Designing an online course company from the ground up

Have a look at the case study or listen to our full interview of Marlene... and If this inspires you to develop your own online course, (and we're sure that it could!) get started at RoadmapTo5k.com.

Marlene Hielema, also known as the Image Maven

Marlene is an amazing photographer as well as video teacher. She was the primary creator behind the development of ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Check out both sites for great video content and ways to enhance your images and videos in a matter of seconds.

How can I start teaching online courses?

Flash since 2004. Marlene taught photography classes at the community college in town. She loved being in direct contact with her students however she felt exhausted.

It became more and more exhausting for her. It was impossible for her to go on a break when she want: "I was just teaching constantly."

Her goal? Freedom and flexibility in her work timetable.

Marlene says now, "I want to enjoy my life... my life is small. I'd love to go on a trip to the skatepark! I'd like to go on my longboard through the midday hours without feeling embarrassed."

The desire to be free and flexible led her to develop the first of her online education courses.

Where did she get the ideas she had?

Marlene started taking some photography classes online and found the website "clunky." The instructor thought "this should be made better."

Then she began to research concepts in order in order to design her own online course. In the fall of 2010, she started her first online course created with .

Marlene currently offers eight online courses, many of which she's taught several times to various kinds of students.

Her curriculum consists of short, low-cost classes as well as lengthy, intensive classes (some that are up to eight weeks in length).

Marlene creates courses based on specific questions which people send her emails: "I've had this question at least 10 times over the last three months. Maybe I'd like to create an instructional course around the subject!"

Also, she is attentive to questions that people ask regarding. For instance, when she observed that when people started questioning questions about her videos. she'd ask them: Can you teach me how to create a video like that?

Overcoming challenges

Marlene states that one of her greatest challenges is selling -- "I'm obviously not a salesperson."

Through the years she's come up with strategies to educate and connect people prior to soliciting them to purchase the program.

She is currently offering an opportunity to sign-up for free 10-photo lessons via emails. Following these free 10 lessons, she'll offer an affordable course.

Although she was initially apprehensive about sales to be intimidating initially, Marlene now says "I run weekly classes when students discover an online course that they enjoy, and then take it in, and then purchase this course."

Building a successful business around the programs

One of the biggest lessons of Marlene is that classes and services (one-on-one consulting with private clients) are inextricably linked.

The courses generate leads for her clients in one-on-one sessions. Once they've completed a course "people are just looking for a additional assistance and they're willing to pay for."

As an example, students who are taking courses in video need aid in editing and making. Photography students want private reviews and additional help with technical questions.

So her statement reads, "My revenue has increased through my clients, just like it increased with my training courses."

Courses have tremendous value on their own, but they're better when they're paired with other offerings of services.

Marlene can also expand her offerings through classes. Marlene clarifies her clients that "If you hire me, it's not out completely out of the out of the blue.

(for consultation) If you require consulting services or training, I can provide it free of charge." The course is free and helps to make her service even more attractive to potential clients.

Interacting with students

Marlene makes her course way to communicate to students and not solely for the purposes of imparting the latest information. Marlene has observed that many instances "People have less fear on the web."

Connects with her students by being engaged and active during her teaching classes: "I respond to every query, to every email."

Marlene claims that the experience is enjoyable and fulfilling for her "I am a teacher at heart, I love to help individuals... I am awed by watching individuals succeed! I feel like a proud mommy whenever someone displays on screen and show a video with a stunning white background that I've assisted them in creating. I'm just trying to help those who are angry to overcome it."

Future plans

In the future, Marlene is looking to make the most of the growing popularity of her existing course offerings. Marlene plans on "relaunching and revitalising the current classes, creating more effective selling pages and increasing the quality of every course she provides."

Furthermore, she attempts to develop at least one or two new courses each year, in accordance to the requirements of her particular community. She says that "I've not created a course out of the air." She often thinks about the issue of what people are asking regarding?, and builds courses based on the demands of her audience.

Furthermore, she would like for experts to collaborate for the purpose of generating creative ideas for courses. In the past, for instance, she joined forces with a counselor in the creation of self-development courses titled"Take a break" - Photography to help you take care of yourself.

Marlene's best advice and suggestions to get an online learning beginning off on the right foot

1. Do it! Do It!

Marlene tells us "My first course only was attended by 20 students as well as 10 students , and it was so rewarding!"

So put off the procrastination and start now. Do a low-risk course to start and even inviting your acquaintances at no cost!

Learn to get over those obstacles since you can learn a lot from the first lesson! Take it on.

Do not get caught up in perfection for your first time -the people will be very understanding.

#2 - Connect

Concentrate on developing a rapport with your students -- keep in contact with them.

If they think that the information they're learning from you is of high-quality will allow them to inquire about it and benefit from you.

If they trust you, then you are able to help them.

Stay active in the forum by answering any questions as well as posting any queries.

#3 - Express Yourself

Incorporate your own style into your class. Marlene states, "I act a little funny when I make my videos." As that she reveals her character through her video and in her courses and courses, the better she can create a strong personal connection to her students.

Get started now. Participate in our free training program to master the five steps to start designing and selling your course -- so you can build your own web-based course business beginning from scratch.

Article was first seen on here