As a lifelong learner, I felt necessary to write a complete The Great Courses review. My thoughts and opinions are my own, and I often review courses to provide a better framework for students to decide upon what is right for them. Let’s get into it…
In an ideal world, we never stop learning. Knowledge is unlimited but our time and resources are finite. In college or at the university, we fly through the “general” subjects so we can hunker down and focus on our majors. There was no time to delve a little deeper into art and literature when you were racing to get that engineering degree but now, with so many resources available online, it’s never been easier to get back to those passions and start learning again, or in some cases, learn even more.
Before the explosion of YouTube and the gamut of videos it hosts, the Teaching Company, based on Virginia, USA, created The Great Courses in 1990 and since then, it has created and produced more than 500 courses, with company officials reporting having sold 19 million courses.
The Great Courses is a series of college-level audio and video courses with subjects ranging from business, economics, fine arts, music, ancient and medieval history, modern history, literature and English language, philosophy and intellectual history, and religion to science, mathematics, social sciences, professional development, and better living.
As opposed to bite sized, day-to-day topics that most online tutorials cater to, The Great Courses caters to a more niche demographic. Their customers are “lifelong learners” who are passionate about learning and perpetually curious. The courses are delivered through engaging, immersive learning experiences that are different from the typical online tutorials, amateur podcasts, or college lecture halls. And since the business model is driven mainly by customer, they play an integral part in the subjects chosen, courses produced and the professors chosen to teach them. There is a real partnership, a give and take, so to speak, in making The Great Courses a success and they remain relevant by creating current and fresh content and maintaining a stream of new talent.
One of their most (mainstream) famous and notable Great Course professors is Neil DeGrasse Tyson and self-described fans include Bill Gates and George Lucas. With heavy hitter and big names like that, it is easy to lend them credibility whilst giving you an insight of what kind of people this platform attracts.
Every component of the courses and lecture series are carefully produced to be optimally engaging and each go through rigorous customer surveys. No incentives are provided for those who participate in the surveys and this symbiotic relationship not only strengthens the bond between customer and company but keeps the quality of the courses top notch. This results on courses that customers are willing and happy to invest in and keeps the ball rolling.
The perks of The Great Courses is they have honed in on who they are, who they cater to and what works. They have taken the best out of the educational journey by choosing the best and most engaging professors while taking out the time constraints of regular classes and the four walls of a classroom. There are no prerequisites, no exams, and no homework. You can choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and needs, whether it be video or audio, discs, or digital on any device you choose, be it watching it on a TV or a laptop or listening on your headphones during your morning jog.
The Great Courses is the brainchild of Tom Rollins, a former lawyer. As he tells the story, he came across the idea an audio and video course when he was cramming to study for a final exam on the federal rules of evidence. Instead of scouring through his notes and reading volumes of books, he watched 10 hours of videotaped lectures by acclaimed legal professor Irving Younger. What he discovered was, through this video format, he was able to digest the subject much easier; “Professor Younger’s lectures were outrageously insightful, impressively thorough, and engagingly witty. Most important: They hammered home the concepts in a way that made the subject both accessible and interesting. They made learning not a chore to be accomplished but an adventure to be experienced.” Rollins’ gamble earned him an A on his exam and a business idea that later gave birth to The Great Courses.
According to Rollins, the success of The Great Courses rest on two key pillars:
Find the top 1% of college professors in the world, selected entirely for their ability to teach.
Use feedback from customers to help craft courses into formats uniquely designed for the lifelong learner.
The courses offered range from $20 for a short audio download to more than $500 for a multi-lecture DVD set. And to keep up with the times, The Great Courses will soon offer an online monthly subscription fee at $49.95 that offers hundreds of full courses and even more stand-alone lectures.
Here are some of their best selling courses:
Fundamentals of Photography by Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer
Available in video download (currently on sale for $49.95) or DVD format (currently on sale for $69.95), this course teaches you how to best apply the fundamentals of camera equipment, understand the modern photographer’s workflow from shooting to editing to final product, and to discover how to use the advance and powerful tools of the modern cameras.
