Selling the Couch

At the beginning of this month, we reached our seven years of podcasting milestone here at Selling the Couch. That’s pretty crazy when statistics show that three out of every four new podcasts die after only seven episodes. Join us to learn what it takes to beat the odds and keep your podcast going.When I started the show back in 2015, podcasts were new. I am naturally introverted, so podcasting does not come easily to me. I remember being fearful on multiple levels and wondering how long I would be able to maintain sustainability with the podcast. We experienced slow and steady growth over time, however, and we currently average anywhere between 21,000 and 26,000 downloads in a month. Today’s session is a solo episode in which I share five tips that have helped me keep the podcast going. Stay tuned to learn more!You’ll Learn:You have to have done a decent amount of podcast episodes to hit hockey stick growthTip #1: Focus on building systems initially rather than releasing a mass of episodes. Notice your energy levels when you speak about certain topics. Hone in on topics that light you up.Set up a dedicated space to do your podcasting. It will make things a lot easier.Notice the formats of podcasting that energize you versus those that drain you. (You might start with one format and later move to a different one.)Tip # 2: Block out months in which you will not release any new podcasts. That means you won’t have to drop the podcast when other important things come up in your life.Tip #3: Think about monetizing your podcast before you launch it. (Brainstorm ways to make money besides having sponsors.)Tip # 4: Plan and employ good systems. (James Clear said: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”)Figure out the things you can delegate to create a model for long-term sustainability.I use one central subscribe page where everything is available. (www.sellingthecouch.com/listen )Tip # 5: Hire a podcast editor.Links:Pretty LinksA free podcasting workshop www.sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshopThe Healthcasters Podcasting Course www.sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters  When you open a private practice you become an entrepreneur- but that doesn't mean you magically know how to run a successful, sustainable solo or group practice and still enjoy life. And the truth is, when your business isn't working properly it WILL impact your joy, energy, and your clinical outcomes. Therapists are among the world's paid master's degrees and it is time for it to stop. Kelly & Miranda at zynnyme are two therapists who care deeply about ensuring therapists can have sustainable incomes and practices that get exemplary outcomes. Check out their free Private Practice Masterclass where they'll be diving into the core issues that keep even full practice owners from being truly profitable and protected from burnout. While you are at it, get on the waitlist for their Business School for Therapists-your one-stop-shop for growing, revamping, or launching your sustainable, impactful solo or group practice. Business School for Therapists has the perfect blend of personalized support, ready to go content when you need it, and an amazing community all over the world. Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopTry Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

If there is one thing I’ve learned as a small business owner, it’s that it takes courage to show up imperfect. We want so badly to be perfect and put together in front of our audience, but perfectionism makes us less authentic and connected. Join us to learn more about being OK with being imperfect.Samara Stone is a return guest to the podcast, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back! In addition to her work as a therapist, Samara is a branding expert who has a curated community, Be Full Grown, for black women over 40 who are ready to imagine, create, and live a life of their own design. Samara is in the process of launching a podcast, and she has already proven her courage in showing up imperfect through some major life difficulties. We will discuss how we, as clinicians, can show up imperfect when perfectionism always has a pull on us. Samara also shares helpful guidelines for sharing appropriately on social media, which is something we all need to keep in mind. Be Full GrownYou’ll Learn:How things have changed in our field in beautiful ways; “Your Saturday self CAN show up on Monday morning.”Why many therapists struggle with perfectionism and are afraid to show up as 100% humanWhy clients appreciate transparency because it conveys a non-judgmental attitudeWhy there is a huge shift happening in how we understand marketing and our personal brandHow therapists need to share enough about the real dynamic  of themselves so clients can see the healing possibilitiesHow Samara decided to share on social media the experience of her divorce a few years ago Why we have to be polarizing at times in order to find our true audience–and that’s OKThe importance of realizing that you can’t and won’t appeal to everyoneHow to use your clear