In my work here at Ruzuku, I hear from thousands of course creators…

We regularly survey our customers and people who participate in our free trainings. 

I also get hundreds of emails from people in these programs.

Consistently we hear that many of you are seeking momentum on your course idea.

Momentum is that secret ingredient which propels your course idea from idea to reality. 

Yet momentum can be elusive.

Too many course creators are in the “idea stage” of the course for weeks… 

Months… 

Even years.

The idea stage is where you keep thinking about your course — but never actually move forward to making it happen. 

Getting stuck in the “idea stage” impacts a lot of course creators, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

There is a proven process to get into flow and momentum with your course.

Here’s what has worked for me, and many course creators I’ve advised:

Step 1: Create a course people want

Um… paging Captain Obvious? Isn’t the whole point to create a course that people want?

Well, yes. But just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it’s easy to pull off.

What I commonly see is course creators who jump into developing a course based on their ideas and passions…

Without talking to potential customers about what their needs are — and if they would invest in the course.

Which is why the next step is so important…

Step 2: Sell before you create

The only way to really know if you’re creating a course people want, is to try to sell it.

I know – scary!

But remember: “selling” doesn’t always mean money needs to change hands.

It could be as simple as asking 5 people to join a free pilot version of your course (making clear that it’s not ready to start tomorrow, and what the timeline will be).

(Where do you find those people? If you don’t have your own mailing list, start with personal networks: friends, family, colleagues in your field, and social media connections).

The important thing is you’re talking to real people and getting them to commit time, money (or both!) to your course. 

When people commit, you know your course idea is worth pursuing…

And, you’re accountable to those people to deliver a course!

Step 3: Start with just enough

Now you’re off to the races.

Get your course started by teaching a very small, focused bit of material…

And challenging your participants to take action.

Then continue to build out the course based on what they find most engaging, what questions they are asking, and where they need the most help from you.

A great way to do this is through live interactions: 

  • webinars
  • online discussions
  • and private 1:1 calls with participants.

Step 4: Use tech to speed you up(not slow you down)

Finally, of the most helpful mindset shifts, you can make is to think of online course technology as an ally, not a barrier.

Starting to lay out your course in a visual platform can actually be fast, fun…

And incredibly motivating – as you see your course take structure and life before your eyes.

Remember, too, that you don’t have to master every bit of a new platform to get started –

You can figure out the bare minimum needed to get your course going, and then learn a little more each day from there.

Now, this process can be straightforward – 

But only if you have the right “inner game” (mindset, approach, perspective).