A coach launches an eight-week group programme for new managers. Interest is strong, but the questions pour in: How many people in the group? Are sessions recorded? What if I miss one? Will I get time with the coach one-to-one? Is it suitable if I have been managing for two years? The coach answers each email individually, and the launch week disappears.
Group programmes can reach more people. Clear answers fill them.
Why group programmes raise questions
Joining a group is different from one-to-one coaching. People wonder whether they will get enough attention, whether they will fit in and whether the timing will work. Programme explanations in general are covered in how coaches explain programmes and prices online.
What prospects ask
- How many people are in the group?
- When are the sessions, and how long are they?
- Online or in person?
- Are sessions recorded?
- What if I miss a session?
- Will I get any one-to-one time?
- Is it right for my level of experience?
- What does it cost, and can I pay in instalments?
Example conversations
These scripts use information a coach might publish. Your answers should come from your own programme page.
Prospect: How many people are in the group? Assistant: The programme page explains that groups are limited to twelve people, so everyone has time to contribute. Sessions are online, on Tuesday evenings, for eight weeks.
Prospect: What if I miss a session? Assistant: All sessions are recorded, and you can catch up and send questions to the coach before the next session.
Prospect: I've been managing for two years. Is this right for me? Assistant: The page says the programme is designed for people in their first three years of management, so it may be a good fit. If you'd like to check, I can pass your details to the coach.
Mixing group and one-to-one
Many prospects want the value of a group with some individual attention. If the programme includes one-to-one sessions, or an option to add them, say so clearly. Prospects who are unsure whether a group will suit them are often reassured by the chance of a private session at the start or end of the programme. It also gives the coach a chance to understand each participant's goals before the group begins.
Workshops and one-off sessions
Single workshops raise simpler questions: date, time, format, price and what participants will take away. A short, clear workshop page answers most of them.
Sensitive topics in groups
Group settings can surface personal topics. Coaches should explain how confidentiality works within the group. Sensitive enquiries more generally are covered in life coaching enquiries that touch sensitive ground.
Registering for a programme
Registration should be simple: a clear sign-up page, a confirmation with dates and joining details, and a reminder before the first session. Registration processes in other settings, such as healthcare, face the same need for clarity, as described in new patient registration questions answered without a call.
Screening for fit
A couple of gentle questions, such as current role and what the person wants from the programme, help the coach make sure the group is well matched. Screening questions like these are described in receptionist screening questions.
Answering at any hour
SpideyChat for coaches answers group programme questions from your own pages at any hour and captures interested prospects.
Before the next launch
Write a programme page with dates, format, group size, price, recordings and who it suits, and let prospects get answers at any hour. Try SpideyChat on your own site, or read about capture on the features page.