Trade Netflix for A New Skill

Reviewing My Top Learning Platforms

July 31, 2023
A person learning on their computer

I love to learn. It's in my top 5 strengths, and as a result, I've tried quite a few learning platforms. Each one is a little different regarding what it offers and costs. It can be hard to navigate.

I will share a brief overview and my personal experience on eight platforms in this post. I hope this helps you navigate the learning landscape and find a good next step in your learning journey.

  1. LinkedIn Learning
  2. Skillshare
  3. Coursera
  4. Udemy
  5. Masterclass
  6. Khan Academy
  7. Company Academies
  8. Youtube

A quick note on cost

I've seen many people not take their next step in learning something new because of the cost. I want to tell you, "It's worth it." It will cost you both in time and money. But again, it's worth it.

Let's say you spent $300 learning a skill that lands you a new job. The pay increase quickly covers the learning cost in terms of money. If it results in you doing something you enjoy, that's an excellent return on your investment of time.

I'll list the costs for each platform in the reviews. Many of them have discounts or free trials available. There are free options available, but you will trade money for time with some of them, like YouTube. This is because the content isn't curated in the same way, and you're going to spend time finding and organizing your own learning path.

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LinkedIn Learning:

LinkedIn Learning is a big one meaning they have lots and lots of content. A few years back, LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com, a considerable learning platform. The content includes just about everything that connects to professional development. They have four primary topics:

  1. Business
  2. Creative
  3. Technology
  4. Certifications

I really like their learning path concept. I've done a number of them. I resonate with how a learning path starts at the end by defining where you want to be, like "Become an Agile Software Developer" or "Become a Graphic Designer." LinkedIn has curated a set of courses designed to reach these goals. If you're looking to make a career change, these learning paths can help you identify gaps you may have and where you want to focus.

The cost can feel a little high ($323.88/year or $39.99/month), but you get premium access, allowing you to send inMail communication and see who views your profile. So if you're also actively looking and learning for a next job, it helps on both fronts, and the cost is readily justifiable.

Cost

LinkedIn recently increased its cost and now runs $26.99/month (billed annually) or $39.99 / month (billed monthly). You can get your first month free to try things out.

Certifications

Most courses only provide you with a certificate you can post on LinkedIn, but they may not carry the same weight as other certification options. However, in a world where you demonstrate what you can do over what you know, posting that you're an active learner and sharing what you created through a course can go a long way.

Link

www.linkedin.com/learning

Skillshare:

Skillshare has been my team's go-to for creative learning. If you want to learn a new design tool or technique, you'll find great courses on Skillshare. Some of their top topics include:

CREATE

  • Animation
  • Creative Writing
  • Film & Video
  • Fine Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Music
  • Photography
  • UI/UX Design
  • Web Development

BUILD

  • Business Analytics
  • Freelance & Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership & Management
  • Marketing

THRIVE

  • Lifestyle
  • Productivity

You can save courses to build your own learning path. You can also follow instructors, which I find an enjoyable and personal way to learn. Aaron Draplin is a favorite for me. The quality of content varies a bit, but you can use reviews and the number of students to gauge the quality as you search for classes.

If the learning you want to do is in the creative space then Skillshare is the option I recommend for you.

Cost

Skillshare also recently increased its cost but is still more affordable than others on this list. It costs $168/year or $32/month. You can get your first month free to try out some of the courses and see if it's what you're looking for

Certifications

Some courses may help you prep for a certification, but they don't directly provide them. You can always post the project you created from the course you took.

Link

www.skillshare.com

Coursera

For a while, I only did free courses on Coursera to decide if specific topics were something I wanted to dive deeper into. I found the quality to be relatively high and their interface very intuitive. They have transcript that tracks the video. You can highlight sections of the transcript to add notes.

Coursera is unique because it provides connections with accredited institutions, an intriguing option if you're considering an online degree. They offer certificates along with both undergrad and graduate degrees. In 2021 I completed the Grow with Google UX Design certificate courses, which I would highly recommend.

