How Stefan Landsiedel Built the Largest NLP Institute in Germany
In this podcast episode with Stefan and Marian, we take you on a journey through the history of Landshiedel NLP Training – today the largest NLP institute in the German-speaking world. Stefan openly shares how it all began: from the first small seminars with six participants to setbacks, financial difficulties, and sleepless nights, culminating in the big breakthrough with the internet. An inspiring story about courage, perseverance, creativity, and the power of persistence.
Table of Contents
The First Steps: From Student to Trainer
It all began with a deep personal transformation. Stefan describes how, as a young student, he discovered NLP to overcome his own shyness and life crisis. The enthusiasm that arose from this quickly led to the desire to pass these tools on to others. Together with his first partner, he launched the very first Practitioner course – with six participants, organized independently, without a marketing budget, but with passion and drive. This early phase laid the foundation for what would later become an empire.
Marketing and Courage in the Pre-Internet Era
In a time without the internet and social media, it was a challenge to attract participants. Stefan recounts how he filled the first groups with flyers, posters, and word of mouth. He developed creative strategies to generate attention: two-colored flyers, response cards by mail, and engaged students who distributed flyers in front of cafeterias. Every step was an experiment – and every experience a learning process. Collaborations with institutions like the Frankfurt Adult Education Center opened new avenues to make the topic of NLP accessible to a broader audience.
Creativity as the Key to Success
Whether self-designed flyers or handwritten letters – Stefan always relied on personal communication. With his psychological knowledge, he understood how people react emotionally and used this understanding to conduct authentic marketing. His early experiences with direct communication laid the groundwork for his later understanding of content strategy and target audience engagement.
Setbacks and Wrong Partners
But not everything went smoothly. Contracts fell through, management partners turned out to be unreliable, and financial difficulties sometimes led him back to his childhood bedroom. Stefan honestly describes how he kept getting back up despite debts and family obligations. His motto: learn, adapt, keep going. Every disappointment became a lesson for the next level.
Hard Years and Perseverance
The first years were marked by hard work and deprivation. Instead of capital, Stefan invested his time and energy. Day and night, he worked on concepts, materials, and mailings. He distributed flyers, organized free evening seminars, and experimented with new ways of acquiring customers. This persistence paid off – not immediately, but in the long run. Many contacts from these early years later led to collaborations, contracts, and growth.
The Breakthrough with the Internet
The turning point came in the early 2000s with the internet. Out of frustration, Stefan put his seminar materials online – inadvertently triggering a revolution. While other trainers guarded their knowledge, he made it freely accessible on the web. The response was enormous: criticism from colleagues, but also immense reach and trust from interested parties. Soon, the first online registration followed – a key moment. From then on, Stefan strategically invested in search engine optimization, content marketing, and building a comprehensive online presence. The result: an exponential growth phase, where visitor numbers and revenue went hand in hand.
From Frustration to Vision
What began as an act of desperation became a strategic foundation for success. Stefan recognized early on the power of visibility and transparency in the digital space. His approach of generously sharing knowledge set him apart from many competitors – and made Landshiedel NLP Training an authority in the field.
The Power of Measurable Results
A significant milestone was the moment Stefan compared the visitor statistics of his website with the revenue figures: both curves were nearly identical. This realization confirmed that consistent online presence and content quality have direct impacts on business success. A prime example of modern marketing with heart and system.
Lessons for Life and Business
Stefan's story is a lesson in patience, courage, and true entrepreneurial spirit. It shows that success rarely happens overnight. It is the many small steps, the seemingly ineffective measures, that will one day bear fruit. Whether a flyer that leads to a contract years later or a newspaper article that opens new doors – the seed of success takes time. This philosophy is also reflected in his understanding of NLP: change begins within, through perseverance, clear goals, and a positive attitude.
Stefan's Message to Coaches and Trainers
In conclusion, Stefan addresses all those who are trainers, coaches, or entrepreneurs themselves: "Sow many seeds. Stay diligent. Keep going, even if it doesn't pay off immediately." His message is clear: Those who work with passion and discipline, who are willing to take detours and use setbacks, will succeed. It is no coincidence that Landshiedel NLP Training is now synonymous with quality, consistency, and personal development – it is the result of years of passion and true life work.
His story is an inspiring example of how NLP can transform not only one's own life but also an entire business.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Origins of Landsiedel NLP Training
How did the story of Landsiedel NLP Training begin?
Stefan Landsiedel started his NLP institute out of passion and curiosity. As a student, he discovered NLP to overcome his own shyness. From this personal experience arose the desire to provide others with similar tools – initially with small courses, later with a growing team and a clear goal: to make NLP accessible to everyone.
What challenges were there in the early years?
The first years were marked by setbacks, financial difficulties, and unreliable business partners. Stefan Landsiedel had to start over repeatedly, improvise, and find creative solutions. Despite all the difficulties, he remained persistent – and this perseverance later became a success factor.
How has the marketing of Landsiedel NLP evolved?
In the pre-internet era, Stefan relied on classic direct marketing: flyers, posters, collaborations, and personal recommendations. With the advent of the internet, he recognized the potential of the online world early on. By providing freely accessible content, SEO, and content marketing, he built the institute into a well-known brand – an approach that was revolutionary at the time.
Why was the decision to share knowledge online for free so important?
The step to make seminar materials freely available was a turning point. Instead of withholding knowledge, Stefan opted for transparency and trust. This generosity led to enormous reach, increased credibility, and created long-term customer relationships – a principle that continues to contribute to the institute's success today.
What key lessons does Stefan Landsiedel draw from his path to success?
His most important message is: "Keep going – even if it takes a long time." Success comes from perseverance, learning from setbacks, and the willingness to try new things. Every small step counts, and those who consistently work with passion will see long-term results – in business as well as in life.
What advice does Stefan give to aspiring coaches and trainers?
Stefan recommends trying out many ideas, gaining experience, and not giving up too soon. Those who work with passion, discipline, and genuine interest in people will find their way. His motto: "Sow many seeds – the harvest comes when the time is right."