Here is a question a subscriber recently sent in (thank you Thomas)…
“I started out with some courses and had some modest success although I didn’t promote them properly. The issue was ironically different than what you have spoken about: I found that it was very lonely work and I missed being part of a team and sharing ideas. My fear was that, if I was successful, I would inadvertently lock myself into a lonely existence.
Have you ever addressed that issue with our clients (even though you likely don’t feel that way)?”
He’s right.
This isn’t something I’ve experienced personally.
I enjoy being the mad scientist hidden away in my lab discovering breakthroughs.
But clients have mentioned loneliness before.
So, we had to find solutions for them.
And the reality is that even super-introvert me doesn’t just sit in my room writing and talking to myself all the time.
Here are a few ways we’ve handled the loneliness problem…
#1: Create courses with a partner.
I’ve created a lot of courses with one or more partners over the years.
Look for someone at a similar level who adds additional expertise to create an even better course for your audiences.
You might think that having a partner will slow down the process, but I’ve usually found the opposite. My feeling of responsibility to the partner means getting things done instead of dragging my feet.
I’ve done these both over Zoom and in person (yes, I traveled to business partner’s home to record together).
#2: Partner or Hire Staff.
This goes further than just creating a one-time product with a partner.
You partner with them for the overall business. That means not only creating a course but also meeting together (often by Zoom) regularly to plan and implement.
Or you can hire staff members who you meet with several times a week online.
Some clients have enjoyed the interaction so much that they leased a small office and hired people locally.
#3: Do Lives and webinars.
Interact with your audience during webinar meetings, Facebook Lives, Youtube Lives, etc.
Meet them and answer their questions live.
Live webinars are also a great way to sell a course in advance and create it with a live audience.
#4: Offer Coaching.
It doesn’t matter what niche you’re in. There are a portion of your course buyers who are willing to upgrade for your direct help.
You can offer coaching on a limited one-on-one basis or do it as a group.
Charge premium prices and get to know your clients at the same time.
Help them overcome the challenges they’re facing. It will help you create better courses based on direct experience with a variety of clients.
#5: Join networking and joint venture groups.
There are groups that meet over Zoom and even locally.
The majority charge a fee to become a member.
And it’s important to find a group that resonates well with you. Many groups ‘claim’ to be selective, but often they accept anyone with a working credit card.
So, I’d look for groups with lower cost fees, trials, or some other type of introductory experience.
#6: Get a coach.
Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. So don’t go it alone.
Hire someone who can guide you and hold you accountable.
Bounce ideas off them. Make a plan together.
They should help you become the best version of you (not a carbon copy of them).
I’ve offered one-on-one coaching to a limited number of clients for almost two decades now.
I’m currently booked, and I’m not sure when or even if I’ll accept clients again. But there is a waiting list at the above link in case I offer any openings in the future.