If you can go to school for it, you can probably find it on Coursera. Their main topic categories include:

  • Data Science
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Language Learning
  • Health
  • Personal Development
  • Physical Science & Engineering
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Math and Logic

Cost

You can take many courses on Coursera for free. Coursera Plus unlocks a ton more courses, and you get certificates on completion. Compared to others on this list, it's not cheap at $59/month or $399/year. However, earning my UX certificate cost me under $300, which is a steal compared to any boot camp.

Certification

There are numerous certificate options available. I think this is where Coursera really shines. They include both broad categories (UX design) and specific categories (Voice UX design)

Link

www.coursera.org/

You want your life to have meaning and impact.

What if your everyday work and life not only felt natural and intuitive but also aligned with your priorities and positively impacted those around you?

Udemy

Udemy is suitable for one-off classes. Most of the other platforms in this post use a subscription model, but on Udemy, you can buy just a single class. This is great if you know exactly what you're looking for. You can always find discounts. Seriously, pretty much every course is on sale. Another advantage of Udemy is you retain access to the course you purchased. With the subscription models you can't go back and rewatch a video a year later if you're not still paying for it.

Udemy's top categories include:

  • Design
  • Development
  • Marketing
  • IT and Software
  • Personal Development
  • Business
  • Photography
  • Music

The courses I've taken have been decent quality and you can read reviews and preview parts of the course before purchasing.

Cost

Some are free, but most are paid $14.99 - $100+ The courses are almost always on sale.

Certifications

More courses focus on prepping you for passing a certification test than courses that provide a certificate.

Link

www.udemy.com

MasterClass

This one is quite different from the rest of this list. Master Class is more like Netflix for those who love to learn. It's top-class content and production with an exciting mashup of entertainment and learning.  

The topics are incredibly varied, from gardening to basketball, leadership to playing the violin, mixology to architecture. A well-known expert teaches each course. For example, Gordon Ramsey teaches cooking, and Steph Curry teaches basketball.

Their main categories include:

  • Food
  • Design & Style
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Music
  • Business
  • Sports & Gambling
  • Writing
  • Science & Tech
  • Home & Lifestyle
  • Community & Government
  • Wellness

MasterClass differentiates itself with celebrity personalities and professional productions.

Cost

$15/month. Purchased 1 year at a time.

Certifications

Masterclass is more focused on learning as entertainment rather than professional development. It does not offer any certifications.

Link

masterclass.com

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a bit different from a platform due to most of its content focusing on a younger audience. It's grown a lot over the years, providing video instruction for almost all school-age courses. One of the goals of Khan Academy is to "flip the classroom" so that kids can watch the videos at home and allow for more interaction doing the work at school. I've used this with my kids to supplement their classes.

Cost

Free but encourages donations.

Certifications

Khan Academy does not offer certifications.

Link

www.khanacademy.org

Company Academies

This is more of a category than a specific platform, but I felt it was worth mentioning because there is a lot of learning value here. Most companies offer educational support for using their products, but some go above and beyond. Companies like Google, Webflow, or UserTesting offer courses that end with certification to demonstrate competence using their tools. This is a good option if trying to take the new skill you're learning and get a job doing it.

Other companies, like Hubspot, offer broader education and certifications on topics related to the products they offer. If you want to get into content marketing, Hubspot provides some outstanding foundational courses for free.

Cost

Usually free

Certifications

Many types available. Some are tool-specific others are topical.

Links

YouTube

I include YouTube on here for two reasons.

  1. There is a lot of quality educational content on YouTube.
  2. People often ask why they would pay for something they can find on YouTube.

There is some great content on YouTube, but it's not always easy to find. The content isn't curated in the same ways as these other platforms. You may have to watch five or more videos before finding the one you need. You end up paying with your time instead of your money.

I've also found that quality and focus of content on YouTube to be behind many of these other platforms. In the end, it's still true; you get what you pay for.

Cost

Free, but you're trading your time.

Certifications

None.

Link

youtube.com

Here is a summary of the platforms I covered in this guide.

Learning Platform Summary

Action Plan

We covered a lot. Now what? I encourage you to choose one platform and try it for a season. Take that first step in learning something new. Trade a season on Netflix for a new skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Servant Leadership

What is servant leadership?

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and management style that emphasizes the importance of serving others first before considering one's own needs and desires. It's an approach to leadership that focuses on the well-being and growth of others, rather than solely on achieving organizational goals.

