All The Tools You Need To Build A Successful eLearning Business
Stop struggling to figure out how to start or grow your eLearning freelancing business. Say goodbye to trying to price your services, market your offer, win client proposals, manage your business, and creating systems that scale ALL BY YOURSELF.
WHAT IS THE ELEARNING FREELANCER BOOTCAMP?
The eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp is a program created by Dr. Robin Sargent, Christy Tucker, & Dr. Nicole Papaioannou. They are three successful practitioners and owners of eLearning businesses. You've seen them featured on Off-the-cuff with Alexander Salas, at ATD conferences, chatting with Clint Clarkson on the eLearning Alchemy Podcast, Dear Instructional Designer Podcast, Lounge Podcast, TLDCast, and more.
Their mission is to help you realize your greatest potential as an eLearning freelancer and use your gifts to start and grow your own business.
Whether you're brand new to freelancing or established and ready to grow, the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp will challenge you to execute at your highest level. It's designed to be the business school for the learning and development industry. Turn your business into a force for good that fuels higher profits and your higher purpose.
Here's What Some of Our Students Say...
Deborah Rivera
Do it! For the money you pay, you get such an amazing return. I have a masters degree in instructional design and had no idea I could work for myself until I enrolled in this course. The tools we are given to help run the business are invaluable. And the community I've become a part of full of experts is so helpful.
Lindsay
Before the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp I didn't know how to run a business or be systematic about getting freelance work. Now I'm serious about building a business plan, filing an LLC, and I'm working on my website to attract specific clients! The bootcamp is the nuts and bolts you need to successfully run an instructional design business. Being able to ask questions and get them answered is HUGE.
Marina
Do not think twice! If you’ve been in eLearning for a while and want to learn the business side of things, you should definitely take this Bootcamp. Dr. Sargent, Christy Tucker, and Dr. Nicole definitely won’t disappoint! I hardly ever recommend any courses or programs and rarely write reviews, but this one deserves the most glowing review.
HOW DOES THE ELEARNING FREELANCER BOOTCAMP WORK?
Bootcamp training consists of easy-to-follow pre-recorded trainings, done-for-you templates, swipe files, resource lists, and Fun Sheets. All of the training is online, contained in the private eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp members only site. Students can view the training videos, connect with others and compare notes with classmates.
Hands on live workshops from our 3 expert instructors to guide you through the process.
Plus, you're a member for life. You can retake the program as many times as you want, for as long as the program exists.
IS THE ELEARNING BOOTCAMP RIGHT FOR ME?
If you want to learn how to price your services, use smart online marketing to reach more clients, convert prospects into clients, and align your business with your values, the eLearning Bootcamp is for you. Our ideal members fall into one of these categories:
Action-Oriented, Ambitious Beginners
Is your dream to sell eLearning or instructional design services? Whether you're an eLearning developer or an instructional designer, the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp will make sure you get started the right way.
Successful eLearning Freelancers who want to Grow their Client Base & Revenue
Already running a (mostly) successful eLearning or instructional design business? Ready to take things to the next level? eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp with help bridge the gap. This training will teach you timeless business principles so you can authentically scale your business.
Here's What Some of Our Students Say...
Yusuf S.
Before the Bootcamp I didn't know where to start. I now have a clear idea what needs to be done from getting setup to submitting a client a final bill. The roadmaps in this course are very clear. The Bootcamp gives you more than what is needed to get started freelancing.
Britt Khol
As a full-time employee I wasn't feeling confident or ready to start taking action to start my business. After the bootcamp my confidence skyrocketed and I felt my knowledge grow and I feel like I have a support system to back me (thanks to the FB group). I also have mapped out my goals and a timeline to hold me accountable in taking key steps to get my business up and running.
This is an investment in yourself that you won't regret. The knowledge, experience, and tools and resources shared are infinitely valuable. If you're asking yourself where do I start or where do I go from here? This bootcamp is the answer.
Clark & Denise
The resources and support are for life, so you will get something out of it when you use it.
The eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp
The bootcamp is an online learning program for eLearning and instructional design freelancers who want to build a meaningful, profitable business.
Getting your business up and running requires clarity, vision and the ability to execute consistently on the right strategies. Without a roadmap or guidance, the process can be overwhelming.
The bootcamp can fast-track your growth and save you years of expensive trial and error. Your instructors have already made the errors and we'd be honored to share what we've learned and work with you.
The eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp is intensive and challenging.
There are no silver bullets, simple formulas or guaranteed results.
Running an eLearning business you can be proud of requires enormous focus, courage and tenacity. Most of all, it requires consistent action and a willingness to play the long game.
Our primary goal is to train you to think behave and make smart decisions like an entrepreneur -- so you have skills that serve you for life.
The eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp is for doers and learning & development professionals who want to use their gifts to run a modern business that matters.
Everything is Online: No Travel Required
The entire program is based online so you can participate from home or work.
All course materials, including streaming videos, MP3s, transcripts, Fun Sheets (aka worksheets) and additional resources are within our online member portal. You'll also be able to ask questions, get feedback and connect with fellow freelancers and your instructors online.
Timing of the Program
Each module will include recorded training and corresponding Fun Sheets (handouts) to help you integrate and apply what you learn to your business.
Learn At Your Own Pace
You have lifetime access to the training, so you can binge it all in a marathon session, or slow things down and work on your own schedule.
So if you're working a full-time job, several part-time jobs, getting married, having a baby, traveling around the world, or dealing with any big life events during the program, don't worry about falling behind.
You can revisit and review the training materials any time. Remember, building a business that matters is not an 8 week, linear event.
You'll Get Guidance, Support & Community
If you're overwhelmed and feel like you're in over your head with your eLearning business -- we can help. Once you join the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp, you'll have guidance and support from like-minded freelancers in a safe and encouraging environment.
Dedicated Instructors and Bootcamp Coaches
Ask questions and get feedback from our talented coaches and instructors. These fellow freelancers bring expertise and experience. You'll never feel lost or left behind.
Q&A
You can get your questions answered in our Facebook Group. Your instructors are in the private group and we love to help!
You'll also get access to your instructors bi-weekly to answer your questions live and help you get unstuck.
Active Lesson Comments
Under each training video, you’re invited to comment and get responses from our team of Coaches, Bootcamp alumni, your fellow students, and Dr. Robin Sargent, Christy Tucker, or Dr. Nicole Papaioannou.
A Positive, Supportive Community
You're about to join one of the most active and supportive global communities for eLearning freelancers. In our private, student-only community you can share ideas, get feedback and connect with other students and Coaches.
Spectacular IDOL courses Support
Your care and satisfaction is our number one priority. If you have technical issues or are simply having a challenge you need help with, write [email protected] and we'll take care of you.
eLearning Consultant: Sales Process Credential
After you complete all the modules you'll qualify to earn the Sales Process digital badge. You'll also be able to share your credential under certifications on LinkedIn and across all other platforms like Facebook, your website, and your email signature.
Your future business will appreciate your ability to map out your entire sales funnel.
Here's What Some of Our Students Say...
Sabrina
Before the Bootcamp I wasn't sure where to start building my plan BEFORE trying to get clients. I knew I needed on, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. In the Bootcamp I learned a lot about building my brand, developing how I want to present myself and represent my company, planning various templates first. Basically this camp helped to be more succinct in planning and verified that I could be better off if I'm patient and clearly define some things before jumping in feet first.
Definitely sign up! There were a lot of great learning nuggets and aha moments. If you need help with planning then this is the class for you.
Susan Manos
Before the Bootcamp trying to figure out how to get started was overwhelming. After the Bootcamp I'm now eager to get started and I feel more confident. Enroll in the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp! It's such a great way to invest in yourself and the future of your business!
Brian Harris
Definitely worth the time and the effort. The teachers make the process very accessible and help you to feel more confident about the fact that you can do it. They are also very practical and give a great deal of practical 'lessons learned'.
