"Use this template to share your story: I was having (this problem/challenge), I wasn’t sure what to do (establish the pain/frustration). I joined (name of program) and (new thing you learned, realized or discovered). I (what you did) and (specific result you got).
Over the last 10 years from 2010 until 2020, I bought hundreds of thousands of dollars of business and marketing programs on every subject imaginable. I had a classic case of shiny object syndrome, exacerbated by a core belief of “not enough.” Among these programs were at least 4 or 5 different ones on course development. They all promised and most likely could have delivered had I made it past clicking the buy button. With the exception of maybe one i can think of, most of them are now digital dust somewhere in my cyber library.
My challenge was I knew being an entrepreneur was a calling deep in my heart. I’ve actually had some form of business since I was in my 20s. I KNEW how to hustle. I even worked for nearly 15 solid years as a freelance American Sign Language interpreter. But it was until October, 2020 when I learned of the Experience Product Masterclass (EPM). At the time, I had just invested in another high end program, in which I was beginning to have some success. But something in my heart just kept drawing me into what Marisa shared during the launch for EPM. I was truly like a moth to a flame, the more I wanted to resist the more the still small voice inside of me said “Go for it!”
I sat through just about everything during the final day of the EPM launch. There were so many incredible presentations, testimonials and bonuses and I felt compelled to buy. And here’s why: a few weeks before I was on a high profile, high impact voicing assignment with some of my favorite colleagues; together we are the cream of the crop of interpreters in the United States, and we are also Black and brown. We represent a tiny minority of nationally certified interpreters (less than 5% of our entire profession).
Completing that assignment, I was reminded that I wanted to make sure that more interpreters, especially Black and brown interpreters had the honor of doing the work we do, being super talented, confident in our skills, used to experiencing the support we have with each other and knowing that everyone is committed to working together so that all of us are able to ensure the success of the assignment.
I realized it was important for us to share our experience. While pondering this I realized it would be important to not only share our experience but also to create a learning community where other interpreters could develop shared language and values about our work. Where we could focus on developing our strengths, be aware of our growth opportunities and cultivate a brave space where everyone could thrive and do their best work.
I realized the gifts I have in ASL-English work are ones that I can teach so that more and more interpreters not only are assured they can be successful when it’s their turn to voice but actually look forward to delivering finely-crafted spoken English messages that allow their consumers who are Deaf and hard of hearing to create great relationships with their colleagues who can hear.
I had been trying to figure out the “how” of teaching what I’ve learned over many decades of doing this work in many of the most amazing situations imaginable, including traveling the world and literally turning down work daily. Of having the honor and privilege to work with truly the best and the brightest the Deaf community, and the interpreting profession has to offer, primarily at the Mecca of Deaf education, Gallaudet University.
But I realized the “how” wasn’t the important question. The important question was, “What’s keeping me from sharing the gifts I’ve been given?” I was playing small. I wondered what would be required to lean more into the pull to share my gifts than falling prey to the fear of what people would think?
I knew creating an online course and eventually a series of courses was the solution. But I wondered if I could finally use the many investments I’d made to overcome the fear of being visible and free myself to teach others how to do their best ASL-English work. Did I trust me to really lean into all of the support I had gathered around me and build a program I knew would change the lives of interpreters and ultimately move us out of the way so our consumers who are Deaf and hard of hearing could really shine.
I, who was quite busy with all the things, decided I would carve out the time and give everything I had to begin teaching. What did I have to lose? I had a proven record of success in our field and had built an incredible network of support.
So a few weeks before the EPM launch I began teaching the first course. Because I was still struggling with old beliefs and challenged with deep-seated patterns of self-sabotage, I practically tanked the first course and lost my steam at the beginning of EPM. But unlike just about every other program I’d been in, EPM kept calling me back in. Literally.
