Why I Choose Not to Create Online Courses as an Entrepreneur
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Chapter 1: The Course Creation Trend
In today's digital landscape, content creators and solo entrepreneurs often follow a well-trodden path: they start producing content on a platform, cultivate a significant audience, establish themselves as experts, and ultimately monetize their expertise through courses. This model has indeed propelled many individuals to greater financial success, with notable figures like MJ de Marco and Robert Kiyosaki amassing substantial wealth by sharing their insights.
However, as someone who has successfully navigated various fields—writing, business development, software engineering, and freelancing—earning thousands each month, the idea of creating a course for my audience has never appealed to me. Despite understanding the lucrative potential of this venture, I feel it's not the right fit for me. For those contemplating entering this space, here are my reasons for abstaining.
Section 1.1: The Value of Experience Over Courses
I firmly believe that if you wish to embark on a new endeavor, you should dive in immediately, regardless of your current knowledge level. It is through hands-on experience that you discover your true interests and the skills you need to develop.
Why purchase a course on jump rope techniques without first trying to jump rope? How can you ascertain whether this is your passion without attempting it yourself? Unfortunately, many individuals operate under a different mindset, investing heavily in courses, books, and seminars, yet fail to apply their newfound knowledge.
A prime example of this is when individuals consume countless books on social skills. Instead of practicing these skills by socializing, they isolate themselves with literature. Consequently, they accumulate theoretical knowledge but lack real-life connections.
This misconception that one must seek expert guidance before attempting something independently can hinder genuine success.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Need for Action
I have friends eager to start writing, and I’ve provided them free resources and platforms, yet they remain inactive. Their hesitation stems from a lack of motivation, disillusionment, or the perception that the effort required outweighs the potential rewards. These individuals should first engage with the platform before investing in any courses. Many lack genuine interest in pursuing their goals, and worse, many available courses often fail to deliver the necessary instruction.
Section 1.2: The Pitfalls of Course Selling
While some people find value in courses, I cannot endorse something I do not personally believe in. Many course sellers are merely dream peddlers, enticing you with the promise of mastering a skill while prioritizing profit over authenticity. They often offer a taste of valuable content for free, only to redirect you to a paid course that claims to hold the key to success.
Ultimately, course sellers, coaches, and gurus are business people focused on generating revenue. The online course industry is highly profitable, with some individuals raking in millions from course sales. This has led to an oversaturation of courses that offer little substance, as many entrepreneurs chase trends rather than providing real value.
Chapter 2: The Saturated Course Market
The online course market is currently inundated with options. Each day brings forth new trends, quickly followed by a slew of "side hustlers" eager to cash in on the latest craze. Many of these individuals have established audiences and are adept at social media marketing, making it challenging for newcomers to compete.
As a business owner, I recognize that to succeed, one must find an untapped niche. While it’s possible to stand out with a unique idea, I currently feel I lack anything extraordinary to offer that isn't already available in existing courses.
If I choose to create something in the future, it would be a book focused on a specific skill. Books provide clarity and do not necessitate elaborate marketing strategies to convey their value. The focus should simply be on what the book teaches—if it resonates with potential readers, they will choose to buy it.
Video Description: This video covers effective strategies for selling online courses organically in 2024, focusing on actionable insights rather than empty promises.
Video Description: In this video, the creator shares their experience and reasons for stepping away from selling online courses, offering a realistic perspective on the industry.
In conclusion, if you are considering creating a course, reflect on the genuine value it will provide. Avoid becoming just another profit-driven seller. Additionally, ensure you possess the time and expertise to market it effectively. Transparency about what learners can expect will help you avoid being labeled as just another "dream seller."
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