Hi All!
I'm grateful to be able to teach courses and run group programs to help people grow their authentic business and joyful productivity.
My social media links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geokao
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/georgekao
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgekao
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgekao
Medium: https://georgekao.medium.com
4:26
Who "should" be creating courses? Don't we need an audience first?
"What if this is my first offering as a creator? Should people just entering the content creation field start elsewhere?" This is a fantastic question that many aspiring course creators grapple with. The short answer is: No, you don't need a large, established audience to successfully create and launch a course. In fact, creating a well-crafted course can be one of the fastest ways to build your audience and establish yourself as an expert in your field. The Power of Courses for New Creators: The beauty of courses, especially shorter courses or even a single, well-focused webinar, lies in their ability to: Showcase Your Expertise: A course allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and passion in a structured, in-depth way that goes far beyond a blog post or social media update. It positions you as a go-to resource. Provide Tangible Value: Students are actively seeking solutions and transformation. A well-designed course offers that, making it inherently valuable and attractive. Accelerate Audience Growth: When your course is aligned with what people want and need, and it's delivered well, it can be a highly effective tool for word-of-mouth audience growth. Build Authority Quickly: Successfully teaching a course, even a small one, establishes credibility and positions you as an authority in your niche. My Personal Story and Strategy: I (George Kao) actually started my online business by creating courses right from the start. I didn't have a large following. Here's the strategy I used, and it's one you can adapt, starting with the people you already know: Identify Your Expertise & Passion: What are you genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about? What problems can you solve for others? This is the foundation of your courses. Identify "Influencers" (Within Your Network): Look at the people already in your network. This includes: Facebook friends LinkedIn connections People who follow you on Instagram (or other social media) Contacts in your cell phone address book Email contacts People you've met at networking events or conferences Colleagues past and present Clients past and present Are there friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who have a network or audience that would benefit from your course topic? These could be bloggers, authors, podcasters, service providers, other course creators with a complementary offering, or even just individuals with a bit of a following. Think broadly – "influence" doesn't always mean having a massive following. It can mean having a small but highly relevant following. Offer Genuine Help: Approach these individuals and offer to help them personally (for free) with the topic of your course. This isn't a sales pitch; it's a genuine offer of value, leveraging your existing connection. You might say something like, "Hey [Name], I know you're interested in [Topic]. I've been developing some expertise in this area, and I'd love to offer you a free consultation/mini-training/resource to help you with [Specific Problem]." Build (or Strengthen) Relationships: By providing valuable assistance, you build (or deepen) trust and rapport with these individuals. Strategic Collaboration: After you've provided value and established a stronger connection, you can then explore the possibility of them sharing your course with their audience. This is much more effective than a cold outreach because it's built on a foundation of genuine help and a pre-existing relationship. Key Takeaway: Don't let the lack of a large audience hold you back. A well-crafted course, combined with a strategic approach to leveraging your existing network, can be a powerful engine for growth. We will be diving a lot more deeply into the above strategy, and working on the specifics, in the coming modules of this course. Revisiting Lesson 1: Think back to the qualities of an effective course creator we discussed in Lesson 1. Do you want to embody those qualities more fully? If so, creating courses is not just a business strategy; it's a path to personal and professional development. Action Step: Start brainstorming a list of people in your existing network who might be a good fit for the "influencer" strategy described above. Consider who has a relevant audience and who you could genuinely help. Comment below on whether you have ever thought of this strategy, or how you might now use it. Also comment on any connections that came to mind!
3:48
"What course platform do you use, George?"
I use Simplero -- it handles my website, email lists, course platform, event registration, client scheduling, and more -- but you can use whichever platform you enjoy as a student and a creator. Yes, try out various ones as a student and see which you like best, then try it out as a creator on their platform! If you have a favorite course platform, comment below. Perhaps you can find others who use a similar platform as you and provide mutual support :) If no comments below and no ability to comment, first log into the course.
LIVE CHATS:
Michael Williams:
I’ve started using Teachable. So far, so good.
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
I use EzyCourse and although it can have a few weird little buttons that make me nuts, they reply quickly and it’s been easy for me to use, which I need since platforms and uploading make me bananas
Zoom user:
I aspire to be more technically savvy and knowledgeable of whatever course platform I choose to use
Benoit:
I use systeme.io
Josephine Seeger- CET- Berlin:
what do you think about starting with a squarespace website to purchase courses, when we just start out?
