Everyone’s talking about passive income—but are they telling the whole story? Emily Merrell and Lexie Smith peel back the glossy Instagram filter and dig into what it actually takes to launch a successful course or low-ticket offer as a coach in 2025.

Emily breaks down the myth of “build it and they will come,” while Lexie throws some real math at our course creation dreams—yes, we’re talking ad spend, ROAS, and whether your 1K followers will cut it. Together, they dissect the economics of digital products and deliver a no-BS roadmap to making course sales work without betting your whole business on it.

This episode is for the coach who’s been tempted by $49 course promises, wondering if their audience is ready—or even wants it. Spoiler: market research matters, and so does managing your expectations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How big does your audience need to be to make passive income from courses?
• What’s the real cost behind a “$100K course launch”?
• Should you spend money on ads or start with organic sales?
• How many courses do you need to sell to hit your income goals?
• Is your course idea even something people want? (And how to find out.)
  
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  • Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
  • Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

Coaches, are your backend operations a hot mess express? You’re not alone. Erica Farrell, a certified Online Business Manager (OBM), joins Ready Set Coach Podcast to expose the common operational struggles coaches face—and more importantly, how to fix them.

Erica walks us through the fundamental difference between OBMs and VAs and why hiring a VA without proper systems in place often leads to frustration and burnout. She explains why OBMs serve as the operational heartbeat of a growing business, handling everything from project management to team coordination, so entrepreneurs can focus on their zone of genius—coaching.

We also dive into the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and why skipping documentation can sabotage your business. Plus, Erica introduces her Operational Style quiz, a must-take assessment to help you understand how you naturally function in business and whether you’re truly ready to hire operational support.

🔍 In this episode, we discuss:

• OBM vs VA: Which one does your business actually need?
• Why hiring a VA without a system in place leads to disaster
• How SOPs can save you from micromanaging (and burnout!)
• Are you ready to hire operational help? Take the Operational Style quiz

Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches

• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

Take the Operational Style quiz: https://airtable.com/appwasXTLW26rHed0/shrTlk6kxazN5L6uJ

Erika Ferrell is a Strategic Operations Coach & Certified OBM, I help ambitious entrepreneurs transform chaos into clockwork. She helps transform your business systems into streamlined operations & guides your team into sustainable success.

Website: https://www.erikaferrellandco.com/

Instagram: @erikaferrell_andco

https://www.instagram.com/erikaferrell_andco/

Teacher Byrd, founder of Sex Ed with Byrd, isn’t here to tiptoe around the awkward conversations—they’re here to transform them. As an environmental studies teacher turned sex education coach, Byrd built their business on the belief that pleasure is a birthright, confidence starts in the bedroom, and real sex education is long overdue.

In this episode, Emily Merell and Byrd dive into how shame-free coaching helps clients navigate communication issues, low libido, and relationship struggles—without the outdated, fear-based narratives from traditional sex ed.

Emily and Byrd also tackle the unexpected connections between sexual confidence and success in business, how setting boundaries (even a waitlist) is the ultimate power move, and why de-stressing might just be the secret to a better sex life. Whether you're a coach, entrepreneur, or someone just trying to ask for what you need—this episode is packed with insights that go beyond the bedroom.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why is sex coaching different from therapy?
• How does sexual confidence impact business success?
• What’s the connection between stress and intimacy?
• How can women set boundaries in business and relationships?
• What’s missing in traditional sex education?

Join the FREE Exclusive Network of Coaches

• Follow Em & Lex on Instagram at @readysetcoachcommunity
• Join the Ready Set Coach Community: www.readysetcoachcommunity.com

Teacher Byrd [they/them/theirs/elle], a Sex Education and Relationship Coach committed committed to helping diverse singles and partners achieve healthier communication and more intimacy.

Website: https://www.sexedwithbyrd.com/

Instagram: @sxedwithbyrd