I often get asked – Nell! Which of your coaching programs should I choose?

And that’s a good question, because coaching is so personal. One style is not going to be right for everyone. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I run two ‘styles’ of coaching – group coaching and individual coaching. To help you figure out which you might like to try, I wanted to talk through both options in a blog, and let you decide for yourself.

What’s The Difference Anyway?

Well, I should hope that the main difference is pretty obvious. Group coaching is when you are coached in a group, and in individual coaching, it’s just you and me. Honestly, that’s the biggest difference. It’s the comparison of doing a gym class and having a personal trainer – and each one will be right for different people.

Other than that, there are a few little differences in how we go about things, which I’ll talk about in a second. Before I get into that, I want to explain that there is one thing that both types of coaching are rooted in, and that’s planning.

 The Core Of Coaching

It doesn’t matter which type of coaching you choose, each one starts at exactly the same point. And that’s your plan. Because without a plan, you’ll never get to where you want – or even know where that is. So before we get into any of the nitty gritty of what you need to do and how, we’ll get you set up with a plan. Actually, 2 plans.

First, we’ll create you a 12-month plan, which has all the big things you want to achieve in the next year, and when you want to achieve them by. This gives you a destination to aim for.

Then, we break that down into a 90-day plan. This focusses on the things you need to achieve in the next 90 days that will help you achieve your overall goals , and breaks them down into individual, actionable tasks (I have some wonderful, colourful worksheets to help with this). This plan gives you a literal roadmap to success – all you’ve got to do is follow the stepping stones.

Once you’ve got your plans, the really hard bit starts.

Group Coaching

Group coaching is what it says on the tin – you’re coached in a group, and right now I run these sessions online. During these sessions we’ll discuss different challenges you and your fellow business owners are having, offering solutions and going over what everyone’s achieved in the last month. We hold each other accountable for the things we promise we will do each month so there is no hiding.

There is always a topic of learning each month as well, so you can continue to expand your knowledge. So one month we might learn about money mastery, and another we might look at time management. We discuss, learn and apply all of that to your businesses. The group talks about their key priorities, the books they’re reading, and what they are focussing on in sales, marketing or general business growth. And then we set action plans, and do it all again next month.

Group coaching is great for people who want to bounce ideas off each other. Who learn best through discussion, and want that sense of community as they work on their business. My group coaching clients often become friends, use each other’s services, and generally build strong relationships as they all grow together. These sessions are perfect for one-man bands start-ups or solopreneurs that want to grow.

Individual Coaching

Group coaching isn’t right for everyone. Some people don’t feel comfortable in that big group environment, some are struggling with things they would rather not make public, and others just want the privacy and focus of a 1-2-1 relationship with their coach. Which is totally OK – that’s what individual coaching is for! This is the place to be for more established business or owners that want to grow more quickly. (Like having a personal trainer)

In your individual sessions, we’ll work closely on your 90-day plan, and how things are going in your business. We’ll discuss actions to set, what you completed (or didn’t), and what you learned. If you’re stuck with something., we’ll talk through it, and find a solution. See if you’re making an elephant out of a mouse, or if the issue really is a big, complicated thing that needs picking apart. We’ll make sure you’re sticking to your 90-day plan and making progress, and that you’re taking the right steps next.

I’m going to be honest, individual coaching can be intense. I’ve had clients break down into tears during sessions as we work through issues in their business and personal lives – I always make sure they leave smiling, feeling better and lighter than when they came in! It takes dedication, and a willingness to dig deep into your business to make real changes. If you’re not ready to face that, then you might not be ready for coaching yet. There’s nowhere to hide….

So there we go! Hopefully that’s given you an idea of what each type of coaching is like, and which you might prefer. Of course, you can try out both, and see which you get on with as well! Just book in a call with me, and we’ll chat through it all.