Well it finally happened...

I knew it would one day; I just hoped that day would never come.

A former student has taken the content from the course, re-packaged it and is selling it within my trading area.

I am watching it all very closely; so far I don't think there is enough similarity to mine to do much.

BUT, and you're going to love this… It is not another small business doing this to me it is a government-funded organization spearheaded by a less than honest leader. She sees an opportunity to earn revenue so is competing with the private sector; even stealing format, layout, structure etc.

Shitty day in my world…

That is tough! If she does end up directly using something of yours, we've had great success, and seen other creators have great success with both cease and desist letters and DMCA takedown requests.

At the very least it is extremely frustrating when it feels like competitors aren't playing fair. Generally the market will be large enough that more competitors isn't always a bad sign.

Fortunately in terms of courses and business models like this, the actual product you offer can always be unique in some ways because nobody else is you; so they can't offer exactly what you do.

I'd say lean into what makes your program different and unique, and learn what you can do and what advantages you do have over a larger government-funded organization.

That's exactly what I thought!

Since she was a student I know her capabilities or the depth of her knowledge and I know she is an inch deep.

What bugs me is my tax dollars are actually subsidizing her!!

I've started the ball rolling on cease and desist….

That’s incredibly frustrating and disappointing, particularly coming from a government-funded organisation with public accountability.

Thanks @catherine-eadie-c42f5df0-7bdc-4a46-8126-bcffb5dfa717

It is disheartening to say the least. I'm choosing to look at it as a kick in the butt to make changes to my course that were percolating in the back of my mind.

The individuals in question have been disabled in my course and I will be watching closely for any new sign ups that are sketchy.

Good luck with your funnel!! :)