The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking by Chef Bill Briwa of The Culinary Institute of America
Available in video download ($234.95) or DVD format ($269.95), this course teaches you which knives to use, when to use them and how the experts utilize them. Also the learn the fundamental cooking methods from roasting to poaching to stir-frying and unlock the full potential of your spice rack.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Techniques for Retraining Your Brain by Professor Jason M. Satterfield, Ph.D. from the University of California, San Francisco
Available in video download ($234.95), audio download ($149.95), DVD format with closed caption ($269.95), or CD format ($199.95), you’ll learn how to set “smart” goals and watch three patients receive initial assessments. You’ll also understand how stress, depression, anxiety, fear, and anger can all be addressed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and find out how external changes to your daily habits can help alleviate dependencies and negative responses.
Interestingly, as opposed to most publishers, they offer a satisfaction guarantee! “ If a course is ever less than completely satisfying, you may exchange it for another of equal value at any time. You may also return any course, within one year of initial purchase, for a full refund. And, if a disc ever breaks, warps, or gets damaged, we’ll replace it as long as the course is in production, free.” That’s a huge plus in my book and I think it’s worth the investment if you are considering going further in your educational journey.
I felt it necessary to share my thoughts on Craig Hamilton within this Evolving Wisdom review. Hopefully it paints a better picture of what you’ll be discovering.
In today’s fast paced, anxiety-filled life, it is easy to get lost in the everyday grind and the shallow connections of the digital era which results to a present and growing need in creating and maintaining a bridge to our spirituality. Craig Hamilton has made it his life work to be a pioneer and a leading proponent of evolving spirituality and in the movement for conscious evolution. He is the founder of Integral Enlightenment, “an authentic, contemporary approach to spiritual practice designed to bring about a total transformation of our humanity.”
He describes it as “a path for those of us who appreciate the great wisdom traditions of the past, but feel a yearning for a new spirituality that is informed by a leading-edge understanding of both the human condition and our place in the Cosmos.” It is for people who believe that their spiritual life is more than personal happiness, peace, or contentment and this philosophy is in direct contradiction to the prevalent “me-oriented spirituality of the contemporary West.” In his journey to bring about a more enlightened world, he offers spiritual guidance and teachings all over the world, and his online courses have more than 14,000 graduates to date.
Craig’s spiritual journey, beginning from the ashrams and monasteries of the East, have eventually brought him to the forefront of consciousness research in the West. It was in this journey that his key insights took shape. His programs are deeply rooted in his decades of intensive spiritual practice and have lead him to create Evolving Wisdom.
Evolving Wisdom is a global e-learning community that offer virtual courses, online workshops, and events specializing in transformative education. The aim is not only to inspire and aspire big ideas but to guide people into a “process of deep transformation.” Evolving Wisdom is open to everybody, whether you have been on a long transformational journey or just recently dabbled or discovered it, but it’s important to note that true and lasting change don’t come easy or quick. For people who want to go on this path, it requires true commitment and genuine spiritual investment.
At Evolving Wisdom, there are four key components, which they refer to as the Four Pillars of Transformative Education, to bring about human transformation, to be able to embrace one’s true potential and a new way of being:
A step-by-step transformational program
A structure of ongoing guidance and support from a teacher or mentor
Ongoing practice and reflection
A supportive community of kindred spirits who are on the same journey
When you visit their website, you’ll find a list of the courses they offer and a detailed description of what they are all about. Their list of esteemed and notable faculty are also listed there so you can have a closer look into the dynamic group of people who will lead and guide you in the courses you choose. Also available are links to the websites of their different programs and free audio seminar events. I find the courses they offer to be very inviting especially since they offer a 14-day money back guarantee so there’s very little risk for you to try it and to determine if this is the right path to follow in your own spiritual evolution.
Here are their list of programs and my personal favorite course/s for each:
Life Purpose & Personal Power
These programs aims to teach the “art and science of uncovering, exploring and achieving your greatest potential in life.”
Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose with Jean Huston. A 7-week course that helps you discover the essential tools and techniques to activate your unique destiny and live your highest calling.
Live Your Quantum Destiny. A 9-month program designed to offer regular support and intensive additional training in pursuing your life’s purpose and further developing your Quantum Powers.
Spirituality & Meditation
These programs are focused “to powerfully shift your worldview, uplift your approach to life and provide you the tools to thrive.”
