Time and time again I see new coaches and some seasoned coaches make the mistake of overthinking what their next coaching course should be. In fact, it’s one of the top questions I hear: “How do I find a good idea?”
You may be surprised by my number one response to this question. I used to be in this same position. I learned the hard way to stop overthinking it and I also learned another very valuable strategy and lesson.
One of my business coaches told me to stop creating stuff before I sell it. Yep, you heard that right. You probably have the same look on your face that I had on mine when I first heard this. I thought, “How on earth can I sell a course before it’s created?” Well, it’s not only possible it is what I do, and I recommend the same thing to my clients.
I suggest starting your course creation with a simple outline of what you want to teach, the concept. I start with the end in mind, what is the outcome or results I want my clients to get from this course? Then I pick a main topic, identify the steps required to reach the outcome, and then I put together a simple outline. Then I sell the concept of the course to see if there’s any interest.
This eliminates spending days or weeks or more planning, developing and launching a course only to hear crickets on the big day. You want to know you’ll have at least some measure of success.
The way to get that success is to, #1 stop overthinking it and #2 give your audience what they are asking for. So, now your next question is probably, “How do I know what they want?”. That’s simple and the first way to find your killer idea. Check out all 9 ways below.
- Ask. There’s no better way to find out what your ideal client wants then to simply ask her. Create a survey and ask her to tell you what she struggles with, what keeps her from realizing her success, and even what she’s tried before in an effort to solve her issues. The answers you receive can most likely become very profitable coaching courses.
- Pay attention to your ideal client. Investigate by making note of the questions she ask in private groups, your group, and elsewhere? What posts are she reading on your blog (check your Google Analytic stats)? These are all valuable sources of intel about exactly what she needs and wants from you.
- Check the bestsellers list. Which books in your niche are outperforming others? These are the ones that offer answers your clients are seeking. Flip through the table of contents and read the online reviews to dig deep into the topics that really resonate with your audience.
- Check out the competition. What are they creating? If you serve a similar audience, then what sells for them will very likely sell for you. Now, before you break out the “But it’s already been done!” line, keep this in mind: No two coaches are alike. You may create a similar course, but your voice, your experience, your teaching style, and your personality are all very different. No one else is you, and for some customers, YOU are the only one who will resonate with them. Of course, be in integrity, don’t steal someone else’s work.
- Read the FAQs. Check the frequently asked questions section on competitor blogs and in forums and Facebook groups. Also check blogs for “Start Here,” and “Quickstart” pages. Many times, the most common questions and concerns are addressed here.
- Review the available resources. Which are the most common resources your colleagues and competitors are recommending? There are often questions surrounding the use of software and other tools, and these can be great ideas for coaching courses.
- Check your email. If you’ve been in business for more than a few months, chances are you receive questions from friends, clients and even strangers on a daily basis. What are they asking about? Look for common themes and trends.
- Revisit your keyword research. Review the terms and phrases that your community most frequently searches on and use them as a basis for your own research.
- Check your search terms. Google Webmaster Tools allows you to check which terms are sending visitors to your website. Since people often search on questions (“how to design a logo” or “how to start a business”) this can be a rich source of ideas.
Ideas are everywhere. Your potential buyers are sharing them with you each and every day, if you just know where to look. So, don’t let your insecurities hold you back. Develop the course they are asking you for. Remember, create the outline only and then sell the concept.
Don’t worry about not having the course complete before you sell it. You can set your course start date for a future date that give you time to complete the course or at least the first 2 – 3 steps/module/weeks. This way you’re always ahead of your clients. This will also help you learn what your clients really need as they are working through your course. I know it may be scary but trust me, it works.
Your assignment this month is to do your research, create your course outline, and offer it to your ideal clients. You can do it!
Here’s to Designing Your Victory!
Working through this process can be daunting but you don’t have to do it alone. Join me in our Female Heart-Conscious Coaches community on Facebook and feel free to ask any questions you have regarding this and any topics related to your coaching business. Every month I provide free training and live Q & A sessions in the community. Join us now at bit.ly/heartcoaches. I look forward to welcoming you to the community.
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