Day 5  - 2024 Planning for Your Coaching Business
We're back for the 5th day of this year's 12 Days of Holidays. I hope that you are enjoying them. Be sure to check out the series!

Great businesses "don't just happen", they grow one step at a time. The tagline for Coaching Business Builder, my workbook planner dedicated to coaching business development, is "Daily Steps + Consistent Action = Momentum". It's so important that we spend time on a regular basis focusing ON our business - our vision, our plans, and also our execution --- in GETTING THINGS DONE!

I’m super excited to be leading a one-day planning day on December 18th for coaches wanting to grow their business at the 2024 Coaching Business Booster. We’re going to be doing some really fun things in an intensive way next week Monday to move your business planning forward.

Planning is critical for business success and the old project management adage asserts that for “Every 10 minutes of planning, we save up to 60 minute of unfocused effort”.

At this time of year you might be considering the next step after your VISION which is your more detailed plan. This might include

• Your overall business plan for 2024
• Programming plans – how often will you be offering your different programs? How many times? In what formats? To what groups or teams?
• Marketing Plans – What are the marketing channels you want to be putting attention around in 2024? Which ones will you double down in? We’ll be working through some content planning in the Coaching Business Builder retreat, and be sure to use the Content Planning Pages in Coaching Business Builder (insert AMAZON Link).
• Team Plans – who do you want to bring on board whether it’s a VA, a contractor or a full-time team member?
• Client and Relationships Plans – Businesses don’t just grow in isolation. They grow when people have a great experience with you. What are you doing to outreach to others?

While this may sound like a lot, most of these are components which can be broken down into shorter working sessions. We’ll be building out our vision and strategic plan, as part of the Coaching Business Booster program on December 18th, as well as key marketing and content plans. We’ll also be looking at key relationships for you to develop or expand upon next year.

I hope that you will join me for this one-day working session, which will also include a design sprint to start fleshing out one of your programs, a call in January to keep the momentum going, PLUS discounts to join us in the 2024 Coaching Biz Growth Lab, an annual program I host for coaches who are serious about building their business week to week for the entire year. Learn more about the CGBL here, and reserve your spot in the one day Coaching Business Booster program.
 
Don't forget to join our 20th Anniversary Year End Holiday Party this TUESDAY December 12th from 12 - 3 pm ET on zoom. We'll be taking a dive into several different doorways around group and team coaching, supporting YOU to do your best work as a group or team coach.

Enjoy,
Jennifer

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Title: "12 Days of Holidays: Day 4 - Exploring the Vast Landscape of Innovation in Coaching Groups and Teams"
 
Introduction:
Welcome back to Day 4 of the 12 Days of Holidays, where we dive into the dynamic world of coaching groups and teams. Today's focus is on the expansive realm of innovation, a multifaceted concept. As the Oxford Dictionary succinctly puts it, innovation is "a new method, idea, product, etc.," but in the coaching context, it extends to responding to change and approaching challenges with a fresh perspective.
 
## Navigating the Broad Landscape of Coaching for Innovation:
Innovation within the context of coaching groups and teams is akin to navigating a broad landscape with diverse layers of exploration. From creating novel products and services to adapting business models—such as the shift from in-person to virtual programming—coaching for innovation encompasses a spectrum of possibilities.
 
## Ensuring Every Voice Is Heard in the Virtual Space:
In the virtual realm, ensuring every voice is heard is paramount. Techniques such as annotation, breakouts, and polls become powerful tools to represent each participant's voice. If you haven't already, take a moment to watch the Effective Virtual Conversations call hosted by Jennifer, where these techniques are explored in detail.
 
## The Creative Process of Innovation:
Innovation is often perceived as a creative process, demanding professionals to think outside the box. Group members engaged in innovation may find themselves spending time in different ways and locations, fostering a conducive environment for creative thinking.
 
## Expanding Your Coaching Toolkit for Innovation:
Coaches looking to enhance their toolkit for coaching innovation can explore valuable resources. One such recommendation is the book "Coaching for Innovation: Tools and Techniques for Encouraging New Ideas in the Workplace" by Cristina Bianchi and Maureen Steele. Dive deeper into their insights by visiting their website: [Coaching for Innovation](https://www.coachingforinnovation.com).
 
