Group Coaching: Ins and Outs

Group Coaching Essentials starts Wed July 22 (pm) and Thurs Aug 5 (AM)

2009-07-17T08:45:00.004-04:00

Just a quick note as I've had a lot of inquires about the remaining summer dates for the Group Coaching Essentials program. There are two more summer phone based programs starting in the next few weeks. If you are looking to launch your own group coaching programs in September and are looking for some additional tools, a structure and exercises to bring in, then this program is for you.

We've just passed the 3.5 year anniversary of this program - and over 300 coaches have participated in this program! The program is also accredited by the ICF for 6.25 hours of Continuing Coach Education: perfect if you are needing recert hours for your ACC, PCC, MCC.

Weekly Sessions Cover:
- The Foundations and Best Practices of Group Coaching
- The Essentials of Design for Group Coaching
- Marketing Your Group Coaching Program
- Exercises for Group Coaching
- Essential Habits for GREAT Group Coaches

Upcoming dates include:
July 2009: Wednesdays 7-8:15 pm (ET): July 22, 29, August 5 and 12 plus 5th call in September -- 3 spaces remain!
OR August: Thursdays 10:45 - 12 noon (ET): August 6, 13, 20 and 27/09 plus a 5th call in late Sept/early October -- 4 spaces remain

Cost: $275 and includes the 5x75 minute calls, a 75 page manual, pre and post course 1-1calls with me. Calls are recorded if you cannot make a session.

For more information on the program, and to register, please click here. You can also give me a call directly at (416)996-8326 to register or email me.

Here's what two recent participants have said about the program:
As a coach who has been trained in one-on-one coaching techniques, Jennifer’s Group Coaching Essentials class filled in a crucial gap in my learning. Through her teaching style and her extremely well presented materials, she modeled how we as group leaders can develop and structure our groups. Jennifer was instrumental in helping me create my own coaching group. Thanks, Jennifer.
--Raymond L. Rigoglioso, ACC, http://www.rayriggs.net

"Jennifer is a gifted facilitator and coach. The Group Coaching Essentials program was practical, well designed and provided me with the opportunity to design my own group coaching course as I moved through it. I enjoyed the lazer sessions where I was able to ask more specific questions of Jennifer. The resources, exercises, and templates provided were excellent. I would highly recommend this course."
Pam Thompson, CEO, Creative Life Coaching Inc. http://www.creativehealingcentre.ca

I look forward to having you join us!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CPT
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

MidYear Check In: Group Coaching Programs and Your Business

2009-07-17T08:39:00.004-04:00

July and August can be a terrific time to check in on where your programs and business are, to plan and reposition for the rest of the year.

In my newsletter this month, I included 10 Questions for Coaches to consider as a Mid-Year check-in. I wanted to share these with you at the blog given that I've had a lot of emails saying that these were very useful.

Take 15 minutes to sit back and reflect over the next few weeks and consider the following:

1.The major goals that I have completed since January are ______.
2. I am really pleased that I have accomplished ________ this year.
3. The projects I currently have on the go are _______________.
4. The opportunities that are facing me/my business/my programs right now are....
5. The challenges that are facing me/my business/my programs right now are....
6. I want to keep the following on my radar screen for the remainder of the year _______
7. I want to put more attention on ___________ for the next quarter/month.
8. My priorities for the next six months/quarter are ........
9. I want to be energized/fueled by .... for the remainder of the year.
10. By December 31, 2009 I will have.........

What action is really going to STRETCH you over the next few months?

Have a great time planning (and getting into action)!

Warm regards,
Jenn

Jennifer Britton, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Phone: (416) 996-8326
Email: info{at} potentialsrealized.com

Creating Momentum with Consistent Effort

2009-06-29T21:05:00.004-04:00

I'm working out of my cottage this week on what I am calling a quasi-holiday. It is a busy summer with my bookwriting, lots of programs on the go and working on moving into a new house in 6 weeks. Being able to reflect riverside while disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of city life always renews my creative juices and energy.

Over the past few weeks in my 90 Day BizSuccess program, as well as the Group Coaching Essentials program I have been talking to business owners - coaches, and non-coaches - about the importance of creating momentum through consistent small steps.

What are your big goals for the rest of the year?
What would it be like to create momentum around achieving these?
What small steps can you take on a daily basis towards this goal?
What's the next small step you can take tomroorw to move yourself closer towards your goal?

I really love this time of year as it is a wonderful time to focus in on marketing. There are lots of posts from the past few summers here on the blog. Check out the marketing category on the left.

