Our Winter 2007 Program Line-up has just been announced. I'm very excited to be offering a number of new and our tried and most popular programs over the coming months. You can view the entire line-up here.
Our programs over the coming months will include:
A Holiday Virtual Retreat - December 9/06 from 10 - 3 pm (EST) --Note the Early Bird special ends November 30th. This is a virtual retreat and will be held by phone -- so treat yourself!
Group Coaching Essentials - Tuesdays 1-2 pm(EST) on Jan. 9. 16. 23. and 30 (call on 30thwill be from 10:45-12 noon)
Workshop and Retreat Essentials (TEC) - Wednesdays 10:45 - 12 noon (EST) - Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb 7/07
The 90 Day Biz Success Program - Mondays 7-8 pm (EST) with group calls held on Jan 8, 22, Feb 5, 19, March 5, 19 and our celebration call on April 2/07. This program also includes one 30 minute individual coaching session per month.
The 90 Day Your Balanced Life Program - Tuesdays 8-9 pm (EST) with group calls held on January 9, 23. Feb 6, 20, March 6, 20 and our celebration call on April 3/07. This program also includes one 30 minute individual coaching session/month.
I hope that you will consider joining me for one of these programs in the coming months. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
If you are looking for resources, we've just launched a new online bookstore in collaboration with Amazon. It contains a number of my favorite resources for group program development, design and business. It is going to be an organic site, with titles added regularly. If you have any suggestions of addtional resources you would like to see there, please comment! You can access the link to the "bookstore" in the Links column on the right.
With best wishes,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
http://www.groupcoachingessentials.com
Email: jennifer@potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Marketing Success for Your Group Programs
I am in the process right now of setting my 2007 group coaching, workshop and retreat programs. Have you started thinking about what you are going to be offering next year?
Marketing is a critical component of group program success -- even with the best program it won't be a success without participants.
If you are wanting to launch a new program in early 2007, now is the time to turn some of your attention to marketing. Here are a few things to consider as you move forward with your marketing efforts:
1. Know Your Audience - The way you market your program - when, where and how - really comes down to Knowing Your Audience. Marketing a corporate program is going to have a very different approach than a public program. For tips on getting to know your audience, email me for a complimentary copy of the Group Coaching Client Assessment. Your client base will inform everything from when, where and how you offer your program, to how much you charge, to the topics which are covered.
2. Develop a marketing strategy -- Do you have a marketing plan, budget and strategy in place? If not, now is the time to start. What concrete action steps will you take? How will you let people know about your program? What budget do you have available?
3. Persevere - Marketing is about consistent effort. We are bombarded on a daily basis with up to 5000 marketing messages from large and small companies. It may take a consumer 7-11 exposures with your message before they decide to buy. How can you get your message out continuously?
4. Timing - I often get asked about when you should start marketing. Take a look at your participant base -- do they tend to get booked months in advance or are they a last minute shopper who can attend programs with short notice? If you are looking to launch a program for the new year, now is a great time to start marketing -- prior to the deluge of other holiday messages. You may also want to take the opportunity to send out special notices to people you know along with any holiday greetings. Continue with your marketing efforts right up until the start of your program (but don't make this an excuse to delay starting your marketing now). I am often amazed at how many last minute registrants I will get. Note that last minute registration for an in person program is often less than last minute for a phone-based program.
5. Systematize - Make marketing easy for yourself. Pieces that you will want to consider having in place are the following:
Marketing is a critical component of group program success -- even with the best program it won't be a success without participants.
If you are wanting to launch a new program in early 2007, now is the time to turn some of your attention to marketing. Here are a few things to consider as you move forward with your marketing efforts:
1. Know Your Audience - The way you market your program - when, where and how - really comes down to Knowing Your Audience. Marketing a corporate program is going to have a very different approach than a public program. For tips on getting to know your audience, email me for a complimentary copy of the Group Coaching Client Assessment. Your client base will inform everything from when, where and how you offer your program, to how much you charge, to the topics which are covered.
2. Develop a marketing strategy -- Do you have a marketing plan, budget and strategy in place? If not, now is the time to start. What concrete action steps will you take? How will you let people know about your program? What budget do you have available?
