9 Years Ago I Almost Didn't Launch my Udemy course that changed my life, here's that story.
I never would have thought this could happen when I first started teaching online.
Nine years ago I was nervously hitting publish on my first Udemy course — it was just a simple tutorial about converting a PSD file to HTML & CSS — and I’m so glad I committed to trying this crazy idea my wife and I had.
I had just quit my job months prior, and started freelancing full-time as a web designer. With months away before my wife gave birth to our first baby, I needed to create a more stable income than what client-work was providing.
So I created a simple online course to launch on Udemy. It was a weird idea at the time, but it was worth a shot, and I didn’t know what would happen.
And wow, has that decision ever paid off!
Over the years, the torrent of opportunities that came from that one decision have been absolutely amazing:
- Gained new web design clients (who were attracted by my “authority” in the industry)
- Helped me grow an audience (whom I’ve enjoyed creating for over the years)
- I became one of the top Udemy instructors (with nearly 700,000 students enrolled in my courses)
- Pushed me to create more courses (that would go on to be significantly more successful than the first)
- Grew my professional network (leading to more opportunities)
- Most importantly, allowed me to provide for my growing family
And just recently, something else happened, and I can hardly believe it…
I was sifting through my overcrowded (mostly with spam) email inbox, when I saw an email (that I nearly deleted)…
It was from a brand partnerships consultant, offering me the opportunity to create a fun video ad for a software company that I admire.
Usually, I ignore these requests — not because I’m too good for them, but because many of the opportunities lead nowhere (I’ve found that out the hard way).
But something about this one seemed legit, and kind of exciting.
So, I accepted the gig, created the quirkiest video ad I could, and that was that.
(Or so I thought...)
Until the ad caught the attention of the Partnerships Director of the company, who ultimately offered me a brand partnership which would enable me to build and grow the best YouTube channel and community around what I have always loved — designing and building for the web.
And so, after a little back & forth (it’s always good to negotiate!), I accepted the deal!
Now, I have a reinvigorated sense of purpose in my work, the support of a software company I admire, and an incredible team with a channel manager, video editors, community & social media managers, I get to wake up to create, write, film and make videos about the very thing that got me started in my career.
(somebody pinch me, pls)
And this all came after a couple of hard years in business (thx, pandemic…) with a lack of direction and a lost sense of purpose.
The point here is this:
One little decision can change your trajectory.
If you have something to share, to create, and you are afraid of putting it out there — just do it, you have no idea where it may lead you.
And if you would like to find out about this new partnership and venture I am overjoyed to be a part of?
It's called Creative X, and you’re gonna have to check out my new YouTube channel to find out 😉
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God is good my friends. And thank you for continuing to be a part of my journey!
Here’s to you, and to taking little risks,
– Brad
