Are online business courses worth it for creatives? If you’re a creative, you’re probably drowning in a sea of “experts” peddling their wares online, claiming their course is the magic ticket to success. Meanwhile, you’re over here with a burning question: “How do I actually make money with my art?” or “What’s the best way to market my creative services?” And let’s be real, Google is your best friend (and worst enemy) when it comes to finding answers. You can spend hours scrolling through tutorials, blog posts, and YouTube videos, but sometimes it’s hard to separate the signal from the noise.
The truth is, creatives are hungry for knowledge, but we’re also skeptical of getting sucked into another expensive online course that promises the world but delivers nothing but crickets. So, what’s the verdict? Are online business courses worth it, or are they just a fancy way of saying “someone else’s opinion”? In this post, we’re diving into the good, the bad, and the ugly of online business courses for creatives. Buckle up, folks! We’re about to get real about whether these courses are the key to unlocking your creative success or just a cleverly disguised money grab.
Why Creatives question the Worth of Online Business Courses
So here are two reasons why you’re probably struggling with online courses that promise business success:
1) Information Overload
You’re browsing online courses like you’re shopping for a new phone – scrolling through features, reading reviews, and comparing prices. But instead of finding the perfect phone, you’re searching for the perfect course to launch your business. It’s like trying to drink from a firehose, and the firehose is being held by a mischievous imp who keeps changing the nozzle settings.
Take Yinka Ilori, the Nigerian furniture designer, for example. He’s known for his bold and colorful designs, but even he’d be overwhelmed by the sheer number of online courses available today. From marketing to design, there’s a course for every skill level and interest. But how do you choose the right one?
Let’s be real, it’s like trying to choose a favorite child (if you had, like, 50 kids). Each course promises the world, but which one will actually deliver? You start to wonder if you’re just throwing money at a dartboard, hoping to hit the bullseye. Meanwhile, your bank account is judging you harder than a tennis umpire at Wimbledon.
And have you noticed how some courses are like those fancy chocolate gift boxes? They look amazing on the outside, but when you open them up, there’s just a tiny piece of chocolate (or in this case, useful content). You end up feeling like you’ve been duped, and your wallet is crying itself to sleep at night.
2) Skeptical Mindset
If you have a skeptical mindset towards online business courses, it’s probably because of the horror stories you’ve heard – “They’re just a way for scammers to make a quick buck!” or “They’re too good to be true, so they probably are!” It’s like trying to navigate a crowded market in Marrakech – you’re not sure who’s trying to sell you something genuine or not.
But what about the success stories? People like Ayanna Howard, the American robotics engineer, who’s making waves in the tech industry. She’s proof that online learning can be a game-changer. And let’s not forget about the European entrepreneurs who’ve leveraged online courses to launch successful startups.
Roger Federer probably didn’t become a tennis legend by taking online courses, but he did have a solid coach and training regimen. Similarly, online courses can provide structure and guidance, but you still need to put in the work. It’s like the difference between having a map and actually taking the journey – the map won’t get you to your destination, but it can certainly help you navigate.
And let’s not forget the certificates you get at the end of some courses. They’re like the participation trophies of online learning – you can display them proudly on your wall, but do they really mean anything? Maybe they’re just a fancy way of saying, “Hey, I showed up!” Still, it’s a nice keepsake, and you can use it to dust off your other, more impressive awards.
Related: Understanding Business Process Management
What to Look for in an Online Business Course
1) Learning by Doing
Picture this: you’re a master watchmaker like Patek Philippe, tinkering with intricate mechanisms, and perfecting your craft through hands-on experience. That’s what project-based learning in online business courses is like. It’s all about finding a course where you dive into real-world projects, apply what you learn and gain practical skills. In other words, you learn by doing!
Also, bear in mind that any online business course where you learn by actively working on projects, you’ll encounter challenges that require creative problem-solving. For example, a course by Cre8Space such as “Secret methods to grabbing people’s attention on Social Media” lets you work on real-world projects, where you’ll learn to balance competing ads and make tough decisions to grow your social media presence. By doing so, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to tackle social media challenges and get your brand noticed!
