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Level Up Your Course Podcast with Janelle Allen: Create Online Courses that Change Lives
Level Up Your Course Podcast with Janelle Allen: Create Online Courses that Change Lives episodes
- ZCS020: How to Price Your Online Course with Jody Padar, CPAMy guest today is Jody Padar from NewVision CPA Group. She’s here to talk about pricing, because it’s a hot button topic for a lot of people.If you sell online courses, you have a business. In this episode, we discuss how important pricing is for your business, how to price based on your costs, and how to use value-based pricing to take it to the next level.And we promise not to get too geeky. Enjoy!**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**• Why she’s known as The Radical CPA• How pricing can help you have a more profitable AND less-stressful business.• The key numbers every business owner should know about their business…and how to calculate them• Four steps to figuring out your pricing, based on cost• What the heck a gross margin is! (Hint: it’s tied to your profits.)• Two ways to build profit into your course pricing.• How to figure out how many sales you need to make to recoup your costs• Why trading time for money is limiting you. (And what to do instead.)• Why flat-rate pricing means you could charge more.• What value-based pricing is and how to figure it out.• How the Fist-Bump Pricing experiment helps you determine if you’re pricing too low**References Mentioned in This Episode:**• [NewVision CPA Group](https://www.newvisioncpagroup.com/)• Jody's book for CPAs, [The Radical CPA](http://theradicalcpa.com/)• Twitter handle: @JodyPadarCPA**Thanks for Listening!**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes!Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours. [Click here to leave a review](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow).And, finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe on Stitcher.Lastly, I want to say THANK YOU to Jody for sharing her pricing expertise on The Zen Courses Show!56 min
- ZCS019: Caleb Wojcik Shares How to Make Better Videos for Your CoursesMy guest today is Caleb Wojcik from DIY Video Guy. If you’ve ever struggled to make videos by yourself, Caleb is your guy.In this episode, we chat about his journey from employee to entrepreneur. We also dig into his process for making videos for his two courses.Plus, you _know_ I had to ask Caleb to share some equipment tips. Enjoy!**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**• Why Caleb decided to leave his personal finance career to become an online entrepreneur.• How to relax on camera• Essential questions to ask before shooting a video for your course• How to make more engaging talking head videos• Why you should make shorter videos for your course• Strategies for staying on topic in your videos• What he does before he creates any course content• How to make better screen recordings• Where to start if you’ve never recorded videos before• Microphone recommendations for great audio• Why he believes in feedback and course updates**References Mentioned in This Episode:**• [DIYVideoGuy website](http://www.calebwojcik.com/)• Course #1: [DIY Video Production Guide](http://www.diyvideoguide.com/)• Course #2: [DIY Premier Pro Guide](http://www.calebwojcikfilms.com/premiere)• [Fizzle.co](http://fizzle.co?aid=232)\*• Twitter handle: @calebwojcik**BONUS: Links to Pro-Level Microphones**Here are four microphones that you can buy to get great audio. There are two USB mics listed and two XLR mics. If you go the XLR route, you'll also need a mixer and pre-amp.• [Audio Technica ATR-2100 USB Mic](http://amzn.to/1ONYzxL) ($52)\*• [Blue Yeti Microphone USB Mic](http://amzn.to/1nwYEND) ($100)\* - The mic I'm using in the episode• [Audio Technica AT875R XLR Mic](http://amzn.to/1ONYF8x) ($170)\*• [Shure SM7B XLR Mic](http://amzn.to/1Nz1INL) ($349)\* - The mic Caleb is using_\*Full disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a mic using them, you'll be supporting The Zen Courses Show. Thanks!_**Thanks for Listening!**If you enjoyed this episode, I'd LOVE it if you'd leave an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes!Your review will help boost the ratings, so new listeners find out about The Zen Courses Show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours.[Click here to leave a review](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow) on iTunes.Last but not least, I want to say THANK YOU to Caleb for sharing his expertise on The Zen Courses Show!50 min
- ZCS018: Brennan Dunn - The Story, Mistakes and Learning Behind His Signature CourseMy guest today is Brennan Dunn from [doubleyourfreelancing.com](http://doubleyourfreelancing.com/). Brennan teaches freelancers how to get more clients, grow their business and develop systems.His two signature courses are Double Your Freelancing Rate and Double You Freelancing Clients. Today, we’ll dive in to his story and why he created his online courses. Enjoy!**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**• His scariest moment of entrepreneurship• Star Wars vs Star Trek: where Brennan stands• How his childhood influenced his decision to become an entrepreneur• How listening to people’s questions influenced every product he’s ever made• Why courses are more transformative than ebooks• Why he converted his first digital product into a course (and what he added to make it actionable)• His struggle with doubt and how he overcame it• The worst thing you can do when you create your online course• Mistakes he made with his first launch of Double Your Freelancing Clients wasn’t successful—and how he fixed them• Why content and access are not enough• Strategies for validating whether your audience needs your course• The two big Whys for everything Brennan does**Links Mentioned in This Episode:**• [Double Your Freelancing](http://doubleyourfreelancing.com/)• [Planscope](https://planscope.io/)• Brennan’s [courses](http://doubleyourfreelancing.com/courses/), Double Your Freelancing Rate and Double Your Freelancing Clients• [FreePricingCourse.com](http://doubleyourfreelancing.com/free-pricing-course/)• Twitter handle: [@brennandunn](https://twitter.com/brennandunn)**Thanks for Listening!**Enjoy this episode? I'd love it if you'd leave an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes! Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours. [Click here](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow) to leave a review.And, finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on [iTunes](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow) to get automatic updates. If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe on [Stitcher](http://bit.ly/zcsstitcher).Lastly, I want to say THANK YOU to Brennan for hanging out and sharing his expertise on The Zen Courses Show!59 min