The Practice of Direct Awakening. A transformative and comprehensive meditation journey with a focus on awakened consciousness and provide the tools to sustain it. This course includes weekly video introductions, 90-minute course sessions, multiple guided audio meditations, and coaching sessions for a fully immersive and supportive experience.
Love & Relationships
This program offers supportive programs designed to “free you from limitations to love and to open new doors to the meaningful relationships you’ve dreamed of.”
The Soulmate Secret: A 7-week Course to Manifest the Love of Your Life. For those who are on a seemingly endless journey to find The One. It’s a 7-week course based on the best-selling book by Arielle Ford that teaches you how to apply unique manifestation techniques to attract and find the person for you.
Success & Prosperity
Focusing on the areas of Abundance and Prosperity to help “create the financial situation for yourself that best suits your desired life goals.”
True Prosperity: Your 7-Week Journey To Financial Empowerment. A comprehensive 7-week training that will guide you to achieving financial stability and wealth, overcoming “scarcity consciousness” and give you the tools to overcome the financial challenges you will face.
Women’s Empowerment
These programs are women-centered designed to “provide the tools, training and support that today’s awakening women need to realize their highest potential.”
Feminine Power 7-Week Online Course. Designed to empower women everywhere by connecting them to a supportive global community that taps into the “new co-creative power of women.”
Craig Hamilton’s Evolving Wisdom may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but, if you do find yourself attracted and drawn in, you are in good company. They have a global learning community that is committed to spiritual and cultural evolution that is ready to welcome you, in whatever level or phase you are in your own journey. It is very easy to join and a quick sign up on their website will be rewarded quickly with access to the Evolving Wisdom electronic magazine, special program offers, and updates on upcoming events.
I independently review courses online, and this one covers Liz Benny. Her offerings are Kapow, 6 Figure Webinar Hero and Social Monkey Business.
Background on me
I’ve been doing this for years, and drive all my income from eCommerce. I’ve seen some real snake-oil salesmen (and women!) in my time, and this one comes from experience. Read on as I really give you the insights on Liz Benny….
Access this FREE video training course right now for beginners
Many Australians and Kiwis have taken this course. It’s how I started my eCommerce journey. After all, it’s a FREE course that you can start now.
Kapow and Social Media Business
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that social media has taken over the world. Every click, every swipe, every scroll is HUGE business. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, WeChat, Snapchat, Twitter, and Pinterest, these are the juggernauts of the industry. Social media influencer, social media manager, social media marketer, these are fast becoming highly coveted job titles among millenials. Navigating your way through this maze could prove to be a lucrative move IF you know how to make the system work for you.
If you think you can keep up with the best of them because you take drool worthy Instagram pics of your favorite latte and create smashing videos of your dog, you’re sadly mistaken. There’s more to being a social media manager than posting content. So much more.
Liz Benny’s Course
What exactly are social media managers and what do they do? Primarily they are responsible for curating a brand’s social media channels, this translates to monitoring, moderating, and responding to their audience. This also means they manage and coordinate social media partnerships and of course, create and post images and videos. It may seem like an easy job but let me tell you, this kind of job is for people who are creative, innovative, tech savvy, detail-oriented, organized, and always have their finger on the pulse of what’s trending and what’s up and coming.
You should know your market and your target potential audience. You have to be able to strategize and execute digital marketing campaigns. Your should be analyzing the data and traffic from these campaigns and create a plan of action based on this data to grow your audience. On top of that, you’ll need to be a team player as you’ll be working closely with a design team to create illustrations and visual content. If the job description above seems alien to you, this is not the job or industry for you.
But, if you ticked the boxes for all the qualifications I mentioned above, then you might actually have a well-paying and successful career as a social media manager. That being said, how and where do you start?
Who is Liz Benny?
Liz Benny describes herself as “a crazy Kiwi chick, at the same time I’m deadly serious about success, and I’m super fanatical about having fun while creating that success.” Sounds like a paradox but she has built a successful business out of this paradox. Her philosophy of “playing life full out” is a breath of fresh air in the stuffy and often rigid corporate approach. Now more than ever, being your authentic self is highly celebrated and encouraged, and if this is something you subscribe to, then Liz Benny is your girl.
