Making Remote Learning Actually Work
Running a startup from home while trying to learn new financial strategies? You're not alone. We've spent the last three years figuring out what actually helps Australian entrepreneurs stay focused when their living room doubles as their classroom.
Five Things That Changed Everything
These aren't revolutionary. But when we asked 180 startup founders in Sydney and Melbourne what helped them finish online financial courses, these same patterns kept showing up.
Morning Sessions Win
Most people told us they watched course modules before 9am. Not because they're morning people – but because once the day starts, it never stops. Client calls happen. Emergencies pop up. Your best concentration window is probably earlier than you think.
Take Real Notes By Hand
Seems old-fashioned, right? But typing while watching doesn't stick the same way. One founder keeps a dedicated notebook for each course and says writing things down helps her catch details she'd normally miss during busy periods.
Split Long Videos
That 90-minute masterclass on cash flow management? Don't watch it all at once. Break it into three 30-minute chunks across different days. Your retention goes up, and you're more likely to actually finish the content before next quarter starts.
Set Up Accountability
Find someone else taking the same course or learning similar material. Weekly check-ins via video call make a difference. Not fancy mastermind sessions – just "did you watch module three yet?" type conversations that keep you moving forward.
Apply It Immediately
Learn about budgeting frameworks on Tuesday? Try applying it to your actual business on Wednesday. The gap between learning and doing should be measured in days, not weeks. That's when concepts actually stick and become useful tools.
Your Space Matters
You don't need a fancy home office. But you do need a spot where your brain knows "this is where I focus." Could be a corner of your dining table. Just make it the same spot each time, and keep it clear of distractions when you're learning.
Building Your Learning Environment
Look, we're not going to pretend you need a Pinterest-perfect study space. Most startup founders we work with learn from their kitchen table or a cramped spare bedroom. What matters is creating conditions where your brain can actually absorb financial concepts without fighting distractions.
When Lachlan Thornbury started his tech consultancy in 2023, he tried learning between client meetings. Didn't work. He kept pausing videos to answer emails. Now he blocks 7am to 8:30am three days per week – treats it like a client appointment he can't reschedule.
- Put your phone in another room during learning blocks – seriously, even across the room isn't far enough
- Use noise-cancelling headphones even if it's quiet, signals to your household you're unavailable
- Keep water nearby so you don't break focus walking to the kitchen every twenty minutes
- Have your notebook and pen ready before you start the video, not hunting for them mid-lesson
- Close all browser tabs except the learning platform – email can wait an hour
Real Experience From Someone Who Gets It
We asked someone who's been through this journey to share what actually worked when building financial knowledge while running a growing business.
Kieran Bellamy
Financial Education Specialist
I started my first business in 2019 with almost zero financial background. Tried learning accounting and cash flow management through online courses while also trying to, you know, actually run the company. Failed miserably the first time because I approached it like I had unlimited focus and time.
What changed? I stopped trying to be a perfect student and started being realistic about my actual schedule and energy levels. Most entrepreneurs I talk with make the same mistakes I did – they sign up for comprehensive courses, get through the first two modules, then life happens and they never finish.
What I Tell Founders Starting Out:
- Choose shorter courses over comprehensive ones – you can always take another course later
- Schedule learning sessions two weeks out, not just "when you have time" (you never will)
- Expect to re-watch sections – financial concepts don't always click the first time through
- Join course discussion forums even if you're shy – reading others' questions often answers yours
- Give yourself permission to learn slowly – better to finish one course in three months than start five and finish none