Brave Online Course Builders

Hey Y'all! We're Julie + Melissa and we are thrilled you've found us! We bring over 20 years of entrepreneurial expertise to guide you on your course creation journey. We've spent years creating our own online courses and helping our clients craft theirs, gathering countless insights and practical strategies along the way. This podcast is your go-to resource for all things online courses, especially tailored for women entrepreneurs eager to teach, inspire, and earn passive income. Every week, we dive into our experiences, offering you the tools and strategies needed to transform your skills and knowledge into impactful online courses. Ready to start making a difference? Let's build something great together!

109: How to Choose the Right Tech for Your Online Course 02/26/2025

109: How to Choose the Right Tech for Your Online Course How to Choose the Right Tech for Your Online Course It's our final episode in our series on creating successful online courses. Today, we're wrapping up with a topic that often feels a bit daunting: choosing the right technology for your online course. But don't worry, we're here to simplify things and take the fear out of tech for you. Throughout this series, we've walked through everything from selecting your course topic to setting the right price. Each of these steps builds on the next, shaping a strong foundation for your course. Now, we're diving into the tech side, which can be intimidating, but trust us, it's more manageable than it seems. Julie, our tech guru, loves tackling tech challenges and has explored countless platforms to find the best tools for our needs. She believes everything is "figureoutable," and today she's here to share that confidence with you. We're going to demystify the tech stuff, showing you that you don't need to be a tech whiz or have a huge budget to launch your course effectively. Today's tools are more affordable and user-friendly than ever, which means the tech part of course creation isn't the barrier it used to be. We'll discuss how today's technology can be a bridge rather than a barrier, helping you deliver your content effectively and efficiently. Even if you're catching up on the series, this episode is crucial, especially if tech tends to trip you up. We've also got a detailed worksheet linked in the show notes that guides you through all the tech considerations you'll need to think about. Join us as we break down the essential tech for your course, ensuring you understand everything from managing your email list to choosing the right platform for hosting your course. By the end of this episode, you'll feel ready to tackle the tech aspect with confidence and clarity. Let's get started and make tech work for you as you prepare to launch your amazing online course. Links: 🔗 The Brave Blueprint: We’ve got a few spots open in our Brave Online Course Consulting program where we’d love to help you one-on-one! 🔗 Click for more info and to see if you’d be a great fit! 🔗 🔗 More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/35442445

108: How to Strategically Price Your Online Course 02/19/2025

107: How to Name Your Online Course for Success 02/12/2025

106: How to Craft Your Online Course Transformation Promise 02/05/2025

105: How to Define Your Course's Ideal Customer Avatar 01/29/2025

105: How to Define Your Course's Ideal Customer Avatar How to Define Your Course's Ideal Customer Avatar It's Part 2 of 6 of our series where we break down the . In this episode, we're focusing on defining your Ideal Customer Avatar, or ICA. Understanding your ICA is vital because it influences everything from course content to marketing tactics. It's about making sure your course resonates deeply with the needs and desires of your audience. In our early days, we wanted to empower all women in business. That goal, while noble, was too broad and made our marketing efforts quite challenging. We learned the hard way that a more focused approach was needed. Once we narrowed our target to women looking to create online courses, our messaging became clearer and more effective. Here's how you can start defining your ICA effectively. First, think about who will benefit the most from your course. For instance, if you're a yoga instructor, your ICA might be busy professionals looking for quick stress-relief techniques. Remember, focusing on a specific ICA doesn't limit your business opportunities. Instead, it enhances your ability to speak directly to those who are most likely to enroll in your course. To help you through this process, we've created a detailed worksheet that covers all the aspects you need to consider when defining your ICA. TIP: Getting to know your ICA is not just about creating content; it's about creating connections. Engage with potential customers in online forums, social media groups, or even local meetups to understand their needs better. Thanks for tuning in today. Remember, understanding your ICA is more than a task; it's a strategic move that makes your course more relevant and successful. Join us for the next episode where we continue to break down the pillars of course creation. Keep building smart, and remember, you have what it takes to create an impactful course. Links: 🔗 The Brave Blueprint: We’ve got a few spots open in our Brave Online Course Consulting program where we’d love to help you one-on-one! 🔗 Click for more info and to see if you’d be a great fit! 🔗 🔗 More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/35240730

104: How to Choose the Perfect Topic for Your Online Course 01/22/2025

103: The 6 Pillars of Online Course Creation 01/15/2025

102: 4 Reasons You Should Create an Online Course 01/08/2025

101: Kicking Off 2025: Lessons from the Football Field to Fuel Your Business Journey 01/01/2025

100: Christmas Reflections: Celebrating Wins and Setting Intentions for 2025 12/25/2024

