I’m not a doctor. And I don’t even watch them on TV. But as a small business owner I take the idea of a global pandemic very seriously – whether it involves zombies or coronavirus.

My business is primarily focused on helping speakers, trainers and consultants connect with, and convert, clients. For most of these folks live, in-person events are the bread and butter that pays for the bread and butter. 

So they are obviously very nervous as the fear factor escalates and the prospect of cancelled events not only seems more likely by the day – it’s actually becoming a reality.

Even Google cancelled it’s biggest event of the year because of the coronavirus bug.

Google isn’t the first and it certainly won’t be the last company or association to suspend or cancel events as nations try to get this virus under control.

So where does this leave small trainers, consultants and speakers whose businesses rely on getting people into a room together?

In a previous article I talked about the 4 reasons everyone should have an online course. I think it’s becoming increasingly evident that there is now a 5th reason – “fearbola.”

“Fearbola” was a term dreamed up in and used extensively by the media during the Ebola panic of 2014-2015. It is the fear of a pandemic. And it’s taking root again in 2020.

Defend yourself against fearbola. 

According to TechJury the e-learning market is projected to be worth $325 billion by 2025.

I’m no Nostradamus. But I’d take a bet that that number is on the low end considering the panic projected by businesses and governments when facing a virus that is nowhere near as deadly as actual ebola. 

Creating an online course or online training program inoculates your business from death by fearbola because it allows you to reach out to existing clients and offer them the same training you would otherwise deliver in person – remotely. 

That sets you apart. 

Another reason to develop these programs is because they are easy and inexpensive to set up and configure. 

I use a software from Flyplugins.com called WP-Courseware and recommend it all the time to clients. 

I love the idea that you can pay a licensing fee once and use it forever. 

It’s also super simple to create and run your courses for clients. If you know how to manage a wordpress website and record something on your phone or computer screen – then you are all set. 

Simply take the program you would otherwise deliver in-person and adapt it as an online presentation. You can keep the same structure, same handouts, same activities. 

And then you wrap everything up with a big ol’ Skype or Zoom call with the whole group.

Think about it. Not only have you cured the fearbola, you have saved yourself the hassle of presenting the same workshop a million different times. The only customization will be the big ol’ wrap up video conference. 

Has that got your mind racing? Are you revving to get started?

Well I’m about to throw a bit of gas on your inspirational fire. 

With WP-Courseware you can create unlimited courses. So there is nothing stopping you from creating a generic version of your training program that doesn’t require a final call or online live discussion. And you can even set it up so that students automatically become affiliates so they have a bit of skin in the game to help you promote it.

So if you are terrified that Covid-19 (coronavirus) is going to infect your business this year, there has never been a better time to move things online. And if you need any help – just let me know. 

Aidan Crawford is president of Short Circuit Media. His main job is helping consultants, trainers and professional speakers get their marketing in order by creating and implementing strategies to help them reach their target audiences.

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