purpose and intention to determine how much of your life to share on social mediaMentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s session covers the power of building in public, which has been a new concept for me in the last few months. This is a way for business owners to build their products and services in public on social media while others come along for the journey. It’s not easy for those of us who don’t want to display our messiness, but it is a very powerful strategy. Think of building in public as a marketing technique that doesn’t feel like marketing. Join us to learn more!Our Featured Guest:Kevon CheungKevon Cheung is a friend who I have learned a lot from watching him build in public on Twitter. I went through his Build in Public Mastery Cohort last winter, and I learned so much! Kevon will explain this concept, what it means, and why it’s important for us as business owners. We will wrap up with Kevon sharing his FUEL framework, a method to use in creating social media posts.Public LabBuild in Public MasteryYou’ll Learn:What it means to “build in public” along the entrepreneurial journey–and why it’s a good ideaHow showing up with flaws and vulnerability helps build a following and establish a connection with othersWhy consistency is the key in showing people your commitment and intentionsWhy choosing the platform on which to build in public depends on who and where your audience isHow making connections and giving “behind-the-scenes” glimpses will turn people into big fansKevon’s FUEL framework for creating social media posts: Facts, Unfold, Emotion, and LearningsHow to write lines that trigger curiosity without being “clickbait” (Remember, the goal of your first line is to get people to read the second line!)Highlights of Kevon’s course, Build in PublicMentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s session features a coaching call about how to build an email list simultaneously with an online course. You’ve probably heard that social media is the best option for building an email list, but is it? There are pros and cons to consider. Join us as we discuss this topic that is relevant to many people. I hope it’s helpful for you!Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Tami Zak, AMFTTami Zak was part of our first beta group for Online Course School last fall. Her practice is based in northern California, but she works virtually with clients from all over the state. To broaden her reach and the help she wants to offer couples, Tami launched her podcast, Marriage Breakdown, in 2021. Tami now faces the dilemma of developing her email list along with her online course, and she is overwhelmed with where and how to begin. You are invited to listen to the coaching call with Tami and Melvin!Affinity Couples CounselingMarriage Breakdown podcastYou’ll Learn:Tami’s online course idea to further develop her podcast topics and help couples communicate betterWhy an email list is important alongside an online courseWhy depending on social media alone to build a loyal following is not altogether sufficientHow Tami feels overwhelmed and intimidated about where to start and where to spend money to build an email listMelvin’s tip #1: “There isn’t one solution to building an email list, but it’s more about what aligns with your creative energy.”How to focus on building “your island” in the social media “ocean”How Tami uses her lead magnet on her podcast and website to help build her email list–and she’s ready to dive into social media to some degreeMelvin’s tip #2: “Think of offering your lead magnet as the beginning of a layering process to go from podcast, website, and then on to social media.”Why it’s overwhelming to dive into content creation and send out a newsletterMelvin’s tip #3: “Don’t feel obligated to send out too many newsletters; even once a month is OK when getting started. You can change things up at any time. “Why it’s important to be consistent at whatever stage of development you are inMelvin’s tip #4: “Think of how you can batch content with short tip videos to include in your newsletter.”Options in using podcast content for quotes, tips, etc. to use in a newsletter and on social mediaWhy Tami feels that her next steps will be around leveraging her content in a newsletterMentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopSign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