## Unleashing the Power of Visual Cards:
For those who leverage visual cards in coaching sessions, I included an exercise  in the ebook "40 Ways to Work with Visual Cards." Exercise #12 focuses on innovation and involves participants selecting a card that represents a new perspective. The exercise encourages reflection on how the image invokes thoughts on innovation, opening avenues for creative insights.
 
## Coaching for Innovation: Thought-Provoking Questions:
Enhance your coaching conversations around innovation with thought-provoking questions:
1. What's another way of looking at that?
2. What's important about making a change?
3. What does innovation mean for us?
4. Who do we need to collaborate with for innovation?
5. What mindsets do we need to shift for more effective innovation?
6. What will help us be successful?
 
## Concluding Thoughts:
As you continue your conversations, consider the vast landscape of coaching for innovation. Whether it's encouraging creativity, exploring new perspectives with visual cards, or asking thought-provoking questions, each approach adds depth to your coaching practice. Stay tuned for more insights in the 12 Days of Holidays series!
 
Warm regards,
Jennifer

Welcome back to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Holidays, where we unwrap valuable insights to enhance your coaching expertise in the areas of group and team coaching. As we step into 20 years of our business in 2024 here at Potentials Realized,  I am appreciative of the thousands of amazing coaches who are our alumni. When I started offering Group Coaching Essentials in 2006 even coaches would raise their eyebrows around the idea of being able to scale the conversation to groups. Today it’s mainstream.

One area we still receive a lot of questions around is “What’s the Difference between Group and Team Coaching”? Today's topic explores the nuanced difference between two coaching realms—Team Coaching and Group Coaching. As many coaches find themselves traversing both terrains, understanding these distinctions is pivotal for effective coaching – contracting, design, client relationships and outcomes.  This post starts to dive into the intricacies and shed light on what sets team coaching apart from group coaching, which we explore much more in depth in Group Coaching Essentials and Team Coaching Essentials programs .
 
Deciphering the Scenarios:
For coaches, encountering scenarios where the terms "team" and "group" are used interchangeably can be common. Picture this: You're brought in to coach a gathering at an organization, only to discover it's more of a team than a group, or vice versa. To clarify, let's consider a few examples.
 
- **Example 1:**
  - A coach is tasked with guiding a handful of new leaders at an organization. Despite hailing from various business segments and lacking direct reporting structures, they come together for the first time. Is this a team or a group?
 
- **Example 2:**
  - Another coach is engaged to work with a collection of professionals assembled to execute a specific project over the next two months. Their mission: design and implement a new process. Is this a team or a group?
 
The distinction lies in the depth of relationships, shared history, and common purpose existing within the "grouping" being coached.

Team vs. Group Dynamics:
In team coaching, coaches step into a web of established relationships, shared history, and a common purpose. Teams, whether remote or in-person, exist with a shared mission and vision and are striving for collective results. The focus in team coaching centers around fostering alignment, emphasizing the interconnectivity of team members, and supporting collective goals. Scenario 2 is an example of this.

On the flip side, group coaching involves individuals who may not share significant connections or similarities in their work. However, members can still derive immense value by exploring shared interests and connecting around common topics. Group coaching allows individuals to benefit from collective exploration, even if their professional focuses differ. Scenario 1 is an example of this.

## Exploring Team Excellence:
To elevate team coaching, exploring elements that contribute to team excellence is crucial. From clear roles and goals to shared visions and regular practices like team meetings, these factors enhance team effectiveness. The intricate dynamics of remote and virtual teams are further explored in the Remote Pathways Podcast, offering insights into the varied dimensions of remote work.

## Leaving Room for Exploration:
Coaches can play a pivotal role in team development by leaving space for exploration. By considering factors such as clear roles, shared goals, and defined success metrics, coaches can guide teams towards excellence. This exploration becomes particularly pronounced in virtual spaces, as discussed in the Remote Pathways Podcast.

## Diving Deeper:
For a comprehensive exploration of the differences between group and team coaching, delve into the articles written by me, Jennifer Britton, for Choice Magazine. "Group and Team Coaching - The Landscape of Many" and you can also find this earlier  article from Choice on Group and Team Coaching as well (V13N1). Both articles offer detailed insights.
 
