I headed for the airport gate and my heart sank when I saw the line of people in front of the “flight canceled” sign. I was finishing a long journey that began with my youngest child clinging to me like Velcro, begging me not to go back. When it was finally my turn to talk to the agent, she informed me that it would be two or three days before they could get me out of Minnesota because of the snow storm.
I felt the full breakdown coming before I started to cry. My daughter had a school play the next day, and the thought of missing it broke my soul.
I literally begged. I offered to drive to another airport through the blizzard. I was willing to pay for another flight on another airline. I would do anything.
Maybe that frazzled agent took pity on me because she once broke down at an airport, or maybe she thought she would never get rid of me. Either way, she worked a miracle and got me on another flight. As I sat in the school gymnasium watching my daughter dance on stage dressed as a Dalmatian, I swore, I don't do that anymore.
Like most entrepreneurs, I started my consulting business because I wanted freedom and impact. Flying around to help big brands design training programs for thousands of their employees had an impact. The problem was, as my business grew, I had less and less freedom.
I was living in “duty” mode because I was the only product I had to sell. That's when it hit me: I would create an online course to replace my consulting work.
Over the next few weeks, I built my course and announced its opening on social media with a registration deadline. The night before the deadline, I fell asleep feeling good. I had enrolled a small group of students I was excited to work with and felt optimistic about scaling up to replace my travel income.
The next morning, I sat in my favorite chair with my coffee and opened my phone to check for overnight sign-ups. I scrolled through my inbox and there they were—signup after signup.
I couldn't believe it. I started counting and realized I had just generated almost six figures of income in 16 days.
I cried again, this time in joy, knowing everything had changed for me and my family.
In the first year, I went from a simple idea to generating over six figures a month in revenue with this online course. Since that first launch, I've taught thousands of people how to create their own courses by sharing their knowledge on all kinds of topics.
I've seen people like you generate millions in income and transform their lives through an online course while helping thousands.
Why Create an Online Course?
Maybe you've considered creating an online course to grow your business or build a side hustle. The beauty is it lets you share what you know, help others achieve results, and create predictable income.
There's never been a better time. The online course industry is expected to reach $325 billion per year over the next five years. Companies now invest more in online courses than live workshops for employee training.
Everyone learns this way: individuals, solopreneurs, schools, small businesses, large corporations, nonprofits, and associations. The opportunity is massive.
What Types of Online Course Topics Sell?
It's easy to think only business or money-making courses succeed. Not true. Successful courses cover all topics.
For example, Rebecca Branstetter, a school psychologist overwhelmed by report writing, created The Thriving School Psychologist. It teaches others how to reclaim their weekends—and it's highly successful.
Everyone has expertise. I've seen hairdressers, artists, gardeners, parents, and beekeepers turn their knowledge into thriving online courses. You don't need to be a famous author or teacher.
How to Create Your Successful Online Course
Let's walk through the proven steps I've used with thousands of creators.
Step 1: Identify Your Sweet Spot
As Liam Neeson says in Taken, “…what I have is a very particular set of skills, skills that I have learned over a very long career.” Find the overlap between what you know and the outcomes your students want—your premium niche.
My client Christine Carr, a business coach, thought her skills were too common. But by reflecting on her talents, passions, and experiences, she uncovered her unique approach. As she said, "You may think your knowledge is similar...but what's unique is how you approach what you do."
Reflect: How can your expertise solve someone else's problem?
Step 2: Be Specific About Your Audience
Clarity on who you help sharpens your topic. List people you could serve—from clients to friends or parents at school.
Ask: Who wants a result you can deliver? Will they invest time and money?
Examples of winning audiences:
Brainstorm yours.
Step 3: Define Your Method
Your students hurt now and crave transformation. Map a step-by-step path from pain to results.
Don't dump knowledge; work backward from the outcome. Skip “Everything About Healthy Eating.” Try “30-Day Stomach Pain Reset” for nutrition pros.
Imagine advising a friend: What steps would you share?
Step 4: Create Your Content
Start simple: Live webinars or calls with free tools. Record with your smartphone for scalability—focus on results over polish.
Now get started! Creating your course shares your expertise, impacts lives, and builds freedom.
You don't need years of experience or big resources. Belief drives action. Test with a small group; they'll refine your blockbuster.
As George Michael says, “You gotta have faith.”