A servant leader prioritizes the needs of their followers or team members, providing them with support, guidance, and mentorship. They are committed to empowering their team members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Some common characteristics of servant leaders include:

  1. Empathy: Servant leaders value empathy, placing themselves in the shoes of their followers to better understand their needs and motivations.
  2. Listening: They are active listeners, taking the time to listen to their followers' concerns, feedback, and ideas.
  3. Commitment to development: Servant leaders prioritize the growth and development of their followers, providing opportunities for learning and development.
  4. Humility: They recognize their own limitations and seek input from others to make informed decisions.
  5. Stewardship: Servant leaders view themselves as stewards of their organization, working to create a positive impact for all stakeholders.

Overall, servant leadership is about creating a supportive and empowering environment for others to thrive. By prioritizing the needs of their followers, a servant leader can inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the organization as a whole.

Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.

How can servant leadership be beneficial in the workplace?

Servant leadership can be beneficial in the workplace in a number of ways, including:

  1. Improved employee engagement and job satisfaction: When employees feel supported, valued, and empowered by their leaders, they tend to be more engaged and satisfied with their work.
  2. Increased collaboration and teamwork: Servant leaders prioritize communication, collaboration, and trust-building, which can lead to stronger relationships and more effective teamwork.
  3. Higher levels of productivity and innovation: When leaders empower their team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their ideas, it can lead to higher levels of productivity and innovation.
  4. Reduced turnover and absenteeism: Employees who feel supported and valued are less likely to leave their jobs or call in sick, leading to reduced turnover and absenteeism rates.
  5. Improved organizational culture: Servant leadership can create a positive organizational culture that values growth, development, and well-being for all stakeholders, which can lead to improved morale and outcomes.

Overall, servant leadership can lead to a more positive, productive, and fulfilling workplace environment, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.

Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.

How does servant leadership differ from other leadership styles?

Servant leadership differs from many other leadership styles in several key ways:

  1. Focus on serving others: Servant leaders prioritize the needs and well-being of their followers over their own interests, while many other leadership styles focus more on achieving organizational goals.
  2. Empathy and listening skills: Servant leaders value empathy and active listening skills to better understand the needs and perspectives of their followers, while some other leadership styles may be more focused on asserting authority or making decisions without input from others.
  3. Collaboration and teamwork: Servant leaders prioritize collaboration and teamwork, seeking to empower and develop their followers to achieve their full potential, while other leadership styles may be more focused on competition or individual achievement.
  4. Humility and accountability: Servant leaders view themselves as stewards of their organization, prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders and taking responsibility for their decisions, while some other leadership styles may be more focused on personal ambition or avoiding blame.

Overall, servant leadership is characterized by a focus on serving others, prioritizing empathy and collaboration, and taking a humble and accountable approach to leadership. While other leadership styles may be effective in different contexts, servant leadership can be a powerful tool for creating positive change and empowering others to reach their full potential.

Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.

Team Leadership

What is team leadership?

Team leadership is a management approach focused on leading and guiding a group of individuals working together towards a common goal. A team leader is responsible for providing direction, support, and guidance to the team members, while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Team leadership involves setting clear goals and expectations for the team, communicating effectively, and building trust and relationships with team members. It also involves empowering team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the team's success.

Some key characteristics of effective team leadership include:

  1. Communication: Team leaders communicate clearly and effectively with their team members, keeping them informed about goals, expectations, and progress.
  2. Vision and strategy: Effective team leaders have a clear vision for what they want to achieve and a strategy for how to get there, while also being flexible and adaptable when necessary.
  3. Empowerment: Good team leaders empower their team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work, while also providing support and guidance as needed.
  4. Trust-building: Team leaders build trust and strong relationships with their team members, creating a positive and productive work environment.
  5. Results-oriented: Finally, effective team leaders are results-oriented, focusing on achieving goals and driving performance while also valuing the well-being and development of their team members.

Overall, team leadership is a collaborative and empowering approach to management that values communication, trust-building, and results-driven performance.

Learn more about leadership.

What are the different styles of team leadership?