Do enjoy!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP, CPT
Group Coaching Essentials
(416) 996-TEAM (8326)

Two new classes of the Group Coaching Essentials programs start in July -- spaces are filling quickly. Choose from a daytime or evening session. Programs start:
Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:45 am (Eastern): July 14, 21, 28 and August 4 with 5th call in Sept
OR Wednesdays 7-8:15 pm (ET): July 22, 29, August 5 and 12 with 5th call in Sept

Click here for more information or to register.

Group Coaching Questionnaire Now Available Online

2009-06-19T12:40:00.002-04:00

I want ,to thank all of the coaches who have contacted me in recent weeks to participate in my own rearch on Group Coaching for my upcoming book - Effective Group Coaching (Pfeiffer/Wiley, Jan 2010).

I am still looking for a few more case studies from around the world - particularly Europe and Australiasia. If you know of coaches who are undertaking group coaching work, please have them contact me.

I am also attaching a link to the group coaching questionnaire I am using to gather further insights and materials from coaches. If you are undertaking group coaching work and would like to participate in this questionnaire, please click here. The questionnaire should only take 5-10 minutes to complete. I will be following up on completed questionnaires directly with you.

I will be wrapping up my interviews in the next few weeks and would love to hear from you! - please take a few minutes now to complete this online questionnaire.

Thanks in advance for your participation!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Phone: (416) 996-8326 (TEAM)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot

Terrific Resource - Faciltiative Coaching

2009-06-19T12:25:00.003-04:00

I often get asked for recommendations on resources for group coaching and in fact am accumulating quite a list of recommendations from coaches who I am interviewing for my book - Effective Group Coaching.

A few weeks ago I purchased a wonderful book which I feel is a must-have for all coaches bookshelf - Facilitative Coaching by Dale Schwarz and Ann Davidson.

The book is chock full of coaching exercises to use with clients - many of which could easily be adapted for the group coaching environment. What I like about the book is the range of exercises included - 71 in total! - as well as the clear cut descriptions of how to use them, and in many cases, how they've been used real life.

If you are looking for some new tools for your coaching toolkit - this is a great resource!

What other coaching books have you added recently to your bookshelf that you consider to be a must have? Feel free to comment below!

Warm regards,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Potentials Realized

Phone: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Calling all Group Coaches for Global Case Studies

2009-06-01T08:36:00.002-04:00

Many of you will know that I am in the midst of writing Effective Group Coaching which will be published in Early 2010 by Pfeiffer/Wiley. Part of the book will include case studies from around the world spotlighting coaches and their work.

Over the next 3 weeks (June 1 - 19th) I am collecting case studies from around the world through questionnaires and interviews to include in the Effective Group Coaching book. I am wanting to hear from as many group coaches as possible on the group coaching work that you undertake - whether it's virtual, in person, with individuals or businesses. I would love to connect with you and get your input into these global case studies. I am also wanting to spotlight the work of coaches at different stages of their business lifecycles - so those of you who are just starting out, as well as those who are more experienced.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in being interviewed or completing the questionnaire, please contact me directly at (416) 996-8326, email me, or leave me a toll free voice mail at 1-866-217-1960 and I will send you a copy of the questionnaire and will contact you to set up a time when we can hold the interview.

I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for spreading the word with your colleagues!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Ph: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)
Voice Mail: 1-866-217-1960
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Upcoming June Programs: Group Coaching, Business Development

2009-06-01T08:17:00.003-04:00

Ready to get your group programs or business in gear this summer? Join me for one of our upcoming programs which start this month including:

Group Coaching Essentials(TM) Teleseminar - Mondays 12 - 1:15 pm (ET): June 15, 22, 29 and July 13, 2009 plus a 5th call in August (date set by group). This program is now accredited for 6.25 hours of CCEs (Continuing Coach Education Units) with the ICF. This is a new session date based on demand. New sessions will also start in July and August. One space remains for the program starting this week Wednesday June 3 (7-8:15 pm ET). Click here for more info or to register.

Summer BizSuccess Business Planning Retreat: Friday June 5 and 12: 11-2 pm(Eastern) 8am - 11 am PT
Create some space and time to focus in on your business for the BizSuccess Summer BizPlanning Retreat. This program includes a mix of group calls and individual work on your own business each hour.

Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups Teleclass: Monday June 29: 10:30 - 12 noon (ET)

Group Program Design Virtual Intensive: Tuesday June 9 and 16, 2009: 7-10 pm ET both evenings

If you have any questions about any of our programs, please email me or call (416) 996-TEAM (8326). Alternatively you can leave a toll free voice mail at 1-866-217-1960.

I look forward to having you join me!

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Building Your Plaform - Thanks for Lunch!

