Online Courses: A Business Parable About How to Create Freedom by Teaching Your Gift Paperback – April 18, 2021

I had the pleasure of attending several Mirasee virtual events on how to build successful online courses last year, which led me to discovering Danny Iny's books. This is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on his most recent publication, Online Courses - A Business Parable. Written in a personal, engaging way, the book makes use of a natural way of learning - through a parable, aka storytelling. The book shows course makers what is possible not only when designing and selling online courses, but also when talking about our profession. I loved the book's personal spirit and powerful soundbites ("Life is short. Do things that matter.") and I believe that it can bring a light, non-invasive kind of inspiration to everyone looking to update their educational business model in the post-pandemic world. Danny Iny is revolutionizing education from every expert to everyone who wants to become an expert; his latest book Online Courses is another proof that he's on the right track.

If you doubt yourself then this is your book to keep you out of pity pot mood! Ask for help too

I really like parable style books generally and Danny's book is no exception. I found Amy's inner dialogue about her challenges and doubts to be validating and the actions she took to move her business forward to be inspiring.Because of the story nature of the book, I was able to imagine the concept being taught would apply to my life and the people who support my efforts.There were a couple times I needed to remind myself that this is not a "novel" and that I can't hold it to the standards to which I would evaluate one. That said, it is well written and easy to read. It teaches the concepts potential or current course creators need and I anticipate referring back to it and even sharing it with loved ones who may struggle to understand what I am trying to do with my online business.

Danny Iny shares an easy to consume parable which does a great job of introducing not only the things you need to consider when creating your first online course, but he also does a pretty competent job of sharing what your lived experience may resemble.While at first blush it might appear a bit sexist, because Mom is the one building the online course around getting your baby to sleep for new parents, it does a great job of exploring the hurdles and road blocks one is likely to encounter regardless of gender orientation.The story does an excellent job of pointing out and normalizing the all too common self-doubt and fears that come with starting something new and are amplified when it comes to creating a business from scratch.It is great that Danny chose to include links to download the audio book version of not only this book, but two of his other books as well. I listened to the audio book as I was doing other things like weeding the yard and driving, and was easily able to capture all of the important points.I enjoyed the book but was slightly disappointed by the time leap in the story line from having more than filled her pilot program in one moment, to 18 months later with only minimal details on the business development process. I picked ups several key things to remember in the start-up journey description and would have liked a few more highlights of the intervening 18 months and some of the hard-won wisdom that came out of it. I'm sure there are some common stumbling blocks when going from pilot program to V1.0 that could have been shared with great insight.Overall it was a good investment of my time to consume the audio book, and I believe it would have been equally valuable to have read the text as well.

I was offered this book at the end of watching the “5-Star Course Formula” on May 13th, 2021, a Danny Iny webinar. I took 2 actions after the webinar. The 1st was to download this book, offered for free, from amazon. The 2nd was to note in my calendar the next Live Training on Sat. May 15th, and/or Sun. May 16th. I figured I’d read his book prior to his next Webinar …but that didn’t happen.The Sat.15th Training was delivered LIVE. It built upon the training of the 13th. I’ve viewed many Biz building Webinars in the past Pandemic year and have the voluminous Notes & Screen Shots to prove it. And typically, as Danny presented, I was taking Notes & Screen shots. One significant point he made was, and I paraphrase: many people conflate Information with Education. I agree, they are not the same as I frequently point out. After this Sat. session, I had intended to read his Book …but that didn’t happen…again.As I looked over my Sat. Notes & Screen shots, I decided to take a 2nd Session on Sunday afternoon to catch info I might have missed while taking Notes & Screen shots. Afterwards I walked in a local wooded area where I decided to join his 15 week Program and, finally, Build & Launch my On-line course. Returning home, I joined his COURSE Business Masterclass. Then, I began reading this Book.The narrative follows a woman having an idea for her own business, through a lengthy personal, family, and financial process to a successful conclusion. I didn’t see it as a guidebook to a process. Rather, it illustrated the personal resistance, the support or lack of by family & friends, the financials, time commitment, ups-n-downs of the journey to success.Completing the Book, I was left with one overarching feeling: Danny Iny knows very well the challenges of this Journey and I’m satisfied that I chose his Training to (finally) Build & Launch my online Educational Program. ~ TjD

I’ve been researching online courses for about two years as I’ve been building my own courses, and this is by far the best book I’ve read to date. As unique as genius in its approach, it takes the somewhat dry, though essential, information and presents it in a way that is not only more entertaining, but easier to retain. Congratulations to Danny and his team.

Danny knows his stuff, and this latest work presents the info that will help a new entrepreneur overcome the challenges to getting started and gaining traction using education/training as the basis of a business. Unlike his other books, this one is constructed as a story, which makes the lessons more compelling and relatable. Following Amy through the steps toward making her business a reality - and recognizing some of the challenges I faced in getting my own business launched - was an enjoyable read, and I picked up some info that I can apply to launching my next venture.

Another outstanding book from Danny. The story model he used illustrated in graphic detail the process of researching and executing on a course pilot study as way to create an online course that people really want to buy. The methodology is now branded into the walls of my brain in a way that a how-to to book could never do. I only have one comment to add. Just like Amy - the character in the story - the very idea of picking up the telephone and talking to potential new customers is scary and deeply uncomfortable. With all the other skills I have that makes course creation a great idea for me (skills that people need, writing, teaching, speaking and being a techie), selling is absolutely a skill I do not possess. However, if you have even elementary sales skills, I can heartily recommend getting and reading this book.

Danny's new book is a wonderful read. I love how he shows step-by-step details on how you can hone your expertise, do market research, conduct sales calls and so much more. I think for any expert this book is a wonderful resource, it is a relatable and engaging story, that makes the book very easy and fun to read.

This was an easy read with insights peppered throughout! Being in a story it was easier to read versus being full of lists of what is required to excel at online courses.