How do you build a six-figure online business, work less, and travel like Jimmy Naraine, an award-winning educator, Udemy partner, and trainer of Mindvalley’s Course Pro Quest? One word: edupreneurship.
And in this episode of The Mindvalley Show with Vishen, discover how you can do it.
Watch the full 38-minute interview:
Jimmy Naraine’s Story: From Banking to Entrepreneurship
Jimmy’s story isn’t one that began with accolades and applause. It’s a story marinated in sweat, determination, and a hint of audacity.
Growing up, he was surrounded by the age-old adage that success was a linear path—school, college, job, and retirement. Banking was considered the pinnacle of success for his generation.
“Back then, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” he explains in his sit-down with Vishen. “I kind of sensed that working for a bank wasn’t for me.”
He wasn’t without insecurities and low self-esteem. But yet, he had a niggling feeling that there had to be more than the monotonous drone of the expected.
You can either cry in the corner—'I don't have the money,' 'I'm not going to publish a course,' 'it is not possible—or can try to figure out a different strategy. — @JimmyNaraine Click To TweetAfter a series of introspections and diving into personal growth, Jimmy’s path led him to Udemy. For him, this platform isn’t just a marketplace for online courses; it’s a canvas beckoning him to share his insights on building confidence.
The income and lifestyle of financial freedom ensued. And that not only transformed his life but also sparked a flame in his father, who also embarked on the journey of becoming an edupreneur.
Jimmy now rakes in high six-figures monthly, which has afforded him the traveling lifestyle he’s always dreamed of as a kid. But here’s the thing: This isn’t just about money—it’s about breaking limiting beliefs, crafting unique business propositions, and designing a life that blends passion with profit.
What Is an Edupreneur?
Education plus entrepreneur—that’s what “edupreneur” stands for. These professionals aren’t your typical educators, though; they have an entrepreneurial mindset and are able to tap into the art of monetizing their expertise.
Like Jimmy on Udemy, edupreneurs often use platforms and pay-to-access systems to reach a global audience. They use the internet to make online courses, e-books, and webinars instead of just using regular classrooms or writing in academic books.
And based on statistics, it’s an edge, really. Holding classes online allows people to have more control over their learning process. What’s more, it’s easier for them to revisit the training as needed. Not to mention the fact that the e-learning market, according to Globe Newswire, is expected to grow to $457.8 billion globally by 2026.
But it’s not just about profit; edupreneurs hold a broader vision. And that is, education helps people in many ways: better job opportunities, more confidence, and more success in life.
Using this as an opportunity, people like Jimmy harness it into a viable business strategy. This approach can bring about personal financial freedom while making a positive impact on the world.
How to Become an Edupreneur & Gain Financial Freedom With Insights From Jimmy Naraine
The transition from conventional roles to becoming an edupreneur can be as intimidating as it is inspiring. But as Jimmy’s journey shows, it’s really about the adventures along the way.
With his insights, here’s how you, too, can build a successful online business, work less, and travel more.
1. Build your confidence
Google and watch “Jimmy Naraine videos” (or any other expert for that matter), and you may think, “I can’t possibly achieve that.” But keep in mind: The first barrier to greatness isn’t ever external but internal.
In fact, according to research, when people are confident, they often do better with their business ventures. So believing you can succeed is half the battle won.
But confidence isn’t about blind optimism. It’s about grounding yourself in reality, recognizing your strengths, and continuously upskilling until you look back and go, “Hey, I did that!”
Jimmy Naraine’s insight: “A lot of people are waiting for this moment when they’re gonna feel fully ready, right? ‘I have to feel ready to be ready.’ No! Oftentimes, actually most of the time, you are ready, but you don’t know about it.”
Learn how to be more confident: Mindvalley’s Top 4 Free Self-Esteem Classes
2. Find your unique niche
In the world of online courses, differentiation is key. While there are a plethora of courses on popular topics like “Digital Marketing” or “Yoga for Beginners,” there’s always room for a fresh perspective.
Here’s how you can narrow down your unique business ideas:
- Start by listing your passions and expertise. What do you love? What can you talk about for hours without getting bored?
- Research online platforms like Udemy to see what’s already available. Look for overlaps in your passion and market demand, but from a fresh perspective.
An important aspect Jimmy highlights is authenticity—be yourself. Your courses should be a reflection of who you are. Students resonate more with genuine passion and authenticity than with a rehearsed script.
Jimmy Naraine’s insight: “When you have a topic and you do your research and you realize a lot of people teach that topic, it doesn’t matter because no one is like you. You are uniquely you, and this is what matters.”
3. Create your course
So you want to get paid for what you know. But where do you begin?
Jimmy’s advice is straightforward: keep it simple. Perfection, while an admirable goal, can often be the enemy of progress.
- Begin by outlining your course. Think of the key takeaways you want your students to achieve. And this will serve as the backbone of your content.
- Decide on the medium. While video is the most popular format, don’t shy away from audio, text, or a combination of formats. Choose one you’re most comfortable with.
- Don’t get too bogged down by high-end cameras, professional editing software, and studio setups. They can be beneficial, for sure, but they’re not essential to start. Often, a smartphone and some basic editing software are sufficient for your first course. The focus, as Jimmy reiterates, should be on delivering value.
- Get feedback. Instead of striving for a polished, final product at the outset, create a basic version of your course and then share it with a trusted group for feedback. This will help refine your content based on real-world inputs.
- Stay engaged. Once your course is up, respond to student queries, seek feedback, and continuously update your content to stay relevant.
It’s this commitment to excellence and student success that can help your content go viral. Establishing your reputation as a top edupreneur becomes inevitable with such widespread recognition.
Jimmy Narain’s insight: “If you don’t share your gift with the world, you’re not just depriving yourself; you’re also depriving other people of the opportunity to be impacted by you.”
Take the Next Step
Jimmy’s journey as an edupreneur is not an isolated tale of success—it’s a call to all aspiring individuals (such as yourself) to break the shackles of the mundane and chase their dreams.
And if you’re like Jimmy’s dad and want to follow in his footsteps, there’s a golden opportunity right at your fingertips: Mindvalley’s Course Pro Quest. With him and Vishen as your expert guides, this unique program can help you with a confidence boost, crafting your course, technical know-hows, and mastering marketing.
If you’re unsure about diving right in, here’s a hint to get your feet wet: when you sign up for a free Mindvalley account, the first few lessons of the Quest are available for you to watch. You can get a taste of the transformation without any commitment.
The reality is, financial freedom, while alluring, is just one part of building a successful online business, working less, and traveling more. The real treasure lies in transforming lives, including your own.