3. Persevere - Marketing is about consistent effort. We are bombarded on a daily basis with up to 5000 marketing messages from large and small companies. It may take a consumer 7-11 exposures with your message before they decide to buy. How can you get your message out continuously?
4. Timing - I often get asked about when you should start marketing. Take a look at your participant base -- do they tend to get booked months in advance or are they a last minute shopper who can attend programs with short notice? If you are looking to launch a program for the new year, now is a great time to start marketing -- prior to the deluge of other holiday messages. You may also want to take the opportunity to send out special notices to people you know along with any holiday greetings. Continue with your marketing efforts right up until the start of your program (but don't make this an excuse to delay starting your marketing now). I am often amazed at how many last minute registrants I will get. Note that last minute registration for an in person program is often less than last minute for a phone-based program.
5. Systematize - Make marketing easy for yourself. Pieces that you will want to consider having in place are the following:
- Program overview -- including venue, dates, times, what's included, and most importantly, what are the benefits for the participants in taking your program
- Registration forms -- online or other
- Payment options - how will you receive payment? Do you have credit facilitites in place?
- How do you want to get the message out -- ezine? blog? word of mouth?
- Referral Networks - who else can help you get the message out?
5. Build Relationships with prospects: Research shows that people buy from those who they trust. How well do your potential clients know you? What do you have to support them in their goals?
6. Make it Consistent - How can marketing become a part of your everyday work? Marketing requires consistent effort. I often use the metaphor of a snowball -- once it gains enough momentum, it can take on a life of its' own. Ask yourself what are five things I can do this week to move my marketing efforts forward? These don't all have to be big - consistent effort is the key.
Keep these strategies in mind as you move forward with your 2007 marketing efforts.
Are there some marketing success strategies you would like to share? Please feel free to comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized/ Group Coaching Essentials
For those interested, I am offering a 2007 Marketing Tune Up for Your Group Programs. This includes two 30 minute sessions with me by phone, to work on your marketing plan, budget, strategy or message. I will have 5 tune ups available until December 20th at $145 USD/each ($30 off my regular rate). Is it time for your tune up? To book your marketing tune up please contact me toll free at 1-866-217-1960 or by email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Conference Roundups - ICF and CSTD 2006
I'm finally back in the office settling down after a week and a half away at both the ICF and CSTD Conferences. I got back to work on Thursday with the launch of this month's Group Coaching Essentials program - the last for 2006.
I have received a number of requests for 2007 dates which will be out soon (hopefully by the end of the week). In addition to our monthly teleseminar programs (Group Coaching Essentials and Training Essentials), I will continue to offer shorter 1.5 hour teleseminar programs on topics relevant for group coaches and trainers. I will also be holding a number of in-person training programs in 2007 here in the Toronto area -- more information to follow. I will also continue to facilitate a number of retreat programs, focusing on creating the space for you to develop your group programs.
There are only two days left for the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups E-Manual special which ends of November 15th. If you are looking for additional group exercises to fill up your back pocket with, this manual can support you. Special pricing of $19.95 USD/$21.90 Cdn is in effect until Wednesday evening. Click here for more details.
Both conferences provided lots of information and useful resources which I will be blogging about in weeks and months to come.
I would also like to hear from you as to what will be most useful in moving your work with groups and teams forward. What topics would you like me to be blogging about? Please use the comment link below or email me directly at jennifer [at]potentialsrealized[dot]com.
If I had to highlight three key themes from both conferences I would include:
Speak with you soon,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPT, CHRP, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Web: www.potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
email: jennifer[at]potentialsrealized[dot]com
I have received a number of requests for 2007 dates which will be out soon (hopefully by the end of the week). In addition to our monthly teleseminar programs (Group Coaching Essentials and Training Essentials), I will continue to offer shorter 1.5 hour teleseminar programs on topics relevant for group coaches and trainers. I will also be holding a number of in-person training programs in 2007 here in the Toronto area -- more information to follow. I will also continue to facilitate a number of retreat programs, focusing on creating the space for you to develop your group programs.
There are only two days left for the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups E-Manual special which ends of November 15th. If you are looking for additional group exercises to fill up your back pocket with, this manual can support you. Special pricing of $19.95 USD/$21.90 Cdn is in effect until Wednesday evening. Click here for more details.