When I disappeared and stopped doing my assignments in EPM, I got text messages, emails and finally a phone call to see what I needed to get back on track. That was what made the difference. The week I got the phone call EPM was on one of the courses built in break weeks so I committed to the angel (aka coach) who called me to dig in and do some catching up. And that’s precisely what I did.
With the help of some friends in the program who directed me to parts they knew I’d like I slowly got in the EPM rhythm, consuming the content. Doing the activities and making progress. I realized the thing that had me repeatedly fail to complete courses over the previous decade was I would get stopped, for whatever reason, and then rather than going back and finishing what I had I would run off and purchase the next shiny, well-marketed, well-meaning program.
This time was different. The emails, text messages and ultimately the phone call from that angel were the jump start I needed to actually EXPERIENCE EPM. Once I did the lightbulb clicked. I understood that applying what I was experiencing and learning about to my course could help me break the cycle of so many of the workshops and trainings that have been offered in my field.
I figured out the challenges I had when I tried to create course before: I wasn’t specific enough, I didn’t have a clear end in mind (i.e. mission statement) and I hadn’t thought clearly through what my ideal student wanted AND what they needed to succeed.
Once I figured this out, I got to work, doing the primary thing that made such a difference for me. I used the tool of “Chatterboxing” to talk with a slew of people - over 60 in fact. From those calls, all of which I recorded because I knew they contained valuable data for my program development and marketing materials. Through those sessions I gathered a wealth of information about what people wanted and how I could support them.
I used all of that to craft a ground-floor course for working interpreters who already have experience in the field and know that they can be better at the skill of watching Deaf people sign and putting their source message into a cohesive, clear, accurate and well-crafted spoken English message. As of this writing I have 16 students enrolled in the course who paid over $10,350 allowing me to exceed my stretch goal in the program.
And only 36 hours after our “meet and greet” as a cohort, one of my students wrote in our course Facebook group, “So since we are in a voicing workshop I wanted to share that I just had an assignment that required a lot of voicing. I have always said that is not my strong suit…..well that ends today. I rocked my voicing portion. I kept all of you especially Candas in my head the entire time. I’m so proud of myself and although we haven’t done much work yet I credit this group ???? ???? ???????????? ???????? ????????”
I am thrilled with the course I’ve created. It’s so good I want to actually take it myself. And, the post I made that got me the folks to chatterbox with had HUNDREDS of responses. I know that had I taken more time with enrollment earlier on and created a system to support me in dealing with all of the interest in the course it’s very likely I could have enrolled many, many more.
What I know for sure is who is enrolled is exactly who is supposed to be in this cohort. Since we’ve only begun I will continue to enroll students for a couple more days and I expect to end up with over 20 before it’s all said and done.
It’s been a glorious ride, and I’m clear that what I’ve begun with this course is just the beginning of something much larger. I feel that EPM has given me the blueprint for courses that are going to change the lives not only of the interpreters I'm working with and their families lives but ultimately the lives of the Deaf and hard of hearing people we serve and their families lives.
EPM has given me the tools to Live My Message and have the impact I’ve always known I could have.
"
I've been wanting to make a living by sharing my expertise for a long time, since I had been doing this for free with really good results. I had been struggling to start the right business for years, but I just couldn't figure out what to do specifically and when I joined Marisa's Profitable Idea Challenge, I was blown away by how easy it was for me to finally find my niche by simply following her instructions. Then when I heard the offer for EMP, I was sold! I knew that this would get me where I wanted to be, finally creating and launching my own course. I just had to join and I did! I really enjoyed working my way through the program, guided by Marisa, our coaches and the entire LYM team. I absolutely loved the EPM team spirit, each one of us cheering each other on to keep going. Attending three coaching sessions each week kept me on the ball with weekly lessons and actions steps. I learned so much during EPM, and not only from my lesson and coaching session, but also about myself. I found out that I am now able to turn my ideas into my own experience product. It was an amazing and mind blowing experience and I am glad I did it, even if I didn't hit mission accomplished within twelve weeks. I'm not worried about it, because I will eventually. I am immensely grateful for the experience, because it changed my life. I found a new purpose and calling. Thank you, Marisa and Team LYM, you rock!! It's been an amazing journey and I can't wait to find out what the future will bring. Love you guys!! You are so awesome!!