- ZCS017: How Carmen Spagnola Beat Bankruptcy and Doubt to Create Two Successful CoursesMy guest today is Carmen Spagnola from [carmenspagnola.com](http://www.carmenspagnola.com/). Carmen is a clinical hypnotherapist and entrepreneur who has two online courses, The Numinous School and True Prosperity. In this episode, Carmen shares how she bounced back from bankruptcy and depression to create a successful online business. Enjoy!**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**• How bankruptcy inspired her to change her approach to entrepreneurship• How she merged her spiritual and working self online• How a shift in perspective allowed her to follow her intuition and quit her job• How she merged her spiritual and working self online• Why it’s important to ask your fans what they want• How she’s working to eliminate anxiety around money• The two launch approaches she used with each course• Why she decided to use Teachery for her course instead of Wordpress LMS plugins• The first thing to think about before you create your course• How the Critical Impact Rating helps you organize your course content• The Five Moments in your online course and what they mean for your content• Two aspects of learning that most people never consider**Links Mentioned in This Episode:**• [Carmen's website](http://www.carmenspagnola.com/)• Carmen’s two online courses, [The Numinous School and True Prosperity](http://www.carmenspagnola.com/courses/)• [Teachery](https://www.teachery.co/)• [The Numinous Podcast](http://www.carmenspagnola.com/the-numinous-podcast/)**Thanks for Listening!**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes! Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours.And, finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on [iTunes](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow) to get automatic updates. If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe on [Stitcher](http://bit.ly/zcsstitcher).Lastly, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Carmen for sharing her spirit and expertise on The Zen Courses Show!1 hr 6 min
- ZCS016: Breanne Dyck on How to Make Remarkable Courses that Grow Your BusinessToday’s guest is Breanne Dyck from [mynameisbreanne.com](http://mynameisbreanne.com/). Breanne is an expert in using psychology and adult learning principles to craft remarkable learning experiences. In this episode she shares a ton of valuable info on how to create remarkable online courses and why they're the key to growing your product-based business. Enjoy!**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**• What it takes to make a remarkable online course• The next level of online courses, according to Breanne• Why technology is not the problem with your course• How to use adult learning strategies to make better online courses• Why it’s critical to define your course participant before you make your course• The problem with creating customer avatars• How to clearly define your perfect participant• Why your learner’s journey is so important to structuring your course• The one question you should ask yourself about your customer before you create a course• The three R’s for your business and why they’re the key to growth**Links Mentioned in This Episode:**• Breanne’s [Perfect Participant Guide](http://mynameisbreanne.com/lp/ppg/)• Tara Gentile's [Quiet Power Strategy MasterClass](http://quietpowerstrategy.com/masterclass) with Breanne Dyck• [mynameisbreanne.com](http://mynameisbreanne.com/)**Thanks for Listening!**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes! Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours.**To leave a review on iTunes:**1) search for the The Zen Courses Show in the Podcast app,2) select it,3) tap "Reviews," then4) tap "Write Review."Lastly, I want to say THANK YOU to Breanne for sharing her expertise on The Zen Courses Show!45 min
- ZCS015: Looking Ahead to 2016It's the last episode of 2015! In this episode, I share the exciting things coming up in 2016 and a look back at some of the personal things that were going on behind the scenes in 2015. Plus, a few surprises, including an ending full of highlights from this year. Enjoy!To stay up to date with the new things coming in 2016, get on The Zen Courses mailing list. You'll also get free updates, plus my email series, 5 Types of Online Courses. Just head over to [zencourses.co/newsletter](http://www.zencourses.co/newsletter) to sign up!33 min
- ZCS014: Happy Holidays!It's the holidays! Time for food, family and Netflix! In this episode, you'll hear a recap of popular episodes and some of the interviews you can expect for 2016.And...if you need help planning your online course, listen until the end to find out how to let me know what you're struggling with.9 min
