Your Graduation Story
I've been having all these plans for ages, and loads of 'missed' opportunities dot my pathway. Starting out well before my topic became popular, an abandoned blog still marks the time when I first though about starting out. Over the years, ideas crystallised but no further steps were taken. When I heard Marisa during the launch, I thought this was now or never. I just hoped that the amount of coaching would keep me on track and that being a diligent student would qualify me for the guarantee anyway. It was (still is) very important for me, as the fee was 2.5x my monthly salary and as a single mum with no other financial support, it was far too big a risk just to let it flop. So I've started out determined and was getting on quite well until December.... I could not keep up with producing all the marketing materials, I was struggling with chatterboxing (where should I get in touch with people I can chatterbox with? - locally was not an option for the online product at all, the FB groups I was part of were again restricted grounds, so I've been left trying and failing spectacularly in this respect), creating all the original materials I wanted to use. Perfectionism is really difficult to leave behind), and the technical troubles, when you are using new pieces of softwares because you think that they will make the process easier and smoother. In the end, pdfs were born, landing page, opt-in forms, ESP, lists and tags, survey and the freebie to go with it. Time flew by and today's date came. I am proud, because despite it all, I have managed to secure two founding members for the course so far, from discussions about naming and marketing in another group. So that was the absolutely unexpected chatterboxing. And with a friend we have started live events in December - have had 3 so far, with positive experience and feedback.
I suppose it could have been an easier journey was I doing coaching or a B2B offer, still, my passion takes me elsewhere and will have to walk that way. I have not reached the goal I had in front of me - yet. I won't be able to go to M2M Live. Instead, I will be launching. I still have to pluck up the courage but I hope that the momentum of the community will not die down after today and will help me keep going. So I'm graduating and my mission is to hit mission accomplished while you are having a great time in LA. In any ways, I have reached the goal of getting my act together and really taking steps towards my goals, not just in a financial sense.
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
The momentum.
How did EPM help you become successful?
Apart from giving very useful tools and guidance, it has kept me structured in a chaotic time. I wish it lasted a few weeks longer so that I could have really officially launched with the materials I aimed to prepare within the time frame of the course. I have overcome the feeling of failed opportunity, and keep focusing on not letting it slip the project out of priorities, no matter how many official work duties pop up this month. I will certainly be sleep deprived by the end of the month, but I would really want to open door at the end of February and start the course mid-March. Still keeping the aimed for targets, and hopefully, at the time of M2M Live, I will be able to hit mission accomplished as well.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
It has filled me with excitement, energy and fear at the same time. Since I have not done such a long course or workshop yet, I worry about delivering, despite always getting positive feedback after in-person workshops. Once it really takes up, it will create more freedom in my life and more opportunities to create the best possible environment for my son, and for us as a family (like moving to a different country if necessary without discrimination, inclusive schools that foster creativity, co-operation and thinking and respect individual differences), a chance to spend more time with people we love but live further away. On another level, I hope to create a community where people embrace diversity, are constantly curious and are willing to learn about other cultures through food and by applying what they learn will also be able to connect better with their families and friends.
What has been the biggest change in your business?
Actually starting it after long time planning and thinking about it.
What are you most excited about moving forward with your Experience Product?
It gave me the initial momentum that I should keep hanging onto. After years of planning, the ball has finally started to move.