I fully get offering a new course for free because the argument is: if they won't sign up for free, they won't sign up and pay. But sometimes people sign up for free and then don't complete or finish a course. I've had it both ways. And if I were going to approach a new contact I would consider offering a free trial (but wouldn't consider them a client until money had exchanged hands) The prospects I have approached so far have bought from me in the past, so are happy to pay. I have offered a 20% discount as a thank you. So, going forward, I still have the same problem I started with: finding new paying clients beyond my current contacts. Once this group finishes, and it is not a stand alone programme - they can continue (a little like the 5 in 30 but not a subscription) but I would like to onboard a few new clients each month. I have some ideas for doing this ...but, long term, spending hours every week building up multiple individual relationships in order to get one or two sign ups is not an efficient use of my time. @Michael Landry @Andrew Woodbury

I haven't used your framework as I already had one, but I've incorporated elements of yours into mine and it was good to revise it - particularly looking at the 4 foundations - and colour coding helped me see the balance. I've also added an extra live session to the month. This course was meant to start today - but I am delaying it for a week as one of my 1:1 students* wants to move on to it and I wanted at least 4 sts on it to try it out. I like the idea of co-constructing - although I am not at the beginning - I am going to talk to them about times (poll them) and whether 2 live sessions in 1 week is too much (week 3 has a Q + A and a TBL), but I want to keep it flexible and keep the Q & As optional. (*My 1:1 asynchronous is super intensive and I need to review that - but that's for another day) @Andrew Woodbury @Michael Landry @Leonardo Gomes

Just like to share some thoughts after reviewing a few of the modules here on TSN: Since leaving a language school I have focused mainly on all the aspects that I've needed to set up a business - hours and hours (sometimes soul destroyingly long hours with little return). And what has been absent is the CPD - which is actually soul filling - I'd forgotten that feeling of 'yes - I am going to try this, and I feel my students could benefit from this, I can be better.' I am now excited about the live group session that will be part of my upcoming course. So, thanks guys. @Michael Landry @Andrew Woodbury @Leonardo Gomes

So, I have just been looking at two modules - one on niche and one on inconsistent messaging (useful as I am about to get someone to overhaul my Instagram). I know my niche is not niche enough - and I know the problem that many teachers have is that on social media other teachers may engage, but not our target audience (especially on LinkedIn - because who wants their boss knowing they need help with English) However, I will try this week and see if anything changes - I will write to the 40 year old consultant and young father with limited time and fear that his English isn't good enough (because of his fluency and lack of vocabulary) to talk to others - or doesn't have other people to talk to beyond his teacher, but wants to feel that he can communicate competently at his next international meeting. Slightly worried my student may recognise himself 😕

@Michael Landry @Andrew Woodbury I already had a framework - which I've tested a few times - but this was useful for looking at the problems and solutions and why they are sometimes reluctant to sign up to group courses over 1:1. Transformation: I help experienced doctors to speak and understand fluent English so they can have meaningful conversations with colleagues and patients. Although reviewing some things on niche - I think it probably isn't niche enough by a long way. (Big fish small pond analogy).