Both conferences provided lots of information and useful resources which I will be blogging about in weeks and months to come.
I would also like to hear from you as to what will be most useful in moving your work with groups and teams forward. What topics would you like me to be blogging about? Please use the comment link below or email me directly at jennifer [at]potentialsrealized[dot]com.
If I had to highlight three key themes from both conferences I would include:
- The need for coaches and trainers to be able to speak "the business language" to corporations, and to communicate our results in the same way. How would you rate yourself on business knowledge? Tony Bingham, President and CEO of ASTD, spoke to us at the CSTD conference on Wednesday and brought this message home powerfully. Do you know how to communicate with financial indicators and other business metrics?
- The importance of creating integrated solutions for clients. Are you offering what your clients want? Is coaching or training always the answer? How can you further develop your complimentary skills (facilitation, training, coaching) to provide more holistic solutions with greater results for clients?If you are an internal coach, what would external coaches bring to your program. Likewise, if you work as an external coach, how can you partner with internal coaches?
- Lead from the edge. Guy Kawasaki talked to the ICF Conference about being able to jump the curve. What is the edge in the work you are creating? Are you following trends or are you leading them?
Speak with you soon,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPT, CHRP, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Web: www.potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
email: jennifer[at]potentialsrealized[dot]com
Monday, November 06, 2006
ICF Conference Buzz
It's been a busy past couple of weeks, and I'm popping in between two amazing conferences. I arrived back home last week after spending five days soaking up the tremendous energy, enthusiasm and knowledge from coaches at the 2006 ICF Annual Conference in St. Louis. It was a phenomenal week -- 1300 coaches in attendance from over 32 countries.
I'm hoping to do a longer conference brief later on, but here are some of the intial highlights that stood out for me:
Guy Kawasaki talked to us on Friday on the Art of Innovation -- as a former software envangelist for Apple, his messages were great!
Andrea Lee on Coaching Electric -- gave some great tips on coaches who are walking the talk and expanding their business through technology. For those of you who work with entrepreneurs or professionals leaving the corproate sector you may want to check out Escape from Cubicle Nation
Lynne Twist - The Soul of Money -- an inspirational and provocative presentation on our relationship with money. An excellent book for either you or your clients. Like myself, Lynne worked globally for many years, and her stories really touched my heart.
There's so much more to share, however, I am getting ready for another two days of conference. Tomorrow, I will be speaking at the Canadian Society for Training and Development Annual Conference on Retreats that Engage and Stay! I'm looking forward to it and connecting with other Canadian professionals in the learning domain.
I'll be back later this week with many more highlights from both events. Speak with you then! If you were at the ICF Conference, what were your highlights? Feel free to comment using the link below.
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
The Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar program starts on Thursday at 10:45 - 12 noon (EST). We'll be meeting on November 9, 16, 30 and December 7th. Are you ready to launch your programs for January? I'd love to have you join us! There's still time to register -- email me at jennifer [at]potentialsrealized[dot]com.
I'm hoping to do a longer conference brief later on, but here are some of the intial highlights that stood out for me:
Guy Kawasaki talked to us on Friday on the Art of Innovation -- as a former software envangelist for Apple, his messages were great!
Andrea Lee on Coaching Electric -- gave some great tips on coaches who are walking the talk and expanding their business through technology. For those of you who work with entrepreneurs or professionals leaving the corproate sector you may want to check out Escape from Cubicle Nation
Lynne Twist - The Soul of Money -- an inspirational and provocative presentation on our relationship with money. An excellent book for either you or your clients. Like myself, Lynne worked globally for many years, and her stories really touched my heart.
There's so much more to share, however, I am getting ready for another two days of conference. Tomorrow, I will be speaking at the Canadian Society for Training and Development Annual Conference on Retreats that Engage and Stay! I'm looking forward to it and connecting with other Canadian professionals in the learning domain.
I'll be back later this week with many more highlights from both events. Speak with you then! If you were at the ICF Conference, what were your highlights? Feel free to comment using the link below.