2009-05-05T14:56:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all of you who joined the ICF GTA Practice Talks lunchtime call where I spoke today on Building Your Platform.

The recording is now available and you can access it by phone (only):

Playback Dial-in Number:
1-218-339-2651
Playback Access Code: 234683
Please note that callers are responsible for their own long distance charges.

Throughout this 45 minute call I cover:
- Questions to support you in identifying your own unique platform;
- 4 key tips for blogging with results;
- A very high level overview of some of the current social networking and media options.

Callers also left the call with a specific action plan for themselves in taking the learning forward.

I look forward to sharing with recordings of future speaking engagmeents. If you, or your group is looking for a speaker for your next meeting, please let me know. I would be happy to join you!

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Ph: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Building Your Platform - Join Me for Lunch on Tuesday

2009-05-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

I'll be speaking on Building Your Platform - Blogs, Social Media and More on Tuesday May 5th from 12 - 12:45 pm (ET) to the Toronto GTA ICF Practice Talks group. I hope that you will join us!

The call will be held from 12 – 12:45 pm ET at (218) 339-2626, access 164873 (note callers are responsible for their own long-distance charges).

Here’s the brief description of the call:

Looking to stand out in the crowd? Join Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CHRP of Potentials Realized for a lively lunchtime Practice Talks where we discuss Building Your Platform – Using Blogs, social media and more. Join Jennifer for an engaging session where you will:
· Identify your own unique Platform;
· Explore 4 key tips for blogging with results;
· Explore the range of social media options;
· Create an action plan to take your learning forward.

If you are a coach, trainer or consultant, looking to stand out by building your platform, please join us!

Have a great start to the week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC , CHRP, CPT
Group Coaching Essentials

The May Group Coaching Essentials program also starts this week on Wednesday at 11 am (ET). The program will be held on Wed from 11 - 12:15 pm (ET) on May 6, 13, 20 and June 3/09 plus a 5th call (TBD by group). Two spaces remain. This program is now accredited for 6.25 CCEs by the ICF for recertification points. Click here for more info on the program.

Group Coaching Essentials Accredited for ICF CCEs

2009-04-07T08:35:00.004-04:00

I am pleased to announce that the Group Coaching Essentials program has been accredited for CCE (Continuing Coach Education) Units from the International Coach Federation. Designed for coaches, this program provides tools and resources for coaches wanting to design and implement their own group coaching programs - for corporate clients, or the public, in person or virtually.

If you are an ACC, PCC or MCC successful completion of the program will allow you to earn 6.25 CCEs towards your recertification.

Programs start monthly and class size is limited. For up to date information and course start dates, please click here.

Summer 2009 Dates include:

May 2009: Wednesdays 11- 12:15 pm (Eastern)

May 7, 14, 21, June 3 /09 plus 5th call TBD (by group)

June 2009: Wednesdays 7-8:15 pm (Eastern)

June 3, 10, 17, 24 plus 5th call in July (TBD by group)

Additional Session dates are posted here at the blog or at http: http://www.groupcoachingessentials.com/.

I look forward to having you join me.

Warm wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC, CHRP

Potentials Realized

Group Coaching Essentials

Toll free: 1-866-217-1960 (416) 996-TEAM

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com

Upcoming Programs - April/May 2009

2009-04-07T08:27:00.001-04:00

We have a number of exciting programs this month, kicking off our 5th Anniversary! Programs this month include the following:

90 Day BizSuccess Program:Tuesdays from 10:30 -11:45 am (ET): April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16, 31. Celebration call scheduled by group later in the summer - Starts This week.

Ready to focus in on your business and take it to the next level? The 90 Day BizSuccess Program will provide you with new tools and ideas for your business, as well as dozens of business development exercises, tips and templates. The program will provide you with 3 months of accountability and focus on growing your business, all within the structure of a group coaching program. Join other coaches, trainers and small business owners as we focus in on you and your growth!

Jennifer brings the best of her tried and tested small business toolkit which she once shared as a Business Faculty Member. A new session will also start on June 1st: Mondays 12 - 1 pm (ET) (Group Calls Held on : June 1, 15, 29, July 13, 27, Aug 10 and 24. Celebraton call scheduled for Sept by group.)

Cost: $347 US. Click here to register for the 90 Day BizSuccess Program.

Workshop and Retreat Essentials: Starts Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am : starts April 24th.
Calls: April 24, May 1, 8, 15 and 5th call in June (set by group)
The program that started it all for my business also celebrates it's 5th birthday this year. If you are a coach looking to expand your work into workshops or retreats this program will support you in designing, marketing and implementing your own workshop or retreat program. The program will also cover how to design and market virtual retreats. This program will be of interest to coaches, trainers, consultants and leaders.Special 15% off pricing this month. Regularly: $275 US, This month: $233.75 US
Click here to register for the Workshop and Retreat Essentials program.

