Beyond Information: Creating Transformational Online Courses for Coaches and Consultants
Beyond Information: Creating Transformational Online Courses for Coaches and Consultants
In a transformation-based course like my Refocus Your Retreat Academy, I want to see evidence of retreat leaders not just understanding concepts, but actively applying them to create more impactful, well-designed retreats. They should be able to demonstrate improved retreat planning skills, increased confidence in their abilities, and tangible improvements in their retreat offerings.
As a coach or consultant, you know that true value lies in transformation, not just information. But how does this translate to the world of online courses? Let’s explore the difference between information-based and transformation-based courses, and how you can leverage the latter to scale your impact and your business.
The Pitfall of Information-Only Courses
Traditional online courses often fall into the trap of being purely informational. They might:
Focus solely on content delivery
Measure success by test scores or completion rates
Rely heavily on lectures and reading materials
Offer limited practical application
Measure results with completion rates.
While participants might, or might not, finish these courses feeling knowledgeable, they often struggle to apply what they’ve learned or see real change in their lives or businesses.
How many courses do you have unfinished?
The Power of Transformation-Based Courses
In contrast, transformation-based courses are designed to create lasting change. They:
Focus on behavior change and personal growth
Measure success by real-world results and achievements
Emphasize experiential learning and practical application
Provide abundant opportunities for hands-on practice
Participants in these courses don’t just learn – they evolve. They develop new skills, shift their mindsets, and see tangible improvements in their lives or businesses.
But how do you know?
Leveraging Transformation in Your Online Course
As a coach or consultant, your expertise lies in facilitating transformation. By creating a transformation-based online course, you can:
Scale Your Impact: Reach more clients without sacrificing the quality of transformation.
Leverage Your Time: Create deep change without needing to be present 24/7.
Showcase Your Expertise: Demonstrate your ability to create results, even in an online format.
Attract Ideal Clients: Draw in those who are serious about change, not just information-seekers.
Justify Premium Pricing: Offer (and charge for) real results, not just content.
The REFOCUS Method: Transformation Built-In
This is where the REFOCUS method comes in. Unlike traditional course creation approaches, REFOCUS integrates transformation at every step. It ensures that your course:
Is Results-driven, focusing on tangible outcomes for participants
Engages learners through interactive, multi-modal content
Provides consistent Feedback, allowing for course correction and deeper learning
Is Outcome-focused, with clear milestones and celebrations of progress
Chunks information for optimal learning and implementation
Leverages your Unique expertise and approach
Spirals learning, revisiting key concepts for deeper integration
By using this method, you’re not just creating a course – you’re designing a transformational journey that showcases your unique approach and expertise.
From Course to Marketing Tool
Here’s the best part: a well-designed, transformation-based course becomes a powerful marketing tool. It allows you to:
Demonstrate your expertise through real results
Generate powerful testimonials and case studies
Create a “taster” of your full coaching or consulting experience
Build trust and credibility with potential high-ticket clients
Your course becomes a living example of the transformation you provide, making it easier to attract and convert ideal clients for your other offerings.
Ready to Transform Your Online Course?
If you’re ready to create an online course that truly represents your transformational abilities as a coach or consultant, it’s time to go beyond information. Embrace a method that builds in transformation from the ground up.
Let’s create courses that don’t just inform, but transform – scaling your impact, leveraging your time, and growing your coaching or consulting business in the process.
Information or Transformation
Information-Based Course Evidence
Focus on content delivery and knowledge acquisition
Success measured by test scores or information retention
Emphasis on lectures and reading materials
Limited practical application or real-world exercises
Participants can recite facts but may struggle to apply knowledge
Little to no personalization or adaptation to individual needs
Minimal follow-up or support after course completion
Success defined by course completion rather than outcome
Participants may feel knowledgeable but not necessarily changed
Limited or no accountability for implementing learned information
Transformation-Based Course Evidence
Focus on behavior change and personal growth
Success measured by real-world results and personal achievements
Emphasis on experiential learning and practical application
Abundant opportunities for hands-on practice and skill development
Participants demonstrate ability to apply knowledge in various contexts
Personalized approach adapting to individual goals and challenges
Ongoing support and follow-up to ensure lasting change
Success defined by tangible improvements in participants' lives
Participants report significant shifts in mindset, habits, or capabilities
Built-in accountability measures to support implementation of changes
Testimonials highlighting specific, measurable transformations
Participants often become advocates, referring others due to their experience
Evidence of continued growth and development after course completion
Integration of reflective practices to deepen learning and self-awareness
Participants can articulate how the course has impacted their life or work
