Course Description
Do you want to start a business? It seems like it should be easy, considering that approximately 600,000 businesses start each year in the US, according to the SBA. But in 2023, the vast amount of options available and the possibility of low overhead can be both a blessing and a curse. Which business model is right for you? And if you did know the business to start, how would you put together an offer - or price it? What about marketing and making sales? Would you need to become a LinkedIn expert or spend tens of thousands on Facebook ads?
Entrepreneurship 101 is a 4-week course that will take you through these questions and more, allowing you to start your side hustle, become a freelancer or secure your future as a successful business owner. Using a methodology that was created in 2018 and has launched over 140 businesses since then - that’s about 1 every other week - you’ll get clarity on your business idea, decide on your first offer, and know how to bring in your first clients or customers. You’ll walk away with all the foundational pieces you need to bring your business idea to life.
Entrepreneurship 101 is a 4-week course that will take you through these questions and more, allowing you to start your side hustle, become a freelancer or secure your future as a successful business owner. Using a methodology that was created in 2018 and has launched over 140 businesses since then - that’s about 1 every other week - you’ll get clarity on your business idea, decide on your first offer, and know how to bring in your first clients or customers. You’ll walk away with all the foundational pieces you need to bring your business idea to life.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Which business idea you should move forward with - even if you're scared or uncertain
- What you need for a strong business foundation - and how to put together a compelling elevator pitch
- Pricing and packaging your services or product - so your ideal client or customer has an easier time saying "yes"
- What your website needs to consist of to get started - and exactly what to do to land your first sale
- How to feel the business fear - and do it anyway!
How it Works:
Each week, you will watch a series of videos that cover key course concepts and guide you through your own reflection. You will receive a PDF workbook that you can download and print to complete activities and capture your takeaways.
During the course, you will try on new mindsets, work through reflective exercises that help you apply those mindsets to your specific career path, and engage with your peers.
We will also have a private Linkedin discussion forum where you can engage with the broader community in the Entrepreneurship 101 Course, ask questions, and share resources.
This course is offered in partnership with more than a dozen alumni offices. Alumni from partner schools will also participate in the LinkedIn Discussion Group allowing for increased networking and more diverse perspectives.
Each week you will:
- Engage with course videos
- Complete reflective exercises in weekly workbooks
- Track your progress
- Capture key takeaways and action steps
Course curriculum
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1
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Introduction to the course
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Intro Workbook
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How to get the most out of the course?
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Feel the entrepreneurial fear and do it anyways
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2
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Week 1 Workbook
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Types of business structures
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Coming up with business ideas
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Bringing the best ideas to the forefront
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Choosing the best business idea for you
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3
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Week 2 Workbook
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Determining the problem your business solves
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Clarifying your ideal client or customer
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Naming your Business
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Crafting an impactful and resonant elevator pitch
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4
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Week 3 Workbook
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What makes a good first offer
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How to choose and price your first product (for product-based businesses)
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How to set and price your first offer (for service-based businesses)
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5
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Week 4 Workbook
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Why a website is your most important marketing tool
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What you need to launch your website
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The “seed planting” method that will get your first clients in the door
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Now what?
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Our Facilitator - Michelle Ward
Michelle Ward is a business coach and CEO of 90 Day Business Launch. Since 2008, she’s helped hundreds of women launch their online businesses so they can become their own boss. You may have seen or heard her in New York Magazine, NY Post, The Huffington Post, Etsy, Newsweek, Freelancers Union, USA Today, the Forbes Top 100 Websites for your Career list or hundreds of other media outlets. She’s the teacher of Create Your Dream Career and Ditch Your Day Job, which were watched by tens of thousands of people on CreativeLive. When she’s not coaching, teaching or speaking, she can be found performing in musicals, watching her daughter play hockey, listening to Lizzo or sitcom-binging with her husband.
FAQ
How do I register for this course?
Registration can be made by clicking the register link above. Registration must be completed online and a separate online submission is required for each participating alumni.
What is the cost for the course?
There is no cost with the course.
What resources will I need for this class?
To complete this course you'll need an internet connection, and the time to read, watch recorded lectures, and participate in online discussions.
Do I have to be a York College of Pennsylvania alum to participate in this course?
No, this course is available for York College of Pennsylvania and friends of the university.
When does the class meet?
The course site opens to participants on September 5, 2023, but when you "attend" class is entirely up to you. Our online course is without set class meetings. Instead, "class" is really the collection of video lectures that are available on-demand. Each week a new section of the course will be posted, and you can watch that content. However, you can always go back and review the previous content. After you've studied the readings and watched the video lectures, you'll head over to the course forums to respond to the weekly discussion questions and interact with the professor, teaching assistants, and your classmates.
Where will the discussion with other alumni happen?
There will be a LinkedIn group provided to you that will house all the discussion about course content. You'll be able to interact with other alumni from York College of Pennsylvania and other universities whose alumni are also taking the course.
Can I earn credit for completing the course?
Course credit is not offered. Those participants who fulfill the requirement of posting answers to the required discussion questions will be e-mailed a certificate following the conclusion of the course.
What if my question isn't answered here?
If you have further questions, please email [email protected]