Group Program Virtual Retreat:
Friday April 17 and 24 (1-4pm Eastern) both days
Looking to create some space to actually sit down and design your program? The Group Program Virutal Intensive does just that. The program provides you with a six hour structured group experience to give you that booster shot to get your program rolled out. This program focuses on getting into action (rather than learning new skills).
Special b-day pricing this month: $100 US rather than the regular $125 US (20% savings!)

Looking for a mentor coach during your ICF Credentialing(ACC or PCC) or your CPCC Certification?
For the month of April I am offering a 20% discount on 1-1 mentor coaching serivces (a 10 hour package) for coaches working towards their CPCC or ICF Credentials (ACC or PCC)Regularly $1750 US. This month special pricing is $1400 US. (Note that the package must be booked this month, and can be paid in two hour installments over the next few months).

The Group Coaching Essentials program will start again on Wednesdays 11- 12:15 pm (Eastern): May 6, 13, 20, June 3 /09 plus 5th call TBD (by group). This program has now been accredited by the ICF for 6.25 CCE(Continuing Coach Education) Units for coaches who hold their ACC, PCC or MCC. Cost $275. Reserve your spot today!

Questions? Please email me or give me a call. I look forward to having you join us!

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CHRP
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960 (416) 996-8326

6 Tips for Your Next Phone Based Group Coaching Programs

2009-03-31T08:01:00.004-04:00

More and more coaches are expanding their work these days to include group coaching programs run by phone. Phone based programs have the benefit of being able to reach a much larger cross-section of individuals, as well as the convenience for particpants of being able to connect, and learn, from whereever they want -- home, office or even cottage.

As a facilitator or coach, phone based programs offer the added advantages of low (or no) overhead, and the convenience of connecting in "right away" with your clients, with no travel time!

Whether you are new, or experienced, when it comes to phone based group coaching work, here are some key considerations when hosting your next call:

1. Select a reliable bridgeline service: Not all bridgeline services are equal. Select a bridgeline that works for you and your clients in terms of location, relability and services associated. Does the bridgeline offer a toll free call in option? At what cost? Does the bridgeline offer call recording services -- free or at cost?

2. Call Recording: I often get asked about recording group coaching calls...how to do it and if you should do it. Typically, I digitally record each call for internal group playback only. This added feature is often seen as a great benefit for participants who might not be able to make all the calls, and want to be able to listen in at their convenience.

3. Examine your call length: How long do you really need for your group coaching call? Will an hour be enough? Map out your exercises and content prior to finalizing your call length and time (see next point).

4. Examine your call content: Many of you have heard me speak, or have read my comments on, the 80/20 rule to content development. Less is more is an adeage I promote with group coaching. When considering what to include in your next group coaching session, set aside 20 percent of what you thought you would cover and leave this as seeds for a new program, or a new session. Notice what happens when you provide more space for dialogue.

5. Check In with Your Clients Regularly - Lacking the visual cues of face to face work, group coaching work by phone requires a different focus on how engaged your clients are throughout the session. Check in frequently with your clients -- it may be by asking a question and having all participants pop with their responses, or it may be asking them to self-evaluate their own engagement levels of a 0-10 scale.

6. Consider what twists or adaptations you need to make on some of your favorite face-to-face exercises and tools. Many coaches and facilitators are surprised at how some of their favorite activities can be adapted for phone based work. What changes do you need to make? What pre-work can be undertaken before the call? What new supports/tools need to be developed to have this exercise fly by phone?

Phone based work can have tremendous impact for both your client and yourself. What's your learning edge around taking your work to a virtual setting? What skills do you need to develop? What things do you need to put into place?

Consider these 6 tips prior to your next phone based program, and see what difference it makes. As always, I welcome your comments, questions and thoughts -- please feel free to comment below.

Warm wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP, CPT

Group Coaching Essentials: Next Session starts Monday April 6th at 7pm (Eastern): 2 spaces remain!

90 Day BizSuccess Group Coaching Program: Starts Tuesday April 7th at 10:30 am (ET):3 spaces remain!

Tomorrow (April 1) marks the start of our 5th Anniversary Celebrations! Join me for the month of April as I celebrate this Business Milestone.

BizTip on Thursday: Perseverance

2009-03-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

Coaches who run their own business often underestimate the importance of perseverance when it comes to marketing their products and services. A famous marketing principle is that it takes a consumer (client) 7-11 times of seeeing a product before they decide to buy. And this is not to say that they will in fact buy the product.

