In an era of digital proliferation and the democratization of knowledge, we've seen a significant surge in the number of courses available online. From writing to entrepreneurship, coding to public speaking - there's a course for almost everything. This phenomenon has given rise to a thought: "If someone is selling a course, either the industry is bad or they are bad enough to make less money actually doing the thing themselves." In this essay, I aim to dissect this statement, examine its implications, and provoke some thought on this subject.
First, let's consider the perception of an industry being 'bad'. The word 'bad' is highly subjective and context-dependent. Does 'bad' imply saturation? Or does it refer to declining profitability, or perhaps a lack of innovation? To blanket-label an industry as 'bad' because of the proliferation of courses seems overly simplistic and dismissive of the nuances of market dynamics.
The second part of the assertion is equally intriguing: are course sellers inferior practitioners of their craft, unable to make a decent living through their primary skill? This suggests a binary view of the world, where one can either create or teach, but not both. It implies that successful practitioners wouldn't need, or want, to sell courses.
Let's challenge these assumptions.
To argue that an industry is 'bad' because it inspires educational content is to overlook the power of knowledge sharing and its potential to elevate an industry as a whole. There is an inherent assumption that selling a course equates to a decline in the industry, which is misleading. In many cases, these courses are created by experienced professionals who want to share their expertise and give back to their community.
On the other hand, the notion that course creators are unsuccessful in their own right is a flawed perspective. Teaching is a skill, and often, those who excel at it can reap significant rewards, both financially and personally. An accomplished entrepreneur, for instance, might also be a gifted educator who can effectively convey complex business concepts. The creation and sale of a course, then, is not a sign of their failure as an entrepreneur but an indication of their diverse skills and their desire to influence and educate others.
Moreover, sharing knowledge and experiences via courses can be an enriching process for the course creators themselves. It allows them to reflect on their journey, solidify their understanding, and gain fresh insights from students' queries and perspectives. This process of teaching can catalyze new ideas and innovations, thus contributing to their primary practice.
It's also worth considering that creating and selling courses can be a strategic move. In a crowded industry, it can help establish a personal brand, showcase authority, and build a broader audience base. This can lead to various opportunities, such as partnerships, collaborations, and sponsorships, which can contribute to the practitioner's success in their primary field.
In conclusion, the statement we started with oversimplifies the realities of our evolving professional landscape. The creation and sale of courses should not be viewed as an indicator of an industry's decline or a practitioner's incompetence. Instead, it is a testament to the power of knowledge sharing and the myriad ways in which professionals can diversify their skills and income streams in today's interconnected world.
In this era of lifelong learning, let's celebrate those who choose to share their wisdom and contribute to the global knowledge pool. After all, as the old adage goes, "Those who can, do; those who understand, teach." Let's not forget that many can – and do – manage both with aplomb.