Val Nelson:
I discovered it was important for me to think about what I want to do in my course and then look for a platform that fits my needs. It’s so easy to get lost and think you need all the stuff they offer until you get in and get stuck.
Zoom user:
Is google classroom user-friendly for both creators and students?
Benoit:
I don t like the platforms that gamify every part
Kayli:
I’ve had squarespace for years and if while I do like their courses feature, I am often frustrated with the platform and feel I’ve “outgrown” it
But for starting out it’s cheaper than many platforms and easy to use
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
I list my courses on Squarespace and then link them to my Ezycourse website www.athousandpaths.com/intro is an example
Lori Harger:
Anyone here use Circle? to facilitate community within the course?
kim@heartwisehealingpaths.com:
Anybody use Mighty Networks?
Josephine Seeger- CET- Berlin:
we tried Systeme. io and it gave us a big headache and its so limited for artistic needs
Collette Streight:
It sounds like there is a distinction between an online course and a small group online program. Am I hearing that right?
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
Thanks Josephine, it may be slightly dorky or something but it works for me for now. SquareSpace is so easy to use and great looking (the Ezycourse website isn’t as sexy looking) so I used the LOOK of Squarespace with the course-hosting of Ezycourse
Josephine Seeger- CET- Berlin:
@Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach this sounds really great !!!
Val Nelson:
I do think group program has a different connotation than online course. My courses have a live group component so I’ve started saying “Course with Live Group Support” to help clarify.
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
Josephine, I invite you to take Kayli up on her generous offer to talk about how she uses Squarespace — she’s super open-hearted and kind! And knowledgeable
stephanie morrison:
Has anyone used Sutra.co? I love that they are heart-focused.
Marilyn Edwards:
Replying to "Anybody use Mighty Networks?":
They have some really nice features. For me...I found their communication overwhelming, several different people multiple times per day. I am looking at Simplero because it has so many features in one place. Including the email instead of needing to interface with Constant Contact or some other platform
Val Nelson:
I am a member of a community on Mighty Networks and I don’t find it user-friendly at all. It’s more community based, not course based. If you want a course platform, maybe it’s better to go with something that started as a course platform.
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
Replying to "Anyone here use Circle? to facilitate community wi...":
I liked how it worked from the inside. I posted on Facebook and asked friends to give me recommendations about platforms and a friend let me log in for a week to get a sense of it. Really nice user experience. But I went with Ezycourse because it’s Ezy!
Tomar Levine:
I like that George used to use his DIY method, combining Youtube vids and Google docs. I’ve used YT videos too. It’s super-easy.
Tomar Levine:
I’ve been on several programs on Mighty Networks and found it over complex and frustrating.
4:07
Welcome to Course Creator's Journey!
A warm welcome here! I see my courses as a learning community that I'm facilitating -- we learn from each other, I learn from you, as well as you learn from whatever I share that is relevant to you. I invite your questions and your replies to each other's questions. Be helpful, be kind, be engaged in the chat as much as you'd enjoy! Each of us who participates in this course is a culture-setter... You influence our course's culture with every interaction. How would you like for this course community to feel like? What are a few top values you'd love to see? Comment below. Some principles for us: Comment once, reply twice. For each comment that you make, try to find 2 other comments, especially those with few replies, and try to add a reply – with your encouragement and suggestions, if appropriate. This helps to balance the comment/reply ratio, making the community more like... a community :) Co-Learning Community. Nobody here (not even the "teacher") knows everything about the topic... as we each learn from our actions in the world, we can share that learning with each other here. So let's create a co-learning environment! Even the "teacher" will learn from your comments :) Keep all sharings confidential. Let's keep this a safe space for sharing by promising to keep all comments (particularly the personal ones) confidential. Receive deeply what others see/feel from you, especially if you're sharing something personal. It’s a meaningful practice. It’ll help you integrate and express better your energy signature. Let me know below if these values are helpful, and if you have any suggestions. The values we embody together here is what makes this course experience amazing for each other 😊 If no comments below and no ability to comment, first log into the course.