The power of repetition and persevernce is critical for small business owners, even more so today where purchase decisions are often taking longer to make or being given more thought by consumers. Coaching services are no different.

Here are a few questions to consider as it comes to business development and perseverance.

How are you approaching your marketing efforts these days?

Where are you persevering?

How are you continuing to reach out to your audience while adding value? Adding value is a key piece here. Ask yourself also how your communications/outreach is adding value.

What short term strategies are you employing?

What long term platform are you building?

How are you allocating your time between the short term immediate gain, and the long term payoff?

Have a great week! As always, your comments are most welcomed below!

Warm regards,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CHRP

Potentials Realized

90 Day BizSuccess Group Coaching Program (TM): Next Program starts April 7 (Tuesdays 10:30 -11:45 am ET)

Looking to launch your own Group Coaching Program? The Group Coaching Essentials program starts again next week - Tuesday 12 - 1:15 pm (ET) and will be held on March 24, 31, April 7 and 14, plus a 5th call in May. The April group will meet on Mondays from 7-8:15 pm (ET) on April 6, 20, 27 and May 4th plus a fifth call in June. Click here for more info or to register for either program.

10 Core Questions to Bring Into Your Next Group Program

2009-03-02T16:34:00.005-05:00

10+ Core Questions for Your Next Program
Copyright 2008-9. All Rights Reserved. Jennifer Britton

We often say that questions are a coach's best tool. I've spent that last few weeks on the design of a new coaching program for managers and in designing it, I was struck once again by the power and simplicity of the powerful question.

In the next few days become consciously aware of the questions you are bringing into your work with clients - whether it's in 1-1 work, or with groups or teams. Are your questions:

Open-ended
Leaving the client breathless before they answer, or leading them to pause or say "Wow. That's a great question".
Between 5 and 6 words in length (One of my key takeaways from my own coach training years ago was that powerful questions usually are 5 or 6 word long - take a listen to yours!)
Leading a client to really think differently, or deepen their understanding, as a result of the question

Here are some of my favorite core Questions for the Group Context. They are not all powerful questions, but they do get people thinking and conversations flowing:

Starters/Warm up:
What’s your hope for today’s session? What’s your fear? What’s your fantasy?
What do you want to take away from today’s session?
What is your intention for the day?
What will you commit to bringing to the group?
What role do you want to in the group?
On a scale of 0-10 how engaged will be with the process?
What risk will you take today?
What is one action you can take today to stretch your comfort zone?

Check Ins along the way:

What’s been your biggest ah-ha so far?
What is one thing that you can do in the next hour/day/session that will stretch your comfort zones?
What has shifted for you since we started?

Taking Action:

What action can you take to make this happen?
What do you want to commit to?
What do you need to say yes to? What do you need to say no to?

What will success look like?

Enjoy and try weaving these questions into your next session.

Warmly

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

This Month's Program Line-up: Group Coaching and Business Development

2009-03-02T15:59:00.005-05:00

With spring just around the corner, it's a popular time to launch your own group coaching program or retreat. Group coaching programs an appealing alternative for individuals and businesses alike, as virtual offerings -- lower cost and lower carbon footprint.

Here's our program line up for the next month:

Group Coaching Essentials: This program is designed for coaches who want to expand their work to the group coaching environment. The program is a resource-rich, interactive program focusing in on the design, marketing and implementation of your own group coaching program. Packed with tips, tools and templates to make your process easier, this program includes 5 calls, 1-1 lazer sessions with Jennifer, and an 80 page manual. Space is limited to 6-8 coaches as it is a hands-on, interactive program.

Two new sessions starting soon. Choose from either:
Tuesdays from 12 - 1:15 pm (Eastern): March 24, 31, April 7 and 14 2009 plus a 5th call in May (date to be set by group)
OR Mondays from 7-8:15 pm (Eastern): April 6, 20, 27 and May 4 plus a fifth call in early June 2009 (date to be set by group)

Click here to register and reserve your spot.

90 Day BizSuccess Program:
Ready to focus in on your business and take it to the next level? The 90 Day BizSuccess Program will provide you with new tools and ideas for your business, as well as dozens of business development exercises, tips and templates. The program will provide you with 3 months of accountability and focus on growing your business, all within the structure of a group coaching program. Join other coaches, trainers and small business owners as we focus in on you and your growth!

Topics covered include:

Developing a Powerful Vision for Your Buinsess;
Creating Your Business RoadMap;
Identifying What Makes You Uniquely Powerful as a Business Owner;
Identifying Your Niche and Clients;
Expanding Your Web and Networks;
Leveraging Tradition and Social Marketing Approaches

Jennifer brings the best of her tried and tested small business toolkit which she once shared as a Business Faculty Member working with business students.

