This year we are taking a deeper dive into tools, resources and approaches for group coaching processes.
Today's post zooms into 10 Program Design Tools you'll want to consider as you pull together pre-work, session materials and follow up. Keep in mind, depending on the type of group or team conversation you are having, you may not need to bring anything more than questions! The more we get into more on-demand programming (i.e. video-based courses, the more we will find ourselves in the realm of needing these tools). In a pure coaching process, they may be more supplementary than anything else.
Here are 10 you may want to explore to see how they can support your programming in this upcoming year:
#1 - Canva - Creating a brand around your program is a key part of program design. What are the colors you want to use? What are the adjectives which describe your program? For those more graphic design inclined, you may choose to turn to canva for some of your branding work, and also social media posts. We'll be exploring BRAND in greater depth in the 60 Day Coaching Business Builder Accelerator which starts on January 1st! I hope you'll join us!
#2 - Unsplash - Visuals are powerful. Whether you are creating your own visual deck (like our newest member of the Conversation Sparker family - the Journaling Conversation Sparker), or you are incorporating images into your slides, you'll want to make sure you have a set of photographs that are commercially allowable, and impactful. Unsplash is a wonderful portal where photographers share some of their best work. Check it out.
#3 - MindMaps - Since before I started my business in 2004 I have been using MindMaps as a design tool. I believe I first encountered them years ago in 2000 at an ASTD TechKnowledge Conference in the early days of e-learning. MindMaps help us capture all our ideas in one space. Be sure to date them and don't overwrite! Create a new version with a new date rather than delete. You never know what magic you'll uncover when you look at it again. MindMapping can be as simple as a handwritten version, or as sophisticated as one using COGGLE - one of the apps I've started using this fall for my own program design.
#4 - Trello - For all stages of design Trello is a great tool. From laying things out to compartmentalizing content, explore what is has to offer to you and your clients.
#5 - Designers - Fiverr, Upwork, 99 Designs - We likely will need to turn to a professional designer at some stage. Whether we want a customized Slide Deck, someone to make our work look nicer, or simply someone who can help us check certain items off the list, check out these websites for freelancers who can help you.
#6 - Loom - Want a personalized video to welcome people? Want to do a walkthrough of your site. Just as I've done with this short video talking about the Coaching Biz Growth Lab (an annual group focused on business development which I offer for coaches) Loom provides a quick and fast way to create a specialized video message.
#7 - Zoom - Most coaches are probably well versed with the basics of zoom if you are working in the virtual space. I love taking a deeper dive in the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program around creating engaging and interactive virtual conversations. That program starts again in January and is being renewed for 8.5CCES, based on my 2017 book, Effective Virtual Conversations. As a business, we have used zoom as our platform now for 5-6 years. I couldn't run my business without it!
#8 - An online learning platform - Whether you use Kujabi, Teachable or Thinkific, having your own private online learning platform can systematize materials for people to access. For years I've had many programs over at Teachable, including the Learning Lab and Design Studio, an annual group I host around group and team program issues. The nice thing about it is how it grows with time.
#9 - Mighty Networks - Early this year I shifted our online community over to Mighty Networks and started the Conversation Sparker Zone. It includes a public community space for people who are interested in connecting around coaching, business development, virtual conversations AND I also am able to use it as a private discussion channel for many of the groups I work with throughout the year (you won't see these). I hope you'll join us there for discussion and dialogue!
#10 - Dropbox - From file sharing with collaborators to housing call recordings, dropbox can be an important extension of your business.
What are the elements you would like to add to your toolkit for the new year? What action could you take today to add on ONE thing to your toolkit to set your work, and groups, up for success next year?
Enjoy the exploration! We'll be taking a deeper look at many of these design tools in the 60 Day Coaching Business Builder Accelerator as we spend several weeks on helping you design out, or tweak, your offerings. We kick off on January 1st for 60 days of action. Early bird rate in effect until Monday December 23rd. Click on over now and reserve your spot (1, 2 and 3 installment payments available).
Thanks for joining us for this Countdown to 2020 tip! Share with us one of your favorite resources over at the Conversation Sparker Zone.
Best wishes,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton - GroupCoachingEssentials | Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com
If you are looking for coaching skills development through CCE approved programs - I’ll be kicking off the first Group CoachingEssentials CCE approved program on Friday January 10th at 1015 am ET. This 8.75 CCE program also includes weekly 1-1 time with me (15 min each week). Is 2020 your year to get your groups going or expand the number of groups you are doing? Whether you are new to group coaching or stepping into your next year, there’s always something to learn – I hope you’ll join us. Reserve your spot here.
Also starting in January are two groups of the Virtual Facilitation Essentials - a Friday group and a Monday group. If you want to see many of these tools in practice, and get experience in using them. Consider joining us for this virtual train-the-trainer OR reserve your spot for the 60Day Accelerator.
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