Before EPM I was feeling stuck with how to market myself and my services online in an efficient way that didn't require living 24/7 online. Plus, for a few years now, I have had a strong desire to also move away from the word-of-mouth approach (it is far too time - and life - consuming!). I've been looking for a balanced online and offline approach that integrates well with who I am and my lifestyle. And, I had an idea for a live online program I wanted to market, but I wasn't certain how to go about it, mostly in regards to the marketing aspect of it. I knew I had some missing pieces, like the super duper written copy skills :) and marketing online effectively without taking up all my time and/or money!
EPM came to my attention via a FB Ad. I was attracted to the word "Experience" as I love living life through experiences. So I asked for a call to see if it would provide what I needed to grow my business in the direction I had in mind.
I did come out with a live online program for 12 to 16 women to be delivered in March, 2018. I'm very happy with what I'm offering and I have sold some spots already. However, the second half of what I wanted did not come through as I was told it was possible (to market myself effectively without depending solely on the 1:1 approach). So I have now spent countless hours trying to keep up with all the content and bonuses offered to us (I did the required videos and homework, but didn't get to the bonuses). I stressed out day and night, lost sleep big time, and my partner wasn't happy that it impacted the quality of our life. He warned me that another program would most likely have this outcome.
Anyway, still looking to quickly sort out the tech stuff and the online systems to put in place so that my business and life can be more streamlined and leveraged, plus that I can then be able to grow without trading away all my time - every day! "Convincing" people 1:1 has not been an avenue that I want to continue to pursue as being the exclusive strategy. I've been doing it this way for years, it's effective, but it is no longer the lifestyle I want to have. I want to enjoy time with my partner and friends when I go out without talking about what I do all the time!
So ultimately, what I wanted to accomplish out of taking this program was only partially achieved. It doesn't feel like a win, as I was super clear as to what I wanted out of this program... I am left with still having to figure out how to get myself online quickly and efficiently so that I don't have to keep facing this vicious cycle between having offers > getting clients for a season > and then having to start from zero every time I'm ready for new clients... And the clients that I have already attracted were enrolled into my program through 1:1 conversations, which I feel is not sustainable to get to my goal of 12 to 16 students. It's just a very time consuming approach; this way doesn't allow me to grow my business and at the same time also have the time to enjoy my life!
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
Specificity... and the challenge and resistance of that! I do wholeheartedly now accept it, yet I still struggle with it. And the gap is marketing! Word-of-mouth is effective (which i have done for years, but it is not leveraged, can not scale yourself, and it gets tiring running around and talking about what you've got to every living soul. I don't consider that to be a lifestyle. Can't enjoy your time ever, if always looking to sell yourself when you go out). So I also believe - more than ever - that in this day and age, an online presence is critical and urgent (no matter what anyone tells you)... and being confident with your tech, to some degree, in order to have freedom with plugging your "voice" in at any time!
How did EPM help you become successful?
It just got me to put everything in a compact and sellable format for 1:few... Step 1 of 3... Actually i mapped out all 3 steps (programs) of a one year journey!... And i'm delivering Step 1 in March. It's a lifestyle and creating new habits doesn't happen overnight, so being consistent requires discipline and support if you have never known yourself to have that muscle in a specific area of life.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
I don't exactly feel the success... I wanted to get online in order to market my offer, not to continue doing what i've been doing for years (word-of-mouth)... there wasn't enough time to keep up with all the videos and homework, plus integrate new systems in place to support growth via online channels. Without having a list (no matter small or medium or large) already saved within an email autoresponder platform > it's not easy to reach out to many... Therefore, constantly doing 1:1 conversations is not a sustainable strategy (our loved ones also suffer, as they also don't get to have any time with us!)
What has been the biggest change in your business?
Before I wasn't tenacious with solving my online presence issue and no I am... My number driver now is to get that sorted, as I have loads to share and offer on a larger scale. Which also means, that I also see the urgency of owning my own writing copy voice, so that I can be consistent across all platforms. A different world when talking 1:1 to people versus being super specific on black and white copy > it really "forces" you to get super specific.
What are you most excited about moving forward with your Experience Product?
Delivering it has always been the part that excites me the most. I know this stuff inside out. It's pretty much a process that I have been living and developing from the age of 13, out of necessity. So my program is an extension of me > offered to more people! Being 43.5 now, i actually feel the deep urgency to get this out to more people, it's so much simpler and sustainable then people think. I don't do "no pain, no gain". I don't exercise every day. I don't feel like i'm avoiding or withholding from food. It's a lifestyle that I love and my body feels great for it. So my wish is that more people get to relate to their body and health with that level of ease and freedom!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I came in to EPM with a different expectation, so although i got to spend again more time on knowledge (great content of course), i wanted something different as a result. I had enquired if this was the program that would help me achieve that. Half of it i did get. I got a deliverable program. But the other half was to market it in a more efficient and leveraged way.