Welcome to my new blog series called "Don't Believe The Hype"!
In this series I will be highlighting some of the common hyped business attractions that a lot of small or up and coming business owners fall into. Some of them are worth it and some maybe not so much. Lets dive into my own experiences and whatever research I can gather from friends, google, also google, and more google and perhaps social media.
Disclaimer: I have not been paid by any particular company, influencer, small business owner etc. All of these thoughts are my own.
Short Answer: No
Let’s get straight to the point. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the answer is a resounding no.
Long Answer: Maybe?
Now, before you roll your eyes and click away, let me explain. Digital courses have been around for years, but their popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic. Suddenly, it felt like every influencer and expert was offering a course that claimed to unlock the secrets to business success. They were everywhere, and they promised that you could grow your business and achieve independence with just a few clicks and a few payments of $99.99..
My Experience
I can relate to this firsthand. I have a handmade business that I was eager to scale. I wasn’t looking to become a massive corporation, but I definitely wanted to increase my orders. So, what did I do? I dove headfirst into the world of digital courses. I bought skillshare mainly to learn new skills which I think is still beneficial for learning new crafts but for scaling businesses not really. I purchased a few others that we were really expensive and I thought I'd see a return but I didn't and while the information was handy, it wasn't anything I couldn't research on my own and find.
The Reality Check
Here’s where the hype meets reality. While some courses offered valuable insights, many fell short of my expectations. I found myself sifting through a lot of fluff, and the promised actionable strategies often turned out to be basic advice that I could have found for free online.
I went into these business courses thinking that there was going to be some special key that I was missing when I wanted to improve my business and social media presence. There isn't a magical key; a lot of it is communicating with others, reaching out to local businesses for wholesale, hoping one of your social media posts becomes viral, and constant networking.
And frankly, dumb luck.
What to Consider
If you're contemplating whether to invest in a digital course, here are a few things to consider:
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Research the Instructor: Look for reviews and testimonials. Has the instructor successfully built a business? Are their methods proven?
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Content Quality: Check if the course offers a curriculum preview. Does it cover topics that are relevant to your specific needs?
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Community Support: Does the course include access to a community or mentorship? Sometimes, the networking opportunities can be just as valuable as the content itself.
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Return on Investment: Consider what you hope to gain versus the cost. Will this course help you achieve your goals, or is it just another expense?
Conclusion
In the end, digital courses can be a mixed bag. Some may provide the guidance you need, while others may leave you feeling more confused than before. My advice? Approach with caution, do your research, and always trust your instincts.
Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is unique for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. Stay tuned for more insights in my "Don't Believe The Hype" series, where I’ll continue to explore the business trends and attractions that deserve a closer look.
Disclaimer: I have not been paid by any particular company, influencer, or small business owner. All of these thoughts are my own.