The glamping industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past decade, and as more people seek unique outdoor experiences, businesses in this niche continue to thrive. One platform that has become essential for those looking to enter or expand in this industry is Inspired Courses. Founded by Sarah Riley, a seasoned expert in hospitality and tourism, Inspired Courses provides aspiring glamping and retreat entrepreneurs with step-by-step guidance, training modules, and a supportive community to help them establish and grow their businesses. This review will provide an in-depth look at Inspired Courses, its offerings, and how it caters to both beginners and experienced business owners.
Visit Inspired CoursesAbout the Founder: Sarah Riley’s Expertise
Sarah Riley is the powerhouse behind Inspired Courses. With over 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, her knowledge spans boutique accommodations, event management, and marketing. Sarah’s background is particularly valuable for those new to glamping or eco-tourism, as she offers practical, real-world insights that come from managing a 5-star boutique hospitality business. Her journey is woven into the Inspired Courses content, lending authenticity and credibility to every lesson. Unlike generic business guides, Inspired Courses reflect Sarah’s real-world experience and her personal investment in helping others succeed.
What Inspired Courses Offers: An Overview of Their Programs
Inspired Courses offers a range of resources, from beginner guides to advanced masterclasses, each tailored to meet the needs of glamping and retreat business owners. These resources include:
- The Ultimate Glamping Business Start-Up Guide®
- Specialized Masterclasses
- The Start-Up and Grow Club
- The Business of Glamping Podcast
- One-on-One Coaching Sessions
Each program is crafted to support various aspects of setting up, managing, and scaling a glamping business, whether you’re just starting or looking to grow.
1. The Ultimate Glamping Business Start-Up Guide
The Ultimate Glamping Business Start-Up Guide is a foundational resource for those with little to no experience in hospitality or tourism. This course provides an in-depth blueprint for launching a glamping business, covering everything from initial planning to effective marketing strategies.
- What You’ll Learn: The guide includes modules on zoning laws, land acquisition, business funding, site design, branding, marketing, and more. Each section is detailed, with practical tools and templates that users can directly apply to their business.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for beginners who need a comprehensive overview of launching a glamping business from scratch. It’s also suitable for anyone who has an idea but lacks the confidence or knowledge to start.
Key Benefits
- Actionable Steps: Unlike some business courses that focus heavily on theory, this guide provides actionable steps for each phase of setting up a glamping business.
- Legal and Zoning Advice: Many new glamping entrepreneurs overlook the legal aspect, which can be challenging to navigate. The guide includes advice on zoning laws and how to meet local regulations.
- Marketing Insights: One of the most valuable parts of the guide is the marketing module, where Sarah shares her insights on how to attract guests and maintain high occupancy rates.
Drawbacks
- Basic for Seasoned Operators: Experienced glamping business owners may find some of the modules too basic or repetitive, as the guide is primarily targeted toward beginners.
2. Specialized Masterclasses on Niche Topics
For those who have mastered the basics and are looking to refine specific aspects of their business, Inspired Courses offers Masterclasses on niche topics. These masterclasses focus on unique challenges and opportunities within the glamping and retreat industry, making them ideal for established business owners or those looking to specialize in eco-friendly accommodations.
Popular Masterclasses
- Setting Up Eco-Accommodations: This masterclass is dedicated to creating sustainable, environmentally-friendly accommodations that attract eco-conscious guests. It includes tips on selecting materials, energy-efficient design, and incorporating natural elements.
- How to Build a Retreat Business: This course teaches entrepreneurs how to expand from glamping into offering retreats, covering topics like retreat themes, pricing, guest engagement, and marketing.
- Effective Marketing Strategies for Glamping: Marketing is often the most challenging aspect of the business, and this masterclass provides an advanced look at marketing strategies, including social media promotion, influencer partnerships, and email marketing.
Each masterclass is intensive and focused, with high-quality materials and direct insights from Sarah’s experience.
Key Benefits
- Advanced Learning: These masterclasses provide deeper knowledge in specific areas that go beyond the basics covered in the Start-Up Guide.
- Industry-Specific: The information is tailored to the glamping and retreat industry, making it more applicable than general hospitality courses.
