FutureProofing for Changemakers: If The Next 5 Years Is Like The Last 5 Years What Should You Be Doing Now? — Today’s Most In-Demand Programme Formats For Coaching and Therapy
Whatever your niche, whoever your client, an online programme can be a profitable addition to your current service. If you’re not already offering some kind of programme, you can quickly get started by creating one of these top formats for your clients.
Email Coaching from Coaches or a Covid Support Package from Therapists
The simplest and perhaps least time-intensive programme you can create, an email service allows your clients to reach you by email with any questions they have. Typically,you can ask clients to limit their emails to one per day, and generally only during the week. In return, you agree to respond promptly with a thoughtful and thorough answer — typically within 24 hours (allowing some leeways with that depending on time zones).
Email service packages are popular with clients because they are low cost, doesn’t require a meeting schedule, and can easily fit into a day. Practitioners and coaches like the format because it allows them the flexibility of answering when it’s convenient (within reason) rather than blocking out time for phone calls.
Group Programme
With a lower price tag than individual sessions and the added benefit of being able to bounce ideas off other group members, this format is fast becoming a favourite among both practitioners and clients.
Group sessions generally take place on a regular schedule — say once per week or twice per month — with all members getting together via webinar or conference calling service. I use Zoom and it works really well. You can even get going with the free option on Zoom if the time limit works for you. Sessions can be free-form or planned out ahead of time, but the group is typically time limited for example, in most group programmes, there is a start and end date, and all members join for the duration of the programme.
One-on-One Sessions
This is probably what most people think of when they consider starting a programme or even hiring a coach or therapist of their own. In this format, the coach practitioner and client work together individually. They typically meet for a 30- to 60-minute phone call on a regular schedule. During that time, they’ll discuss what the client’s goals are, what he or she has done to achieve those goals since the last meeting, and what he or she will do in the coming days or weeks to move forward. Some very successful coach-practitioners make it a laser coaching programme and run 15 min sessions which are completely action and homework based. These are great for clients who want accountability and implementation type support and are significantly cheaper than the usual 1 to 1 session costs.
of course, Individual sessions, either longer or laser style might take place weekly or monthly, and can be combined with either group or email services as well. It’s up to you and your clients to get creative with what will work best.
Whatever style of service programme you choose, keep in mind that your business and your practice are as individual as you are. There is no one-size-fits-all programme for everyone, so tailor your new programme to fit both you and the clients you want to attract.
This article is part of my July series on FutureProofing Your Coaching Business … so watch this space for more ideas and support.
if you would like to learn more about the FutureProof for Coaches & Therapists Blueprint and our Toolkits for Coaches & Therapists come and join us in the Sage Academy.
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