Most people think you need a huge following, fancy tech, and 40 hours a week to build a successful online course business. After more than 10 years coaching and training 1000's of people online - from free courses to premium programs - I've learned that creating successful online courses isn't about any of that. It's about having the right foundations and systems in place.

So it's all the rage to talk back to the old you - so here are the ten most important lessons I wish I knew when I started. There's at least 3 of them that would have revolutionised things years ago had I known them.

Let's dive in.

1. Transform Information Into Results

The biggest shift in my business came when I stopped focusing on just sharing information and started focusing on creating transformation.

People can get almost any information for free these days. But the average course completion rate is 10-15% for online courses. Why - because information is not the issue any more. It's about transformation. Information is only a small part of it.

That's why I've called my course the Impact and Income Accelerator. Note the order - Impact people's lives first and the income will follow.

2. Authenticity Beats Perfection

I remember being paralyzed by trying to make everything perfect. But what I've found is that students connect more with real, raw content that solves their problems than perfectly polished presentations that miss the mark.

In some areas I'm only a few steps ahead of some of my students. Where that happens I'm honest about it.

Turning up as your authentic self is what people are looking for. We don't fake it to make it - that just does not work.

3. You learn on the journey

The most important thing I've learned is that you can't think your way to clarity - you have to act your way there.

Every step forward teaches you something valuable about what works and what doesn't.

Every step in my journey has been a stepping stone to the next. I built a course platform that helped others host their online courses - but I realised I didn't want to look after hundreds of students - I much prefer focussing on getting real transformation for a few. I've run hundreds of training sessions on zoom - but I realised that it doesn't scale very well. One of the reasons I host everything on Kajabi is because it's all in one place - saves me hours of time and tech headache. Each piece is a step forward—if you're willing to learn from it.

4. Niche, Niche, Niche

I don't like the phrase but it's true - the riches are in the niches! If you go broad you go broke.

Too many course creators and coaches try to create a course for everyone. A course for everyone likely helps no-one.

Before you start writing any material or creating any content you've got to answer the question 'who am I trying to help and how will I help them'. You can't afford to miss this step.

This is so crucial that I'm developing the Raw Niche Discovery Tool specifically to help course creators identify their perfect niche. It's not just about what you know—it's about finding the sweet spot between your expertise, market demand, and profitability.

5. Content Creation Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming

I was terrified of pressing the button to start a journey of content creation. I wasn't sure if I had the time.

But what I've learned is if you build a framework it takes all the stress out of it. I use a content bucket system that makes is so straightforward and now I have two different niches and produce content for them both every week!

Effective content doesn't need to be complicated. It needs to be focused on transformation. When you're clear on the transformation you're creating, the content almost creates itself.

6. Simple Systems Scale Better

The key to scaling isn't complexity - it's simplicity. The simpler your systems, the easier they are to replicate and scale.

I have two products that I sell. That's it. Why - because simple things scale and I'd much rather make them the best that they can be.

7. You Don't Need a Huge Following to Start

I remember thinking I needed thousands of followers before I could launch anything successful. But what I've learned is that starting small has huge advantages. You can give more personal attention, gather detailed feedback, and refine your approach before scaling.

One of my Youtube Videos had 83 views when I got a client from it.

8. Part-Time Progress Creates Full-Time Impact

One of the biggest myths in online business is that you need to quit your job and go all-in. I built my entire business working just 4-5 hours a week in my spare time and people often ask me how I've done it.

The key isn't about having more time - it's about having clear goals and a solid plan and priority list for those hours you do have.

As the old adage says 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!'

Or to mix my metaphors, it's like walking through IKEA - it takes hours - unless you know the shortcuts.

I even have a hack that involves going into IKEA through the exit depending on where I want to go in the store.

Having a plan, knowing the shortcuts and following it is the key to doing this part time.

9. Sales Experience Isn't a Prerequisite

When I started, I had zero sales experience. What I discovered was that authentic connection beats sales tactics every time.

Being genuinely interested in helping people transform their lives is far more powerful than any sales script.

I've even told people that I'm not the right fit for them if I don't think I can help them. I remember one lady I told that to - she was shocked! She'd been so used to people doing anything and saying anything to get her money.

10. Building a Sustainable Course Business

Digital products create sustainable, scalable income streams like nothing else.

No inventory filling up your shed. No manufacturing costs. No messy returns process. Unlimited scale. What's not to like!

I've learned that when you build your course with scale in mind from the start, you can create once and sell again and again, generating recurring revenue without additional effort.

So there's my 10. What one stood out to you?

Want to find your perfect course niche? I'm creating the Raw Niche Discovery Tool to help you identify exactly where you can make the biggest impact. Let me know if you want it when it's released.