This post is part of the Course Creation Myth busting series: Because courses rock… but there is plenty of bull out there, it’s time to share some truth.
Myth: You need to be fully booked with one on one clients before you create a course.
I see this less and less now, as creating an online course has become a more widely accepted business strategy… but a couple of years ago, this phrase was everywhere.
I still come across clients at the moment, who think it is too early to start creating a course, because they have more room on their books to take one on one work.
Firstly:
Yes, I believe it is good to have lots of experience doing what you do, before you try and turn it into a course. If that involves serving clients one on one, then the same still applies. You need to hone your skills, to understand how your content and services serve different target markets, and understand the different struggles and complications your audience may face when trying to implement what they have learnt.
And…
Yes, it does help to have existing clients on your list, rather than trying to build an online course as your very first offering. If nothing else, it helps to have a list of prospective clients, or readers who are interested in what you are talking about.
However;
You don’t have to be fully booked to create an online course.
In fact, a course becomes harder to create when you are fully booked.
Courses take time to build… a lot of time if you want to build some in-depth, engaging content that will really generate great results for your clients.
It’s a lot harder to find the time needed to build your course if you are already fully booked every hour of the day.
Plus, students who take your course will need support. This might be one on one sessions, group calls, or even just a private group where they can ask questions and get answers… but they need some support.
It’s a lot harder to support your students, and to find the time to really give them the attention they deserve if you are already fully booked every hour of the day.
So, no, you don’t need to have a fully booked client list before you start to build your online course… you just need experience applying the skills you want to teach, to a range of different situations, and an audience or prospective list of clients who need your help.
Plus, it is important to remember…
Your course is likely to suit the needs of a different market to the people who want to work with you one on one. It allows you to provide a more cost effect solution, on the understanding that they don’t receive as much personal guidance through the process.
While some people choose to only offer one on one services, or online offer group courses… there is logic to offering both.
By providing a group course, you provide your content at a lower entry price for people who want to do it themselves.
And by still providing a range of one on one services, you provide a higher price pointed product for those who want done for your services, or a more hands on approach.
So, don’t wait to start that course.
Don’t put it off until you are fully booked, you’ll need this spare time to develop the content.
If running an online course is on your 6 month, 12 month, or 2 year plan, start laying the ground work now.
Trust me, future you will thank you for it.