"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.
"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.
I was struggling with being a coach who can stop worrying about where business comes from and focus on the joy of transformation. It had been 2 years since I started practising individual coaching and 5 yeas since my group coaching practice but the income was so low that I was tempted to go back to a regular job which would mean 12 hour days and no flexibility, even though the pay was great. Felt like selling my soul! Thank God for EPM and Marisa! I now have learned so much about positioning my product and myself right! And reaching my ideal client! And creating core experiences that motivate towards action and results! In just 10 weeks from signing up I am seeing my revenue soar to match what I would earn in a 12 hour job, while working half that time and in my own timings, so that I can be there for my kids too! I have learnt the art of copywriting, the art of being there for your clients even more than they expect and the art of loving it all! Thank you Marisa for this wonderful learning and the wonderful flow of abundance!
I just didn't think it was possible to pull off because I had failed so many times before. I has all but given up on anyone out there who could help me get results. I WAS WRONG! It was amazing that information about EPM came right into my email box just as I was creating my Rich Coaches Academy. I was going to just "wing it" and see where I landed. Marisa's confident presence inspired me to give it just one more try and I am so glad I did! Marisa is the real deal! Now I can launch with confidence as well overcome any past limiting beliefs! Now I now that anything is possible if you believe and have the right tools!
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
The biggest takeaway is a structure that if followed can lead to enormous success.
How did EPM help you become successful?
I now have an implementable plan and a strategy to be more successful in what I am providing for my clients.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
It is a relief to know that I don't have to keep failing but rather building on all the tools that I have received through the EPM Program. It's a whole new way of thinking and being. The possibilities are endless!
What has been the biggest change in your business?
I now have a solid achievable plan to get me from mission to mission accomplished that I never had before. IT WORKS!
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
The sky isn't even the limit! I feel like I can soar and go as far as I choose.
I have been challenged with time management issues; however I will most assuredly slowly cross the finish line just like the determined runners from a Marathon that place last. Slow and steady, here comes the tortoise : ).
I am graduated! I was stuck for a long time. Thanks Marisa for the motivating training: “better done than perfect!”, and the info on the actions of fear I could recognize them! Thanks Carolyn who has been very supportive and available. I have learn a lot and done a lot. I am on the way to success.
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
My biggest takeaway is the process.
How did EPM help you become successful?
The deadline, the information on the consequences of fear, and all the tools to know what to do help me to understand more what I have to do, and to do it.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
I have more confidence.
What has been the biggest change in your business?
I am more visible.
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
Now I can follow the step by step process to grow my business.
I knew I needed accountability and support to launch my business and I got it through EPM. I had to pivot and redefine, I had to lose courage and gain it back to arrive at the starting line where I am right now. I am launching soon, but have not yet! Know why? I'm part of the #CouragePod. I am not intimidated by the zeroes I have so far in terms of income to date - I'm going to keep going, dammit.
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
Persistence, persistence, and - oh yeah! - don't give up.
How did EPM help you become successful?
Clarify what I am offering and how, helping me to take SPECIFIC action, step by step. I believe it is doable, and only EPM among all other training programs has helped me achieve that belief.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
I have the hope of leaving employment someday.
What has been the biggest change in your business?
I have a clear idea of what I am trying to do.
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
Launching my business's first product, earning my business's first dollar, leaving employment, providing for myself - these are possible now.
"
#STARS
Minimum goal: $3,944
Target goal: $7,988
Stretch goal: $23,964
When the Student is Ready, the Teacher will Appear.
I have been running in-person writing classes for five years with little or no traction and not earning the income I wanted. In the five years, I have taught 400 students. However, very few of them went on to publish their books. What has kept me going has been my unwavering commitment to my work.
When COVID-19 hit in 2020 and the world went into lockdown, I froze. My business had been solely built on in-person meetings and now it was not possible to run the classes. That meant that an important part of my income stream was affected. So, I toyed around with taking my classes online. I reached out to friends of mine in the creative writing space in universities around the world to ask about how they were doing their virtual classes. Their needs did not meet mine. The students enrolled in their classes had writing knowledge and their sessions were mostly story workshopping. My ideal clientele is people without a writing history who want to document their authentic stories in book form, so I needed to teach them the writing basics. I wanted an online class that was as engaging as a live class. I did run a few online classes, but I was not sure I was getting the right of input and I believed I could do better. I was looking for a class that would teach me how to create and market online products.
