As part of the back to basics series, in this article we are going to look at why it can be much harder for your clients to get results in a signature program and what you can do differently to your peers to make it easier.
You're an expert at what you do- and it shows because when you work with clients 1:1 they get AMAZING results. Where they rave about the work you have done together and you've helped create a transformation of some kind. So, what is the difference between getting results 1:1 and in a group?
When you work with clients in a group it seems so much harder. Why? Because you are spreading your attention- and depending on the size of the group that attention could be pretty thin. It's also trickier to keep clients accountable AND you can't tailor the experience in the same way.
For example, in a 1:1 situation you ask your client a question and because of your experience, you would automatically KNOW the next right follow up based on the answer- that might be a prompt, an action, a question to ask. You would instinctively know. However, in a group you could ask a typical question and get 10, 20 maybe even 30 different answers depending on the size of the group. Where you then direct those clients can become a minefield- and this is when your response can become generic. This can then become frustrating for your clients and all too easy for them to become dis-engaged. You may even recognise this from your own experience.
Which makes the sound of having a group program like really hard work- but its not! Not when you know how. So, what can you do differently? Here are 3 ways.
Start with a small group
I totally understand where a lot of course creators are coming from when they want you to launch BIG because they want you to make money. However, money is not the only success marker. Starting out you want to feel totally confident that YOU can get your clients results- and you will only get this from DOING. Therefore, by having a small group to start out with, you will get good quality feedback and you will be able to make changes along the way.
Be intentional with the content you cover
Get super clear on the result you promise- and design your program with the end in mind. Like you would for packing your suitcase for a holiday in the sun- you wouldn't put your winter coat and gloves in- so only add content that is relevant to the result. This will limit the variety of questions that could be asked and you know where to direct them back too.
Make it clear where clients can ask questions
Live calls and facebook groups are common for group programs online but it's not always clear why. It's important to think about the purpose of each. For example, will clients need the live calls to get the result? And if so, what will happen in those calls? Will they have a particular purpose? Is this THE main place to ask questions? And is the facebook group for emergency questions that can't wait between calls? If so, how will you respond to those facebook questions? will it be personally? A live video?
By making it really clear on the places to ask questions, you are supporting your clients to get results.
Here's the key- you need to be led by your own experience and expertise from getting results. It's about taking the time to study WHAT works at 1:1 and HOW to translate that into a group environment. Be creative!
I had a successful group program that was totally different to most- the focus was on DOING something once a week on the live call. I designed it specifically so that it was like a classroom- you turn up and get the work done. It was amazing! In my signature program there was a piece of work to complete and then we would have a 1:1 to discuss it and for me to give feedback. It worked REALLY well as each lesson was building on the work.
So don't discount KNOWING how your clients get results. If you know that your clients WILL need a 1:1 element for example once a month to get the result, add it in! YOU will know what works for you AND your clients.
So yes, to start out it will be a learning curve to getting your clients results when you move to 1:1, but only if you restrict your imagination and try to replicate a lot of programs that already exist. By being creative and tuned into your own expertise YOU and your program will stand out- because you'll be getting the results.
Looking to start the next online obsession with your group program? Get my free guide to help you make more impact and profit by getting your clients results here.
Rachel Aiken helps experts create obsessive online programs for more impact and profit. Her skills are a combination of online business strategy, instructional design and client experience from 20 years in the UK Education Sector.