Best Out-of-the-Box Online Courses for Women Entrepreneurs

Last week we looked at the best online courses for women, in the area of personal finance. This week I’d like to focus on the best online courses for women entrepreneurs. And I believe we can all learn something from these courses.

You may take a look at these courses and think, what does this course have to do with running a business?

Here’s a little secret: being an entrepreneur isn’t just about the fundamentals of business. In today’s world, learning about learning itself, the science of happiness and non-verbal communication all have a part to play in being an entrepreneur.

Intrigued? Read on and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. And if you want more on the subject, check out our article, “Steps To Success: Powerful Rules for Women Entrepreneurs.”

Coursera, The Science of Well-Being

In a nutshell, this is a course on happiness. Its goal is not only to learn what scientific research says about what makes us happy but also to actually practice these strategies.

Studnets examine different misconceptions about happiness as the course begins. Later on the instructor guides students through activities that have been proven to increase happiness. At the same time she provides strategies for building better habits. In the final part of the course, The instructor requires the students to practice “Rewirement.” This means doing one wellness activity for four weeks.

Why is studying happiness helpful to entrepreneurs? One—sooner or later we all come to the realization that money does not buy us happiness. Two—because people who understand where happiness comes from make the best bosses. They end up knowing how to take care of people well.

Udemy, Body Language for Entrepreneurs

Or, how to “use nonverbal communication to increase your income and influence as a business owner. Master body language for success,” according to the course title.

Obviously, this course is all about communication, the non-verbal kind. It’s about how you say what you say as you learn to network effectively. Also, how to present yourself in public confidently. And how to get better at sales, gathering clients and projects. This course even promises to teach you how to detect lies. Sounds cool, right?

The assumption is that mastering non-verbal communication translates to greater business success since, after all, 93% of our communication is nonverbal.

Body Language for Entrepreneurs usually costs US $199.99, but I have never actually seen it at its listed price. Last time I checked it was on a 94 percent discount and was available for only US $10.99, which is a really decent price.

Like all Udemy offerings, Body Language for Entrepreneurs comes with videos and downloadable interactive resources that you can access for the rest of your life. You’re given a Certificate of Completion once you’re done with the course. And, if you do end up paying full price, there is a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the course.

lynda.com’s Critical Thinking

This is one of the best one hour course you will ever take in your life—hands down. As an entrepreneur, chances are you already practice critical thinking, and this course will help you get even sharper in it.

As the course description reads, “Critical thinking is the ability to think reflectively and independently in order to make thoughtful decisions. By focusing on root-cause issues critical thinking helps you avoid future problems that can result from your actions.”
Instructor Mike Figluolio teaches how to successfully break down complex issues to smaller components and identify the root problems of issues. He also delves into how to apply the tools for critical thinking as well as evaluate consequences.

Here’s why the course is extra helpful for bosses—it also helps you help others to think critically. You’ll end up strengthening your team and helping them grow.

Coursera’s Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

As a lifelong learner and teacher, I have to confess that this one thrills me the most. It’s a four-week long course wherein you put in 3 to 4 hours of studying.  You’ll look at various learning techniques in math, art, music, science, literature and other disciplines.

The course explores how the brain employs two different modes of learning. It also shows how it captures or “chunks” information in such a way that it will be easy to recall at a later time.

Basically, Learning How to Learn teaches us all how to become better learners. If you (or any of the people who work for you) are struggling with mastering a certain aspect of the business, this course will help unblock you by walking you through practical techniques. Already an expert in your field? You’d be surprised at how much more you can still learn.

Udemy’s How to come up with killer business ideas

Also known as, Learn how to become a business idea machine with proven strategies and actionable insights. Pretty cool, right?

If you want to become a business idea generator, this is the course for you. It teaches you “how to analyze four different sections of the business value chain for potential opportunities, Understand business dynamics as they relate to idea generation, Use advanced techniques like disintermediation, local modifiers, market enablers to craft ideas,” and so much more.

What the course teaches is the science behind coming up with great business ideas. It comes with videos, articles, downloadable resources, can be accessed via mobile or tv. Like other Udemy courses, you get a certificate of completion afterward. The sale price is US $10.99 and says it ends soon, so you may want to take advantage of it now.

There are so many more out-of-the-box courses that I haven’t even mentioned here that would help shape the perspectives of any entrepreneur. Some courses are on productivity and time management, and handling difficult times. Others are about making blockchain work for you, applying artificial intelligence and virtual reality to your business. I could go on and on.

But take a look at these five, and see how you can invest in yourself at the beginning of this year. Keep on growing into the amazing entrepreneur you were born to be.

Want more? We’ve got a great read just for you–5 Practical Advice for Women Entrepreneurs in Asia To Achieve Startup Success