How to Get Started with Group Coaching (Even if You’re Not an “Expert”!)
Are you excited to try your hand at running a group coaching program? Here’s what you need to take into consideration to learn how to get started with group coaching.
If you’re already in the coaching world, you’re no stranger to the fact that group coaching programs are popping up left and right.
Perhaps you’ve considered dipping your toes in to explore whether or not starting a group coaching program could work for you and your practice.
You do the work you do because you want your clients to make positive changes in their lives. And you help your individual coaching clients do just that each and every day. But something even bigger happens when this work is done in a group. It’s exponentially more compelling when a group offers one another the gift of being seen and heard.
There’s something magical when a small group of people gathers together for a specific purpose to learn, share, and grow together.
The transformations you’re seeing with your individual clients can be even more powerful. If that sounds like the kind of impact you’re ready to make, a group coaching program could be the answer for your coaching practice! This article will show you exactly how to get started in creating a group coaching program that creates lasting change in the hearts and minds of your clients.
WHY Should I Consider Running a Group Coaching Program?
There are many reasons why a group coaching program can be an excellent tool to have in your toolbox. Here are three benefits to adding a group coaching program to your business model:
1. Reconnection with past, present, and future clients
You probably have a list of past clients you loved working with and would love a reason to connect with again, but you don’t have anything new to offer them. A group coaching program gives you a reason to reach out and check-in, or keep the party going with your current coaching clients when your time together is nearing the end!
Past Client Reachout Example: “Hey, how’s it going!? I so enjoyed our time together and loved working with you! I thought of you because I’m launching a new group program that seems right up your alley and would give us an opportunity to be part of one another’s world again! Plus, you can bring a friend along too and help them in their journey as well!”
Current Client Reachout Example: “I love working together and don’t want to see our time together come to an end! If you’d like to keep going, I’m offering a new group program I think you might enjoy! Come check it out! And feel free to invite a friend to help them along in their journey as well!”
The same goes for future clients as they’ve probably been sitting there on your list without saying “Yes!” to working with you one-on-one. A group program may just give them the get-up-and-go they need to start with you and… after experiencing your group coaching program, they’ll be even more likely and excited to work with you 1:1!
A group coaching program is a great way to expand your practice without needing to do a lot of additional marketing to get clients and participants.
2. Group Coaching Programs offer a chance for people to get to know you
One of the many benefits of group coaching for your clients is that it’s a lower entry point for them financially. People have all sorts of reasons for hesitating to work with you and they might want an opportunity to “test the waters” with you before investing fully in your individual coaching packages. Group coaching gives them a chance to dip their toes in more slowly, with a shorter, more clearly defined time frame and easier commitment.
3. You increase your confidence, impact, and reinvigorate the energy in your coaching practice
Group coaching programs have a positive effect on YOU as a coach. You will feel so good about what you’re doing and offering, and increase the impact your work has on your clients. As a big bonus, you get to see the results ripple into your own life as well.
Working in a group can be exhilarating and leave you with a giant smile on your face that only confidence can incite.
There is magic in groups. When a community comes together to work towards their growth, solve problems, and support one another, it’s an amazing thing to witness.
And you will be the coach guiding them every step of the way!
HOW Do I Get Started with Group Coaching Programs in My Practice?
One question we get asked a lot by those just getting started is, “Do I need to be an expert and know the answer to every single question?”
The answer is a resounding NO! You don’t need to be an expert to start a group coaching program and you don’t need to know the answer to every question.
When your clients see you bring your own humanity to the group, they see you struggle just like they do, and it gives them permission to be fully human, making the community you’re creating together even tighter!
It’s your own experiences, your humanity, and your desire to help others that prepares you to run groups (like the ones we help you run!) successfully.
A group fosters a sense of cooperation and community that allows individuals to share their stories and experiences while working together toward growth.
When we’re asking people to change habits and make shifts in their lifestyles, the fun and camaraderie of the group helps to keep them accountable and motivated – and you will find the same goes for you as a coach as well – without needing to know the answers to every question.