Christy Tucker
Christy Tucker is a learning experience design consultant and CEO of Syniad Learning with over fifteen years of experience helping people learn. She specializes in using scenario-based learning to engage audiences and promote skill transfer to real-world environments. She has created courses for clients including the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, Cisco, FIRST, and The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Christy has been blogging about instructional design and elearning for over ten years.
Dr. Nicole Papaioannou Lugara
Dr. Nicole Papaioannou Lugara is the owner of Your Instructional Designer LLC and its learning network, The Upskill Experience, which hosts live online workshops on topics in instructional design, freelancing, and performance. As an instructional design consultant, Nicole creates custom learning solutions that drive business, most notably for companies such as Allegiant Travel Company, Netflix, and Stitch Fix. She received her PhD in English from St. John's University, Queens, NY, and her research focuses on student engagement, transfer of learning, and writing across contexts.
Dr. Robin Sargent
Dr. Robin Sargent is an entrepreneur, instructional designer, and professor recognized as a mentor and teacher in the instructional design community. She is the CEO of IDOL courses, IDOL Talent Pool, and VITAL courses. IDOL courses is the instructional design and online learning creative agency that creates interactive, engaging, and visually appealing courses for individuals (coaches and experts), organizations, and universities. Some of IDOL courses’ clients include the Boston Consulting Group, iHeart Media, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Southern New Hampshire University, National PTA, Darden School of Business (University of Virginia), and Cox Enterprise. In addition, she started the IDOL courses Academy which is the only implementation program of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create your job application assets and build a portfolio from scratch but also includes mentorship and experience opportunities in instructional design and online learning. Dr. Robin earned her Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in instructional design and eLearning. Her dissertation was on gamification of corporate training and she is obsessed with designing courses that deliver a learning experience from the graphic branding of the course and platform to the interactions and activities for learners.
The Core Curriculum
There are eight core learning modules, plus a comprehensive library of resources for your eLearning and instructional design business. Here is our curriculum so you can make sure the program is right for you.
Module One: Getting Started
You know what they say: getting started is half the battle. The days before you put “Freelancer” on your LinkedIn profile can be the scariest. We’ll prepare you with a go-to-market strategy that allows you to more confidently launch your freelance career or side gig surplus.
In the first module, you’ll learn how to:
- Develop a growth mindset focused on business success
- Identify your target market
- Create a unique brand that sets you apart from competitors
- Establish successful business and marketing plans that address both short- and long-term goals
Module Two: Pricing
Clients pay you money. And money will keep your business running...if you charge enough. We'll give you a few easy formulas so you can price projects, win proposals, and grow your business.
In the second module, you'll learn how to:
- Create a revenue plan
- Price your services so you hit your revenue goals
- Create a quote and work out what you charge
- Talk about your price, overcome objections, and close the sale
Module Three: Business Development
One of the biggest challenges as a freelancer is finding work. How do you find clients--especially the right clients? We’ll help you identify multiple strategies for finding work and navigating the ups and downs of project work.
In this module, you’ll learn how to:
- Find clients
- Make yourself “findable” by prospective clients
- Screen prospective clients
- Shield yourself from the “feast or famine” cycle
Module Four: Business Systems
Warren Buffett said, "If you have too many goals all of your productivity declines." In order to get your business organized and systematized you have to get very clear where you are and where you want to be. Right now.
In this module we'll take you behind the scenes in our business so you'll be able to:
- Set up your workflow and processes
- Review sample contracts
- Review accounting software pros and cons
- Get your legal toolbox together to protect yourself and your business
Module Five: Customer Service
Great customer service can improve client satisfaction and get you the referrals you need to build your business.
