8 Steps in Designing A Program

One of the topics we explore in the Coaching Business Builder is the topic of program design. As I wrote a few weeks ago, since I became more intentional around noticing where I was spending my time by using my monthly tracker in the Coaching Business Builder, I have been amazed at just how much time I spend every week in program design.
Program design is a core focus in the Group Coaching Essentials program I run as well as the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program (link to both programs at the Group Coaching Essentials sites).
 I go into a little more depth in Coaching Business Builder (pages 71 – 73) but go into a huge amount of detail in my other books (see links below). You can also pick up with the on-demand program – Tips and Tools for your Group or Team Programs which I host over at Teachable.  
Here are 8 specific steps you can take in designing your next program:

1. Consider what focus your clients are looking for right now. What are the things that are keeping them up at night? What have they been asking for more of? What are the common themes that are showing up in conversations  across clients either as an opportunity or a challenge? Make a list of all of these topics.
2. Get more granular about these topics. Make a list of 8 – 10 theme areas that are under each of these topic areas. Putting these in a mind map is a great starting point.
3. What’s the best vehicle for a program with these topics? Is it in-person? Virtual? Live? On-demand? A video-based course?
4. What exercises or elements would you include? For each of the themes you have, map out what would be included or explored at a high level. You could do this in a more detailed MindMap or use the Design Matrices I include in my books.
5. What would the top 3 takeaways or exploration areas be for each of the theme?
6. Is there any pre-work or post-work related to each of the weeks? Any reading or focus?
7. Start writing out the materials or designing slide by slide
8. As you start working on this, notice how you could market it. The bullet points from each session’s focus can frame some of the messaging.  Start drafting out the program description, and/or how you want to position this. Check out similar programs which may exist to get a sense of the price range, and also consider where this fits in your funnel of different products and services.

 
There’s a lot on this list, however, think about chunking it down to focus on each one in a separate sitting. Program design is not a race to the finish, it’s a journey. Great program design is rarely completed in one sitting. It marinates and grows in creative spurts.  
What are the steps you want to take in moving your program ideas forward?

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), 
Potentials Realized - Supporting Coaches, Businesses, Leaders and Teams 
Is 2019 your year to take it ahead? Join me for one of our two annual groups - The Learning Lab and Design Studio (focusing on program design) or the Coaching Biz Growth Lab (focusing on coaching business development)
Phone: 416-996-8326