The next program will start on April 7th on Tuesdays from 10:30 -11:45 am (ET)
Group Calls held on:
April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 2, 16, 31. Celebration call scheduled by group later in the summer.
Cost: $347 US. Click here to register.

Workshop and Retreat Essentials: The program that started it all, celebrates it's 5th birthday in April. If you are a coach looking to expand your work into workshops or retreats this program will support you in designing, marketing and implementing your own workhsop or retreat. The program will also cover the popular virtual retreat design.
Fridays 10:30 - 11:45 am(EST): April 24, May 1, 8 and 15 plus 5th call in June (set by Group)

Questions? Please feel free to drop me a line at info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com.

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Potentials Realized
Mobile: (416) 996-TEAM (8326) Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

New Truths about Customers/Clients

2009-02-26T11:13:00.006-05:00

There continues to be alot of buzz in the coaching industry about the impact of these economic changes. Some coaches are finding their business dropping dramatically, others surging, and many are repositioning and adding addtional offerings such as team and group coaching. What's happening with your business?

There was a great article in today's Profit Magazine Online entitled "7 New Truths About Your Customer". You can access it here.

The article states:
"Accenture suggests three keys to respond to this: know your customers, by conducting customer-segmentation analysis to reveal their preferences and predict their behaviour; reach your customers, by interacting with them through channels such as blogs, social media and company discussion boards; and tailor your service to deliver a compelling customer experience based on what you’ve learned by knowing and reaching your customers."

For those of you who have taken either my Group Coaching Essentials program, or the 90 Day Biz Success program, you will know that I am very passionate about challenging coaches to look at the business side of the work they do. It is the former Business Faculty lecturer in me! Knowing your customer (or client) and leveraging technology to build your platform and spread the word about what you have to offer is continues to be a key success strategy.

I hope that you will click on over to the article and see what juicy nuggets you can harvest for your own business.

Have a great day!

Warmly
Jenn

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

Registration just opened this morning for the next 90 Day BizSuccess Program which will start on Tuesday April 7th at 10:30 am (ET). Ready to take your business to the next level with a 3 month focus, some new tools and support?

Considering Co-Facilitation?

2009-02-24T06:44:00.004-05:00

It's interesting that one of the themes I am being asked a lot about this winter is around co-facilitation approaches for team and group coaching.

For those of you looking for some tips on how to approach co-facilitation, I want to invite you to take a look back at some of the posts I've written in the past on the topic of co-facilitation here.

Is co-facilitation always essential - No. But co-facilitation brings a number of benefits, especially if:

Your group of team size is large
You want to be able to provide altnerative perspectives and voices as facilitators
You want to ensure that the faciilitation team brings a mix of expertise (prehaps industry experience and/or subject matter experience in addition to facilitation experience)
You want to provide a variety of styles/approaches

From my experience, one of the most important ingredients to successful co-faciliation work is taking the time upfront (i.e. before you design your work, and before you are in front of a group or team!) to design your own relationship. Many of the posts from 2008 around co-facilitation address this very issue.

What have been the success factors which have led to great co-facilitation work on your part? What are your co-facilitation questions? As always, please feel free to comment below!

Warmly

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Mobile: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)

Group Coaching Essentials starts Tuesday at 12 noon (ET)

2009-02-13T15:22:00.005-05:00

Looking to launch your own group coaching program this spring?

Just a quick reminder that the next Group Coaching Essentials program starts Tuesday Feb 18th at 12noon (ET)by phone. We'll be meeting on Tuesdays from 12-1:15 pm(EST) on Feb 17, 24, March 10 and 17, as well as for a fifth call in May (5th call to be scheduled at a date convenient to the group).

If you are looking to develop your own group coaching program this spring and summer and are not looking to reinvent the wheel . If you want a supportive environment to boost your momentum, and add onto your toolkit in terms of resources, templates and exercises for group coaching, I hope that you will consider joining me next week.

The program covers:
* The Foundation of Group Coaching – What is Group Coaching, Best Practices of Group Coaching, and Adult Learning Principles
* The Nuts and Bolts of Developing Group Coaching – Making Your Program Development Fun and Effective: Technical issues, Techniques and Templates for Developing and Running Your Program
* Marketing Group Coaching – Knowing Your Audience, General Marketing Principles and Materials
* Filling Up Your Toolbox – Exercises and Other Resources for Group Coaching

Included in your program registration are:
* 5 x 75 minute teleclasses;
* The 85 page Group Coaching Essentials manual;
* * Pre and post course 1-1s with me;
* Lazer 1-1 sessions from me as needed throughout the program (at no extra cost - value $400).