This session covers an important topic in today’s world. I had an unsettling experience personally with the issue of privacy regarding my personal information. It has been a big, bad mess all the way around that has taken a lot of time and effort to straighten out. I’ve become a big believer in the importance of knowledge and awareness about online security. As being in the online world becomes the norm for practitioners and business owners, how can we protect our personal information? Join us for this informative conversation!Our Featured GuestKyle KrzeskiKyle Krzeski is the co-founder of Removaly, a company that removes private information from the internet on an initial and ongoing basis. Kyle helps us understand how companies get access to our private information, what those most common pieces of information are, and the practical steps you can take to keep yourself safe and secure. Selling The Couch: RemovalyYou’ll Learn:● How companies get access to our personal information like addresses, phone numbers, and more● What “data brokers” are, how they operate, and why they have your personal info● How the CCPA (California Consumer Protection Act) requires data brokers to register and allows consumers to opt-out (several other states are adopting similar policies) ● Common pieces of information to be found include names, addresses, phone numbers, previous addresses/phone numbers, relatives, background info, email addresses, etc. ● The story of Removaly and how it was started with co-founders Kyle and John● Three tips to keep your personal information secure:○ Be proactive, not reactive about data privacy and protection.○ Separate your personal and business information.○ Get your personal information off data broker sites. (You can do this yourself or pay for Removaly to do it.)● How Removaly keeps clients’ info safe and secure● What Removaly does to help clients with automated software, personal attention, and daily scans to remove recurring information from the internetMentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopSign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

Today’s session is a solo episode in which I share details about why I have made the $4K investment in studio lighting for my home office since 2019. This session is prompted by a Twitter feed that has gone viral about this subject. You can check it out on Twitter and see lots of pictures of my lighting gear, including before and after examples that really show the improvements. Even though this gear can be pricey, you can follow my tips, start small, and add quality equipment over time to take your videos and online presence to the next level. You’ll Learn:● My top five tips for lighting your home studio:○ Invest in a key light to create a natural look. ■ Pro Tip: look for a key light with remote control intensity settings and invest in a heavy duty light stand. ■ My gear: the Aperture 120D + Light Dome 2○ Invest in a fill light to keep you from looking like an evil villain.■ Pro Tip: Use a 10-ft. USB-C to USB cable so it doesn’t turn off in the middle of something important.■ My gear: the Falcon Eyes f7○ Invest in a hair light so you “pop out” from the background.■ Pro Tip: Look for one with a magic arm and clamp.■ My gear: a second Falcon Eyes f7 (placed at the right angle)○ Invest in practical lights to create intrigue, depth, and atmosphere.■ Pro Tip: Buy a light with a dimmer switch (or attach a separate dimmer switch) so that you can control the intensity.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopTry Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

Today’s topic is one of great interest to me because of my journey through life. It can be difficult and very challenging to balance fatherhood and entrepreneurship in a way that feels like you are giving your best to both roles. Maybe you find yourself in a similar situation. Join me for today’s conversation to learn more!Our Featured Guest:Ryan SpenceRyan Spence is a father of two, a former corporate lawyer turned entrepreneur, and a life coach who helps others show up as their best selves to live their best lives. Ryan and I connected through Rachel Rodgers’ The Club, and I quickly grew to respect his intentionality around fatherhood and entrepreneurship. Ryan’s oldest child is neurodivergent, so he faces some unique parenting challenges. In today’s session, we are having an open and honest conversation about the nuances of balancing fatherhood with entrepreneurship, along with how to best handle work disruptions and challenges that come with being a parent. Ryan is full of practical advice that can help others navigate the parenting journey that leaves us all wondering if we are giving our best to our kids. I am Ryan SpenceYou’ll Learn:● How Ryan navigated the transition from corporate law to entrepreneurship as a dad to small children● Why Ryan was able to follow his heart and leave his law career● How yoga and personal development have helped Ryan clarify his values and priorities● How Ryan reconnected with layers of himself after “going through the motions” for several years● Why we usually default to what seems easy and comfortable● Why autonomy and creativity became important aspects of life for Ryan● How Ryan handles day-to-day disruptions in his work● How giving his kids space in his time and meditating every morning help him be a better dad● Why it’s important to keep end goals in mind regarding the balance of entrepreneurship and fatherhood, particularly when irritated● Why the little things are most often the big things● A sneak peek at Ryan’s new book, coming in April: The Triple C Method: Gain Clarity, Boost Confidence, and Build Courage so You Can Live Life LitToday's Sponsor: Turning Point HQTurning Point HQ is a financial life planning service designed specifically for therapists. Here are some of the things they can help with •Make an intentional + strategic decision about using tax deductions for your practice + what structure (LLC, S-Corp) is best for you.•Learn how to keep your LLC in good standing•Develop an achievable plan to get rid of student load debt.•Make sure you're appropriately having for your child's college education. •Strategically invest your practice income into retirement + wealth building To learn more and connect with Dave + get $200 off any service, please take a moment to download the FREE 7 Money Mistakes That Hold Therapists Back: https://sellingthecouch.com/turningpointhq Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopSign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