099: The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins 12/11/2024

098: Boost Your Business with Smart Email List Growth Strategies 12/04/2024

098: Boost Your Business with Smart Email List Growth Strategies Boost Your Business with Smart Email List Growth Strategies We’re excited to share an episode all about maximizing your email list to grow your business. Here’s what we covered: Importance of Email Lists: Melissa shared a real-life scenario from a recent event, highlighting how many business owners overlook the opportunity to collect email addresses. It's a small step that can lead to significant opportunities for growth and connection. Creating Compelling Lead Magnets: We discussed the power of lead magnets like quizzes, downloadable content, or special offers to increase your subscriber count. These tools are essential for converting casual visitors into engaged customers. Setting Up Effective Landing Pages: Julie walked us through the importance of landing pages that capture subscriber information efficiently, ensuring you capitalize on every visit. Crafting Engaging Welcome Emails: With welcome emails seeing high open rates, it’s crucial to make a strong first impression. We talked about strategies to make these introductions count. Segmentation and Personalization: Segmenting your list can enhance personalization and relevance, which boosts engagement. Tailoring your message to meet the specific needs and interests of different groups within your audience can significantly improve your results. Personal Outreach: We emphasized the value of personal connection—reaching out directly to new subscribers can set the stage for a lasting relationship. Continuous Improvement: Email marketing is an ongoing process. We explored ways to continuously refine and adapt your strategy based on subscriber feedback and changing trends. If you’re looking to turn your email list into a powerful tool for business growth, don’t miss the insights and strategies from this episode. Links Why Both Are Essential We can't wait to meet you! Effortless Content Repurposing: Boost Your Reach with Chat GPT Take the free quiz - Want to be on our podcast? to make an appointment to chat about it! More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/35240770

097: Finish 2024 Strong: 4 Strategies to End the Year on a High Note 11/27/2024

096: Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful Ideas for Everyone on Your List 11/20/2024

095: When Bravery Means Walking Away 11/13/2024

095: When Bravery Means Walking Away When Bravery Means Walking Away In today’s episode, we’re coming to you from Dallas, where we’re recording together and sharing a funny (and slightly nerve-wracking) story about a recent travel adventure that had us feeling… well, let’s just say we weren’t exactly brave! Join us as we look back on our wild experience with an Airbnb that didn’t exactly meet expectations—from a neighborhood that gave us a bit of pause to strange “decor” in the kitchen cabinets and a rooster serenading us outside. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that even as seasoned travelers and entrepreneurs, sometimes things go sideways—and that’s totally okay! What You’ll Hear: The Background: Melissa’s husband surprised her with a trip to see Pink in Austin for her birthday, and Julie invited her to head to Dallas afterward for a live podcast event we were excited to attend. So we hit the road together, ready for some fun and inspiration. The Airbnb Adventure: We’ll walk you through the red flags that started popping up as soon as we arrived—from the surroundings that felt a little too “interesting” to some suspicious items in the cabinets. Let’s just say the situation got sketchy real fast. What We Did Next: We had to make a tough call—should we stay or go? After weighing our options, we decided it was best to find somewhere else. Thankfully, Airbnb’s customer service was amazing and stepped in to help us with the transition. What We Learned: We always talk about being brave, but this was a reminder that bravery can look different depending on the situation. Sometimes, it’s braver to make a safe choice rather than stick it out in an uncomfortable environment. This episode is a little reminder that bravery doesn’t always mean toughing it out when things feel off. Sometimes, it’s about making the decision that feels best for you—even if it means switching plans! Takeaways: Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Good Customer Service Can Make All the Difference: Airbnb’s team stepped up, and we were grateful! Laugh It Off: Finding humor can really help, especially in stressful moments. We hope you enjoy this lighthearted, “real talk” episode. It’s a little glimpse behind the scenes for us, and a reminder that being true to yourself means recognizing when it’s okay to walk away. Links Effortless Content Repurposing: Boost Your Reach with Chat GPT Take the free quiz - Want to be on our podcast? to make an appointment to chat about it! More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/35240785

094: Are you an Idea Igniter or a Detailed Doer? Why Both Are Essential 11/06/2024

093: Scaling Success: Erin Williams on Growing Topanga Scents and Partnering with Howie Mandel 10/30/2024

093: Scaling Success: Erin Williams on Growing Topanga Scents and Partnering with Howie Mandel Scaling Success: Erin Williams on Growing Topanga Scents and Partnering with Howie Mandel Welcome back to another episode where we reconnect with Erin Williams, co-CEO of Topanga Scents, who first joined us two years ago as our inaugural guest. Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey and growth of Topanga Scents since our last conversation. Key Points from This Episode: The Beginnings Revisited: Erin recaps the origin story of Topanga Scents, started by her brother-in-law Seth Williams from his kitchen, evolving from a personal project to a thriving business. Business Expansion: Since our last chat, Topanga Scents has significantly expanded its product line and distribution across the country. Erin highlights the exciting additions and improvements, including new scents and a revamped compensation plan for distributors. Rebranding Journey: A major focus for Topanga Scents has been rebranding, initiated by a simple bottle design issue but eventually encompassing an entire overhaul of their product aesthetics to achieve a more luxurious look and feel. Celebrity Endorsement: Erin shares exciting news about partnering with Howie Mandel, enhancing the brand's visibility and aligning with their mission to elevate their market presence. The MLM Model: Erin discusses the transformative impact of their MLM business model, not just in terms of financial benefit for distributors but also in fostering community and personal growth. Leadership and Vision: Reflecting on her growth as a leader, Erin talks about the importance of community, the ongoing learning process in business, and the strategic decisions that continue to shape the future of Topanga Scents. Erin's story is a testament to the power of innovation, community, and strong leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities of growing a business. Her dedication to not only sustaining but also uplifting others through her work is truly inspiring. Links: Erin’s previous episode: Howie Mandel Topanga Scents Order Effortless Content Repurposing: Boost Your Reach with Chat GPT Take the free quiz - Want to be on our podcast? to make an appointment to chat about it! More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/35240795