In this module, you’ll learn how to:
- Develop a positive relationship with potential, present, and past clients
- Manage client expectations
- Establish a communication plan for project success
- Address common issues, like review process snags and challenging personalities
Module Six: Invest in Yourself
Many freelancers make the mistake of spending all their time working in their business without spending time working on their business. If you aren’t working on growing your own skills and worth, you’re at risk. During this week, you’ll learn about strategies and resources for continuously improving your own skills, both related to business and eLearning.
In this module, you’ll learn how to:
- Improve the core skills you need as a freelance instructional & eLearning designer
- Identify resources for improving your skills
- Make time for learning and growing your value
Module Seven: Create Products
If you want to scale, then the goal for a service-based business is to look and operate more like a product company. The more you can package and define your services as products, the easier it will be to scale. Not only that, you can create course products to sell to both individuals and companies.
In this module, you'll get:
- A primer on how to create course products to sell to companies and individuals
- Validate your course topic
- Host your online course
- How to sell a white label course product for companies
- Steps required to sell an online course to individuals
Module Eight: Tools and Tech
In the last week of the course your instructors and coach mentors will be there to answer your questions as you work on implementing what you have learned in the course.
We will also be sharing the tools we use in our business to help keep us sane. Tools for project management, accounting, sharing files, signing contracts, video calls, etc.
It’s our intention that this time together will bring you incredible clarity, inspiration and motivation. Not to mention some as-close-to-in-person-as-possible fun! We know it’s a virtual program but we feel so connected to this community and we are passionately committed to helping you have the best business and life possible.
Hands on Support
There are 8 week live support sessions with Dr. Robin Sargent, Christy Tucker & Dr. Nicole Papaioannou included in the eLearning freelance bootcamp course. You get to engage during these live session plus, have time to get your questions answered.
- Topic 1: Financial Planning & ICA
- Topic 2: Pricing Projects
- Topic 3: Finding Clients
- Topic 4: Business Systems
- Topic 5: Customer Service & Projects
- Topic 6: Investing in Yourself
- Topic 7: Creating Products
- Topic 8: Portfolio & Website
eLearning Consultant: Sales Process Credential
After you complete all the modules you'll qualify earn the Sales Process digital badge. You'll submit a sales process plan that meets specified requirements in any format or tool that you're familiar with. When your project plan is approved you'll be issued a verifiable credential from IDOL courses. IDOL courses partners with Credly to verify your accomplishments and your open badge is hosted on the Acclaim platform. This credential will never expire. You'll also be able to share your credential under certifications on LinkedIn and across all other platforms like Facebook, your website, and your email signature.
Your future business will appreciate your ability to map out your entire sales funnel.
Here's What Some of Our Students Say...
Tabatha D.
Although I have an MBA, the Bootcamp gave me the information I needed to understand the ID freelance world. If you want to make the transition to freelancing or want to understand the ID business world the eLearning Bootcamp will connect the dots.
Angie Shertzer
If you are already freelancing and want to grow (or even maintain) your business, this course is necessary. If you are considering taking the leap, this course could be the tool you need to actually go for it.
Megan Neff
If you're looking to expand your current operations, the financial resources and project templates alone are worth enrolling.
One Payment
$497
Enroll in the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp
- 8 Modules
- 8 Weekly Workshops
- Private eLearning Freelancer Community
- 3 Expert & Experienced Instructors
- Coach/Mentors
3 Payments
$185
Enroll in the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp
- 8 Modules
- 8 Weekly Workshops
- Private eLearning Freelancer Community
- 3 Expert & Experienced Instructors
- Coach/Mentors
Here's What Some of Our Students Say...
Paula
Before the Bootcamp I had a fear of not knowing enough to do freelance work. Now I have a better idea of the business of freelancing and how to find work. This course is great for someone with experience as an instructional designer and wanting to expand!
Joy Rosario
The bootcamp is an invaluable business exercise run by three people enormously generous with their experience and knowledge.
Collen Kelly
I would encourage anyone who is considering ANY of the IDOL courses to enroll. Robin and her team are the definition of servant leaders. The coaching, resources, and feedback are exemplary. Worth every penny!
Frequently Asked Questions