When getting started and moving from individual coaching to group coaching, you need to ask yourself what type of group program you’d like to run.
Let’s visualize your group coaching program, shall we?
Get out your journal, pour yourself a tall glass of water, and imagine…
Picture yourself with a small group. Are you in person or online?
You’ve got your small group of people, how many are there?
You’re having conversations about topics that will improve these people’s lives. They’re sharing their struggles and frustrations because you’ve created a safe space where they can really feel comfortable talking about what’s important to them.
You’re guiding and supporting them, and they’re supporting each other. You can see the light bulbs go on over their heads. You’re making a difference right here, right now.
They’re talking about the actions they’re taking in between each of your group sessions.
They’re trying things out, they’re making mistakes, they’re having successes…
And again, you’re there as their guide, but it’s not your job to fix anyone. You’re just guiding them through the program and they’re doing the work and seeing the results.
They’re bonding as a group, they’re bonding with you, they feel comfortable with you and are even telling friends and family about this amazing group!
You’ve got a waiting list going for your next group session. Isn’t this amazing!?
Now that you’ve allowed yourself to dream a little, let’s bring it back to the cerebral.
Here are some specific exploratory questions to get you started:
- If you work within a specific niche, do you want a program geared directly towards them or something that could work for anyone?
- How large do you want your group program to be?
- Do you want to hold your small groups in person, online, or both?
- How often do you want to run each session? Launch a new group? What’s a good time of day for you? Do you want to run more than one group at a time?
- What do you want to charge?
- Is this something you want to create yourself or do you want something that’s ready-made?
You may be an expert in your field but are you an expert in creating a course for a group?
Many coaches don’t consider this important question or the others above! They don’t realize that creating a group program involves researching, hiring the right people to assist with the parts you don’t know how to do, designing graphics, materials, and determining how to deliver them!
It takes time and money and the return on investment can feel far off in the future.
Often this is discouraging enough for coaches to give up and never finish creating their group program, which doesn’t help the people who need it most.
It’s of vast importance not to skip the step of asking yourself these questions before getting started and to visualize not just having a room full of excited participants but the before and preparatory phases as well.
Licensing a Group Coaching Program that’s Already Created Can Help You Get Started with Group Coaching
Whether you create your own program or license one that’s already done for you, it’s an investment. If you license one, you will see a very quick return on your investment because the legwork has been done and it’s easy to jump in and start serving clients right away!
When you create your own program from scratch, the return on that investment can often take more time than you’d like because you need to lean on others to help you, and you are investing a lot of time and energy into the creation of the program in the meantime.
Another advantage of a ready-made group coaching program is that there’s often a built-in sense of community with fellow licensee coaches.
Here at Healthy Habits for Life, for example, we support the coaches who license our program every step of the way. In addition to our private Coaches Community, we offer resources, troubleshooting, and guidance as they go! You don’t need to figure this out alone. Your community of fellow coaches is here for you!
Marketing your group coaching program is another place where you can spend time, money, and energy – to create marketing materials, come up with sales pages and verbiage and spin your wheels trying to get it just right. When you use a ready-made program, the marketing materials are done for you, set to go, and remove a huge burden from your shoulders so you can start more quickly and with confidence.
Think Group Coaching Might Be For YOU?
Are you ready to start implementing a proven and impactful program that you can start advertising right away? Are you ready to get outstanding results for your clients without having to do all the legwork of marketing, course creating, and death by PowerPoint slides?
Are you ready for flexibility in your schedule while helping others achieve their goals?
If so, the Healthy Habits for Life Program might be a great fit for YOU!
With this program you get to guide your participants through lively and heartfelt conversations about habits and show them how small changes can transform their lives.
Your clients are going to be more compliant because of the small group dynamic.
Your coaching practice will grow and you will gain confidence and reinvigorate your love and passion for what you do!
Learn more and let’s get started! This is your time!