Her business model is all about helping others achieve success in the social media industry and she does this by sharing her message of how to be authentic in business as a keynote speaker, assisting others to aim high with various training programs, and she is also involved in one-on-one business mentoring.
Perhaps she’s most famous for her moniker, the Queen of Kapow, Kapow being her term for “a movement of people who will not settle for anything less than having it all!” One of the courses that she has developed under her Kapow banner is Social Monkey Business, and this is the course we’ll delve into more in this post.
Should you buy the course?
In a nutshell, Social Monkey Business is an all-in-one, business-in-a-box for aspiring Social Media Managers. It details everything you need to get started and how to make that business a success.
You can sign up for the Social Monkey Business course at her website and you have two option payments available. You can opt to pay one time for $997 or split in four payments of $299 per month for four months.
Now what do you get in this course?
Lifetime Access to the Social Monkey Business Training Course that includes trainings, PDFs, Checklist and a FREE “templated website” for you to start your business in less than 24 hours. Talk about immediate results!
The “Perfect Proposal” template is designed to bring in clients and close the deal.
The Market Analysis template helps you to monetize your research time so you can start earning money quickly.
The Social Media Strategy and Calendar template, which was personally created and still used by Liz herself, is another money maker that aims to reduce the “slog work.”
A Client Flow Chart, Client Workflow, Client Advertising, and Contract template that collectively will ensure a seamless and efficient business.
And full access to the Social Monkey Business Group Coaching Facebook Group where you’ll be in good company with the experts and coaches that are there to support and guide you all the way.
Currently, they are offering a special one-time offer for those of you who purchase the Social Monkey Business Course. If you sign up and avail of the Social Monkey Business Course, you can get the “Five Figure Meeting” mini-course for only $97.
This mini-course was developed and used by Liz and it gives you the blueprint she used to sign up her first client and the detailed, step-by-step approach of exactly how she delivered the goods in two short days. This is a tried and tested method that I believe will be invaluable for people who want to jump in head first in the business and come out triumphant.
If you’re interested to know what else Liz has in her social media arsenal, here are other Kapow courses and programs that are currently available.
SIX FIGURE COURSE HERO
Six Figure Course Hero is a mini course to help you bypass the BS and get straight to your first $10,000 in Online Course Sales.
Course Content
Introduction
Start Here!
Six Figure Course Hero
The Six Figure Course Blueprint
Fast Tracking Your Course To $10,000 In Sales
The One Funnel You Need To Pre-Sell Your Course
How Making Money With Courses Actually Works
How I ROYALLY Stuffed Up And Lost Massive Money
Your Very Own Template And Step By Step Blueprint
Bonuses
Your Course Bonuses
[Case Study] Small Local Cafe Owner Maps Out Her Knowledge Into A Million Dollar Course Idea
Your Bonus Funnel! (ISS Funnel Along with EMAILS)
SIX FIGURE WEBINAR HERO
This mini course will teach you the key differences between a ZERO results webinar and a Kapow $100,000 webinar, step-by-step.
Course Content
Module 1
Introduction and KEY Information
Module 2
Two Webinar Side By Side
Million Dollar Webinar Lessons
Module 3
5 Keys To Make Every Webinar Sell Your Course
Module 4
Psychology Of Webinar Sales
Bonuses
Liz Dunoon Case Study (6 Course Sales Daily) with this simple hack…
Social Monkey Business Slides
Insta Social Secrets Webinar Funnel
Social Money Business
Ultimate Kapow is the complete success package. Imagine having Liz heading a team of specialists to support you all the way.
