Can you really learn a new skill online?

I have to admit I am an avid course taker. I love learning new things whether that's cooking, photography, writing or geneology and will take myself off half way across the country if I think a course looks good enough. However, just recently, and since receiving a Nikon camera for my birthday I thought I would try an online photography course through Craftsy (Ad). As an absolute beginner I needed something that was going to tell me not only how to use my camera but also how to set up a shot for photography. I chose Food Photography from Plate to Hob. The presenter Andrew Scrivani is a professional photographer by trade but his presentation in front of the camera is just as good. Here's my first attempt:

Online courses in comparison with ones that you physically attend are not expensive so I knew it wouldn't be major mistake if I didn't like the online world. The advantages of course are that you can dip in and dip out whenever you like, if you get stuck you can pause a particular section to listen again and if necessary, again and again as in my case, to the instructions being given and if all else fails there is a lively question and answer section. I will of course never be as good as Andrew as for one, I'm not a professional photographer but I'm pretty pleased with my initial efforts.

Whilst Craftsy courses are generally aimed at the hobbyist, new business owners will be avidly searching for as much information as possible to get their business launched successfully whilst making sure they don't fall foul of their country's laws! I've spent the last twenty years helping people start a home based business; whether working as a beautician, baking from the home kitchen, or starting a therapy business. The steps are the same no matter what niche you are in. But you need to find your niche and you need to know how to find the customer that fits your niche. There are of course many other things to consider and I realise that for many people, starting a business is a huge step which many will not take for fear of failing. I've launched my own academy therefore with the sole aim of helping people start, run and earn from their own businesses, fear reduces with knowledge. Nothing beats self-employment, the joy of waking up every day knowing you do not answer to anyone but yourself. My first course therefore is a half day workshop called: Start A Home Based Business - you can find out more about this here. If you can't make the workshop but still want the information, it will, of course, be available online very shortly. Click here to register your interest.

Obviously the benefits of having a tutor by your side and pointing out where you might be going wrong can't be beaten, but not everyone has the time to attend a physical class. The biggest advantage to taking an online class is that you have absolute freedom of when you sit down and study, plus most reputable companies give you 24/7 access for life.

A word of warning though, these courses are addictive and I'm already scanning Craftsy wondering what to learn next, will it be a cooking course or another photography course.

Before you go, why not grab a free sample of my e-book 'Start A Home Based Business' and don't forget to sign-up to receive loads of freebies and resources for the small business owner. Just visit here.

Best wishes

Angela x