've had this question more than 10 times over the past three months. Perhaps I'd like to design an online course to answer this!"

She also pays attention to the questions people make about. In the example above the moment she began receiving questions about her videos, she'd say: Do you have any tips for me on the process of creating a video that's like that?

Overcoming challenges

Marlene says her biggest challenge is selling -- "I'm obviously not a salesperson."

As time passes, she's come up with methods to communicate and teach people, before making them purchase the program.

She is currently giving you the chance to sign up to receive free 10 lessons in photography via email. In the event that you complete these free lessons, she'll offer a paid course.

While she initially found sales difficult at first, Marlene now says "I often sell classes. People find the course they want to take, like it and buy the course."

A successful business model based on classes

One of the key lesson learned by Marlene was the fact that education along with services (one-on-one consulting for private clients) are inextricably linked.

Her classes can result in opportunities for one-on one client services. Following a class "people are looking for a little of extra assistance that they're prepared to spend money on."

As an example, those taking video courses require assistance with editing and production. Students taking photography classes will require critiques by private tutors along with additional technical assistance.

In the end, she declares, "My revenue has increased as much through clients as it has increased through classes."

Courses have tremendous value standing on their own but they're more effective when they are paired with service offerings.

Marlene could also improve her expertise by providing classes. Marlene clarifies that "If I am hired by someone the opportunity comes an out of the blue.

[for consulting] For consulting purposes, I will provide the training course at no cost." This will make her services as a consultant more attractive for potential clients.

Connections with students

Marlene utilizes her teaching as a means for interacting with students, not only to impart information. Marlene has observed that many times "People tend to be less anxious when they're on the internet."

Engages her students by being active and present in her teaching classes "I respond to every inquiry and message."

Marlene states that teaching is fun and rewarding to her "I am a teacher, and I love to help individuals... I love seeing people get results! It is proud of my daughter whenever she comes to me with a photo featuring a stunning white background that I've assisted to create. I'm here to help people who have a lot of frustration."

In the future

Going forward, Marlene is looking to build on the success of her existing classes. Marlene plans to "relaunching and revitalizing her current courses, creating better marketing pages and increasing the quality of every course she offers."

Also, she tries to develop at most once or twice per year to create new courses that respond to the requirements from the communities within which she lives. She states that "I've never developed a course from beginning to finish." She instead, regularly thinks on the questions people ask concerning?, and builds courses that reflect the needs of her community.

In addition, she wants to work with other experts to develop creative new ways to develop programs. As an example, she has worked with a counselor in order to develop a course for personal development called Take a break - Photography to assist you in taking time for yourself.

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

1. Just Do It!

Marlene shares with us "My initial course included about 20 paying students and 10 students and it was so satisfying!"

Therefore, put your procrastination in the past and get to work. Begin with a program with a low-risk way for you to start, regardless of how much you have the pleasure of inviting a girl to get a free trip!

Surmont the obstacles, as you learn so how much in the beginning! Take it on.

Don't get hung up on the perfectionism when you begin the course. Most people are fine with mistakes.

#2 Connect

Make sure you connect to your students and truly be in touch with your students.

If they feel that the information you're teaching them is good stuff and they're interested in learning more, they'll come to you with questions and you'll be capable of benefiting from their experience.

If they are trusting you, you can help them.

Engage actively in the forums Answering questions and posting queries.

#3 3 Express Yourself

Add your own personality to your lessons. Marlene admits, "I act a little funny on my YouTube videos." The more she lets us see her character through her courses and videos and courses, the more she develops an intimate relationship with the students she teaches.

It's easy to start today. Start by taking our online training program at no cost to learn the five ways to create and marketing your online course to help you develop your own online course business starting from scratch.

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