- ZCS013: Brendan Hufford on Juggling Online Courses, Fatherhood, and Full-time WorkToday’s guest is Brendan Hufford from hustleheart.co. Brendan is father, husband, full-time teacher, entrepreneur, podcaster AND online course creator. Whew!In this episode, Brendan shares his entrepreneurial journey as a side-project specialist and why he decided to create online courses. Enjoy!In This Episode, You'll Learn:• How Brendan formed a Jiu-Jitsu e-commerce company• Why he loves being an entrepreneur on the side• His inexcusable reason for drinking crappy coffee• Why he thinks work-life balance is BS• How he created a profitable course without having a blog• The pricing strategy he used to launch his course• Why he loves creating Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) and believes business is about experimentation• How he used surveys to pick his next course topic• The wins and challenges of running a live course versus a self-paced course (he’s done both)• Why he doesn’t like drip content in his courses• Why you should iterate and update your course over timeLinks Mentioned in This Episode:• OK Kimonos• [The Hustle&Heart Blog](http://hustleheart.co/)• [The Entrepreneur Dad Manifesto](http://hustleheart.co/manifesto)• [The Productivity Fundamentals Course](http://hustleheart.co/course)• [Teachery.co](https://www.teachery.co/)• [Steal Like an Artist](http://austinkleon.com/steal/)• Entrepreneurs and Coffee PodcastThanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes! Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours. [Click here to leave a review](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow).And, finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe on Stitcher.Lastly, I want to send a big thank you to Brendan for sharing his story and insights on The Zen Courses Show!51 min
- ZCS012: Maya Gaddie on Leaving Corporate and Starting Small with Online CoursesToday’s guest is Maya Gaddie from mayagaddie.com. Maya is a fellow online course creator who helps entrepreneurs launch their online classes.In this episode, Maya shares how getting laid off and taking a sabbatical kickstarted her entrepreneurial life. Plus, we dig into her online course and learn her tips for course creators.**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**• How Maya transitioned from corporate sales to online entrepreneurship• Why she left fancy cars, a high salary and her PhD program and leapt into entrepreneurship.• How living and teaching in Ghana changed her perspective on life and entrepreneurship• Why it’s never too early to start creating revenue• Why starting small actually gives you more power and freedom• How Maya started selling courses with only 50 people on her list• What key marketing strategies Maya used to get her first customers• How you can test your audience’s engagement with your ideas• Why launching is so challenging for us…and what to do about it• The learning elements that are essential for your online course**Links Mentioned in This Episode:**• MayaGaddie.com• This is How to Tech• Paid Membership Pro• Camtasia• Thrive Themes• Vimeo Pro• Slack• HelpScout• ActiveCampaign• ConvertKitThanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes! Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours. [Click here to leave a review](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow).Lastly, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Maya for sharing her story on The Zen Courses Show!29 min
- ZCS011: Sarah Selecky on Teaching Writing and TransformationToday’s guest is Sarah Selecky, an author and entrepreneur. In this episode, Sarah gives us a peek insider her course, Story is a State of Mind. Plus, she shares strategies for teaching a creative process.If you want to create a course focused on creativity, process and transformation this episode is for you.**In This Episode, You'll Learn:**- What the heck sprezzatura means!- Sarah’s first business (hint: Nancy Drew)- The adjustments Sarah made to her in-person course to teach it online- How she uses themes and colors to organize her course- How she uses linear thinking and creative loops to encourage progress- How she pushed through the frustration of not knowing anything about technology (or how to use her camera!) to create her first course.- How to guide your students through their struggle and fear (and why struggle is good)- How she got prize winning author Margaret Atwood to be a guest teacher in her course- Her tips on writing for instruction and engagement- The secret to balancing the need for creative space with the pull of entrepreneurship**Links Mentioned in This Episode:**- SarahSelecky.com- Story is a State of Mind- Typeform- Little Bird Writing Contest**Thanks for Listening!**If you enjoyed this episode, please leave an honest review for The Zen Courses Show on iTunes! Ratings and reviews boost ratings & help new listeners find the show. I read every review and I'd love to read yours. [Click here to leave a review](http://bit.ly/zencoursesshow).And, finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. If you have an Android phone, you can subscribe on Stitcher.Lastly, a special THANK YOU to Sarah for sharing her story on The Zen Courses Show!55 min
About Level Up Your Course Podcast with Janelle Allen: Create Online Courses that Change Lives
From the publisher's feed
Janelle Allen from the Zen Courses blog interviews successful online course creators, sharing their stories, successes, and struggles. On the podcast, she also reveals her strategies for creating and…
growing an online learning business, based on her 9 years as an Instructional Design consultant. Discover how you can build a profitable online course that improves learning, increases revenue, and boosts your authority. Learn how to take your existing learning platform to the next level so you can better serve your audience. Hear stories from agencies, consultants, CEOs and founders who felt called to transform lives through education. Although a lot of podcasts focus on online courses as a means to passive income, you won’t find that here. Instead, you’ll hear from people driven to democratize education and deliver results. Instructional Design, video and audio, engagement, on-boarding, workshops, group programs, marketing your course, launching your course, automation, building authority and trust, social media, getting things done, outsourcing and everything that works (and doesn't work) to help you create a profitable online course that changes lives--including your own!