Another example is the European Union’s recent AI regulations, which has sparked a heated debate about the role of AI in business. By taking online business courses that guide you on learning AI by practice, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this new landscape. You’ll learn how to harness the power of AI to drive business success, and make informed decisions about its applications.
2) Connection to Employment
Let’s say you’re trying to get hired by a top company in Europe. You’ve got a solid resume, but you need to stand out from the crowd. That’s where online business courses come in. It’s wise and advantageous to choose online business courses that can help you get employed.
For example, Harvard Business School Online’s Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB) and Credential of Readiness (CORe) programs are designed to equip you with the skills and tools to get or stay employed. You’ll learn from expert instructors, and network with peers who share your goals.
Also, you can take advantage of growing demand in a particular field and develop your skillset in that area. For example, the European Green Deal has created a surge in demand for sustainable business practices. So anyone taking online business courses that focus on sustainability, will be well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Related: How to Put Your Customers First in Business
3) Tutorial-Style Learning
Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint – it’s a recipe for disaster! Tutorial style learning is like having a seasoned contractor guide you through the process, step by step. You’re not just given a bunch of tools and told to figure it out; you’re shown the ropes by an expert who’s been there, done that, and has the t-shirt.
In the Cre8Space course “Secrets of a successful launch that can make it or break it,” you’ll be working on a project with expert instructors who’ve launched successful businesses and can provide feedback and support. It’s like having a personal trainer for your business – they’ll push you to your limits, but also give you the tools you need to succeed.
Top Online Business Courses to Boost Your Skills
Cre8Space Business Launch and Branding Course
If you’re launching a business anywhere and you want to make a splash. That’s what this course will teach you – how to create a solid business plan, develop a brand identity that’ll make people go wild, and market your products or services like a pro.
You’ll learn how to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship, just like Jack Ma did when he founded Alibaba. With this course, you’ll be well on your way to creating a brand that’ll make people say, “Wow, this is amazing!” Just like the intricate designs on Swiss watches, you’ll learn to craft a brand that’s precise, reliable, and stunning.
Coursera Business Courses
Picture this: you’re sitting in a classroom at a top university, surrounded by brilliant minds, and learning from the best professors. That’s what Coursera Business Courses offer – access to top-notch business education from the world’s leading universities. You’ll learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and more, from experts who’ve made it big. You’ll be like a sponge, soaking up knowledge and skills like a pro, just like the Chinese proverb “A single grain of rice can tip the scale.”
Related: How to Setup a Proper Business Plan
Open University Business Courses
Imagine having access to over 100 free business courses, covering topics like money, marketing, and management. That’s what The Open University offers, and it’s like finding a treasure trove of knowledge. You’ll learn at your own pace, and you’ll get certificates upon completion. You’ll be like a marathon runner, crossing the finish line with a sense of accomplishment, and a certificate to prove it!
The Open University Business Courses are perfect for anyone who wants to learn about business without breaking the bank. You’ll get access to high-quality courses, and you’ll learn from experts who’ve been there, done that. You’ll be like a detective, solving the mystery of business success, with the help of The Open University.
Udemy Business Courses
In 2010, Udemy’s founders had a vision – to make top-notch education accessible to everyone. Fast forward to today, and their platform has become a treasure trove of business courses, crafted with precision and care, like a Swiss watchmaker’s finest timepiece. You can learn from industry experts who’ve climbed the highest peaks of entrepreneurship and can guide you through the toughest business challenges.
With Udemy, you’ll embark on a journey to master the art of business, navigating real-world projects and case studies that’ll test your skills and push you to new heights. You’ll learn to wield the tools of marketing, finance, and management with the precision of a Swiss Army knife, and your business will run like clockwork, with every cog and gear working in harmony.
Conclusion
In conclusion, online business courses are a great way to boost your skills and achieve your business goals. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, there’s a course out there that’s right for you. From launching and branding your business to learning about finance and marketing, these courses will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Which of these courses are you most interested in taking? Have you already taken one of these courses?