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
The Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar program starts on Thursday at 10:45 - 12 noon (EST). We'll be meeting on November 9, 16, 30 and December 7th. Are you ready to launch your programs for January? I'd love to have you join us! There's still time to register -- email me at jennifer [at]potentialsrealized[dot]com.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Less Is Definitely More
Time and time again through my own programs, and hearing about coaches and trainers speak about theirs, I am reminded that Less is Definitely More when it comes to group coaching or any other type of group program. Back in March I wrote about the 80/20 rule , which I wanted to resurrect again (unfortunately due to Blogger's capabilities it is now buried in the archives).
In short, the 80/20 rule encourages you to take a look at your overall content for a group coaching program, and to carve out and put aside at least 20% of your content. This material can become part of a follow-up program for that group of participants, or part of another product (for example, an e-course or a retreat program).
Think back to recent group programs you have run. Where would you rate your amount of content? Too much, too little, just right? What's the impact on the group when you have too much content? Overwhelm? Lack of time to really dig into the topics? Lack of engagement because too much is being covered?
My request this week is to ask you to take a look at what you are going to cover in an upcoming program. Apply the 80/20 rule and see what the impact is on the group you are working with! I'd love to hear your experience with the 80/20 rule - feel free to comment.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Web: www.groupcoachingessentials.com
Email: jennifer@potentialsrealized.com
The next Group Coaching Essentials program starts in a few weeks! We will be meeting on Thursdays from 10:45 - 12 noon (EST) on November 9, 16, 23, 30th. This will be the last program for the year. Are you ready to launch your group coaching programs in January? Reserve your spot today.
In short, the 80/20 rule encourages you to take a look at your overall content for a group coaching program, and to carve out and put aside at least 20% of your content. This material can become part of a follow-up program for that group of participants, or part of another product (for example, an e-course or a retreat program).
Think back to recent group programs you have run. Where would you rate your amount of content? Too much, too little, just right? What's the impact on the group when you have too much content? Overwhelm? Lack of time to really dig into the topics? Lack of engagement because too much is being covered?
My request this week is to ask you to take a look at what you are going to cover in an upcoming program. Apply the 80/20 rule and see what the impact is on the group you are working with! I'd love to hear your experience with the 80/20 rule - feel free to comment.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Web: www.groupcoachingessentials.com
Email: jennifer@potentialsrealized.com
The next Group Coaching Essentials program starts in a few weeks! We will be meeting on Thursdays from 10:45 - 12 noon (EST) on November 9, 16, 23, 30th. This will be the last program for the year. Are you ready to launch your group coaching programs in January? Reserve your spot today.
Monday, October 16, 2006
The Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups Manual
It is hard to believe how quickly a year flies! Eighteen months ago, I launched the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups Manual. It is designed to support coaches, trainers and other professionals who work with teams and groups.
The 60 page manual, available in both Electronic and Binder Copy Editions, includes twenty-five participatory and engaging exercises to use with teams and groups during workshops or retreats. Many of these exercises can also be used for your participants in group coaching programs. Exercises include Values, My Vison, Partner Introductions, and Next Steps.
The manual is divided into five sections:
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
www.groupcoachingessentials.com www.potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Phone: 416-491-9680
The 60 page manual, available in both Electronic and Binder Copy Editions, includes twenty-five participatory and engaging exercises to use with teams and groups during workshops or retreats. Many of these exercises can also be used for your participants in group coaching programs. Exercises include Values, My Vison, Partner Introductions, and Next Steps.
The manual is divided into five sections:
- an introductory section with information on group process, why activities are important;
- icebreakers and activities to start off sessions;
- exercises you can to use at any time;
- closure activities;
- and a comprehensive resource section.
The resource section includes a workshop planning checklist, a workshop planning matrix, a workshop design matrix and the workshop design template, along with many other resources.
Until November 15th you can order the electronic copy of the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups Manual and save 20%. Regularly priced at $24.95 USD/26.95 Canadian the special pricing is $19.95US or $21.50 Cdn. The manual will be sent to you via PDF file. Payments are accepted by Visa, and orders can be placed by sending an email to: jennifer@potentialsrealized.com or by calling us toll free at 1-866-217-1960. Faxed orders can be sent to 1-866-217-1960.
