5 Essential Coponents of High Impact Group Programs

5 Essential Components of High Impact Group Programs
Copyright 2008 - Jennifer Britton.

I often get asked about some essential components for a high impact group program. Today I wanted to share with you 5 components which I see as essential for any group program - whether it is a workshop, retreat or group coaching program.

Group Ground Rules/Ways of Working
Whether you call them ground rules, ways of working, or terms of engagement, it is important to facilitate a discussion at the start of any group program as to how the group wants to work together. As participants offer suggestions, write these down on a flipchart (or have participants write them down intheir manuals for virtual (phone based programs). I always like to ensure that the following are included on the lists:- Start and End on Time- Respect of Others Opinions and Experiences- Confidentiality (for Group Coaching programs)- Playing Fully through the process

Exercises
Engaging exercises make the difference between a good program and a great one! Is it time to stock up on some new exercises? Consider doing some web based research, investing in some new material from ASTD or Wiley publishers, or even the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups E-Manual.

Materials for Participants
I am a real advocate for providing written materials - a handout or manual - for participants/learners in every program I run. Not only is it an important takeaway, remember that 60% of adults are predominantly visual learners. This is particularly important for phone based programs where written materials on a call, interspersed by short exercises can help to keep partipants engaged.

Exercises between sessions
What work have you assigned between sessions to help participants deepen their learning or expand their understanding? In coaching we often say that the real work happens between coaching sessions, when the client starts to explore and apply what we have discussed in our session. What exercises are you providing between sessions to help deepen their learning or expand their awareness? What exercises can you create to support them in taking action and making change?

Evaluation
Don't forget to get feedback in the moment and after sessions so you can continue to improve your programs and participant experiences.

Question: What steps will you take to ensure these 5 essential components are in your next program?

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Email: jennifer{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Last Group Coaching Essentials program of the year starts on Thursday November 6th from 8-9:15 pm (ET). Calls held Nov 6, 20, Dec 4 and 11/08 plus 5th call in early Jan

90 Day BizSuccess Group Coaching Program starts October 17

I am receiving a lot of interest from coaches, trainers and other service based business owners for a business development group coaching program I have been offering since late 2006. Entitled the 90 Day BizSuccess Program this program is designed for new and experienced business owners who are looking for a supportive, action-oriented group coaching program to intentionally focus on their business development.

This 3 month program includes:

• 7x 1 hour group coaching calls with a maximum of 8 participants (Fridays from 11 - 12 noon Eastern, 8-9am Pacific) over a 3 month period
• Bi-weekly modules delivered full of tools, resources and exercises to grow your business
• 36 E-Biz Tips delivered to your mailbox 3 times a week for the program length
• 15 minute lazer coaching 1-1 session with me on a monthly basis at no extra cost!

During the three months of the program you will:

• Create Your Business RoadMap: Develop or refine your business vision
• Explore your unique strengths and abilities as a business person, identifying areas for leverage and competitive advantage
• Get clear on your niche (or niches) - Who are your clients? Who do you serve?
• Identify what unique products and services you offer and how this sets you apart from other providers
• Explore Your Web: Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with other business owners and service providers
• Develop your marketing strategy and budget
• Investigate how your business can leverage technology and social media to build their client base and increase sales through an introduction to blogs, podcasts and other platforms
• Develop a concrete business action plan for the next year
• One session will be dedicated to additional topics that matter most to participants

Cost: $347 for the 3 month program.

There are still 4 spaces remaining in the program. To register and reserve your spot you can visit us online or contact me directly by email/phone at jennifer(AT)potentialsrealized(dot)com/ 1-866-217-1960 (toll free across N.America). Curious about how the program may benefit you? Please give me a call.

If you haven't seen this side of my work yet -- please check out some of the business coaching work I've done over the years - including developing the publication "Starting Your Own Business - A Guide for Women in York Region" (2006) and the Succession Planning Webinar Series early this year.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Warm wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

In the Spotlight - Marcy Nelson-Garrison and Bill Silverman

In the Spotlight

Starting this month I am excited to be offering a new column called - In the Spotlight. These posts will be highlighting some of the work alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program are taking out into the world.

