How To Set Up A Coaching Community

The benefits of running and being involved in a successful coaching community are plenty. Involvement in a group can make all the difference. Simply by regularly attending a circle you can not only network with fellow coaches but you will also stay informed and potentially become a change maker. We would encourage coaches and trainees who are looking to build their practices to join a local group, or even set one up in their area.

Here are our 10 top tips

1. Use a meeting organiser website such as meetup.com to arrange and promote your events and handle RSVPs. The low quarterly subscription can be shared by your group members.

2. Arrange the meeting for a time that suits YOU. Meetings can be arranged for anytime of the day, any day of the week. You never find a time that works for everyone. Arrange your first meeting and see how it goes before committing to future dates.

3. Make a list of what you will need for each meeting, and keep it in a bag or box that you can just pick up before your next meeting. My Bag Includes:

• A list for attendees to write their names on, with a column to tick that they have paid.
• An envelope in which they place their meeting fee.
• An outline of the meeting plan – you could use the same one all the time, simply changing the topic.
• Plastic name badges and card for people to write their names on.
• Any useful articles/ books I have come across since the last meeting.

4. When selecting a venue, think about accessibility, parking (at the time of day you are planning to meet), and whether you’d like a quiet, private environment (like a meeting room at a hotel or business centre), or a more public venue such as a pub or restaurant.

5. Have a topic for each event – your members will have lots of suggestions.

6. When attending Accelerator Days, add your county name on your name badge – people will ALWAYS approach you this way. Encourage your fellow group members to do the same, and to promote the group when they meet other coaches from your area.

7. Have a fellow organiser who is happy to run your group if there is an emergency, and you cannot attend at the last minute.

8. Although rules aren’t necessary – guidelines are. At the beginning of each meeting, remind people of what is expected, for example, confidentiality, mutual support, etc.

9. Remember your priorities – if building your coaching practice and generating an income stream is important to you, don’t let running your networking group or coaching community consume too much of your time.