The 2006 ASTD State of the Industry preview report has just been released. The information is quite fascintating and includes the following trends:
• $109.25 Billion was spent last year in the US on workplace learning and performance;
• The average number of formal learning hours per employee increased (anywhere from 35 hours – 43 hours);
• The average cost per learning hour fell;
• Globalization is continuing to provide challenge for organizations who want to expand their learning programs;
• Leadership development and Succession planning were the focus of some of the BEST organizations;
• The strategic link between learning and performance is growing.
As a coach or trainer, what is the impact of these trends on your business and work? What new possibilities exist for your work? What current offerings need to be revised?
You can order your copy of the ASTD State of the Industry Report at http://store.astd.org.
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Annual Holiday Call - Join me on Tuesday Dec 12 at 2 pm (EST)
Every year at this time I offer a one hour free call on issues related to group programs. If you are interested in creating your own group program - workshop, retreat or group coaching - in 2007, I hope that you will join me on Tuesday December 19th from 2-3 pm (ET).
This year I will be speaking on general success tips for your group programs. It's guaranteed to be a content rich hour. If you have specific questions related to group programs, I would also be happy to address these on the call -- email me your questions prior to Tuesday.
To reserve your space on the bridgeline, please email me at jennifer[at]potentialsrealized.com.
I look forward to having you on the call!
With best wishes for your group programs,
Jennifer
Group Coaching Essentials
This year I will be speaking on general success tips for your group programs. It's guaranteed to be a content rich hour. If you have specific questions related to group programs, I would also be happy to address these on the call -- email me your questions prior to Tuesday.
To reserve your space on the bridgeline, please email me at jennifer[at]potentialsrealized.com.
I look forward to having you on the call!
With best wishes for your group programs,
Jennifer
Group Coaching Essentials
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Keep It Simple - Systems for Your Group Programs
Have you considered how you can keep the management of your group programs simple for you and your clients.
Keeping it simple for your group programs may involve automating or systematizing different components of your group programs. For example, do you have in place:
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.
December is a wonderful time of year to address some of these systems as we move into the quieter holiday period. What are the top three systems you could develop for your business that would make it easier? What do you need to do to complete these? When will you have them done?
Please comment below regarding others systems you feel could make your group program management simpler, easier and more fun!
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Keeping it simple for your group programs may involve automating or systematizing different components of your group programs. For example, do you have in place:
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.
December is a wonderful time of year to address some of these systems as we move into the quieter holiday period. What are the top three systems you could develop for your business that would make it easier? What do you need to do to complete these? When will you have them done?
Please comment below regarding others systems you feel could make your group program management simpler, easier and more fun!
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Winter 2007 Program Line-up Announced
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
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
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.
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