LIVE CHATS:
Michaela (Mick-eye-la) Ellis:
Curiosity
Clare Downham - Inner Critic to Inner Knowing:
Connectedness
Kayli:
Inspiration
Clare Downham - Inner Critic to Inner Knowing:
Love
Robbie Leigh:
kindness, curiosity
Mel:
Heart led
Clare Downham - Inner Critic to Inner Knowing:
Support
Maria:
Inclusion, valuable clear concise knowledge sharing
Kayli:
Growth
kim@heartwisehealingpaths.com:
Joy, enthusiasm, openness
Collette Streight:
respect, kindness, open-minded, playful
Mel:
Curious
Flora to George Kao, Authentic Business Coach (direct message):
mutual support no question is stupid or unimportant
Gracia(gray-shuh)NJ:
Connection
Jill Levine (she/her):
Authenticity, enthusiasm, open mindedness
Marilyn Edwards:
Compassion and support for each other
Lori Harger:
Creative curiosity!
Julie N (she/they):
Play
Pamela Neronha:
respect
Alice:
Curiosity, compassion
Clare Downham - Inner Critic to Inner Knowing:
Open mindedness
ieleen taylor (she/ her):
Supportive, collaborative, openness
Denise Barnes (she/her):
kindness, growth, enthusiasm
Lynne Young:
encouragement
Rhonda Gruber:
Positive vibe, sharing, we can all learn from George as well as from others.
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
Respect and safety are the top values I care about in my communities
Anna:
Lightness and laughter
Valerie Spain she/hers:
integrity, playfulness
Sarah Brands:
generosity
stephanie morrison:
Gentle, inclusive, welcoming, joy
Lori Harger:
Intention for integration.
Georgia Bazin - The Naked Truth:
Loving impact
Magdalena:
Honesty, imtegrity. compassion
Mel:
Psychological safety
Lynne Young:
self-care
Benoit:
freedom to be yourself
Annie Scott:
Attentive Presence, acceptance for variations in capacities, imperfections and differences, honouring vulnerability and seeing the beauty - attributing positive intent, care and confidentiality.
Josephine Seeger- CET- Berlin:
simplicity, warmth, inspiration, precision, joy
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
Mel that is definitely my top value! Without safety, learning is impossible!
Zoom user:
Inclusive, explorative, open-minded
Melissa Sandfort IFS Life Coach:
Good one! That’s what safety creates, I appreciate that Benoit!
7:48
LIVE CHATS:
Scott Engler:
It occurs to me if I go through my 2 yrs of posted content the variety of themes represents different aspects of my framework and/or different doorways.
Clare Downham - Inner Critic to Inner Knowing:
I love the idea of exploring through content and seeing what resonates most with people and then making that into an offer. Very logical.
6:32
Are you giving away too much?
A common concern -- "How do I share enough about my framework to be valuable and attract clients, without giving away so much that people feel they don't need my help?" Finding the right balance is key, and it's less about holding back information and more about guiding clients through a transformative process. Share the "What" and the "Why," Guide the "How" Share: The core principles, steps, or stages of your framework. Explain the purpose of each element and the benefits it offers. This provides a clear overview and demonstrates the value of your approach. This is about providing a roadmap. Guide: The detailed instructions, exercises, specific techniques, and personalized guidance are best delivered within the context of your paid offerings. This is where you provide the support, accountability, and customized application that make the framework truly effective. This is about experiencing the journey with an expert guide, rather than just reading the map. Why This Approach Works: Avoids Overwhelm: Presenting all the details upfront can be overwhelming for potential clients. A framework summary should provide a clear, concise overview, not a comprehensive manual. Prevents Misinterpretation: Complex techniques or exercises often require guidance and context to be implemented correctly. Sharing only the high-level concepts prevents potential misinterpretations or ineffective application. It prevents the false assumption of "I can do this on my own easily". Highlights the Value of Your Guidance: By focusing on the "what" and "why" in your summaries, you emphasize the transformative potential of your framework. You also make it clear that working with you provides the support and expertise needed to achieve that transformation. Builds Trust While Creating Intrigue: It's demonstrating your generosity and making them curious. Example: Instead of giving a detailed, step-by-step guide to a specific meditation technique, you might say: "Step 3 involves a powerful mindfulness practice to help you manage stress and cultivate inner peace. In my [program/coaching], we'll explore several proven techniques and find the ones that work best for you." Offer Value, but Hint at a Deeper Experience: Your framework description should be genuinely useful, even if someone doesn't hire