As group coaching becomes an increasingly popular offering, more and more coaches are adding it to their service offerings. This month I am pleased to spotlight the work of two coaches and alumni-- Marcy Nelson-Garrison of CoachingToys, and Bill Silverman, CPCC. You may even be interested in attending their programs, or prehaps passing on this info to some of your clients.

Bill Silverman
Jump Start to a Career You Love

Bill's program is for mid-career folks who are stuck in a career they no longer love and want to change careers but are struggling to get their career change into motion. The goal of the “JumpStart” workshop is to help folks overcome inertia and take that all important first step on the path to a career they’ll love.

The workshop will be done by teleconference once a week for 6 weeks. Each session will be 90 minutes long and include experiential activities, coaching and thought-provoking questions and discussion between participants designed to help them get new insights and move forward. Participants will create a compelling career vision, develop strategies to overcome obstacles and commit to a plan to move them forward.

Sessions will be held by phone on Tuesdays from 7-9:00 pm from October 14 - November 18. Cost: $175 . or more information on Bill's program you can contact him directly at 609.313.2291.


Marcy Nelson-Garrison

90 Day Product Intensive Group Coaching Program

Are you sitting on a product idea or ideas?

A colleague of mine is offering a group coaching program designed to help you create products. With today¹s economy anything that can help build credibility, generate additional revenue and give you ways to have a greater impact is worth considering. Plus I know for a fact that Marcy is the expert to go to on this subject.

The 90 Day Product Intensive
With product mentor coach, Marcy Nelson-Garrison MA LP CPCC

You will learn things like; the ingredients of a successful product, how to hire and work with designers, writers and printers, simple steps to conduct your own market research, how to create a prototype, how to price your product, the best online and offline distribution channels and more.

Here's what you get:
Two group sessions per month and a bonus 7th session A 1:1 session with Marcy PER MONTH Three down-loadable products packed with valuable how to information:
The Product Planner, Print Product Basics and Research Basics Access to a private Members Only page where you can get additional resources, handouts, downloads and recordings of the group calls.

The 90 Day Product Intensive begins October 14th (Tuesdays 2-3:15 pm ET)
Early bird pricing is available through Oct 7(Save over $100 per month)
Learn More at: http://www.coachingtoys.com/coachingtoyscoach/90day.html


Inspired by what Marcy and Bill have to offer? Join the growing ranks of coaches who are graduates of the Group Coaching Essentials program. Throughout this two month program you will design and create your own group coaching program. Registration is now open for our last two classes of 2008. Choose from either Mondays from 1-2:15 pm (ET) starting on October 20 or Thursdays from 8-9:15 pm (ET) starting on November 6. Click here for more information and to register.

Warmly,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

email: jennifer{at}potentialsrealized.com

Essential Systems for Group Coaching Programs

I've had a number of emails, discussions and sessions with coaches over the summer who are looking to integrate group coaching more fully into their business. A common question I am hearing more and more these days is "What systems do I need to put into place?".

Great question and one that I wrote about back in December 2006 in a post originally called "Keep it Simple - Systems for Group Programs". Here's a recap of it:

Here are a number of systems you can put into place to facilitate your work and effort with group programs (Workshops, Retreats and Group Coaching):
1. An easy way to accept registrations
2. A list of your upcoming programs that you can quickly refer to (all in one place)
3. Credit Card processing facilities (so you aren't waiting for the check that is in the mail)
4. A list of possible venues for your group programs
5. A selection of bridgelines you can use
6. Recording facilities if needed
7. Course materials and/or modules completed that can be modified and combined for different programs
8. Promo material which can be adpated for new program announcements (e.g. postcards, website, blog, brochure or media kit)
9. A system to track course registration and payment information
10. A system to get the word out quickly to potential participants about your upcoming programs (enewsletter, facilities to post your information electronically, a mailing list)
11. A program/course overview or information package

These are just a few systems you may want to consider developing for your group programs as they evolve. The great thing about many of these tools is that once developed they can be reused every time you run the program, or when you add new ones.

Flash forward to 2008:

Looking back at this post which is almost 2 years old -- the essential systems remain the same. Here are a couple of systems changes I have also noticed recently:

• Leaning in more to referrals as well as blogging, ezines and also post cards to spread the word about my programs
• Continuing to offer Visa merchant services (by phone) in addition to PayPal. It is interesting how many clients want to pay offline, due to online payment experiences.
• Recording calls becoming a much more popular must-have for participants (preferably with an online listening option)
  

Ask yourself:
What systems do you currently have in place that really work for your group coaching?
What one new system would really make a difference with your upcoming programs ?
What new systems would you add to the list?