There are several different styles of team leadership, including:

  1. Democratic leadership: In this style, the leader encourages open communication and participation from all team members in decision-making processes.
  2. Autocratic leadership: This style involves the leader making decisions and taking control over the team's direction, often with little input from team members.
  3. Transformational leadership: This style focuses on inspiring and motivating team members to achieve their full potential, often by setting a clear vision and communicating goals effectively.
  4. Servant leadership: A servant leader prioritizes the needs of their team members, focusing on serving and empowering them to achieve their goals.
  5. Laissez-faire leadership: In this style, the leader provides minimal guidance or direction, allowing team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions independently.
  6. Transactional leadership: This style involves setting clear goals and expectations for team members and providing rewards or discipline based on performance.
  7. Situational leadership: This approach involves adapting one's leadership style to fit the specific situation or needs of the team at any given time.

Overall, each style of team leadership has its own strengths and weaknesses, and effective leaders may use a combination of different styles depending on the situation and the needs of their team.

Learn more about leadership.

What are the different skills required for team leadership?

There are several key skills required for effective team leadership, including:

  1. Clear: Team leaders must be to communicate effectively with their team members, setting clear expectations and goals, providing feedback, and keeping everyone informed about progress and changes.
  2. Active listening: Leaders need to be able to listen actively to their team members, hear their concerns, ideas, and suggestions, and work collaboratively to find solutions.
  3. Empathy: Good team leaders value empathy, recognizing and understanding the perspectives of their team members, and working to build trust and strong relationships
  4. Decision-making: Leaders must be able to make informed decisions based on available information and input from team members, while also being decisive when necessary.
  5. Problem-solving: Effective team leaders must be able to identify and solve problems that arise within the team, working collaboratively to find creative and effective solutions.
  6. Motivation and empowerment: Leaders must be able to motivate and empower their team members to take ownership of their work, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential.
  7. Delegation and management: Team leaders must be able to delegate tasks effectively, manage resources and timelines, and oversee the work of the team to ensure quality and efficiency.

Overall, effective team leadership requires a combination of interpersonal, decision-making, and management skills, as well as the ability to inspire and empower team members to work collaboratively towards shared goals.

Learn more about leadership.

What is servant leadership?

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and management style that emphasizes the importance of serving others first before considering one's own needs and desires. It's an approach to leadership that focuses on the well-being and growth of others, rather than solely on achieving organizational goals.

A servant leader prioritizes the needs of their followers or team members, providing them with support, guidance, and mentorship. They are committed to empowering their team members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Some common characteristics of servant leaders include:

  1. Empathy: Servant leaders value empathy, placing themselves in the shoes of their followers to better understand their needs and motivations.
  2. Listening: They are active listeners, taking the time to listen to their followers' concerns, feedback, and ideas.
  3. Commitment to development: Servant leaders prioritize the growth and development of their followers, providing opportunities for learning and development.
  4. Humility: They recognize their own limitations and seek input from others to make informed decisions.
  5. Stewardship: Servant leaders view themselves as stewards of their organization, working to create a positive impact for all stakeholders.

Overall, servant leadership is about creating a supportive and empowering environment for others to thrive. By prioritizing the needs of their followers, a servant leader can inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the organization as a whole.

Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.

StrengthsFinder

So do I totally ignore my weaknesses and just focus on my strengths?

Strengths-based growth doesn’t encourage you to ignore your weaknesses but not to spend too much time trying to turn them into strengths. Instead, you may need to find team members or systems to fill in your gaps.

Learn more about how StrengthsFind influences your leadership.

There are strengths I think I have; why didn’t they didn’t show up in my top 5?

For some people, their strengths ranked 5, 6 or 7 are almost even. You could also be misattributing a skill or behavior to a specific strength.

Learn more about how StrengthsFind influences your leadership.

Should I pay to see all 34 strengths?

Seeing your other 29 strengths can help give you a fuller picture. But initially, someone should focus on further developing those top 5 strengths rather than trying to give attention across the list. Once you have a good grasp on what it looks like to lead from your top 5, it can be helpful to explore the rest of the list.

Learn more about how StrengthsFind influences your leadership.

What’s the difference between a talent and a strength?

A talent is your natural way of thinking or behaving. A strength is a talent developed over time through knowledge, skills and practice.

Learn more about how StrengthsFinder influences your leadership.

Ready to level up your company? Get in touch today!