Here a shiny course, there a shiny course, everywhere you turn a shiny new course. Online courses are an excellent and often cost-effective way to learn a new skill, but how do you see through the cart close sequence and truly decide if you need it or not? Here are 6 questions to ask yourself before you invest in that next online course.

Knowledge gaps

I have other, more pressing gaps in my business knowledge that need to be filled first. Be discerning about what will make a difference in your business and do your best to ignore all those other tempting online courses. It might just be that by the time you need that additional knowledge you’ll have found an even better source.

Teaching style

Online courses come in all sorts of formats, from just video to video with a community component, to live teaching and small group work. It’s important to think about how you work best. If you’re a do-it-on-your-own, watch the video and go type of person then look for that type of content. Don’t waste your money on a high-touch, high-cost program if that’s not what you need.

On the other hand, if you need some accountability and the ability to get your questions answered then look for a course that’s more high-touch. Make sure that the creator is providing you with the level of support you need to make the most use out of the course. 

Other options

Is there another way you can learn this information that’s cheaper or more readily available? Depending on the level of information you need, consider looking into things like LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare or other sites that give you access to a variety of online courses.

These types of sites are especially good for more technical skills (how to use specific software, etc) versus soft skills (how to sell, etc). Compare your knowledge gap with the level of information you need and determine the best source of information for you.

Can you afford it?

Honestly, this should be the first question. I’m all for investing in yourself and your business, and I understand that is necessary to spend money to build a business. But I also want you to be smart. Don’t get over your head in payments you can’t afford. The monthly payment might seem small, but it’s still a drain on your resources. Make sure you know where the money is going to come from before you commit.

As a sales tactic, some marketers will tell you that getting themselves deep in debt to buy courses gave them the fire to get moving with their business, but it also creates a lot of unneeded stress. You want to make the best decision not only for your business today but for your business in the future. Don’t drown your future business in a bunch of payments you can’t afford.

Do you have the time?

Do you have the time to fully participate in the course? This is particularly important when the course is more of a live, time-dependent course. If you know this is not the season for you to be able to fully participate in a new course then don’t sign up. Be honest with yourself about your availability and level of commitment to this course. 

Are you a finisher?

Lastly, take a look at your track record. Are you a shiny object chaser? Always interested in the next course that’s going to move your business forward, but rarely ever finishing them? Don’t sign up for another course where the login info is just going to collect dust in your inbox. When you buy a course commit yourself to finish it no matter what. Sit down and schedule time in your calendar to complete the work. Be a person who finishes what they start.

Now that you’ve considered all these questions you can make a confident decision on whether or not to invest in that next online course.

I'd love to hear about the courses that have made a difference in your business. Tell me here.