Course Creators Weekly #20 🗓 November 9th, 2020 - How To Deal With Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
This week, we hear from Jason and Caroline Zook (the most amazing people ) about dealing with self-doubt as entrepreneurs. We also listen to a conversation between Justin Jackson and Janelle Allen about designing courses for student success. Finally, I share with you an article about marketing content creation, from Amy Porterfield.
Enjoy!
How To Deal With Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
If self-doubt and impostor syndrome are something you frequently deal with (who doesn't?), this is for you.
- Hard truth: self-doubt doesn't go away—you can learn to deal with it, not eliminate it
- Your confidence will grow over time, but only if you forever stay in your comfort zone
- Are you going to regret NOT doing something? Use that as your fuel
- Stop comparing yourself to everyone who's ahead of you—focus on you
- Learn to get started with your projects, despite your feelings of doubt
- Don't assume how people will respond—you won't know until you try, but…
- Don't take rejections personally—there's context behind every response
- Take a long-term view, where failures are a part of the story/something to reflect on
Finally, a question for you (credit goes to Caroline):
- Do you want the dream, more than you fear the reality of what it takes to get there?
There's also a podcast version, if you prefer that.
Your Journey is Your Journey - Justin Jackson and Janelle Allen
This podcast was recorded nearly two years ago, before transistor.fm became Justin's full-time focus, but there are a few golden nuggets in there that are even more relevant today:
- You can't copy someone else's journey—you must figure out your own
- Don't start creating a course until you've proven demand
- Going from zero to one is most people's biggest hurdle—help them get past that
- Start by teaching live—you'll learn a lot about what works and what doesn't
- Choose your business model—e.g. affordable self-paced vs premium group program
- Offer multiple tiers, if you can, but don't let it stop you from launching
How to Create Marketing Materials For Your Digital Course
Creating a Sales Page
- Craft your course promise first, including the transformation and who it's for
- Use a story to frame the problem and position your product as the solution
- Include bonuses to increase the perceived value of your course
- Add your bio to show credibility
- Use a clear call-to-action like 'Sign Up Now' or 'Join Today'
Creating a Lead Magnet
- You may offer a free PDF download, a mini-course, a webinar or an audio guide
- Make sure the content can be consumed and implemented quickly for a quick win
Creating an Email Sequence
- The aim is to inform, attract, and encourage subscribers to eventually buy your course
- With every email, make sure you're providing free but valuable, actionable content
- Build trust before you start sending promotional emails
Creating Social Media Content
- Choose 1–3 platforms that your audience uses—meet them where they are
- Post consistently by repurposing your other free content
- Be you, let your personality show, and ask questions to encourage engagement
Using Webinars to Sell
- Practice, a lot, until you're confident enough to present without notes
- Ditch the script—you need to show your personality, not sound like a robot
- Don't overwhelm your audience with too much content + let them want more
You'll find more details and examples within the article itself.