Continued Learning Opportunities:
For those seeking in-depth knowledge, we offers ten different courses in the Group and Team Coaching Certification pathways. You can join us for one course, a 70 hour certificate (6 courses) or 125 hours towards your Group or Team Coaching Certificate. The core courses through the Team Coaching Essentials training, Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (10 CCes) and the Group Coaching Essentials program (8.75 CCEs), as well as 70 and 125 hour pathways (Certificate in Team Coaching - GroupCoachingEssentials). These virtual learning groups provide an immersive experience for coaches eager to expand their skills in coaching teams and groups.
 
## Conclusion:
As you navigate the intricate landscape of team and group coaching, consider the nuances and distinctive elements that make each approach valuable. Whether you're fostering alignment within a team or exploring shared interests in a group, the coaching journey is enriched by understanding and embracing these differences.
 
Stay tuned for more insights in the 12 Days of Holidays series!
 
Warm regards,
Jennifer

Welcome back to the "12 Days of Holidays," your daily dose of year-end goodies tailored for those leading group and team programs. Yesterday, we kicked off the festivities with a link to this year’s Vision Casting call (insert link) Today, our gift to you is a link to a digital chapter on invaluable Marketing Tips for Your Team and Group Coaching endeavors.

A Legacy of Group Coaching Excellence:
Since 2006, I've been at the forefront of guiding coaches through the intricacies of group and team coaching with the ICF-CCE approved Group Coaching Essentials program. Year after year, one of the most pressing questions I receive is, "How do I fill my groups?" After all, having vibrant voices on the line, or in the room, is an integral part of the group coaching experience.

Unlocking Marketing Wisdom:
Today's offering is designed to address that perennial question on marketing strategies. The digital chapter I'm sharing holds a treasure trove of insights garnered over years of experience from myself and the coaches I interviewed for From One to Many. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting, these marketing tips aim to illuminate pathways to successful group and team coaching.
As much as marketing vehicles have changes, the principles are the same – including:

• GETTING CLEAR on what you want to create in your business and what you are offering
• Having a Plan or STRATEGY
• EXECUTING on this strategy

We focus on these three elements in the Coaching Biz Growth Lab (link to https://www.groupcoachingessentials.ca/cgbl.html) , a business building annual group I host all year long. This is a small group of coaches I personally work with on growing their business.

Consistency is Key:
As you delve into the digital chapter, keep in mind that the key to successful marketing is consistent action. Building awareness and attracting participants require ongoing effort, and the strategies outlined are meant to be applied over time. Moreover, tracking your results is crucial. The chapter provides guidance on building touchpoints to assess and adjust your approach based on the feedback you receive.
 
If you have a copy of Coaching Business Builder or PlanDoTrack ) be sure to note your marketing goals in the annual plan on page page 135 of PDT or page 133 of CBB. Don’t have a copy? Join us for the 2024 Coaching Business Booster I'll be leading on December 18th where everyone is getting a digital copy. 

Don't want to wait? Simply purchase and download the resource now from our Potentials Realized store.
 
## Download Your Marketing Tips Chapter:
To unwrap your digital chapter on Marketing Tips for Your Team and Group Coaching Programs, simply follow [this link](https://www.from12many.com/downloads.html) and use code 4411 if prompted. I trust that the insights within will spark new ideas and strategies for filling your coaching groups effectively.

## Diving into the Archives:
For additional marketing inspiration, I encourage you to peruse some of our past posts, including:
- "Planning for An Exceptional Group Program in the New Year" (November 2016) -   groupcoaching.blogspot.com/2016/11/planning-for-exceptional-group-coaching.html
- "Key Marketing Tips For Your Group Coaching Work" (2012) - http://groupcoaching.blogspot.com/2012/08/key-marketing-tips-for-your-group.html
- "Marketing Success for Your Group Programs" (2006) - http://groupcoaching.blogspot.com/2006/11/marketing-success-for-your-group.html
 
## Explore Our Coaching Business Builder Series:
Don't forget to check out our Coaching Business Builder series of posts for more insights into building a successful coaching practice at https://www.CoachingBusinessBuilder.com

Wishing you a fantastic Tuesday filled with inspiration and marketing success!