Course Content
Module 1 | Setting up your Business
Introduction
Branding Your New Business
Email And Workflow Tools
Setting Up Your Facebook Page
Setting Up Your Instagram
Creating Your Youtube
Setting Up Your Pinterest
Setting Up Your Twitter
Building Up Your Website And Blog (A)
Setting Up Your Website And Blog (B)
Setting Up Your Website And Blog (C)
Getting The Best Business Cards
Registering Your Business And Bank Stuff
Homework And Extra Training
Module 2 | Social Media Crash Course
Introduction
Facebook Crash Course
Facebook In Depth
Twitter Crash Course
LinkedIn Crash Course
Instagram Crash Course
YouTube Crash Course
Google Plus Course
Pinterest Crash Course
Snapchat Crash Course
Homework And Extra Training
Module 3 | How To Get Clients
Introduction
Foundations of Selling
Meet Melissa – My First Client
Attracting Clients
Gold Client Outreach System
Who To Target To Get A Yes
How To Find High Paying Clients
The Client Getting Presentation
How To Present A Proposal
Close The Deal & Get Paid Fast
Homework And Extra Training
Module 4 | Daily Social Media Management
Introduction
Professionalism & Dealing With Crazy Clients
How To Manage Your Client’s Profile – Luciano
Homework And Extra Training
Module 5 | How To Sell And What To Sell
Introduction
How To Sell
What To Sell
Homework And Extra Training
Module 6 | How To Upsell And Make Even More
Introduction
Important Concepts
The Nitty Gritty
Applications, Newsletters, Websites & SM Strategy
Homework And Extra Training
Module 7 | How To Take Payment
Billing and Accounting
Homework And Extra Training
Module 8 | FB Advertising Fast Track
Introduction
Basics Done Right
Luciano Espresso Bar Example
SoYo Bridge Funnel
Homework And Extra Training
Module 9 | How To Avoid Headaches
Avoiding Headaches
Homework And Extra Training
Module 10 | Mindset Coaching For Success
Introduction
I Am Statement
Your A B C D
Define Success & Goal Setting
You Want This To Be Easy, Right?
Homework And Extra Training
Module 11 | Reporting Back To Clients
Introduction
Reporting
Homework And Extra Training
BONUSES
Here’s What You’ll Get:
Lifetime access to the Social Monkey Business Training Course which has been recently updated, including trainings, PDFs, Checklist and a FREE templated website for you to get up and running in less than a day! ($4997 Value)
The “Perfect Proposal” Template which will assist you to close clients so fast you won’t know what hit! ($397 Value)
Market Analysis Template which will help you turn all your research time into cash in your bank. No unpaid work here!! It’s time to get paid ($347 Value)
The Social Media Strategy and Calendar Template that I personally created and use to make thousands and thousands without costing hours of painful slog work ($3997 Value)
Client Flow Chart, Client Work-flow, Client Advertising and Contract Template – Use these systems instantly to ensure you run your business efficiently instead of it running you! ($2488 Value)
Full access to the powerful Social Monkey Business Group Coaching Facebook Group (Value Priceless)
Client Questionnaire Template
The Consultative Close Process
The $1.4 Million Spreadsheet
Getting Started Template
What’s Going On Template
Week 3 Email Template
Service Contract Template
KAPOW COURSE
A detailed, complete and step-by-step program to assist you in not only creating your online course, but monetizing and scaling big.
Course Content
Introduction: A Massive Welcome!
Kapow Now Vs Kapow Life
Kapow Support
Step 1: Getting Clear and Focused
Laying A Solid Course Foundation
Your Course Roadmap
The STEP BY STEP (Anal Retentive Plan)
Understanding the Game
Personal Development | Know Your Strengths
Dealing with Adversity
Attractive Character | Who will you show up as?
The Basics of Starting and Opening a Business
Kapow Intermission
I Believe in You!
Step 2: How To Structure Your Course
What to put in your course?
