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 Introduction
One of
the ways that coaches create additional income is to coach groups of clients,
together, via a teleconference call, usually each week. Similar in format to a
MasterMind group or how group therapy works, but with several important differences.
 Generally, everyone in the
group has a common interest, situation or occupation. So, you might coach a group
of Realtors, or creative geniuses, or entrepreneurs just starting out.
You are facilitating the discussion,
but are also providing coaching to individuals on the call, which is something
that everyone can benefit from given the common focus/interest of the group.
Sometimes, the coach weaves
in training, not just coaching, into the sessions.
You may start and host a group
for several months (with a specific end point) or host a group that folks stay
with for years. Most group coaching is with/to between 4 and 12 clients.
Real World Example
Carlton
SooHoo: Life Blueprint (tm) Group
coachcarlton.com
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Carlton@coachcarlton.comDanila
Székely danilacoach@attbi.com
Hi my name is Carlton SooHoo and I co-lead
a coaching group with my buddy coach Danila Székely. This group is called a Life Blueprint (tm)
Group and is based on Laura Berman Fortgang's book Living Your Best Life. The
book outlines a ten step process for self-improvement and achieving the quality
of life that one desires.
We were attracted to leading this type of
group because of the relevance of content, format of the book and Laura's total
support. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7-9 PM. There are 10 chapters and
we strive to cover one chapter per week. The first hour includes structured sharing
of learning and application, based on a group prep form. The second hour is devoted
to Danila and myself highlighting key wisdom points from the book, with examples
from our coaching practice. We apply the key points from each chapter to the life/work
situations each participant brings. We do exercises and assign homework based
on the chapter material.
Laura's commitment to the group's success
is demonstrated by her willingness to visit a group in person if she is in the
city. Laura also shared her wisdom with us by calling into our group and speaking
directly to the participants. We received the feedback that Laura's call was very
effective at reinforcing the material from her book, resulting in personal breakthroughs.
It was a special gift to speak directly with a personal development book author.
The meeting fee is $25 per person and we have
seven participants. Since attendees pay each time at the meeting (with a price
discount for prepaying for all meetings), we don't get the full seven at each
meeting. We have a consistent core of four participants and averaging $100 a week.
This does not present a problem in continuity as all members are clear about the
schedule of chapters covered. Missing a meeting means missing out on the sharing
and wisdom that others can provide.
We had decided that we wanted multiple revenue streams in
addition to individual coaching. Laura has set up these book based groups to be
very inspiring to lead and a lot of fun. We're still experimenting with fees and
meeting times and frequency so check back with us in a few months and we'll be
happy to let you know what works and what doesn't. It has been extremely helpful
to co-lead the group with my buddy coach Danila Székely, using a true co-active
approach. Feel free to check in with Danila, as well. To start your own Life Blueprint (tm)
Group, check out the resources at Laura's website at www.laurabermanfortgang.com.
Juliet Austin: Group Coaching in Your Niche
coach@julietaustin.com
My name is Juliet Austin and I lead a group
for therapists and others who are building a coaching practice. I was a therapist
before becoming a coach and had built a coaching practice comprised of 1 on 1
clients. Since a number of clients had the same interest, I decided to offer group
coaching.
During a session, members discuss both personal
and professional goals with an emphasis on starting and building their practices.
Participants receive encouragement and guidance on achieving their goals while
overcoming obstacles related to their success. Participants usually fill out a
form each week indicating achievements and goals that they want to focus on in
each group call. Each person sends their completed form to all group members via
email. This way everyone knows one another's accomplishments and goals before
the group call begins.
The group meets 3 times a month on a bridge
for one hour. The group is ongoing and participants may come and go at any time.
New members are asked to make a 3 month initial commitment. The maximum number
of participants in the group is 6. This allows each person time to share and receive
input from myself and other group members. I do most of the coaching; however,
group members also coach one another. Participants really appreciate the opportunity
to practice their coaching skills in this way. Members are encouraged to contact
one another in between sessions for additional support.
A free consultation is available for individuals
interested in joining the group. The fee is $150 per month and members can ask
for additional support if desired. Group coaching allows me to leverage my time
and make more money per hour than I could if coaching one to one. Since the fee
for group coaching is less than one to one coaching, it is affordable for those
participants who may not have been able to pay the one to one fee.
Suggestions related to Starting your own Group
Observe who you attact as clients in your
one-to-one coaching. Do they have a common interest? Are they experiencing a similar
situation in life? Do you attract people from the same occupation? Base your group
on this commonality.
Look for an extremely popular book that you're
excited about, create a group based on this.
Decide how many people you want in your group.
Decide if you will meet on the phone or in
person.
Offer a free sample class so people can experience
the power of group coaching.
Related resources
RealAudio/Transcription
for 3 Step Training on Offering
Group Coaching For Specific Markets
Full Practice Lesson 90 on
Group Coaching
All
services are from CoachVille.com. | 
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