The number of participants you want in your group program will influence the way you market and deliver your coaching program.
Let’s dive in and discover the optimal number that will help you make important decisions, as well as learn how to structure a group coaching program that meets the needs of both you and your clients!
In this video, I’ll share the key factors you need to consider when choosing your ideal group size – this info will definitely come in handy whether you’re a seasoned coach or just getting started.
How to Structure a Group Coaching Program: Exploring Group Sizes
There are three different types of group sizes when it comes to group coaching and each one has a certain different vibe as you are entering the group that you are about to coach.
- Intimate – An intimate group typically consists of 8-12 people.
- Large – A large group of 12-25 people can offer a more lively and dynamic setting.
- Community – And then there is something I call the community size, which is typically 25 to 200 people or more.
Believe me, there are a lot of people who actually do group coaching with groups with that many people.
What is the ideal size for group coaching?
In one of my programs, I had 306 people in the group, and for many coaches, if you have more than 12 people in the group, it’s no longer considered coaching, but training.
So this may or may not be true depending on how you define group coaching and on your coaching style.
What group coaching format do you follow?
When it comes to strategies on how to structure a group coaching program, having a clear understanding of the format that best suits your needs and those of your clients is essential.
Given there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to group coaching, what format should you follow? Let’s explore two commonly used styles.
One-on-one coaching in the group format
Some coaches see group coaching as one-on-one coaching in the group format, and the group benefits from watching one person being coached.
So that’s one type of coaching style.
Group members coach each other
Another group coaching format is an opportunity for group members to coach each other where everybody contributes to the conversation around someone’s challenge.
Now, in larger groups, you can use breakout rooms where people coach each other. You are still facilitating the conversation by giving instructions and prompts, but you are allowing the group members to support and coach each other and you can adjust the format of your group coaching calls based on the size of the group, based on your topic and based on what your group needs from you.
I usually do a combination of things in my group coaching calls. I like to sometimes play by ear and see what the group is needing from me in this call today. Sometimes we mastermind, sometimes I coach or do laser coaching. Sometimes I put people in breakout rooms.
I actually recorded another video on how to run a group coaching call using three different models.
How do you decide on the size of your group?
So how do you decide on the right size for your coaching group program? It really depends on a few different factors, such as:
- Your group coaching style
- The amount of money you want to make
- Your marketing strategy
- Your business model
There are a lot of things that go into making that decision. Keep in mind that your marketing skills and ability to attract new members can play a big role too. These key elements can help guide you in the right direction.
For example, if you’re planning on using strategy sessions to enroll clients, then it’s going to be harder to to create a large group one client at a time.
But if you’re using webinars, public speaking or joint venture partner referrals, you can get many people inspired to join your program.
What’s your magic number?
So my question for you is, how many people are in your group coaching programs? What’s your ideal? What’s your magic number that you would find thriving?
I personally like larger groups because I have an education background. I’m a former music teacher and you may be looking at a different type of coaching program and way to coach and way to deliver value to your clients in the program based on the number of people.
How to Structure a Group Coaching Program Effectively with Coaching Genie
If you use Coaching Genie as your coaching delivery platform, you could have as many groups and as many people in the group as you want. The system really helps you streamline your coaching programs. It makes it super easy to run your group coaching business.
It’s a dream tool for anyone who loves to create, teach, and coach!
Milana Leshinsky is the author of “Coaching Millions” and “Simplicity Entrepreneurship” and the originator of telesummit. She is also the creator of Coaching Genie, a coaching platform that allows you to deliver coaching programs and scale your business with simplicity. She’s passionate about helping coaches, authors, and speakers leverage their expertise through creating programs and overcoming fear of technology. Milana came to the US as a music teacher from Ukraine almost 30 years ago. When she’s not working on her business, Milana writes music and enjoys Latin ballroom dancing. To learn more, visit Milana’s website at https://CoachingGenie.com