092: Entrepreneur’s Guide to Work-Life Harmony: Tips for Balancing Business and Personal Life 10/23/2024

091: Ditching 'Little': Empowering Your Business Language with Caroline Bower 10/16/2024

090: Mastering Brand Storytelling: Tips to Connect and Inspire Your Audience 10/09/2024

089: Boost Your Content Game: Learn Content Repurposing with Our Free Mini-Course 10/02/2024

088: Nat Alves Reveals the Social Club: Elevate Your Social Media 09/25/2024

087: Mastering Instagram for Business Growth: Insights from Expert Erin Hoy 09/18/2024

087: Mastering Instagram for Business Growth: Insights from Expert Erin Hoy Mastering Instagram for Business Growth: Insights from Expert Erin Hoy We're thrilled to have Erin Hoy, the founder of 5to9 Socials, with us. Erin is passionate about helping women entrepreneurs shine on Instagram by using data-driven strategies to boost their income. If you've been struggling with Instagram or looking to enhance your presence there, this episode is packed with actionable insights! What You’ll Learn: Erin’s Background: Learn how Erin’s journey from running a product-based business led her to become an Instagram marketing expert. Instagram Myths Debunked: Erin explains how Instagram is a platform for connection and community, not just algorithms and hacks. Common Instagram Mistakes: Discover common pitfalls in using Instagram for business and how to avoid them. Erin’s Top Five Instagram Tips for Entrepreneurs: Defining Consistency: Find out what consistency means on Instagram and how it doesn’t necessarily involve daily posts. Knowing Your Audience: Dive deep into understanding who your ideal client is—beyond just demographics. Optimizing Your Bio: Learn why your bio should focus on what you can offer to your followers, not just who you are. Maintaining Brand Cohesiveness: Understand the importance of consistent branding across all your posts. Using Instagram as a Business Tool: Find out how to use Instagram to funnel followers to your email list for greater engagement and conversion. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their Instagram strategy. Implement these tips, and don’t forget to let us know how they work for you! If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review. Links: (Don't forget to grab her free !) Erin's - the tool Erin uses to manage and schedule her social media Take the free quiz - Want to be on our podcast? to make an appointment to chat about it! More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/35240830

086: Stepping Back to Leap Forward: Lessons in Business and Bravery 09/11/2024

085: Embracing Change: Strategies for Growth and Handling Life’s Surprises 06/05/2024

085: Embracing Change: Strategies for Growth and Handling Life’s Surprises Embracing Change: Strategies for Growth and Handling Life’s Surprises Hey y’all! We recorded this special episode while we were together in San Antonio a few weeks ago. We dive into the theme of embracing change. Since we’re both experiencing personal and business transformations, we wanted to sit down and talk candidly about how to navigate life's inevitable shifts. From personal anecdotes to actionable strategies, join us as we discuss how to approach change with courage and optimism. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Recognizing When Change Is Necessary: Discover how to identify the signs that it's time for a change, both in personal life and business. Preparing for Change: Strategies for planning and adapting to new circumstances effectively. The Power of Support Systems: Learn the importance of having a strong network of friends, family, and professionals to lean on during times of change. Managing the Stress of Uncertainty: Tips for staying calm and collected when facing the unknown. Celebrating Milestones and Embracing the New Normal: Why acknowledging progress and adapting to new realities is crucial for growth. Featured Quotes: "In any given moment, we have two options: step forward into growth or step back into safety." — Abraham Maslow "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are." — Max De Pree Special Announcements: New Podcast Format: Exciting changes are coming to Brave Looks Good On You! We’re taking some of the summer off from releasing new weekly episodes, but don’t worry, we’ll be back soon! Project Launch: We are collaborating with Emily Hill on an online course called , designed to empower influencers and community builders. Embrace change, face challenges with courage, and remember, every step forward is a step towards growth. We'll see you next season! Links: - interested in finding out more about the online course we are creating with Emily Hill of ? Want to be on our podcast? to make an appointment to chat about it! More info on our ! /episode/index/show/e5fd0ea7-621c-4154-b80c-58d4393f1134/id/31585182

085: Embracing Change: Strategies for Growth and Handling Life’s Surprises 06/05/2024

084: Jessica Pierce's New Fight: From Defense Intelligence to Battling Dementia 05/29/2024

083: NYC & St. Martin: Family Trips, Wedding Plans & Business Updates 05/22/2024

Brave Online Course Builders

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