Welcome to Session 300! I never even imagined reaching this point, and I’m very grateful to be at this milestone. I love everything about connecting with people through podcasting, so thank you for joining me on this journey. Today’s show is a coaching call about online courses and the imposter syndrome that sneaks in with fear and doubt. Join us to learn more!Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Nikki Sewell, LCSWNikki Sewell was part of our beta group for Online Course School’s eight-week live experience where we went through each step from start to finish in setting up your online course. Nikki is ready to get her pilot students into her course, but she has encountered a lot of fear around charging her worth for her grief course for therapists. Nikki built a successful private practice focusing on the niche of grief counseling, motivated by losing her father to suicide during her grad school years and suddenly losing her husband at age 41 back in 2013. Join the coaching call with Nikki and Melvin!Nikki SewellYou’ll Learn:● How Nikki found her niche in grief counseling with widows, suicide survivors, and orphaned adults● Why Nikki views her grief counseling work as something beautiful that empowers people to see “what’s lost, what’s left, and what’s possible”● How Nikki decided to create her online course to help other grief and trauma therapists● Why the best online courses combine clinical training with personal experience–like Nikki is doing● How money blocks, shame, and internal voices get in the way to create imposter syndrome for Nikki● The new perspective: Nikki’s course is helping clinicians to become better clinicians, help their clients more fully, and become better business owners (who make more money)● Why we struggle with shame in charging what we are worth because we are a “helping profession”● How Nikki can implement the same steps in charging for her online course that she employed in establishing her private practice● How to take a “ladder view” of our expertise and experience, realizing that there are always people on lower rungs who need your help● Why it’s better to take the tortoise approach and pace yourself in launching a courseRESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY Disclosures: Please note that all opinions are my own and based on my personal experience. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links where if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I use these funds to continue to create helpful content to serve our field. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.MY FREE ONLINE WORKSHOPS (These Can Be Watched At A Date/Time That Works For You):?️ Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business (Lessons Learned From 9 Downloads On Day 1 To 1.2 Million And a 7 Income Stream Business)? How To Launch And Grow A Successful Online Course (Lessons Learned From A $297 First Sale To $150k Online Course)MY FREE GUIDES:? Start your Podcast: The QuickStart Guide ?️ The A To Z Online CourseMY COURSES:? The Healthcasters (A podcasting course + community for helpers/healers): ? Online Course School (A course to create, sell, and grow a successful online course): COMING IN 2022 (please feel free to download the online guide course above and I can keep you updated as I'm trying to build this with ample input and care including a chance to work 1 on 1 with me!): MY FAVORITE SOFTWARE:? My Podcast Hosting Platform (Captivate-Includes 7 Day Free Trial): ? My All In One Online Business Platform (Kartra-Includes 14 Day Free Trial): ? What I Use For Evergreen Webinars (Easy Webinar)? My Website Host (SiteGround-Includes Discount)? My WebSite Theme (Divi)MY FAVORITE GEAR:❤️ STC Home Office Tour! ? My Online Counseling + Coaching Gear? My YouTube + Live Streaming Camera GearSUBSCRIBE TO THE STC PODCAST:Since 2015, I've hosted a weekly podcast where I interview successful therapists in private practice and other business owners to help us grow our impact + income in and beyond the therapy room. The podcast has been downloaded over 1.2 million times and is heard in over 140 countries.You can find also it by searching “Selling The Couch” on any podcast app (eg: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify etc) or simply saying "Alexa, listen to Selling The Couch" on your Amazon device. =Or simply click below for ease =). SUBSCRIBE HERELET'S BE FRIENDS:? Sign up to receive the free