Cost: $275US or Canadian.

The Group Coaching Essentials program is a very interactive, intimate teleseminar program. Program size is limited to ensure maximum attention. Most coaches complete the program with at least one, and sometimes two, new group coaching designs and marketing ideas.

You can register online, email me at info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com, or give me a call at (416) 996-TEAM (8326) to register.

I look forward to having you join me!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials

Can't make this month's date? The April program is starting to fill quickly. April's session will be held on Monday's from 7-8:15 pm (ET) on April 6, 20, 27 and May 4 (plus a 5th call in June).

CoachCards Resurrected

2009-02-05T15:56:00.003-05:00

I just read Andrea J. Lee's newsletter's and she's annnounced the return of a blast from the past. Many of you may remember the fantastic free ecards formerly known as CoachCards. When I was starting out as a coach I remember loving the fact that I was able to select from these beautiful ecards and send them out to my clients. My clients loved them too.

CoachCards has been resurrected and can now be found at ThomasCards.com in honor of Thomas J. Leonard of Coachville.

Click on over -- the cards are free and a great way to reach out quickly to your clients, colleagues and others!

Enjoy!

Jenn

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
(416) 996-TEAM (8326)
info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Expand Your Reach: Tips for Group (and Team) Coaching

2009-02-03T17:55:00.003-05:00

The recording from the February 3 2009 Expand Your Reach: Tips for Group (and Team) Coaching call is now available. You will be able to listen to it for the rest of February 2009 by dialing into:

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-339-2651 (Midwest)
Playback Access Code: 241201

Callers are responsible for their own long distance charges to connect with the bridgeline. Length: 45 minutes

Do enjoy listening!

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Phone: (416) 996-8326

Thanks for lunch!

2009-02-03T16:36:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post to thank those coaches who joined me today for the ICF-GTA Practice Talks call, where I presented on Expand Your Reach: Tips for Group and Team Coaching. We not only had coaches from Toronto but also the US. It was great to have you on the line. Note the ICF GTA Practice Talks are held the first Tuesday of each Month from 12-12:45 pm (ET). Mark it down! I'll be presenting again on May 5th on Building Your Platform - Using Blogs, Social Media and More!

The recording for our lunch call today is not yet ready (and might be a victim of mercury in retrograde), so I'll invite you to listen to my December call - 9 Tips for Great 2009 Programs. You can listen to the first part of it here, if you haven't listened to it yet.

Some of the key topics we spoke about today were:
What is group coaching?
How does it differ from 1-1 coaching? From workshops?
What forms does group coaching take?
How do you fill your programs?
Tips and tools for your own program design

Wanting more information on group coaching or want to launch your own program? Please consider joining me for this month's Group Coaching Essentials program starting on FEB 17th (Tuesdays from 12 - 1:15 pm ET, Feb 17, 24, March 10, 17 and a call in April). Click here for more info and to register. Space is limited to 6-8 coaches.

Warmly
Jenn

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CHRP
Potentials Realized
Phone: (416) 996-TEAM
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

February Programs: Group Coaching, Business Growth, Exercises

2009-02-02T08:56:00.004-05:00

If you are looking to enhance your business success this month, or looking to expand your work into the area of group coaching or team work, I hope that you will consider joining me for one of our February programs.

This month's program line-up includes:

Group Coaching Essentials - Tuesdays from 12 - 1:15 pm (ET)/9-10:15 am (PT)

Starts Tuesday February 17th. Calls held on Feb 17, 24, March 10, 17 plus a 5th call in April 09(date set by group).

This program is designed for coaches who want to expand their work to the group coaching environment. The program is a resource-rich, interactive program focusing in on the design, marketing and implementation of your own group coaching program. Packed with tips, tools and templates to make your process easier, this program includes 5 calls, 1-1 lazer sessions with JEnnifer, and an 80 page manual. Space is limited to 6-8 coaches as it is a hands-on, interactive proram. Click here for more information or to register.

Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups: Friday February 20th from 9-10:30 am (ET)

This 1.5 hour teleseminar focuses in on exercises you can use during your next workshop, retreat, team or group coaching program. Participants also receive an electronic copy of the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups Manual. Cost: $59 US.

For more information or to register, click here.

