We meet monthly for 6 months via teleconferencing with the option to add the advanced programme for another 6 months. In general we meet in the first three weeks of each month.
All sessions are booked in advance for the year so you will have prior notice of when we will be speaking. The exception would be over the New Year period when we meet in the last three weeks of the month and we have tried to avoid bank holidays.
I’m not very technical and I’m worried about teleclasses and teleconferencing and stuff.
Many people feel worried about this at the beginning but once we have taught you how to use the system you will find it’s very easy and eventually will be running them yourself.
It is no harder than making a long distance phone call or using an ATM machine. We will give you full instructions and "hand hold" you through the first call if necessary. We haven't failed yet and even the most technologically-challenged people learn to love this means of group communication.... eventually!
How much time will I have to spend doing the work outside the call?
Don't worry, you won't be bogged down in assignments and theory - this is action-oriented learning.
The general level of work out-of-class is about five hours a week, and this involves a variety of practical things that build your business. Most of the time between calls will be spent taking the actions discussed and agreed upon in class.
So it really depends on you – both on how much work you feel inclined to do and also on how different people implement their learning at different levels. And depending on the aspect we are working on, some months you may find that you absorb and implement the material and tasks simply and quickly and other months it is more challenging. What it really boils down to is: the more effort you put in – the more results you get out.
Is there written work to submit each month?
No. The Programme requires you to take responsibility for yourself and your practice. You are a business person and as such are expected to manage yourself and your time. You will need to be self-motivated – although of course you will get support if you find this difficult.
How soon could I expect to see results?
This really depends on how much action you take. If you do the work you will get results. The Programme works. One of the stages of the programme is to look at what you want and to set your goals for the programme. For some this will be financial, others personal development, etc., so it is important not to compare yourself with anyone and to look at how you are achieving what you want for your practice.
How many other people will be on my call?
There will be a maximum of 10 participants on the call plus two coaches.
How will I get what I need if there are lots of people on the call?
You have to fight for your space – part of business is about being able to jump up and speak out and that is encouraged. We believe competitiveness is a positive characteristic and encourage it, after all you are competing against other therapists in the outside world so you may as well practice in a supportive, non-judgmental environment which is designed to help and support you.
However we also know from personal experience that it takes a little while to build your "speak up" muscles so if you find you can’t "get in" on the call and really need to speak with us we are available. The Programme is designed to help and encourage you to speak up and get yourself heard.
It’s also swings and roundabouts you may not get heard in one session but you may get a big block of time in the next one. If you feel you are not getting help you can always email us.
We also understand different people have different learning styles and you may prefer to be quietly achieving in the backgroud. As we settle into the program we will be aware of people who are not participating heavily – we will be monitoring that and could contact you directly outside the class to ensure that you are getting the best out of the system.
What if I want to ask a question during the call?
This program differs from many in that providing you don't bring background noise to the call your line will be "live". This means you can ask questions or comment at any time throughout the call. Obviously we need to get through the material as well but part of the coaching process will be us asking you if you have comments or questions.
We welcome this level of interaction because it helps us understand where you are in your learning and also lets us gauge if we need to push you a bit further. Or, we may find we are going too fast and need a change of pace. Over time the group energy will start to dictate the pace and level of questions and interaction.
There is also a closed forum you can visit between calls to ask questions or discuss things with your classmates. We really are committed to you feeling heard throughout the programme, but the programme also supports you getting more confident in speaking up and getting your voice heard.
How much support will there be between calls?
Email contact is encouraged – we would rather know you have challenges so that we can help you. If you are really struggling we will speak with you. We are really committed to your success and where possible we can even have a private session to help you across the line if that's what it takes. Our success is measured by your results so we are very serious when we say we do what it takes to get you over the line.
This is not a smile and take your money, listen to the mp3 and submit a question that might get answered with thousands of others depending which way the wind is blowing and what leg you are standing on at the time.
Our point of difference is that this is live, real and honest and you are live, right in there with us, that's why we get such great results and we stick like glue until you get it.
Are there checks and balances along the way?
Yes, you will be surveyed every three months to ensure you are happy with the programme and are getting the results you desire. We also seek feedback and constructive criticism or ways to improve the programme or enhance your learning experience. We use anonymous surveys via third party software called "Survey Monkey" to collect this information.
What will it cost me?
For the full six month program, normally the course cost is
€90 Euros or £75 GBP per month
..... but we understand the economy has taken a hit in recent months
So we have a really special deal for my UK and Ireland friends
If you pay by 29 October 2010 the price will be €60 Euros or £50 GBP per month
If you pay for the course up front
YOU WILL GET A MONTH FREE!
