I launched an online course and nobody signed up (yet). It was a smashing success!

Lessons learned from a course launch that did not made no sales (yet).

Sep 2, 2022

Full disclosure: The link to Fizzle in this article is an affiliate link, which means I enjoy a kickback if you decide to sign up with them. I highly recommend you take a look if you fancy starting your own (online) business. It is a vast library of relevant training video’s combined with a great community and support and accountability via live zoom calls.

For 2 years now I have been "happily unemployed". Doing various different client work has allowed me to make my money independently, pay the mortgage and be a lot more flexible with my time. Result: happy clients and customers, happy family and happy me.

The main reason I am still doing this is because of the amazing support I have received from the Fizzle community and a in-person mentor. But two issues kept me from growing personally as well as in my business; (charging) money and (self)promotion.

The money issue I have largely solved implementing the Profit First method. I am also reading many books on the subject to change my perspective on it.

But, my biggest nemesis turns out to be: (self)promotion. I have done test runs of the live online workshop series I developed (in dutch). All done within my network. Today, I shared it with the world. Promoted it on LinkedIn, got people to share it and get eyes on it.

This is such an uncomfortable step to take. I am not sure what it is exactly, that makes me uncomfortable, but I think I am just afraid that people will think I am a fraud. Yes, imposter syndrome.

But, this is still a massive succes in my book simply because I did it. I have dreaded it for a long time. I kept going over the details of the copy-writing, the pricing, everything and now it is out there. No turning back.

Yay me.

Except...

Complete silence.

On LinkedIn, the post has been viewed 800+ within the first 4 hours. Over 2200 views after 2 days. Not bad.

A whopping 2 new people signed up for my e-mail list, without me asking them 😀 I guess that is a succes.

But no incoming e-mails or PM's. Crickets. I know, I am probably impatient and made many mistakes beginners make when launching there first digital product. But, I was expecting a little bit more to be honest. The feedback from professional coaches going through the training was good, I was kind of hoping for at least some noise.. or even a sale.

But this is a mental note to me and anybody else recognising him/herself in this story: My(/Your) mind will always find the next thing to worry about.

It. Never. Ends.

And that is apparently normal, judging from the comments I received from more experienced entrepreneurs. I overcame a massive personal hurdle and instead of enjoying that, I immediately find a new thing to worry about.

Oh the irony: I recently published a post where I describe exactly this problem: The best tips to nip every ambition in the bud

So, note to self and everybody dealing with similar struggles: I did something big . Not for the world, but for myself: I put myself and my work out there. And if nobody signs up, I will figure out what to change. I will try again and I will find another way. I will pivot or persevere but I will prevail.

Because there is no way I am going back to a cubicle...