7 Key Reasons Online Course Creators Fail at Selling

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Photo of frustrated man at laptop representing failure of online course creators

You’ve probably heard that the market for online courses is booming. That the global market for e-learning is projected to grow to more than US $240 billion by 2023, And, it seems like with a market that big, it would be relatively easy to build a thriving online course business.

The truth, of course, is that the online course business is like most other businesses. Most start-ups fail – and that includes most online course creators aiming to sell their courses.

In my experience, there are 7 key reasons that aspiring online course sellers fail: [Read more…]

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Breaking the Mold – and Thriving – with Jason Blumer

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jason-blumer-cpaDo you work in a field in a field or industry that seems completely set in its ways? Where change seems impossible?

Would you like to shake things up with with new perspectives and new business models – and, of course, generate significant income while doing it?

Then you won’t want to miss this episode of the Learning Revolution.

Visit the Web site for BlumerCPAs and you will know immediately that you are not in the world of traditional accounting. Several years ago Jason Blumer started to transform the CPA firm he took over from his father into a thriving niche business with coaching and education as a key component of its strategy. Jason also founded the Thriveal Network, a membership site for forward thinking accountants, and has seen that effort, well, thrive.

I got connected with Jason through Paul Johnson from Pathwright, who I interviewed back in Episode 15. Jason uses the Pathwright platform for the high-end coaching courses he offers in both live online and on-demand versions.

In short, like most of the people I have interviewed on the show, Jason Blumer is a dyed-in-the-wool learning revolutionary who is using education to transform and grow his business. So, listen in for a mega-dose of inspiration. (And, of course, be sure to share the good word about Learning Revolution.)

Listen to the Podcast

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Get the Show Notes

01:46 – Intro of Jason Blumer, principal of BlumerCPAs and founder of the Thriveal Network and the Businessology show.

02:39 – Jason gives an overview of the firm he took over from his father. BlumerCPAs has transitioned to a completely virtual, cloud-based model with a very niche focus on the creative industry. That focus has been key to building brand and being in the position to charge premium prices.

[Read more…]

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How to Architect a Million-Dollar Community with Alan Weiss

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Interested in building a global base of loyal fans who tell you the educational offerings they want and help you design them? Then you definitely want to listen in to this interview with Alan Weiss, the Million Dollar Consultant®.

I’ve counted myself among Alan’s fan base for many years now and was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk with him as I was writing Leading the Learning Revolution. In this podcast, Alan discusses his approach to building successful professional communities, the keys to developing high-value, high-price point offerings, and how on earth he manages to produce as much as he does.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is just for consultants: the advice and perspectives Alan offers in this episode apply to any entrepreneurial individual or organization that wants to take their education business to a whole new level this year. Enjoy it, and please also spread the word with a Tweet or by using the social links at the end of this post.

Play the Podcast

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Get the Show Notes

02:05 – Introduction of Alan Weiss, the Million Dollar Consultant®.

02:30 – Discussion of the moniker “Architect of Professional Communities®” and what it means to Alan.  Alan believes communities are the future of professional groups and that traditional trade and professional associations are going to disappear.

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Boost Your Brand and Rocket Your Reputation with Dorie Clark

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Dorie Clark - Branding Expert - PhotoWondering how to really stand out and create long-term customer loyalty in the competitive market for lifelong learning, continuing education, and training? Building brand and developing a rock-solid, trustworthy reputation have never been more important, and few people know more about how to do these things than my guest on this episode of the Learning Revolution Podcast: Dorie Clark.

Dorie is a branding and marketing expert who shares her insights regularly in well-traveled channels like the Harvard Business Review blog network and Forbes. Her new book, Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future – the focus of this podcast – was published by Harvard Business Press Books. Her most recent book – definitely relevant for anyone visiting this is site –  is Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It.

I knew Dorie was just the person to talk to when it came to exploring how education businesses – from training firms, to associations, to individual subject matter experts – can better manage their presence and impact in the market place. Listen in for some great insights and practical tips on how you can boost your brand and rocket your reputation.

Listen to the Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | iTunes

Show Notes

00:42 – Get the podcast on the free Instacast or Stitcher Radio apps to download or stream it to you mobile phone or tablet without having to connect to your computer to sync.

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