Robert Allen, one of my writing coaches in the past, had said this to our class in 2013: when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When the teacher is ready, the student will appear – it touched my core. So, during this time of wondering where to get the best coaching to help me pivot into the online space, I got an email from Brain Tracy on October 8, 2019, titled: The truth about info products. It was an introduction to Marisa’s EPM webinars. I signed up and invited a friend to also sign up for the free webinars and that is when I got hooked and paid for the EPM 2020.
I am glad I did. EPM helped take a closer look at my business model and helped me address the lingering question in my mind: what do I have to do to ensure more student success in writing books and publishing them? I discovered new concepts that I have used to design my classes. While at the start of EPM, I run an advert for my first virtual writing retreat which was priced at $512. I did not expect it to make any sales. Two weeks to the deadline, I started implementing some EPM lessons and got four students who signed up and that was my first Mission Accomplished. I earned $2,048.
My EPM Product is called the Savvy Writer Masterclass which I specifically designed after implementing lessons from the classes. The product launch date was 8 January 2021 and would run up to January 25, 2021, for the class to start 5 February to 6 August 2021. The class is a beta product and is priced at $1997. My main marketing campaigns were chatterbox and perfect email campaign.
Using the Perfect Email Campaign, I decided to make this an exclusive invitation-only product and from my mailing list of 1,000 people, I selected 150 people to whom I sent out the marketing letter. I used Marisa’s email template because the story resonated well with me and I was sure it would resonate well with the readers. I then went on Canva and created personalized fliers for each recipient and then pasted the marketing copy under the flier. Creating the fliers took me three-days but because of the price point I had put it at, I knew the investment was worth it. It meant looking up their pictures of Facebook or LinkedIn to download and prepare a flier like the one below.
I manually sent out these invitations which also asked the recipients to recommend someone else who would be a fit for the program.
It worked.
I started receiving responses from the prospective clients I had reached out to.
In addition to the Perfect Email Campaign, I also used the power of celebrity leverage. The CEO of our national paper reached out to me and I chatter boxed him about the upcoming Savvy Writer Masterclass. He signed up. He has a Twitter following of 195,000 strong. I asked him to tweet about our class, which he did, and that brought in several prospects but also the second sign-up student to the class. The CEO has committed to documenting his writing journey on Twitter for the duration of the class- that is 24 weeks of being endorsed.
Sometimes, everything that can go wrong does go wrong.
Eight days after my product launch, we had an internet blockade. January was election season in my home country Uganda where the incumbent President who has led the country for 35 years whose strongest contender was a 38-year-old musician turned politician who appealed to the youthful generation. Campaigns had been held online because of COVID-19 restrictions. The internet in the country was shut down for 7 days and that is a lot of time in the world of marketing. Some clients on my list were from other countries in Africa.
I froze.
Again.
I had to quickly pivot to alternative ways of getting my message out and find new clients during the internet shutdown.
One Sunday while listening to a radio program called Desert Island Discs, where prominent Ugandans are interviewed, the guest on the show said he wanted to write a book. I reached out to the interviewer the next day to ask him to make an introduction to the guest and I chatter boxed about the Savvy Writer Masterclass. The interviewer promised to make the introduction, which he did and asked me as a guest on his show to which I agreed. It is a popular program among the elite in my country, who are the target market for this product. I also spoke to the guest who has signed up for the Savvy Writer Masterclass. My hour-long interview on my personal story was broadcast on radio, in print, and shared on Youtube.
Once the internet was turned back on, I sent the video to all the prospective clients on the targeted email list of 150 people when I sent the next email. I also realized that I would need to improve on my live version of the class, so I am able to make changes and fine-tune it in order to upload my materials on Xperiencify for the next time. This is the way forward for me as an African entrepreneur to have my online classes hosted outside my country because I see more incidents of rising internet shutdowns, yet I am trying to grow an online business.
I followed up on the old prospects who have started signing up and we used the old school payment method of EFT because of this amount of money and based on my market, many are more comfortable doing bank transfers. So as of writing this email, I have signed up 6 students which will make me $11,982 once their payments reflect on my account. I am still waiting for more sign-ups so the number will go higher. EPM helped me develop a product that would have fewer students but bring in more income. It was a EUREKA moment for me.
My students were ready, and I appeared for them."