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

August's Program Line-Up from Potentials Realized

Summer is a great time to refuel yourself, and get prepared for the fall -- and hopefully the offering of a number of new programs for your own business. Here are a couple of programs I will be offering in August to get you prepared for a successful fall:

Group Coaching Essentials:
Wednesdays 8-9:15 pm (Eastern): August 6, 13, 20 and 27th (3 spots still remain)
The ever popular group coaching teleseminar returns this month. If you are looking to launch your own group coaching program later this year and want to learn the A through Z of designing, marketing and implementing your own program, then join me and a small group of coaches for this 2 month program. You'll receive tools, templates and exercises for group programs - whether you are going to deliver it in person, by phone, for individuals or corporations. A fifth call will be scheduled for late Setpember/early October. The program includes the 5x75 minute calls, an 85 page Manual (delivered as e-modules), and pre-and post course 1-1 calls with me.

Cost: $250 US. Click here to register or for more information.

Here's what a recent particiant has said about her experience:"The Group Coaching Essentials programme helped me to focus both on the short term nuts and bolts and the long term vision for my group coaching course. Jennifer was inspiring and very practical. Over the 2 months of the course I went from having nothing more than the idea that I wanted to coach, to having 12 individual clients and my first course in place. The course delivers a huge impact in a surprisingly short space of time."
- Dr Judith Mohring: Claritus Coaching and Consulting, UK

Group Program Design Virtual Intensive
Monday August 18 and 25: 7-10 pm Eastern both evenings
Have lots of ideas for your next group program but need the time and a structure to create it? Join me for a six hour virtual retreat, held over the course of two evenings, where you will be guided through a series of structured individual and group exercises to make leading to the design of your next program. Past participants have developed their program outline, learner guides/manuals, web pages, and exercises for upcoming workshops, retreats and group coaching programs. You'll receive a pre call with me, a group follow-up call and a 60 page retreat manual which includes lots of follow up resources.
For more info, or to register, click here.
Cost: $125 US

90 Day BizSuccess Group Coaching Program:
Starts Friday September 19th from 11 - 12 noon (Eastern)
Especially designed for small business owners - particularly coaches, trainers and other service providers - the 90 Day BizSuccess program takes a group coaching approach to growing your business. Benefit from the strcture, community and accountability this program will offer. We meet twice a month as a group for this one hour call. You'll also receive three times a week BizTips to your mailbox. This program will be of interest to business owners in the start up, and growth, phases. Click here for more information, including group call dates.

Early bird rates are also still on for two of our in-person fall programs:

Group Coaching Essentials Intensive: Toronto: October 3 and 4, 2008 (For Coaches)
Group Program Faciltation Intensive: Toronto: November 1 and 2, 2008

The Group Coaching Ins and Outs Newlsetter went out today with these announcements, as well as two articles - 10 Reasons to Retreat Virtually, and 5 Essential Components for High Impact Group Programs. If you are not a subscriber to the Ins and Outs Newsletter and would like to, please sign up at the Group Coaching Essentials website. Note the newsletter is different than receiving blog subsciptions through Feedblitz.

I look forward to continuing to act as a resource for you!

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll free: 1-866-217-1960

20 Ideas for Filling Your Group Coaching, Workshops and Retreats

20 Ideas for Filling Your Group Programs
Copyright 2008 - Jennifer Britton Potentials Realized

(Originally Published in the May 2008 Group Program Nuggets Ezine)

Marketing continues to be forefront on the minds of many coaches and business owners who I am in contact with. We can have the best program designs, yet if no one is attending our group programs are simply only a good idea.

Here are 20 ideas to spark some thinking about how you may want to apporach marketing for your next group program, or even marketing in general for your business. Some of these are short term activities and others are longer-term strategies. They are all things that I have tried in my business and have seen results with.

Start a blog on issues related to the program topics
Undertake speaking engagements
Know Your Audience
Join a professional association
Host a Podcast
Develop a monthly e-zine
Write articles on topics you are knowledgable about, passionate about or are related to your group program
Develop postcards for your business (Vistaprint.com)
Partner/Collaborate with others on a Joint Venture
Ask for referrals from past participants, colleagues and others who know you
Donate a prize for a silent auction
Develop a White Paper for your industry
Develop a free e-course
Write a book
Review your business vision regularly
Refer to your business plan regularly
Update your business plan/marketing plan/marketing vision on a regular basis
Build strategic relationships
offer a regular complimentary teleseminar program on a regular basis on a topic related to your group program
Send out handwritten notes along with your program notice by mail to those in your network

Activity:
1. Create a Mindmap on marketing ideas for your group programs OR busines
2. Select 3-5 to focus on in the next month
3. Create SMART goals for each one of these focus areas
4. Follow the 1% rule - Imagine if you took action to make a 1% change in action towards any of your goals on a daily basis. What sort of movement forward would you see in a month? Ask yourself on a daily basis: What is the 1% change/action I can take today.
5. Keep track of what's working, and what's not over the short and long term. Remember that many of these marketing activities are like planting seeds and may require ongoing attention/focus as well as time before they sprout.


If you'd like even more ideas, feel free to email me for a free resource article: 101+ Marketing Ideas, designed to spark your creativity when it comes to filling your group programs and business pipeline. To receive your own copy email me at jennifer@potentialsrealized.com with 101+ Marketing Ideas in the subject line. If you are looking to dig deeper on the topic contact me to see if one of my individual, mentor or group coaching programs may support you.

Have a great week,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

PS - We've got a new date for the August Group Coaching Essentials (Wednesdays from 8-9:15 pm EST starting on August 6th and running for five sessions). Click on over to register!

Join me on Thursday July 24th from 3 - 4 pm (ET) when I speak on Tips for Group Coaching to the Career Coaching Community at the Co-Active Network. Visit the calendar at www.coactivenetwork.com for more info.

Mid Year Booster Shot - How Are your Programs Coming

The summer can be a wonderful time for reflecting on how your group programs are coming, and making any necessary adjustments for the fall. It's also a great time to get some new programs up and launched.

Last week, while I was away on vacation, I took some time reviewing several of my programs -- making some "big picture" notes on changes for year end.

Mid-year is also a great time to revisit some of the key principles of program design and implementation. If you haven't listened to it yet - I would invite you to listen (or relisten) to a call I did earlier this year entitled "Make Your Group Programs Great for 2008". The call includes 8 Tips for Making Your Next Group Program Great. You can listen to the 1 hour recording here.

I'll also be speaking later this month (July 24th from 3 - 4 pm Eastern) to the Career Coaching Community of the Coactive Network on Tips for Group Coaching. You can visit the calendar at www.coactivenetwork.com for more information or to register

I hope that you enjoy listening to the Make Your Group Programs Great for 2008. What is your favorite tip?

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Potentials Realized
Email: info{At}potentialsrealized{dot}com