Are you thinking about digital program creation and where to start? Or maybe you are already in the process, and you are considering the addition of group coaching? If this sounds like you and you are wondering how to make your program flow smoothly for your customers, yourself, and your team, this post is for you. If you’d rather watch the video here it is 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼.
If you’re new here, welcome! My name is Andrea Reindl. I own Legacy Creative and I’m on a mission to simplify complicated jargon that over promises and instead pave a path for people with big ideas and the teams that support them to bring their visions to life. I’ve got a weekly YouTube show (duh, that’s the video above). And a weekly email called Brandable Bites you can sign up for here.
Ok, let’s dive in. You want to create an epic program and you need to know what to put where and how to design your program. Let’s break it down.Â
One of the most common challenges faced by teams and course creators is effectively organizing all the teaching materials, live experiences, Q&As, and templates. It can be a lot when you aren’t sure. Whether you’re developing a digital program, a membership community, or a network of like-minded individuals, you need a strategy that caters to both learners and the community you aim to create. And, of course, your goal is to ensure all sessions are filled with value and inclusivity, live or prerecorded.
This challenge is especially relevant for coaches, guides, or experts who want to blend self-directed online lessons with group interactions.
The Magic of Group Coaching
Adding group coaching to your programs is a great idea. It offers numerous benefits, including enhanced learning through peer interaction, better retention, the opportunity to forge friendships, and increased participant engagement. And of course, from a business perspective, it allows you to guide and assist more people simultaneously while often enjoying higher profit margins. Plus, you get community.
However, designing a program like this can be daunting. You may find yourself asking questions like:
- Where should I start?
- When should I group learners together?
- How many sessions should a purchased package include?
- What should I cover in self-paced online sessions?
- What should I teach in group sessions, and how do I facilitate them?
These are all common concerns and can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. When I work with clients on this, the first thing we do is identify the fundamentals of their program and community. Then you can seamlessly integrate self-directed learning and group classes.
The fundamentals are the core concepts that learners must grasp to become part of the community. Typically, there are 3-5 key items to focus on – the absolute must-knows for your tribe. Teach these fundamentals first, ensuring that everyone understands them before they fully engage with your community.
Think of this process as “indoctrinating” learners into the basics, enabling them to join the community of like-minded individuals. This step clarifies the foundational knowledge that makes everything else make sense.
Once you’ve identified your fundamentals, you have several options for teaching them. Here are three of my favs:
Weekend Workshop: Organize a workshop that people attend before joining the community, whether in person or online. It’s a fantastic way to introduce newcomers and set the stage for their journey.
Mini-Program: Create a mini-program that everyone must complete before accessing higher-level programs. This is often self-directed, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and at a lower price point, offering them a taste of your style before full commitment.
The Start of Your Signature Course: Incorporate the fundamentals into the first couple of modules of your signature course. Ensure that everyone who purchases your course has time to go through these fundamentals before joining community sessions.
After the fundamentals are identified and you know how to deliver them, you can focus on building a connected community as a part of your digital program creation. By training your audience to see fundamentals as “must-haves,” you empower your community members to guide newcomers to the answers they seek. This sense of camaraderie and community fosters longer-lasting client relationships.
Remember, retaining a client is more cost-effective than acquiring a new one. Cultivating long-term relationships pays off in the end. Hopefully this technique will help you navigate the complex landscape of digital program creation and group coaching design. Give it a try and let me know how they work for you. Or if you have questions, pop them in the comments and I’m happy to answer.