3. The Start-Up and Grow Club: A Community of Support
The Start-Up and Grow Club is a unique offering that provides ongoing support and community for glamping business owners. Membership to this club includes access to weekly live Q&A sessions, guest expert talks, and training on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
- Community Support: Members can connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share experiences, and offer support to one another, creating a network that’s invaluable for small business owners.
- Weekly Live Q&A: Sarah hosts live Q&A sessions where members can ask questions and get real-time feedback on their challenges. This is especially helpful for those facing immediate challenges or complex decisions.
- Industry Insights: The Start-Up and Grow Club also invites guest speakers to discuss trending topics in eco-tourism, glamping, and hospitality.
Benefits of Membership
- Continuous Learning: Unlike one-time courses, the club provides continuous learning opportunities through live Q&A sessions and guest speakers.
- Networking: The community aspect allows members to network with others in the industry, fostering partnerships and collaborations.
- Ongoing Motivation: The group dynamics provide motivation, especially for solo entrepreneurs who may feel isolated.
4. The Business of Glamping Podcast
Sarah Riley hosts The Business of Glamping Podcast, a free resource that explores trends, insights, and real-world experiences in the glamping industry. Through interviews with industry experts and entrepreneurs, Sarah provides listeners with a wealth of knowledge that complements the formal courses offered on Inspired Courses.
- Why You Should Listen: The podcast provides a realistic view of the industry, discussing challenges, success stories, and actionable tips that listeners can implement. Episodes are typically short and to the point, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Highlights
- Real-World Advice: Many episodes feature successful glamping entrepreneurs, providing insights from those who have experienced the challenges of the industry firsthand.
- Free Resource: For those hesitant to invest immediately in paid courses, the podcast is an excellent introduction to Sarah’s expertise and the value Inspired Courses offers.
5. Personalized Coaching Sessions with Sarah Riley
For entrepreneurs who prefer a hands-on approach or need specific advice, Sarah Riley offers One-on-One Coaching Sessions. These sessions are tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals, making them suitable for anyone facing specific challenges in their business or looking to strategize for growth.
- What to Expect: Coaching sessions provide direct access to Sarah’s expertise, allowing clients to ask questions, gain clarity on complex issues, and develop a customized action plan.
Pros of Coaching
- Tailored Advice: Unlike general courses, coaching sessions focus on the specific needs of each business.
- Goal-Oriented: Sarah helps clients set achievable goals and develop a plan to reach them, making the sessions highly practical.
Customer Testimonials and Success Stories
Inspired Courses has received positive feedback from its customers, with testimonials often highlighting Sarah Riley’s expertise, the practical nature of the resources, and the sense of support provided by the Start-Up and Grow Club.
- Success Stories: Many clients have credited Inspired Courses with helping them build successful glamping businesses. A notable example is a business owner who used the Glamping Start-Up Guide to build their glampsite, ultimately winning first place in a Startup Weekend competition.
Pricing Structure: Are Inspired Courses Worth the Investment?
The cost of Inspired Courses varies depending on the program chosen. While the courses may be more expensive than some generic business programs, the value provided, particularly for those in the glamping niche, is substantial.
Is It Worth It?
For anyone serious about establishing a glamping business, Inspired Courses offers a level of industry-specific knowledge that is hard to find elsewhere. The depth and quality of the materials, coupled with Sarah’s real-world expertise, make it a worthwhile investment for both beginners and experienced operators.
Pros and Cons of Inspired Courses
Pros
- Industry-focused training and insights
- Comprehensive resources for every business stage
- Access to a supportive community and expert network
- High-quality, actionable content
Cons
- Higher initial investment compared to generic courses
- Beginners may find some topics challenging without prior experience
Why Inspired Courses Is a Top Resource for Glamping Entrepreneurs
Inspired Courses is more than just an educational platform; it’s a complete support system for glamping and retreat entrepreneurs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to expand, the courses, community, and resources offered provide everything needed to succeed in this unique industry. With Sarah Riley’s extensive experience and her genuine commitment to supporting her clients, Inspired Courses is an excellent investment for those passionate about building a sustainable and profitable glamping business.
