44: Creating an Evergreen Online Course with Lisa Marker Robbins
Since 1999 Lisa Marker Robbins has supported thousands of students as an independent college counselor. In 2010, she doubled down specifically on college major and career coaching for students because she realized those two things were the cornerstone of post-high school planning.
Four thousand students have benefited from her proven three-pillar framework, moving them from overwhelmed and confused to clear, confident, and motivated about their future.
In this episode, Lisa shares her journey of leaving the classroom and building an online business focused on college and career coaching for students.
She discusses her transition from one-on-one coaching to creating an evergreen course, which allows her to reach more students and provide support on a larger scale. Learn strategies for growing your email list, finding a supportive community, and the secret to a successful online course launch.
If you’re on the fence about starting your own teacher biz, hit play to hear Lisa’s thoughts on “being brave and taking the plunge!”
Connect with Lisa Marker Robbins:
Key Takeaways:
- (02:50) Lisa’s background as a teacher and transition to online business
- (07:00) Transitioning from one-on-one coaching to creating an online course
- (09:30) Explanation of an evergreen course and its benefits
- (13:30) Email list building and strategies for growing a list
- (15:15) The process of creating a lead magnet and its purpose
- (20:30) Advice for teachers considering starting their own online business
- (24:10) Using bonuses as incentives during a launch
- (26:00) Creating a life that fits with your priorities
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Insights from Lisa Marker Robbins on Career Coaching and Evergreen Courses
Learn from this conversation with Lisa Marker Robbins of Flourish Coaching, as she shares her inspiring journey of leaving the traditional classroom and building a successful online business focused on college major and career coaching for students.
From her experience transitioning from live launching to having an evergreen course to her valuable insights on list building and nurturing customers, the conversation is loaded with practical advice for educators who are considering the leap into building their own online business.
Lisa’s Journey from the Classroom to an Online Business
Lisa’s story is a testament to the possibilities that await educators beyond traditional teaching roles.
She began her career as a high school teacher and then transitioned into building a brick-and-mortar business that offered test prep, tutoring, and academic support.
Over time, this venture evolved into personalized college counseling, where Lisa recognized the need for better outcomes and support for students in choosing their majors and career paths.
Shifting to Online Business and Evergreen Courses
Acknowledging the limitations of one-on-one coaching and the demand from a wider geographic reach, Lisa made the strategic move to develop an evergreen course.
This transition allowed her to scale her impact and efficiently cater to the needs of students and families across different time zones.
The process of moving from live launching to evergreen courses involved a deliberate approach, including piloting the course, receiving feedback, and eventually transitioning into the evergreen model.
Understanding Evergreen Courses and List Building
For those new to the concept, Lisa explains that an evergreen course provides continuous access to the course materials, allowing individuals to enroll at their convenience rather than during specific live launch periods.
To complement this approach, Lisa stresses the importance of list building, emphasizing that consistent effort in this area is crucial for the long-term success of an online business.
She shares her experience of gradually refining lead magnets and email marketing strategies to steadily grow her list, acknowledging the challenge and time investment involved in this process.
Crafting a Strategic Bonus Offer
Lisa provides valuable insights into leveraging a bonus incentive during special enrollment periods to encourage prospective students to join the course.
The bonus offer creates a sense of urgency and adds significant value to the enrollment experience, potentially increasing the course’s appeal to a wider audience.
The Role of Community and Mentorship
Recognizing the importance of a support network, Lisa highlights the value of community and mentorship in the journey of establishing an online business.
Whether through paid coaching groups, membership communities, or self-assembled mastermind groups, finding like-minded individuals and mentors can provide guidance, motivation, and a sense of camaraderie, essential for navigating the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.
Embracing Change and Freedom
Through Lisa’s experiences, it becomes evident that making the leap from traditional education to online entrepreneurship requires bravery, intention, and a willingness to embrace change.
Moreover, the flexibility and freedom gained from running an online business have allowed Lisa to create a fulfilling life while making a meaningful impact.
Lisa’s journey serves as an inspiring example, demonstrating the possibilities that arise from stepping beyond the confines of traditional teaching and embracing the world of online business.
Her insights on evergreen courses, list building, strategic bonus offers, and the significance of community and mentorship provide valuable guidance for educators looking to embark on a similar path.
As you consider your own potential transition, remember that with courage, determination, and a supportive network, you too can create a rewarding online business that aligns with your passions and aspirations.