Your GRADUATION Story
It was a challenge to adapt my courses to a more hybrid version that captivates the audience, especially with Navigating Change that is infamous for its high percentage of failure in organizations. I felt lost and unsure about the next steps to consider. What gave me hope was my registration early the next morning. Reading the first welcoming emails I was immediately drawn to the attractive layout of the EPM course and the ongoing small and addictive Ka-Ching to sustain my focus, dedication and a message of ""Yes, you can"". This was the ONE not to miss and I instinctively knew it provides the answer to the boredom and feelings of isolation students experience when they do an online or hybrid course. EPM, with its attractive and clear layout, was the perfect solution for my students. And now? Now I'm and EPM graduate!
Your MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Story
My mission journey was up and down like a heartbeat. The ups happened when I started to see some progress and got more immersed in what I'm learning. I could not wait for the next module to be released. Curiosity kept me awake at night. The next steps and actions that's coming, evoked a powerful desire to ""Go for it!"" After joining the EPM program, I started to read and reread some of the emails and came to the conclusion that the path is laid out with gold. No word is written without something new to learn. But the dips were just around the corner. After countless unsuccessful efforts to unlearn what I know about visions and missions and relearn to write a course mission statement, I decided to move on for the time being. Eventually, my milestones along the road got a thumbs up one after the other.
Your FIRST SALE Story
"I am not a very successful saleswoman', commented my new Facebook friend. She was not alone. If ever, my fear was real and almost tangible. What if I put in all the energy and my freshly designed course is still at risk because I can't get it right? One of the early sales went through within 10 minutes. But just when I thought "I got it!", several clients said "No". It felt like sitting on a swing and I'm flying so high that I cannot see the safety of the ground. EPM gave me a lot of confidence with the guidance, encouragement, and nurturing we were showered with every day. But what I've realized was that I prefer to write e-mails and ads instead of Chatterboxing. Talking to potential buyers and trying to convince them that they "should" buy the course, feels a bit like cheating and just "not me". I pride myself that I've, since the beginning of my career many decades ago, only sold a "Future" to students and never a product. I supported, encouraged, challenged, and showed empathy, and whatever it took to get them to strive higher and reach their dreams and ambitions. Almost all of them did! So I changed the original script a bit to follow my heart and talk to a potential client in the language I understand...The Student's Future. And just like that, my next sale went through. I have listed a few more people to try this out with and trust that they will become our students.
Your PROVED MY IDEA Story
My Navigating Change course is the result of about two decades of experience in a variety of consulting projects, teaching, training, and coaching with an emphasis on change. It wasn't always easy to design a course that helps employees to embrace change. It's a tough topic. I've discovered that the EPM made it so much easier to design something with a more practical layout of what is important and why, and how to apply it in any organization. I've tested, questioned, read, asked more, debated, discussed, and felt tired of trying at times, but always knew that the only way to success is to be purpose-driven. I can't wait to see the final outcome and to celebrate the difference between start and finish.
Your MADE A WHOLE LOT MORE Story
I knew I had to learn what to do to obtain sales, but fear almost paralysed me. My mind was closed and it did not seem as if sales is something I will every get right. Yes, it frustrated me initially. After going through the EPM, it dawned upon me that the sales Marisa was talking about, was to actually talk to people. I always thought marketing and sales is such an easy job. You just post an ad somewhere and that's it. Well, as I've explained before, I've never learned so much in one single course. I now know better. The results now depends on my ability to practice what was "preached" in this course.
What's been the biggest change in your business?
As an entrepreneur I do not have sufficient evidence to identify or describe what will be new and what will not be done in future. Everything in my business is changing since the start of EPM and the additional courses I've worked through. My strategy changed, my view of what's important in course design changed, my enthusiasm expanded and we do everything with the intention of reaching success. My mission is a crystal clear reality in everything we do and not just a statement in a document.
How's EPM and your success impacted your life?
It significantly changed my view of Education and Industry courses. The more technical inclined generations learn very differently and much faster from those who came before them. Despite my academic background, consulting and years of coaching, EPM is so unique that I've been playing catchup since day 1. What a joy!
What's your biggest takeaway from EPM?
Marisa is a very strong thought leader who does not shy away from an extraordinary challenge. I've done a gazillion formal and non-formal courses before but in all aspects of learning, this is something totally new. May you continue to lay the foundation of a new era where learning will be enjoyable again. My biggest takeaway, be curious and explore, learn what you can to make life more interesting and "Never, never, never give up! (Winston Churchill)" and "Iterate to awesome."
What's now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
I will probably always be an academic but definitely not a traditional one. May I never stop serving others to follow their purpose, encourage them to never die with their dreams still in their head and heart, and to believe in their vision for the future. In my mind, all is now possible if I can figure out who, when, what, why and how.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you to Marisa - the Wonder Woman of Online Learning - Murray and your brilliant Team. You've enriched my life.