you. It should offer insights, inspiration, or a new perspective. But it should also make it clear that there's more to discover – a deeper, more personalized experience awaits them. Use phrases like: "This is just the first step..." "In my [program/coaching], we delve much deeper into..." "This framework is the foundation for a profound transformation..." "I guide my clients through a personalized application of this framework, providing support and accountability every step of the way..." Focus on the Transformation, Not Just the Information: People aren't just buying information; they're buying a transformation. Emphasize the progress that your framework helps clients achieve. What will their lives be like after working with you? What feelings will they experience? What will be possible for them? Use testimonials or case studies (if you have them) to demonstrate the impact of your work. Example: Byron Katie's "The Work" -- Byron Katie's framework, "The Work," is based on four simple questions. She shares these questions freely, and they are powerful in themselves. But people still seek out her workshops, retreats, and certified facilitators because they want the deeper experience of applying The Work with guidance and support, and within a supportive community. The questions are valuable, but the guided process unlocks the true transformation. Include a Clear Call to Action: At the end of your framework description (both the long and short versions), include a clear call to action. Tell people how they can learn more or work with you. Examples: "Ready to experience the full power of this framework? Schedule a free discovery call." "Learn more about my [program/course] where I guide you through each step of this process." "Contact me to learn more about how this can be applied specifically to your situation." Action Step: Review Your Summaries: Look back at your long and short summaries (from the previous lessons). Apply the Principles: Does your summary share the "what" and "why" effectively? Does it guide the "how," rather than giving away all the details? Does it focus on the transformation? Does it include a clear call to action? Make Adjustments: Refine your summaries based on the principles above. Aim for that sweet spot between providing value and creating intrigue, while emphasizing the benefits of working with you directly. By finding the right balance, you'll attract your ideal clients, build trust, and establish yourself as an expert in your field – all while generously sharing your unique gifts with the world.
LIVE CHATS:
stephanie morrison:
I am creating a framework that explains what and how clients will experience working with me
Sophia Freigang:
Yes inspires v overwhelm.
stephanie morrison:
I give samples
stephanie morrison:
These are micro experiences
🎁 2 Months Access to Work Retreats
If you've never experienced one of my Work Retreats, you've got to try it :) You'll find yourself in a calmly focused environment where you accomplish a lot... the power of group intention on joyful productivity. Attendees are getting a lot of good work done and they're enjoying the group! Click here for Work Retreats 😊 These work retreats are usually for my group coaching members only... but even if you're not a member, I'm inviting you for the next 2 months! No additional cost to you. Your access will expire in 2 months, so please make use of it while you can 🙏🏼 Click the button above to get started.
are the work retreats like drop-in coworking? is it ok to come and go, or are we expected to attend for the full 2 hours?
@Julie Nowak yes you are welcome to drop in as you can 🙏🏼
Bonus Q&A Webinars -- Live Support Calls
When you signed up for the course, you received a few months of live Q&A access: See the dates & sign up for the Q&A You can "mark as complete" below to acknowledge knowing about the Q&A calls :)
@George Kao I signed up for tomorrow. It's about Substack. I had someone recommend my Substack and I'm not sure about the overlap in our communities. I messaged him and asked for a Zoom meeting and he hasn't responded. I'm feeling concerned and wondering if I should stop him from recommending it. Thanks
@Fi Kahani As far as I know, there's no way for you to stop it on your side - he would have to do it. Without knowing more I'd probably say to let it go. Even if it doesn't seem like a good fit, you never know who will subscribe (from his recommendations) who could be a great fit. I mean it's like out in the internet in general, any old joe shmoe can highly recommend your substack and you wouldn't even know :)
. I am a mental health and emotional regulation coach. And I wonder what kind of course will be beneficial? How could I create a course on that?
@Gayatri Aptekar great to see you here! As for what courses could be beneficial for you to teach, I hope the rest of this module will start to give you a stream of inspiring ideas 😊