A To Z Online Course Guide + receive the weekly STC email newsletter (trusted by over 7k colleagues) ? My website / blog? Instagram (I mainly post "behind the scenes" stuff about my life and business)WHO'S THIS GUY? Hi. I'm Melvin. I'm a psychologist (PhD), entrepreneur, and online creator living in Philadelphia, PA. In 2014, I began to think about how to use the therapy skills we learn in grad school, and in our clinical work into different realms (e.g., podcasting, consulting, online course creation, etc). This allows us to serve others on larger scales while diversifying our income beyond 1 to 1 work. I make podcasts and videos about business, tech, productivity, and lessons I'm learning from becoming the CEO of a lean, mean 5 person 100% remote team (we're not really mean..it just rhymed =P).Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopTry Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

If you are struggling to build your email list, today’s show can help! With over 300 STC newsletters and 5K subscribers, I’ve learned a few lessons about what works–and what doesn’t. We are fortunate that the STC newsletter has a much higher “open rate” than the 20% average, which can be attributed to what I have discovered along the way. Join me as I go solo today to share my insights that you can put into practice right now. You’ll Learn:● Why your mindset should be to make recipients excited to open your weekly newsletter● My tips for building your email list through newsletters:○ Spend time crafting the subject line. (The Headliner app helps!)○ Write to one person. (Picture yourself sitting with a friend around a campfire.)○ Use the intro section to share a personal story. (Have boundaries and safety considerations in place; I don’t say anything that would embarrass Grandma!)○ Stick to a consistent format. (We use sections for an intro, top tool, podcast info, and top STC community posts. The Alltop and Airr apps help!)○ Figure out how you can consume content throughout the schedule of your day, like during a commute, workout, daily hike, etc.Resources mentioned in this episode:Headliner, Alltop, and AirrPODCAST SPONSOR: TURNING POINT HQDavid Frank is the Financial Planner for therapists whose goal is to help us transform your relationship with money. Dave and his team provide help for a range of things including helping us navigate student loans, strategic investing, and retirement. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/turningpointhq to download "The 7 Money Mistakes That Therapists Make" + to get $200 off any listed service just for STC fans. RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY Disclosures: Please note that all opinions are my own and based on my personal experience. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links where if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I use these funds to continue to create helpful content to serve our field. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.MY FREE ONLINE WORKSHOPS (These Can Be Watched At A Date/Time That Works For You):🎙️ Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business (Lessons Learned From 9 Downloads On Day 1 To 1.2 Million And a 7 Income Stream Business)💻 How To Launch And Grow A Successful Online Course (Lessons Learned From A $297 First Sale To $150k Online Course)MY FREE GUIDES:🎤 Start your Podcast: The QuickStart Guide 🖥️ The A To Z Online CourseMY COURSES:🎧 The Healthcasters (A podcasting course + community for helpers/healers): 💻 Online Course School (A course to create, sell, and grow a successful online course): COMING IN 2022 (please feel free to download the online guide course above and I can keep you updated as I'm trying to build this with ample input and care including a chance to work 1 on 1 with me!): MY FAVORITE SOFTWARE:🧳 My Podcast Hosting Platform (Captivate-Includes 7 Day Free Trial): 🚀 My All In One Online Business Platform (Kartra-Includes 14 Day Free Trial): 🤖 What I Use For Evergreen Webinars (Easy Webinar)🌐 My Website Host (SiteGround-Includes Discount)🎨 My WebSite Theme (Divi)MY FAVORITE GEAR:❤️ STC Home Office Tour! 📔 My Online Counseling + Coaching Gear🎥 My YouTube + Live Streaming Camera GearSUBSCRIBE TO THE STC PODCAST:Since 2015, I've hosted a weekly podcast where I interview successful therapists in private practice and other business owners to help us grow our impact + income in and beyond the therapy room. The podcast has been downloaded over 1.2 million times and is heard in over 140 countries.You can find also it by searching “Selling The Couch” on any podcast app (eg: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify etc) or simply saying "Alexa, listen to Selling The Couch" on your Amazon device. =Or simply click below for ease =). SUBSCRIBE HERELET'S BE FRIENDS:💌 Sign up to receive the free A To Z Online Course Guide + receive the weekly STC email newsletter (trusted by over 7k colleagues) 🌍 My website / blog📸 Instagram (I mainly post "behind the scenes" stuff about my life and business)WHO'S THIS GUY? Hi. I'm Melvin. I'm a psychologist (PhD), entrepreneur, and online creator living in Philadelphia, PA. In 2014, I began to think about how to use the therapy skills we learn in grad school, and in our clinical work into different realms (e.g., podcasting, consulting, online course creation, etc). This allows us to serve others on larger scales while diversifying our income beyond 1 to 1 work. I make podcasts and videos about business, tech, productivity, and lessons I'm learning from becoming the CEO of a lean, mean 5 person 100% remote team (we're not really mean..it just rhymed =P).Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopSign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshop

