Why people sell courses on “how to make money online”

Published: 
June 16, 2023

🍀 Why people sell courses on “how to make money online”

Hey there, it's Manav! Welcome to Early Adopters, my first-ever personal newsletter.

Why did I decide to name this newsletter “Early Adopters”?

  • Early Adopters are often the first people to embrace new ideas and technologies, they are naturally curious which often leads them to discover new methodologies and a unique way of living.

  • Early adopters are often seen as trailblazers who pave the way for others to follow, they are constantly scanning the horizon for new opportunities, ideas and philosophies.

  • These are the people you should surround yourself with. The objective of this project is to cultivate a community of early adopters and unite them to work on hard quests.

✨ Every Sunday, I'll be sharing my thoughts on productivity, life lessons, and helpful tips, all based on what I've learned throughout the week.

This weekly newsletter is my way of reflecting on life and keeping track of the fascinating things I discover or come to understand. It's also a promise to myself and all of you to stay mindful and curious and engaged with life's many lessons.

Each issue will dive into specific topics, and I'll be sure to add my own spin to them. So, grab a cup of tea and get ready for some weekly wisdom!

HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Online entrepreneurship has spawned a rapidly growing industry of individuals (Hustle Bro’s and Thread Boi’s) selling courses on how to make money online with cookie cutter information. While some of these courses can provide valuable information, it's important to understand the reasons behind this trend. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • The allure of the 99/1% rule: This rule states that only 1% of people who attempt a particular strategy will succeed, while the remaining 99% will fail. For those who tap into that 1% of success, selling a dream of making money online becomes a viable strategy. By showcasing their success and offering a compelling story, these course creators can leverage social proof to sell their courses.The 1% rule in the online world means that on most websites, just 1% of users make new things for others to see or use, while the rest 99% just look at it without adding anything new. Another way to think about this is the 1-9-90 rule. In this version, on websites where people work together (like a wiki), 90% of users only look at the content, 9% make small changes to it, and 1% create new content for everyone to enjoy.

  • A wide range of courses are available: It's not just the indie hacking community that sells online courses. There are courses on real estate, stock investing, podcasting, YouTube, and small business development. While some of these courses may provide valuable information, many people would be better off learning from free resources, such as chatGPT, books, or online videos.

  • The myth of a proven system: One of the most significant selling points for these courses is the idea of a proven system. However, there is no such thing as a guaranteed path to success. By debunking this myth, potential customers can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on courses that may not provide the desired results. Beware of courses that hook people’s attention is by showcasing fancy cars and houses.

  • The role of social proof and survivorship bias: Social proof plays a significant role in the success of online course creators. By showcasing their achievements and presenting themselves as authorities in their field, they can attract more customers. However, it's crucial to remember that survivorship bias is also at play. We only see the few people who have succeeded in selling courses, not the countless others who have tried and failed.

  • Alternatives to paying for courses: Instead of investing in expensive courses, individuals looking to make money online can turn to free resources such as books, online videos, and articles. By learning from these materials and applying the knowledge gained, they can avoid the inflated prices often associated with online courses.

  • Fair pricing: For those selling courses, it's important to set a fair selling price.

In summary, while online courses on how to make money online can provide valuable information, it's important to be mindful of the reasons behind the trend and the potential pitfalls associated with inflated prices, the myth of a proven system, and survivorship bias. By taking advantage of free resources and avoiding courses with unreasonable prices, individuals can learn how to make money online without breaking the bank.

💀 CHALLENGES  

I’m planning to post one high quality short form video everyday for 30 days and its challenging not in terms of filming and editing but more in terms of script writing.To stay ahead of the game, I'm figuring out a system to batch write scripts and have content prepared weeks in advance.

It's been tough for me to stick to my goal of creating a long-form video every week, and the thought of not meeting this target gives me anxiety.


FAVORITE FINDS

🎥 Movie - Hidalgo

"Hidalgo" is a 2004 adventure drama film directed by Joe Johnston and starring Viggo Mortensen.

The movie tells the story of Frank Hopkins, an American long-distance horse rider, who is invited to participate in a race in Arabia.

Along the way, he faces many challenges and obstacles as he competes against riders from around the world. The movie is based on a true story. 

One of my favorite things in movies are breathtaking landscapes and horses, and Sea Biscuit happens to be another one of my top picks.

📱 Tech - Shure SM7b Mic

This microphone is used from Joe Rogan to all the way to people like me. The audio quality it produces is truly incredible.

Article 🖼️ 

Idea Generation by Sam Altman

Be as committed to your company as Jensen Huang is to Nvidia.

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