Shownotes
Want to surround yourself with women who elevate you?
Introduction:
- Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Ashley Sarver, the founder, and head of school at Eclipse Academy—an innovative online school tailored for gifted and profoundly gifted students. Ashley shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges, pivots, and lessons learned in the ever-evolving world of education.
From Educator to Entrepreneur:
- Discover Ashley's transition from being a principal at private alternative high schools in the Bay Area to venturing out on her own in 2018 to bring a Waldorf-inspired online classroom to life. Learn about the initial struggles and the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
The Initial Vision and Market Realities:
- Explore the challenges of launching Eclipse Academy in 2019 amidst the global shift to online learning during the pandemic. Ashley candidly discusses the gap between the initial vision and the market realities, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation.
Finding the Right Niche:
- Dive into Eclipse Academy's evolution from attempting to cater to a broad spectrum of students to identify a specific niche—gifted and profoundly gifted learners. Ashley shares the insights gained through market research and the pivotal role of narrowing the target audience.
Core Values and Authentic Marketing:
- Ashley delves into the significance of aligning core values with the business model and how this authenticity plays a crucial role in marketing. She shares her shift from a sales-oriented mindset to a service-oriented approach, drawing inspiration from the principles of "Marketing for Hippies."
Pivoting Strategies for Success:
- Learn about Eclipse Academy's journey through multiple iterations, each marked by valuable pivots. Ashley discusses the importance of understanding your market, testing ideas with a minimum viable product (MVP), and staying agile in response to feedback and market dynamics.
Creating a Sales Funnel and Low-Risk Offerings:
- Ashley outlines the process of developing a sales funnel for Eclipse Academy, focusing on low-risk offerings such as free workshops and downloadable e-books. She emphasizes the importance of providing value upfront and allowing potential clients to engage with the educational philosophy before committing.
The Future of Eclipse Academy:
- Get a glimpse into Eclipse Academy's future plans, including the launch of a new website and the implementation of free resources to better assist families in understanding the school's approach. Ashley is committed to creating a transparent and accessible experience for interested parents and students.
Don't miss this insightful conversation with Ashley Sarver as she unveils the inner workings of Eclipse Academy, offering valuable lessons for educators, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating the intersection of education and business.
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