Your FIRST SALE Story
"I have been on a journey of discovery, since about the age of 14, to discover how a human being can become wise. I'm now 81 and feel the need to share what I have discovered about the way human beings process the information and data in their lives in a way that provides the basis for them to make wise choices in life.
I've struggled for years since my retirement as an Independent Information Systems & Data Architecture Consultant, serving large, complex organisations, to find a practical way to share what I've learned about Information Management and Data Processing, in a way that could guide others in making wise choices for themselves in life. But I never felt sufficiently confident about sharing my message directly with an individual, especially women, mid-life, who I believe to be the greatest undervalued, untapped resource on the planet.
I joined the Experience Product Masterclass in the hope that I could break through my own self doubt and lack of confidence. The EPM has been challenging, but I accepted the challenges were necessary to get me into a proactive state. I wasn't prepared for the high volume of material I was expected to get through in 12 weeks or for the overhead of getting to grips with the supporting AI technology and Milestone document. I decided to just focus on the Minimum Viable Product pathway.
While doing the course, I had frequent bouts of health and other life challenges that threatened my ability to continue, but the material was so good, interesting and informative, as well (as challenging :-)),, I just didn't want to miss any of it and certainly didn't want to give up or feel beaten by the pressure. The material really helped me better understand the psychology of selling and the different ways human beings can process information, can affect their responsiveness to opportunities and the prospect of change in their lives.
I see myself as a 'life-long learner' so have a tendency to prioritise the 'learning' process over the need for action. However the course really helped me to see that I didn't need to have everything specified before I could begin to work with a client.
I began to gain more clarity on an approach that I felt I could take. A Beta Course approach, in which I would begin with not much more than a framework for the overall 12 week package I had in mind, but then focus only on the first 4-week Module, with only 'drafts' of 3 - 4 actual coaching sessions defined. My objective being to take a 'proof of concept' approach, where I could begin by working with a client on a 1:1 basis, in a way that would enable me to get the vital feedback I need, to ensure I can both help the client develop their confidence, while also proving to myself that I can provide an effective coaching package to fulfil not only the 'wants' but also the 'needs' of a client. Development of the remaining modules of the overall coaching package could continue on the same basis or possibly progress towards offering the client participation in a 1: few approach, with the aim of developing a small support group for the client, that could stimulate ideas as well as share information and feedback as the rest of the course is developed.
This Beta approach felt like a much more managable, constructive and effective way to really make progress with clients from the start. So, despite still lagging behind on the MVP pathway, where I risked not finishing it by the dead line, I decided to pivot, and talk to a prospect I had in mind, about what I was working on and whether she would be interested in participating in it. We had an initial 'Chat', followed up by a 'Conversation' where she was able to get answers to her questions.
I finally settled on offering the initial 1:1 4-week, 1st Module Private coaching package, focused on developing greater Self-Awareness by evaluating her own inner-resourcefulness, with the objective of envisioning her Future Life potential and producing a 1st draft of her Future Life Plan to fulfilling that potential.
I made it clear that this was something that would require commitment from us both and for that reason I'd have to make a charge, but that, as a Beta package, where I may also be looking for her to test out different approaches and provide feedback, it would be much cheaper than normal. My 'prospect' actually said she felt blessed that I had even considered her for my coaching package. She said she completely understood and accepted the need for a payment as proof of a real commitment to the project. When she left, I asked her how she felt and she replied, ""Excited, it sounds like fun!"". I was thrilled at the realisation that not only had I launched my product, I'd actually made my first sale!
I can now accept the real possibility of having a coaching business that helps mid-life women work towards achieving a more fulfilling future, as a realityf It has given me a clearer sense of direction and purpose in my own life. That we all have a message to share, that could be of great benefit to others in the world. I can look forward to a more fulfilling future.
I doubt I'd ever have achieved such a clear sense of direction and purpose or the ongoing sense of potential still to be developed and shared, going forward, without the guidance and pressure of the EPM. I'm so grateful for Marisa's inspiration and energy, and the nudges and support of coach Matthew and the whole EPM team, including Ainslee and all of Murray's work behind the scenes, for their contributions and guidance. I appreciate the value of all you have all shared.