Yes that's right, all you need to pay up front is €300 Euros or £250 GBP and you get the full six month program for the price of five months!
These prices are if you sign up before 29 October 2010.
If any Ozzies sneak in.........Why Are We Doing This?
your price will be AUD$85 per month
or mates rates AUD$425 if you pay up front.
Many people have helped us out when times were tough and this is our way of paying those gifts forward and offering you a helping hand so you can beat the global recession once and for all and be ready to open your doors to many new clients. If you can build a business in the down times you will be flying when the economy inevitably gets good again.
Yes they are outrageous prices and won't be repeated once the economy starts to flow again in England and Ireland BUT we don't want you to miss out on this valuable information so that is why we are giving you these special deals.
How will my credit card be charged?
If you choose to pay monthly your credit card will be charged when you sign up and monthly on the anniversary date of your sign up.
If you choose to pay up front - your credit card will be charged with the full amount on the day you register.
The Program is non-fundable - once you commit to do the program you do not get a refund. You credit card will continue to be charged even if you pull out of the program. Like we stated earlier, we only want people who are committed to the finish the program and do the work necessary to make your practice happen.
This program works and we do our utmost to get you across the line - but you have to meet us half way, so please do not take up the place of someone else who would benefit from the program if you are not truly serious about making your business work.
What will happen if I miss a call?
This is a fast paced programme so if you miss a call then you will need to make sure you catch up so that you are up to speed for the next call. It’s important to do this because if you miss one and then come into the call behind, you are unlikely to be able to get level with the rest of the participants. That will demotivate you and it will be hard to keep going.
To help you, each call is recorded so that you can listen to the recording in your own time.
This aspect of the course is important and helps you to build a business discipline to set boundaries around your time. We advise you to make the call a priority and schedule other events around it. It should be ‘written in ink’ in your diary.
What will happen if I decide not to finish the Programme?
The Programme is dependent on everyone giving their commitment to the work for the six months required. This is supportive both for yourself – to encourage you to stick with it when times are challenging – and also for the group. If a person drops out, it changes the dynamic of the call and this can be disorganising to the rest of the participants. If you decide not to finish the Programme you will forfeit all monies paid and no refund will be given. If you are paying in installments, then any outstanding monies must still be paid in full.
There are sometimes, of course, extenuating circumstances and each case will be looked at individually. But again this is a programme designed to build a solid business and sometimes life gets in the way. When the going gets tough you cannot just put your business on hold while you deal with whatever is occurring around you.
One of the hardest things about being in a small business is the unrelenting nature of the work and the fact that everything comes back to you to sort out.
If you can't organise yourself and your life to spend four hours a month learning to build your business - you may wish to reconsider even having a small business. If it were easy - everyone who sits and whinges about their job would be out there running their own business. Only the committed survive and sometimes it gets really tough. The course will teach you how to have less of those tough times, but every business owner will tell you its not easy.
We are not about to paint a rosy picture that pretends this is going to be easy. But we are here to help and guide you through the obstacles so you too can feel the delight and joy of seeing a cleint have a win or, even better, feel the strength and confidence grow in yourself as you start to kick a few goals personally. We will be right beside you cheering when that happens, and equally we will be right beside you handing out tissues in the tough times as well - that's why we are different and that's why we get results!
But you have to meet us halfway and be prepared to run the distance and not give up the first time someone says no or you take a knock or you get a set back. It's not about when this happens, because every business owner will experience a set back at some time, but it's about how you deal with it. Don't think you have to go all gung-ho either. Sometimes the quiet achievers are the ones who cross the line with the greatest successes because they are committed to their goals.
How will you address cultural differences if it’s a global call?
Working with other cultures can be challenging but it can also be very informative and a lot of fun. The Course Coaches have worked and travelled with many cultures and have a good understanding of how to adapt to and consider cultural differences.
In your Practice, you may work with clients from cultures other than your own so working on a Programme which is multi-cultural gives you very good experience.
The call will be English-speaking.
Will it cost me a lot of money to be on the phone for 90 minutes each month?
There is obviously a cost to do this – although it is possible to considerably reduce the cost of the phone call by purchasing an international calling card at your newsagent or post office or where ever back packers hang out (Earls Court if they are from downunder).
Not all international calling cards are created equal and you do need to shop around a little to get the best deal. But you will pay around 2-5 pence per minute to the USA. So our calls will cost you under £2 per call - less if you get a really good deal. Just watch for hidden costs - sometimes its not always about paying the cheapest rate.
Skype can be an option but call quality is often a problem. