The 5 Percent Advantage Program

4 Weeks

·

Cohort-based Course

Don’t be the cause of Zoom fatigue. Aim to get 5% better every time you host or present virtually. (3 paid levels to choose from.)

Course overview

Did all the tech you bought help you become an excellent virtual presenter?

You've probably figured out by now that adding technology alone (Streamdeck, OBS, green screen, ring light, etc.) isn’t enough to improve your virtual presentation technique, and you now need a thoughtful and strategic approach to master virtual presentation skills.


You don’t want to be stuck in the old paradigm of 45 minutes of death-by-Powerpoint followed by ineffectual Q&A and no one moderating chat. You’re ready to step up your game!

Who is this course for

01

Speakers and trainers who are paid to speak virtually. Participate to freshen your Zoom skills. Get certified to showcase your experience.

02

Meeting Professionals ready to level up so you can create impactful and engaging online experiences for your members.

03

Behind-the-scenes is more your thing? Get certified to become a Zoom Producer helping speakers shine online.

Program Promise - at the end of our time together, you will be able to...

  • Incorporate purpose-first design to create sessions with specific outcomes in mind.


  • Enhance virtual presentations by utilizing improved online facilitation techniques.


  • Create opportunities for ALL voices to be heard, not just the most privileged or experienced.


  • Design breakout rooms that foster intentional engagement.


  • Apply these online facilitation and event design concepts to any virtual platform.


This course includes

Interactive live sessions

Lifetime access to course materials

In-depth lessons

Direct access to instructor

Projects to apply learnings

Guided feedback & reflection

Private community of peers

Course certificate upon completion

Maven Satisfaction Guarantee

This course is backed by Maven’s guarantee. You can receive a full refund within 14 days after the course ends, provided you meet the completion criteria in our refund policy.

Course syllabus

Week 1

Oct 16—Oct 22
    Nothing scheduled for this week

Week 2

Oct 23—Oct 29
    Nothing scheduled for this week

Week 3

Oct 30—Nov 5
    Nothing scheduled for this week

Week 4

Nov 6—Nov 8
    Nothing scheduled for this week

Based on award-winning book, "Break Out of Boredom: Low-Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events." Here are some of the 250 reviews...

        I will now be making Robbie Samuels’ “Break Out of Boredom” required pre-reading for my courses. He completely hits the nail on the head on the topic of “How to Interrupt Online” in the “Online Facilitation” chapter. “Break Out of Boredom” is a rich source of practical advice, with effective recommendations and tips that you can apply immediately.
Amber Wigmore Alvarez, Ph.D.

Amber Wigmore Alvarez, Ph.D.

Author title
        I've been on over 1,000 Zoom calls and led hundreds of workshops on Zoom. I'll admit, I wasn't sure if this book would be helpful to me. I was so impressed! It's packed with so many great tips and ideas on how to make your Zoom sessions smoother, more interactive, and more engaging.
Amy Climer, Ph.D., CSP

Amy Climer, Ph.D., CSP

Author title
        I've been running events on Zoom since 2017 but felt like I haven't really been using Zoom before reading this book. Robbie does an outstanding job of guiding us through a better way of running Zoom sessions! The technical tips are one part of it but it's the guidance on being a better facilitator where the book really shines.
Darren Menabney

Darren Menabney

        This is my Zoom go-to book and I believe it should be yours as well. This is a very complete and comprehensive guide to the Zoom platform. Not only do I now feel comfortable attending a Zoom meeting with a certain amount of dexterity and competency but I believe I could finesse my new-found skills into facilitating my own Zoom meeting.
Frank Angus

Frank Angus

        This book not only provides concrete strategies but also addresses the underlying principles and mindset shifts necessary for effective online facilitation. An invaluable resource for anyone who wants to facilitate online meetings that are both effective and enjoyable.
Govert van Sandwijk

Govert van Sandwijk

        This book is for any individual hosting virtual meetings from beginner to expert level. The content is broad and addresses specific topics which are helpful for any level of Zoom meeting experience. I consider it a hands-on “enzoomclopedia” that is easy to read.
Jeannine Courvoisier

Jeannine Courvoisier

Meet your instructor

Robbie Samuels

Robbie Samuels

Event Design Consultant & Executive Zoom Producer

Robbie Samuels is an event design consultant and executive Zoom producer recognized as a networking expert by NPR, PCMA, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Lifehacker, and Inc. He has also been recognized as an expert in virtual event design by JDC Events. He is a Certified Virtual Convener and Certified Virtual Presenter. His event clients are national and statewide advocacy organizations, including Feeding America and California WIC Association.


He is the award-winning author of three books that have collectively received over 650 Amazon reviews and reached #1 Best Seller in 29 paid categories in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia: “Break Out of Boredom: Low-Tech Solutions for Highly Engaging Zoom Events,” (which won a Gold award from the Nonfiction Authors Association), “Small List, Big Results: Launch a Successful Offer No Matter the Size of Your Email List,” and “Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences.”


He is a professional speaker, TEDx speaker, HBR contributor, host of On the Schmooze podcast and of #NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hours.


Robbie is an openly transgender owner of Robbie Samuels LLC, a certified LGBT Business Enterprise.

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Course schedule

3-4 hours per week

  • Live sessions: TBD

    Dates and times TBD

    This course will be held the next time four people sign up or one person wants to be certified. Email robbieATrobbiesamuelsDOTcom if you're interested in pulling together a private cohort.

  • Three two-hour Zoom sessions

    Held on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th week

    No meeting the second week. That is when participants will have time to record a 20-minute practice session.

  • Asynchronous learning

    1-2 hours a week

    Set aside time to watch 3-5 minute videos in the weeks leading up to the first session and throughout the four weeks.

Free resource

"Break Out of Boredom" bonus resource library

Download checklists, step-by-step guides, video tutorials, a sample run of show, and more. Then sign up for the next cohort so you can join our live discussions, get feedback on your technique, and be part of our community of learners.

Get this valuable resource

Upgrade for personalized feedback and to become certified!

Upgrade for personalized feedback and to become certified!

Upgrade to become certified!

Become a Certified Virtual Event Professional #NoMoreBadZoom.


Put your new knowledge to the test and complete all the certification requirements to earn a digital badge you can add to your website, LinkedIn profile, and email signature.


$2,000 includes a private 60-minute coaching session to prep for the certification, where we develop the run of show for your program.


Once certified, you can join my team as a sub-contractor and/or I can share event leads with you that don't have my budget.


Have ongoing access to me. If you want to discuss an upcoming Zoom event you're hosting, we can hop on a Zoom to discuss it. No fee.


Upgrade to receive personalized feedback

$1,000 includes personalized feedback - Robbie will review your practice session and create a video with feedback, plus a 30-minute private coaching call at the end of the four weeks.


Audit level ($500 USD) covers three live sessions, a library of video resources, and recordings of the live sessions.


Frequently Asked Questions

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The 5 Percent Advantage Program