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
I now have a solid blueprint on how to create and launch a new course anytime I want.
How did EPM help you become successful?
I have had many business ideas and started a couple of businesses, but I wasn't able to sustain them. EPM provided the clarity and support system that I needed to follow through with everything step by step.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
I realized that I have something quite valuable to share with the world and that there are plenty of people, who are looking for the solution to their problem, which I can offer. So I will keep going to make this happen even after EPM, with the support of my friends from pod High Vibe Hearts, to get my message out there and help others to solve the same problem I conquered myself.
What has been the biggest change in your business?
Before EPM I gave up on so many ideas for creating a business and with EPM I simply followed the process outlined in the lessons and kept going, no matter what. EPM gave me a roadmap for creating my business from scratch. Everything just fell into place and I just knew that this was the right thing to do. It works!
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
I now know how to gain clarity on product ideas and how to turn them into a product that will engage my students to take action and follow through the entire process just like I did with EPM.
I was having the problem of how to change from a 1:1 coaching program into a 1:few group style of program. I wasn't sure what to do in relation to moving into a group style of coaching without losing the intimacy and feedback I am used to giving. I joined Experience Product Masterclass and what I learned was that the intimacy and excitement could be easily created through google docs and the software that Marisa uses. So I have created my program in a way that gets my ideal clients super excited to complete their transformation steps and am geared up to sign on 6 new clients in the next few weeks.
What has been the biggest change in your business?
Being able to polish my systems of delivery even more to make it an amazing experience for those I serve.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
I am now ready to start leveraging my time and increasing my wealth with a clear strategy instead of fumbling from coach to coach to get minimal incremental increases.
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
That it is easy to stand out from the crowd when you lay everything out visually for your clients (aka bird's eye view). It gives both them and yourself an easy to follow gameplan to stay on track.
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
I am going to easily hit my profit goals this year, and the next, and the next, and the next.....
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If the whole family didn't get hit with covid, it would have been much easier :)
I was seeking a step-by-step guide in order to create a course that would reflect my true purpose and passion for helping other women create mirefulfilling lives for themselves. I had already bought other courses (of equal and greater cost) that just weren't getting me to the finish line. I joined EPM 2021. In it, found the missing links to the process of building my course; along with marketing lessons that I am sure will boost my credibility and branding. By executing the lessons , I now know that I will have a product that I can be proud of.
Your GRADUATION Story
I have been creating and marketing so many courses. Spent all my time and energy in it... To find no traction, although I have a large distribution list. I know that I have a lot to give, and kept doing the same and the same. And felt exhausted at times. And very disappointed. I was at the point of giving up this summer, and by coincidence (or not...), I received an invitation for the EPM Masterclass. I committed to forget everything I did before and trust the process. The professionalism of Marisa helped me to surrender. Now I know the process to create an appealing offer for my audience, I finished my first product, and this is just the start of a new adventure.
Your MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Story
Having a great offer is one thing. Selling it is another. I had the strategy to hide myself behind my large distribution list and not to contact my audience directly. Because I felt that I should not sell myself. Joining EMP gave me a new perspective. One that I knew intellectually, but did not feel like that. I (re)discovered the chatterbox method and was challenged by the competition in the program and supported by the templates and the energy of the community. I learned how this method boosts energy, fun and engagement in my conversations with my audience and that people are genuinely open and interested in how I can support them in their self-mastery. I am now committed to keep using this strategy for all my offers, because it gives me so much feedback and results. I should have learned this years ago!
How's EPM and your success impacted your life?
More confidence, more exposure, more energy
What's your biggest takeaway from EPM?
MVP is good enough to start. Don't complicate things
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you Maryssa! You rock! So do your coaches.
