I have built and sold several successful businesses.
Some of those businesses involve courses I created.
But I couldn’t have built those businesses without taking some courses myself.
Now, I could list a dozen different programs I did that helped me get where I am today. And you might want to immediately enroll in them all.
But just because someone else raves about a certain course, doesn’t mean it’s automatically the perfect fit for you.
Choosing the wrong course, membership, or coach can backfire, costing you time and money.
I want to help you avoid some of the mistakes I made when choosing my first few programs and succeed in making the most of the ones you choose.
Programs for Entrepreneurs
- Business Strategy and Planning
- E-commerce
- Marketing and Advertising
- Data Analysis
- Financial Management and Accounting
- Project Management
- Leadership and Management
- Human Resources
- Sales and Negotiation
- Product Development
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Customer Service
- Legal and Intellectual Property
Once you’ve narrowed down your needs, you’ll need to determine which type of program is right for you.
For some people, self-paced courses are the best fit. Others may require accountability coaching or prefer an ongoing membership.
Pick the Right Type of Program
Coaching
- One-on-one guidance and accountability to stay goal-focused and motivated
- Help set goals, create action plans, and provide regular check-ins and feedback
- High level of individual attention with personalized support
Memberships
- Ongoing access to resources, support, and networking opportunities
- Educational content, templates, tools, webinars, and forums
- Community of like-minded individuals
- Subscription-based model, requiring regular payments to maintain benefits
Courses
- Structured learning experiences with a specific curriculum
- Typically time-bound, with a defined start and end date, and may include assignments
- Often self-paced or offered through live or recorded sessions
The choice depends on your learning style and specific needs. Some entrepreneurs combine all three approaches to create a comprehensive learning and support system.
What to Consider Before Buying
Relevance
- Determine the next steps you need to take to accomplish your goals. Ask yourself which areas need improvement.
- Ensure that the program you choose aligns with your specific needs.
Reputation & Qualifications
- Look for testimonials or recommendations from trusted sources and other experts.
- Research the provider and read reviews. Remember, though, previous student success rate is not necessarily indicative of your potential success.
Structure & Format
- Determine your best learning style and format. Do you prefer in-person courses to online coaching? Do you retain more through presentations or by reading?
Cost & Value
- Compare prices with similar courses to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Evaluate whether your investment in the course is worth the potential benefits it can bring to your business.
- Hot tip: look for a money back guarantee.
Flexibility & Schedule
- Make sure the program you choose fits your schedule. Consider whether it offers flexible learning options.
- If needed, find out if self-paced modules are available.
Support & Resources
- Pay attention to the amount of access allowed to instructors, discussion forums, or networking opportunities.
- Consider if additional resources like supplementary materials are included.
Updates & Relevance
- Check if the course content is kept up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and changes in the entrepreneurial world.
Make the Most of the Program You Choose
Set Clear Goals: Figure exactly what you want to achieve. Think about what specific things you want to learn, skills you want to develop, or outcomes you want to see as a result.
Actively Participate: Stay engaged and participate actively during sessions, discussions, and activities. Ask questions and contribute your thoughts. Regularly review your notes to reinforce key concepts and enhance your understanding.
Embrace Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you have doubts or need clarification. Reach out to your instructor, community members, or coach. Be open to feedback from your instructor, peers, or coach.
Reflect & Assess: Make sure to take some time to evaluate where you can improve and any knowledge gaps you might have. Check how far you’ve come compared to your initial goals. Celebrate the milestones!
Stay Consistent: Set aside dedicated time for studying, attending sessions, or working with your coach.
Most importantly…
Apply Your Knowledge: Look for real-life opportunities to put into practice what you’ve learned. Try out the concepts, strategies, or techniques in your actual business ventures. You need to implement what you’ve learned before you can move on to the next step.
You, and your business, will never be able to grow if you don’t take what you’ve learned and implement it in real life.
Moving on to another course might feel like making strides. But you’re just filling your brain with useless information if you don’t apply it.
Does this sound familiar? Are you a lifetime learner paralyzed by perfection?
On episode #705 of Build Your Tribe, Brock and I explain what a course connoisseur is and how to avoid getting stuck in an endless learning loop.
Here’s why you want to listen to episode #705 – What You Need To Know Before Buying Your Next Course …
- Why a course’s student success rate isn’t as important as you might think
- Brock and my experience on the other side – as course creators and instructors
- My personal learning style explained
- How self-awareness plays a key role in this process
- The importance of keeping a program up-to-date
- Determine whether you’re a course connoisseur
Check out the following links for more tips on continuing your education…
BYT #430 – Pros & Cons of Offering One-on-One Coaching
BYT #372 – The Difference Between A Mentor and A Coach | How to Find the Best Fit