Today’s show covers lessons I have learned from launching a successful cohort-based course (CBC). The process takes a lot of work but is very rewarding, so if a CBC is in your future, don’t miss this episode.You’ll Learn:● How I launched my first online course, The Healthcasters, in 2015, even though I felt like an inadequate novice● How Online Course School launched in late 2021, with 16 workshops for nine colleagues in the beta cohort group● Ten lessons learned from my CBC launch:○ Get your beta students through your email list, previous courses, and Mastermind class colleagues.○ Screen the participants well. (I did this through one-on-one Zoom calls.)○ Do welcome calls with breakout rooms, so the students get to know each other.○ Keep the CBC length around 6-8 weeks, or structure a break after a few weeks if it is longer.○ Have an assistant with you on all workshops.○ Tier your support for students at multiple levels.○ Start with the “I do/we do/you do” framework for teaching.○ Prep your lessons ahead of time before the cohort begins–not at the same time.○ Don’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows.○ Charge your worth. Resources mentioned: Accelerator programs through MavenRESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY Disclosures: Please note that all opinions are my own and based on my personal experience. Sponsors are acknowledged. Some links in the description are affiliate links where if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. I use these funds to continue to create helpful content to serve our field. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.MY FREE ONLINE WORKSHOPS (These Can Be Watched At A Date/Time That Works For You):🎙️ Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business (Lessons Learned From 9 Downloads On Day 1 To 1.2 Million And a 7 Income Stream Business)💻 How To Launch And Grow A Successful Online Course (Lessons Learned From A $297 First Sale To $150k Online Course)MY FREE GUIDES:🎤 Start your Podcast: The QuickStart Guide 🖥️ The A To Z Online CourseMY COURSES:🎧 The Healthcasters (A podcasting course + community for helpers/healers): 💻 Online Course School (A course to create, sell, and grow a successful online course): COMING IN 2022 (please feel free to download the online guide course above and I can keep you updated as I'm trying to build this with ample input and care including a chance to work 1 on 1 with me!): MY FAVORITE SOFTWARE:🧳 My Podcast Hosting Platform (Captivate-Includes 7 Day Free Trial): 🚀 My All In One Online Business Platform (Kartra-Includes 14 Day Free Trial): 🤖 What I Use For Evergreen Webinars (Easy Webinar)🌐 My Website Host (SiteGround-Includes Discount)🎨 My WebSite Theme (Divi)MY FAVORITE GEAR:❤️ STC Home Office Tour! 📔 My Online Counseling + Coaching Gear🎥 My YouTube + Live Streaming Camera GearSUBSCRIBE TO THE STC PODCAST:Since 2015, I've hosted a weekly podcast where I interview successful therapists in private practice and other business owners to help us grow our impact + income in and beyond the therapy room. The podcast has been downloaded over 1.2 million times and is heard in over 140 countries.You can find also it by searching “Selling The Couch” on any podcast app (eg: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify etc) or simply saying "Alexa, listen to Selling The Couch" on your Amazon device. =Or simply click below for ease =). SUBSCRIBE HERELET'S BE FRIENDS:💌 Sign up to receive the free A To Z Online Course Guide + receive the weekly STC email newsletter (trusted by over 7k colleagues) 🌍 My website / blog📸 Instagram (I mainly post "behind the scenes" stuff about my life and business)WHO'S THIS GUY? Hi. I'm Melvin. I'm a psychologist (PhD), entrepreneur, and online creator living in Philadelphia, PA. In 2014, I began to think about how to use the therapy skills we learn in grad school, and in our clinical work into different realms (e.g., podcasting, consulting, online course creation, etc). This allows us to serve others on larger scales while diversifying our income beyond 1 to 1 work. I make podcasts and videos about business, tech, productivity, and lessons I'm learning from becoming the CEO of a lean, mean 5 person 100% remote team (we're not really mean..it just rhymed =P).Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopSign up for the new online course workshop of a small launch to a $300K course at https://sellingthecouch.com/onlinecourseworkshopTry Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.