Your GRADUATION Story
Given the hype around AI created courses, I was wondering if it was still worth the effort of creating an online course. I was looking for confirmation that the time and effort of creating "real" online learning products would pay off and wondering how to get from concept to delivery in the shortest span of time. I joined EPM and discovered that, yes, it is still possible to beat the bots by creating a unique experience for students. This realization, and the amazing EPM program got me back on track and through the creation of my own online training program.
Your MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Story
My biggest challenge has always been promotion. I am not a natural self-promoter, and have always been uncomfortable asking people to part with their money. EPM has helped get me over that hurdle. In particular, I've learned that it's my duty to share my course with as many people as possible because it delivers value. And that value is worth the price of admission. It's that switch in mindset that helped me achieve mission accomplished with the launch of my course.
Your FIRST SALE Story
My first sale came from a previous client. I had, some time ago, taken this client through some personalized coaching, and when I told them about my new course, they saw the benefit and got on board. They understood that the program they signed on to was a "beta" version and that my course would probably morph and evolve based on their feedback. They were fine with that and happy to contribute to it's ultimate success. The fact the EPM recommends the MVP approach to prove your course concept is clearly one that clients have no problem supporting.
Your PROVED MY IDEA Story
I got three customers into my course, and have a number of prospects still as potentials prior to the start date. This is a huge win for me, not so much in a monetary sense (I have not yet earned by may investment), but in proving that what I'm offering is, indeed, something that prospects want and need. At this point, that's of even greater value to me than earning my investment because I now know that, not far down the road, I will earn that back, with interest! Thanks to EPM I've now got a valuable asset.
Having a valuable asset to offer and a new-found enthusiasm for creating spin-off products that will continue to help my customers and my business. It has taken me from a place of wondering if my talents and skills were still relevant, to knowing that I have something of value that course creators actually want and need. Keep it simple to start and don't be afraid to pivot when necessary. I now feel I have the confidence and the skills to develop even more valuable assets. My Experience Product has shown what's possible and given me a frame work on which to base my future offerings.
"I am absolutely satisfied with the results I've achieved from my time in EPM. It has been the how-to and the kick-in-the-pants that I have needed to get me going.
However, the course required much more time than was advertised. I remember it being promoted as requiring about an hour a day, but I really don't see how that pace would be possible. Many of the lesson videos are nearly that long, and an hour a day just isn't realistic for consuming the training, internalizing it, and doing any of the milestone work.
I don't think I'm alone in this assessment, as many of my pod-mates expressed overwhelm and concern at the effort required to just meet milestone deadlines. I understand that everyone operates at a different pace, but the milestone deadlines, in my opinion, don't jive with a 1-hour-per-day work pace. I recommend shortening the video lengths and allowing more time for actual work.
Finally, I simply don't agree with the EPM definition of ""Launch."" To me, launching a course means content in the bag and ready for student consumption. Not, ""Hey, I've got a great idea for a course, wanna buy it?"" Now, I understand the idea that you don't want to invest a ton of time and effort into something that you're not sure people are going to want, but that's the job of up-front market research. The test should not be, ""I had an idea and people threw money at me."" I've developed Minimum Viable beta programs in the past and we've always ""launched"" the beta with content ready for delivery. I encourage you to make the definition of Launch clear in your marketing.
Now, having said all that, I still found EPM to be of tremendous value. Marisa is, obviously, a master at what she does, and the whole EPM team, in my opinion, are truly committed to delivering a valuable product. Even with the criticisms I have expressed, It has truly been the most thorough, value driven and personalized training program I have ever attended. Thank you all for the tremendous effort. "