Take a Sneak Peak at the Competition
How to work out Your Modules
How to work out Your Bonuses
Pre-selling your course properly
Case Study – Kapow Now! Course
Bonus Case Study – Stephen Kirby
Bonus Case Study – Brooke Spagrud
Step 3: Setting Up Your Million Dollar Kapow Course Brand
Domain Purchase
Setting Up Your Emails & Google Docs
Setting Up Your Emails & Google Docs – Walkthrough By Kieron
Your Kapow Logo
Your Brand Colours
Social Media
Software and Systems You’ll Need
Case Study | Kapow Life Brand Set Up
Bonus: Build a Brand that sells your course
Step 4: Selling Your Course | Part One | Webinar Creation
Introduction To Webinar Creation
Lessons on a Million Dollar Webinar
Million Dollar Webinar Walkthrough Part One
Million Dollar Webinar Walkthrough Part Two
Setting Up Go To Webinar
Going Live On A Webinar
Funnel Scripts
Social Monkey Business Slides and Replay
Kapow Intermission 2
A Loving Kick in the Butt
Step 5: Selling Your Course | Part Two | Funnel Creation
Funnel Creation | Introduction
Getting Your Domain On ClickFunnels
Funnel Creation | Case Study | Webinar Registration Page
Funnel Creation | Case Study | Order Page
Auto – Webinar Funnel
Using Deadline Funnel
Step 6: Selling Your Course | Part Three | Emails & Text Messages
Introduction
Creating And Setting Up Your Emails
Setting Up Your SMTP Settings
Step 7: Selling Your Course | Part Four | Video
Videos to sell your course
Step 8: Making The Course The KAPOW Way
Introduction | Creating Your Slides
Recording Your Content
Pro Tips That Save Editing and Minimises Frustration
Plan Out Recording Time | Block out Time
The Full Flow Of Content Creation
Kapow Intermission 3
You’re so close Now
Step 9: Traffic and Getting People To Show Up To Your Webinar
Traffic To Get Registrations
Email List, Joint Ventures and Other
How To Get People To Show Up For Your Webinar
Meet Dan Henry
Step 10: Managing Your Customers | Admin Best Practises
Boring but Important Stuff
Step 11: Scaling Into The High Six Figures/Millions
Bonus 2: Joint Venture Training & Dream 100 Sign Up System – $1,997+
3rd Bonus: Kapow Life Course | How To Live The “Have It All Life” – $10,997
Bonus 4: Testimonial Training & Request System – $1,497
Bonus 5: Million Dollar Business Coaching and System – $1,997
6th Bonus: Back End Training & Management System – $1,997
Bonus 7: Social Monkey Business Million Dollar Funnel (Live Webinar Funnel) – $15,997
Bloopers
Kids Blooper
Anal Retentive Blooper
Welcome To Module Number
Prattling On About Some Bullshit
Failed Starwars
Save Your Bacon
Behind The Scenes | Creating Kapow Course
How to KAPOW through this Process
Kapow Masterclass
Masterclass 1
If you’re fully on board Team Liz and the Kapow philosophy, you can also get a hold of some cool Kapow Swag, also available in the website.
Reputation of Liz Benny
Now, even though everything is pretty much laid out in their website, I’d understand if you are still feeling some trepidation about signing up. Good thing is, Liz has made it easy for you to have a more personal contact with the Kapow team should you have any questions about her program and courses. Telephone numbers for both US and New Zealand are stated on the website and you are welcome to give them a call to set up a chat.
You’ll find a long list of glowing reviews and happy customer feedback on her website and it’s a good read. You’ll be able to read and hear about real success stories of people who used the Social Monkey Business course and have gone on to find success as Social Media Managers.
This industry will likely just keep growing and growing in the years to come and shows no sign of slowing down. If this a bandwagon you’d like jump on, Liz Benny’s Social Monkey Business might just be the right course to help you get started.
Welcome to the ultimate Neil Asher Review for 2021.
I’ve spent thousands of hours auditing and reviewing the content from many online courses, including the popular Aussie Online Entrepreneurs training.
If you’re ready to enrol but need to know:
How Neil Asher’s training compares to other popular Amazon FBA courses.
What are the common criticisms of Aussie Online Entrepreneurs
Who is the individual behind this course and what is their experience
If you really can achieve results with this training
How to get a $1 trial for Aussie Online Entrepreneurs
Then you’re in the right place, so let’s move forward.
Aussie Online Entrepreneurs Overview
💡Core Concepts
Neil Asher primarily teaches Amazon FBA. Students learn how to launch their own products on the platform or, through additional training offered, become a consultant for existing brands.
💰 Current Price
Aussie Online Entrepreneurs costs $77/month. Occasionally a $1 trial is offered. To get access to the full content, students are expected to pay $247 per month.
🎓 Student Volume
3,000 students are in the Facebook group, however only a small portion of these are paid students as some have cancelled/refunded over the years.
👍 Common Praise
Very affordable pricing structure for base-level training. Daily Q&A from Neil. Low price for mentoring calls. Monthly webinars. Australian focused and charges in AUD.
❌ Common Complaints
Targets struggling Aussie battlers. Lower quality course layout and video content. Low calibre students doing the bare minimum. Course has upsells. Understated capital requirements.