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to post your comments below.

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960 (Voice Mail)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com

September Program Line-Up

With Labor Day behind us it's a great time to look at kick starting your business, your programs or your skills. here are a few of the programs I will be offering this month:

Group Coaching Essentials -- Designed for Coaches who are looking for tips, tools and techniques to design and implement their own group coaching programs. Throughout the five 75 minute group calls over a 2 month period, you will breathe life into your group coaching vision. This is an interactive, hands on teleclass with maximum group size of 6-8 coaches per session.

Two groups will start this month
Mondays 1-2:15 pm (Eastern): September 15, 22, 29 and October 6 (plus a fifth call set by the group) - 4 spaces remain
Thurdays 7-8:15 pm (Eastern): September 11, 18, 25 and October 2 (plus a fifth call set by the group late Oct/Early Nov) - 3 Spaces Remain -- STARTS THIS WEEK!

Note Pricing will be increasing in October so I hope that you will take advantage of our current pricing of $250 US. The program includes the 5 calls, an 85 page manual, 15 minute lazer coaching sessions during the program, and pre and post course 1-1s with me.

Get Organized Virtual Intensive
Saturday September 27 (10 - 4 pm ET) - by Phone

Ready for some fall cleaning? Do you want to get things in order but haven't created the space or time? Join myself and Organizing Diva and TV personality Hellen Buttigieg by phone for a one day Virtual Intensive on Saturday September 27th (10 - 4 pm Eastern). The day will be a combination of group and individual exercises, equipping you with new tools, ideas and time to get organized! Cost $250. Space is limited -- 5 spaces still remain.
Click here for more information and to register.


90 Day Biz Success Group Coaching Program
Fridays 11 - 12 noon (Eastern)/8-9am (Pacific) starting September 19
Are you a business owner looking for a fun, supportive environment to grow your business within? Join me for a 3 month group coaching program which meets as a group twice a month, providing you with tools, structure and the accountability to grow your business. This program is suitable for service based business owners (coaches, trainers, consultants, speakers, event planner) who are looking to either grow or expand their business. For a complete description click here. Each week has a different focus and topics include: Creating a Powerful Business Vision, Essential Business Systems, Creating a Solid Marketing Strategy (Niche, Marketing Plan, innovative strategies such as blogs, podcasts and social media).

Program cost: $349 US

“Jennifer provided the knowledge, support, motivation and resources I needed to get me back on track and moving in the right direction. Thanks Jennifer!”
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

Click here for more information and to register. Space is limited -- 5 spaces remain.
I look forward to continuing to act as a resource for you.

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

New Group Executive Coaching Survey

A number of subscribers have contacted me to see where they can get a hold of research on group coaching. And - as many of you know, there's just not a lot of information out there. Here's your chance to participate in the creation of some research for our field.

Jacki Nichols of the Air Institute is hosting a survey on Group Executive Coaching until September 30th which will be part of a book the ICF is publishing. You can access the survey here. If you are a coach who undertakes group coaching work -- click on over and complete it today!

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Email: jennifer{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

The Essential Guide to Training Global Audiences

I'm really excited to announce that a book I contributed to has just been published by Pfeiffer. If you are a trainer who works with global audiences, I hope that you will consider picking up your own copy of The Essential Guide to Training Global Audiences. It's been written by LuAnn Irwin and Renie McClay (ISBN: 978-0787996611)

Several of you may know that in my early years as a trainer, I spent 12 years working (and training) globally, primarily across Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe. I worked in the realm of cross cultural training and virtual training, before it gained it's current popularity and necessity.

I hope that you will enjoy the book - I do believe it is a keeper! You'll also find some wonderful tips for working with virtual teams as well as specifics for delivering training in different countries.

Given the number of requests that I am getting from corporate clients, as well as trainers and coaches, keep your eyes open for a new column here on virtual team facilitation tips. This will compliment other tips on virtual teams I provide to managers over at my BizToolkit blog.

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960