Traversing the Landscape of Online Coaching

Milos Topic, Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Digital Officer, Grand Valley State University

Milos Topic, Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Digital Officer, Grand Valley State University

Milos Topic currently holds the position of Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University. Having over 25 years of experience in technology, innovation, strategy, operations, and leadership, Topic has held various positions, including Vice President and Chief Information Officer. In addition, Topic is also a frequent speaker on leadership, team building, and innovation, and advises organizations on business strategy and digital possibilities.

In an exclusive interview with Education Technology Insights, Topic shares his valuable insights on the opportunities, trends and best practices in online coaching space.

What are some of the biggest trends impacting the online coaching space currently?

The online coaching industry is experiencing rapid growth as numerous individuals actively share their experiences and valuable content with a diverse audience seeking professional, personal and academic guidance and support.

Although general leadership principles and management tactics remain valuable across industries, individuals frequently benefit from tailored guidance that addresses specific aspects of their lives, whether personal or professional. Online coaching should be narrowed down to address specific needs and provide demonstrated guidance.

Mentoring involves addressing these specific needs, understanding objectives, and formulating a plan. Success depends on finding relevance and sticking to one's niche, given the presence of established big brands and untested individual content in the space.

Are there any additional pain points or challenges in terms of online coaching sector?

Emphasizing the significance of striking a balance between free information and paid services is crucial. Individuals are often more committed to acting and engaging when they have a financial stake in the process. In addition, there is an increase in potential for technology companies to streamline the online coaching practices by creating platforms for creators, coaches, and those seeking help. This would make the exchange of thoughts, ideas, documents, and brainstorming white boarding sessions more efficient. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of information is dispersed among various solutions, affecting the overall user experience. In my perspective, technology companies should prioritize simplifying the infrastructure and developing platforms that enhance the seamless exchange of ideas and information in a variety of formats.

What potential solutions or technological recommendations would you suggest to address this issue?

Kajabi, an online course coaching platform, has garnered considerable praise in recent times. The platform seamlessly integrates marketing, PR, social media campaigns, coaching membership sites, and payment processing into a unified system. While I have not utilized Kajabi personally, I have heard positive experiences from colleagues in that space. There are other platforms as well that one should consider and a simple online search will reveal them.

Regarding your professional endeavors, could you highlight any noteworthy initiatives or projects, especially those related to online coaching, that you would like to share as part of your narrative?

As the Vice President for IT and Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State, I am responsible for providing online learning environments to all students. Our online courses stand out with substantial resources, faculty possessing PhD-level expertise, and a robust technological infrastructure. We provide diverse content levels, including Zoom sessions and document management through platforms like Zoom, Teams or OneDrive. Our objective is to streamline the digital experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni and our broader community of partners and collaborators.

“Our team is dedicated to simplifying and unifying digital experiences, ensuring seamless navigation for students through a customized portal that allows them to filter and prioritize their interests effortlessly.”

One of the priorities for every industry should be to simplify and unify digital experiences for customers, partners, and employees. In our case, students need to have a seamless experience by navigating through various systems. To achieve this, we aim to create a portal where students can filter their interests and sort them in the way that matters to them, at any time, on any device. This digital house should be clean, organized, structured correctly, and searchable. By doing so, we can create a more efficient and effective learning experience for our students.

The online coaching industry necessitates continuous enhancement and success evaluation through various metrics like referrals, word of mouth, and customer growth. Understanding the customer base is vital, emphasizing not just acquisition but also retention. Employing analytics and data insights provides a comprehensive view of the business backend. A seamless online experience, accessible on any device, coupled with insightful data, enhances business comprehension.

Vital to the assessment of success is moving beyond mere metrics and considering the tangible impact on peoples lives—acknowledging achievements as a result of guidance, coaching, leadership, and mentorship. While the allure of acquiring new clients is significant, the primary emphasis should be on nurturing enduring relationships to ensure a sustained and positive impact over the long term. Consequently, the goal is to scale progress systematically, with a steadfast emphasis on retention, and referrals, ensuring enduring success in the online coaching landscape.

What are your insights on the future trajectory of online coaching? Are there specific thoughts or perspectives you would like to share regarding its future development?

The online coaching industry is experiencing robust growth, marked by a market capitalization in the billions of dollars. However, anticipations suggest that the industry is poised for mergers and acquisitions in the upcoming years. Many individuals lack the necessary credentials and knowledge to inspire and motivate others, potentially falling off the table. The industry's trajectory is expected to prioritize the development of specialized expertise, moving beyond conventional management coaching.

Would you like to share any piece of advice to a fellow professional embarking on their journey in the online coaching sector?

The three pivotal steps for attaining success in any field involve, firstly understanding of oneself and defining aspirations, whether it is aspiring to become a CIO, CEO, or manager. Recognizing that these goals may evolve over time is crucial. Secondly, identifying accomplished individuals who are at the desired level and conducting thorough research to glean insights from their experiences.

Ultimately, seeking assistance from these individuals and others, even if it involves just a few minutes each month, can be invaluable. The impact of having a suitable coach or mentor can be exponential, particularly for those initiating their journey in the field. By comprehending oneself and one's objectives, one can adeptly navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in pursuing success in their chosen field. Remember, when in doubt, seek for help, many will gladly help you succeed.