🔥 The X-Factor
Affordability – this is the cheapest available Amazon FBA course in Australia appealing to those on a strict family budget.
📈 Industry Trends
Amazon FBA is growing increadibly fast which is perfect for Australians earning revenue in US dollars. In 2020, McKinsey reported 10 years of eCommerce growth in 3 months. Neil Asher’s students are perfectly positioned to take advantage of this exponential growth.
👨💻 My Verdict
Set low expectations if you’re looking for good quality training. The value really lies in the daily interactions in the Facebook group.
Making $10k/month on Amazon isn’t that easy. You’ll need to put in capital, work consisntely and stay committed.
While some have hit this mark, it appears their $10k/month is sales revenue. At 30% profit, they only make $3k/month.
Amazon FBA is a capital-intensive business model. The capital you put upfront does take quite a lot time to return.
Why Are People So Into Amazon?
It’s a powerful opportunity.
Living in Australia, we’re able to take advantage of the US dollar and the conversion rate very much in our favour.
Plus Amazon is a sales beast. It’s not uncommon to launch a product and get 100 sales per day. Try that with Shopify….
The opportunity suits those who want to quit their jobs for a better lifestyle, as well as those wanting to go big online.
It’s also less technical than SEO, content marketing, SaaS and many other online strategies. Physical products you can see.
In many ways, it’s like eBay but so, so, so much better! So it really appeals to everyday people looking to go online.
What Can You Tell Me About Neil's Background?
Well, Neil Asher has had an interesting past.
Prior to building several eCommerce brands and his Aussie Online Entrepreneurs training business, Neil has done a few things.
Most recently, he ran Roar Local – a digital marketing company based in Sydney. He lives in Portugal now to avoid taxes.
Prior to that, he’s been a chef, a lawyer and been in business with one very questionable individual. If you do enough research, you’ll find the details online.
I would say that today, Neil’s really farming on fresh pastures. I think we all make mistakes in the past and we can move on.
Common Praise
Very Affordable Training
Starting at $77/month, Neil represents great value.
As opposed to other companies that might charge thousands of dollars, Neil has taken a different approach.
He’s targetting those who don’t have much money to begin with, so his offer of $77/month makes good sense.
Given it’s an Australian-centric training community, Neil has kept his course on AUD pricing which has been well received.
The entire course can be consumed in the few first weeks so you could pay $77 for the entire lot and then cancel afterwards.
Daily Community Involvement
Neil doesn’t ignore his Facebook group.
Unlike a couple of others I’ve seen in US-based courses, Neil hasn’t created this sense of “I’m high and mighty…”
Instead, he welcomes daily questions into the group and answers them with pride. Sometimes his coaches answer them too.
You really do get a sense that Neil is there to serve his audience first and foremost with current stragies which are working.
This also makes it easy to sell addtional training like Diamond coaching or the annual live conferences in Australia.
Monthly Student-Only Webinars
Aussie Online Entrepreneurs provides regular and current training.
I do take a dig at the low quality course content later in this review, but one thing’s for sure – the webinars are there.
Neil puts these together for his students to learn what’s working for him and his business right now.
Sometimes these are run by his coaches as well. I’ve seen some good training on eBay by Sue Josephson.
These aren’t designed to be pitches either. Sure – Neil has upsold coaching in the past but it’s not the main focus.
Casual and Friendly Students
This is a journey best done together.
When you join Aussie Online Entrepreneurs, you get a sense that people aren’t just about building profitable businesses.
The yearly conference on the Gold Coast is a great opportunity to meet other likeminded people who share the same values.
Given the COVID-19 restrictions in place, some students have organized small local meetups in capital cities.
So don’t just look at the training and support offered, but what you can get out of having access to others.
Super Cheap Coaching
$250 gets you 2x coaching calls.
Much like the course, the coaching is also cheap. You’re offered these upon signing up and there is great value in these.
One of the biggest questions is “What product do I sell?” and these calls can help flush this problem out of the way.
Plus his optional Diamond coaching package for $5k offers personal assistance while others charge a fortune for similar.
So real props here for offering genuine assistance to complete newbies for a fraction of the price of what others charge.