This is a perfect addition to your group program library. For more information please visit Group Coaching Essentials or the Potentials Realized website for an overview of the manual, or download an order form here.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
www.groupcoachingessentials.com www.potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Phone: 416-491-9680
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
More resources for group work
I must admit that I didn't get back with my promised posting last week -- it seems as though just as quickly as the leaves are starting to fall from the trees, a number of new corporate and group clients are starting to arrive at my doorstep. Isn't it amazing how the metaphor of seasonal change can bring so much richness?
I received a wonderful new book on games last week from ASTD (www.astd.org). I often speak to coaches about what a great resource ASTD is (as is CSTD - the Canadian Society for Training and Development). If you are looking for resources and information on learning and development, and working with teams and groups, ASTD is an organization you must connect with. The have fantastic chapters across the US that you can get involved with, as well as a strong international network. Their annual international conference (usually held in May/June) is chock full of information. They also hold an annual E-Learning Conference - TechKnowledge in the early part of the year. Their early bird registration deadline is coming up soon, so if E-learning is an area you want to start to play in and prehaps Las Vegas is a place you want to visit, you may want to consider attending the TechKnowledge conference. I attended back in 2003 and took away some amazing new knowledge and skills.
Steve Sugar and Jennifer Whitcomb have put out a great new book called Training Games which includes a lot of how tos, some exercises and a lot of information on how to select the right exercise or game for different groups. You can check it out further at ASTD's online store: http://store.astd.org. Special discounts apply for ASTD members (and if you aren't one yet, it's a great investment).
One of the topics I speak alot about is the skill sets needed by group coaches. As trained coaches to do 1-1 work we already bring a great toolkit and have many, many tools to use in group contexts. However, I do believe that anyone working with groups as a coach should also have a solid understanding in group development, group facilitation skills, and knowledge of adult and experiential education principles. If you are looking to add these skills and knowledge, or brush up on them, consider some of the programs and conferences held by ASTD.
On the topic of conferences, we are less than a month away from the ICF Conference in St. Louis (November 1-4). I am so looking forward to seeing so many friends and colleagues in person, many of whom I will finally be putting a face to a voice. Will you be there? I'd love to hear if you will be there and would love to connect in person!
Warmly,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, CPCC, CHRP
Potentials Realized
http://www.groupcoachingessentials.com and www.potentialsrealized.com
Email: jennifer@potentialsrealized.com
I received a wonderful new book on games last week from ASTD (www.astd.org). I often speak to coaches about what a great resource ASTD is (as is CSTD - the Canadian Society for Training and Development). If you are looking for resources and information on learning and development, and working with teams and groups, ASTD is an organization you must connect with. The have fantastic chapters across the US that you can get involved with, as well as a strong international network. Their annual international conference (usually held in May/June) is chock full of information. They also hold an annual E-Learning Conference - TechKnowledge in the early part of the year. Their early bird registration deadline is coming up soon, so if E-learning is an area you want to start to play in and prehaps Las Vegas is a place you want to visit, you may want to consider attending the TechKnowledge conference. I attended back in 2003 and took away some amazing new knowledge and skills.
Steve Sugar and Jennifer Whitcomb have put out a great new book called Training Games which includes a lot of how tos, some exercises and a lot of information on how to select the right exercise or game for different groups. You can check it out further at ASTD's online store: http://store.astd.org. Special discounts apply for ASTD members (and if you aren't one yet, it's a great investment).
One of the topics I speak alot about is the skill sets needed by group coaches. As trained coaches to do 1-1 work we already bring a great toolkit and have many, many tools to use in group contexts. However, I do believe that anyone working with groups as a coach should also have a solid understanding in group development, group facilitation skills, and knowledge of adult and experiential education principles. If you are looking to add these skills and knowledge, or brush up on them, consider some of the programs and conferences held by ASTD.
On the topic of conferences, we are less than a month away from the ICF Conference in St. Louis (November 1-4). I am so looking forward to seeing so many friends and colleagues in person, many of whom I will finally be putting a face to a voice. Will you be there? I'd love to hear if you will be there and would love to connect in person!
Warmly,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, CPCC, CHRP
Potentials Realized
http://www.groupcoachingessentials.com and www.potentialsrealized.com
Email: jennifer@potentialsrealized.com
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