"My GRADUATION STORY:
After PLF, ClickFunnels, Ryan Leveque's quiz funnels and year long course, and even Christian Mickelson's coaching program..., I was still having a real challenge finding a system that could work for ME to market my award winning kids book so I could finally actually get it to market and start helping kids avoid bullying and becoming another teen suicide statistic.
I finally realized my techy former girlfriend wasn't as dedicated to helping me as she had been saying she was for 7 years when she left after getting a job offer in Utah. I wasn't sure how I was ever going to get past my ""non-techy"" history and be able to actually pull off creating the kind of course my Best Indie Book Award winning kids book deserved!
I joined EPM after being fascinated by Marisa's explanation of harnessing the dopamine production with the structure of the learning process and I knew I was where I needed to be. Since even now I still don't even know how to send a friend request on FB (just had to ask someone this morning) when I say I'm a non-techy I mean... this is not my gig. Give me a guitar and a mic and I'm fine, put me at the top of a 40' ladder cleaning the gutters or hanging off the edge of a 3rd story roof, piece of cake... but navigating all this google doc, fb, milestone mania... That's been bigtime challengeville for my 60 year old brain... But today's kids need the resilience and confidence and parents need the support, so failure on this has never been an option for me.
I have so appreciated the presentation style, examples, astounding intelligence APPLIED to something so important, the dedication of Coach Mike who has repeatedly taken his own private personal time to schedule extra sessions with our pod, be it Christmas eve, (almost 40 minutes with me alone around 6;30 his time...A.Maz.Ing!) Such a wonderful man, coach, representative you have in him. Please don't judge him based on my lack of fb posts! I've done well to have any!
So now with Mike's and my efforts, I am graduating! And I'm liking the experience of this dopamine thing in addition to appreciating the theory of it all. I can FEEL the boost of my understanding and confidence and I'm looking forward to the modules still yet to come (I haven't even LOOKED at 4 yet)
I feel like I have found my educational ""home""... much like I felt when I first found Mary Morrissey's ""Living Enrichment Center"" and knew it was my spiritual home, back in the 80's.
Once this course of mine is on autopilot, more or less, and I've got my illustrator working full time for me on the next books, and a few other goals behind me, I would love to be a bigger part in what I KNOW is next for you Marisa and Murray and LYM... But I don't want you to wait for me... So:
What you've created here is ground breaking evolutionary code cracking paradigm shifting systemology that needs to be taken to the next level, of course, right?
The missing component to me anyway, is gonna seem obvious when you hear it maybe given the song you ended your EPM course with, but I'm crystal clear that when you add music into the course content and structure, specifically written music, lyrics, instrumentation and rhythms that emotionally connect and relate to the content, and invite the optional use of the support songs that some focused talented songwriters have created (and maybe even recorded in different musical genres and styles to relate with different age clients...)... THAT to me will be the ultimate learning environment and structure, supporting and supported by everything you've already created. I can only imagine what it might do for the completion numbers and engagement, sharing songs that then would become the study material that could be taken and used everywhere...
This is something I will be incorporating to a limited degree with what I can figure out how to manage in Raising Resilient Kiddos but I know you could do more with the idea than I will most likely be able to any time soon, so take it. Use it. Do it. Please. We have so much to learn that we need ALL the tools available to help us receive and for me that conversation will never be complete without a powerfully intentional, physiologically integrated (432hz based) music component. Call me if you wanna talk about it. (503) 381-1138. I'd love to help if I can. Thanks again for everything! We've only just begun... Stay Tuned!! Mark"
Your GRADUATION Story
I was wanting to find a way to provide a course to teach option traders how to manage and enrich their mindset during the trading day, so it increases their profits through consistent trading wins. I wasn't sure what to provide that would be unique in the industry. I joined EPM and realized I could gamefy my training and daily trade room support to have option traders get excited about learning new skills and integrating them into their daily trading routines. This is done while reducing their stress levels and increasing their profits to allow them to obtain their financial freedom goals in 90 days or less and add joy to their lives through the process.