Group Program Design Virtual Intensive: Saturday Feb 21 and 28 (1-4 pm ET) both days

When was the last time you carved out 6 hours to focus on your group program design work? Join me for a six hour Virtual Intensive where we will move from program idea to skeleton. the focus of this program is on getting into action! For more information, click here. Cost: $125 US

90 Day BizSuccess program: Tuesdays from 4-5 pm ET starting February 24, 2009

Designed for service based business owners (coaches, consultants and trainers) this program provides you with 90 days (3 months) of focus, support, accountability and tools for your business success success.

Some of the topics we cover include:
* Creating a Powerful Vision and RoadMap for Your Business
* Busting through Limiting Beliefs about your business
* Essential Business Systems (budgets, marketing plans etc)
* Leveraging Your Time and Network
* Social Networking 101: Twitter, Blogging, Facebook - Make it work for you!

This 3 month group coaching program for business owners includes 2 group calls per month, a 15 minute lazer coaching session each month, the rich BizSuccess manual bursting with resources and systems for your business, as well as 3x a week Biz Tips delivered to your inbox. Cost: $347 US for the 3 month program. Click here to register.

Group Call Dates: February 24, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, May 5th and 19th. Final Call on May 26th, 09.

Questions, want more info or want to register offline? Please give me a call at (416) 996-8326 or drop me an email.

I look forward to having you join me.

Warmly

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Potentials Realized

BizTips on Thursday: Twitter

2009-01-29T07:36:00.000-05:00

This year I am starting a new column for the Group Coaching blog on BizTips. Many coaches continue to struggle from a business perspective. This is particularly true in the current economic climate. Keep posted for BizTips which will be posted on a semi-monthly basis to support you in a different aspect of your business success. Many of these topics are ones that I passionately have lectured on as a former Business Faculty Member, cover in the 90 DayBizSuccess program, and work around in the small business coaching work that I do.

This week's post is all about one of the latest social media crazes -- Twitter.

Wikipedia describesTwitter as:
" a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length".

If you've heard about twitter and are wondering what it might do for your business, here are some great web resources to get you started:

Duct Tape Marketing has produced a short Twitter for Business booklet which you can download here.

Some Tips from Claire Chapman: http://fabulouscoaching.typepad.com/growasacoach/2008/12/back-to-basics-22-basics-for-getting-up-and-running-on-twitter.html

The Twitter Handbook: http://www.twitterhandbook.com/

How are you using Twitter? What success stories do you have about it? What's the downside?

As always, please feel free to comment below. You can find me at Twitter at http://twitter.com/jennbritton.

Have a great week!

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials

Join me for lunch: Tuesday Feb 3 at 12 noon (ET)

2009-01-26T17:24:00.004-05:00

I hope that you will join me next Tuesday Feb 3rd from 12 - 12:45 pm (Eastern) for a lunchtime speaking engagement with the ICF-GTA Chapter Practice Talks call. I'll be speaking next week on Expanding Your Reach - Tips and Tools for Group and Team Coaching.

Each month a 45 minute teleconference call on issues related to coaching and business building is held.

I hope that you will join me next week for an engaging lunch time discussion.

Here are the details:
Date: Tuesday Feb 3 from 12 - 12:45 pm (Eastern)

Dial in to: (218) 339-2626, access code 164873 (Note: Callers are responsible for their own long distance charges)

What I'll be talking about:
Wondering about how you can leverage your time and serve more clients outside just a 1-1 model? During this month’s ICF GTA Practice Building call, Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, will be covering some quick tips and tools to support you in expanding your coaching reach to groups and teams. She’ll be discussing how group coaching is similar to, and also different from, individual one-on-one coaching. She’ll also share how you can adapt some of your current coaching tools to teams and groups. Please bring any and all of your questions about group coaching to this month’s lunchtime call.

There's no cost and no need to register.

I look forward to having you join me for lunch next week!

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CHRP
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Phone: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)

4th Annual Sherpa Executive Coaching Survey Now Available

2009-01-15T10:27:00.002-05:00

The 4th Annual Sherpa Executive Coaching Survey has just been released and is now available for download. You can download your own copy of the survey here.

The survey answers questions including

What is executive coaching?
Who gets a coach?
How are services delivered?
Who becomes a coach?
How do they get their training?
How much does coaching cost?
Is it worth the money

1500 participants, primarily executive coaches, participated in the survey. Participants came from the US, Canada and 40 other countries, showing the global nature of executive coaching. The survey also highlights some interesting differences about the background, training and type of work executive coaches are doing on both sides of the Canadian and US border.

I hope that you will take a look at the 4th Annual Sherpa Executive Coaching Survey .

If you are aware of other surveys on coaching which have been released recently, please feel free to comment below. The need for more research on the profession continues to be a major issue - as such it is always wonderful to hear of new survey results being published.

Have a great week!

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com