A new avenue of growth and financial enrichment. EPM has invigorated my creative side that had gone silent for too long. I am more excited and energized and it shows in my trading accomplishments and all of my business and personal relationships. You are able to teach new skills and obtain new goals, while having fun and adding joy to one's life. EPM has allowed me to expand the scope of my business in ways I had not thought of before.
Marissa and the entire team, especially my Coach Shayla, have all been awesome in so many ways - from support, to knowledge and experience levels, and overall great hearts with insights far beyond what I could ever have envisioned, will be with me forever! I have no way to properly express my gratitude for all that you have given to me now and going forward in the future. Thank You from my heart! May angels always fly in front of you to guide you, above you to protect you, and below you for continued support, and always inside your heart to remind you that you are loved by so many, but especially by me!
Your MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Story
I was having an issue with being overwhelmed with my ideas. I pictured my program in my mind's eye, but was overwhelmed with how to get there. I wasn't sure what steps to take first. I was overwhelmed by everything there was to do to get to my dream. I joined the Experience Product Masterclass and was able to identify the specific steps to take in order to create my Minimum Viable Product (MVP). I followed the steps in the MVP track and launched my beta pilot course within 8 weeks.
finding the time to take action EMP provided a clear and effective structure to achieve my goals. The program tools, especially Ainslee were amazingly helpful in accelerating my progress. Perfect is the enemy of good. I KNOW that my success is inevitable and exactly what steps to take to get there.
"For several years I have wanted to expand my business into a new, different or larger niche. I struggled with what that niche would be and then what I could do to enter it. I only had vague ideas without clarity or plans of action.
I joined EPM with a hope that the big light bulb above my head would turn on. I attended all Zoom calls and trainings for a few weeks, then obstacles caused me to step back.. Even though I had to slow down a bit, small ah-ah moments were happening. Ideas were forming. I changed the name of my course 3 times in the first 8 weeks as more insights came to me.
I started to Chatterbox for more clarity of what and how my course could be. Ideas started to jell. More conversations brought fine tuning which changed how I approached the next conversation. One person said she wanted the course - now. I told her it wasn't ready for awhile. I agreed to do a 1 on 1 with her right away. That changed what I offered on the next conversations resulting in a total of THREE 1:1 clients.
My course is still not created, however, my 3 private clients will create my course for me. I couldn't ask for a better outcome that that!"
"I have wanted to build an eCourse to address aspects of sex addiction recovery for many years now but I found myself stymied again and again. I tended to get caught up in a frenzy of effort that would run out long before I ever hit the market with a tangible eCourse.
I now know that I had a ton to learn about nearly every aspect of creating a course like this. Through the many trainings, coaching, and other talks, I’ve come to see that there was much I didn’t understand or have outlined before starting the course. Because of the depth of information provided, using a well-considered training process, and the coaching resources made available, I was able to graduate with a wealth of new knowledge and to find myself much closer to mission accomplished.
I got behind in the course due to a number of factors that kept me super busy and often too distracted to give my best effort. It was stressful to be behind, but I took advantage of coaching opportunities and my access to watch trainings again and again, to create something that is well on his way to success.
My goal for my initial course is 30 people at $297 each. With the marketing plan and campaigns planned, I should be able to get to this number or at least close.
Thank you for your great course and the well-organized content. I finally feel like success is around the corner!
"
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
I can do this! Iterate your way to awesome. Keep pedaling and focus on "good enough" over perfect.
How did EPM help you become successful?
It was really intuitive and rooted in sound marketing principles as well as the most basic principles of business.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
More to come...
What has been the biggest change in your business?
So far, balancing my work in this course and running our business at the same time, has been my greatest challenge. Life, work balance has been out of whack. Now I feel like I have direction and know what steps to take next.
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
A potentially lucrative income channel.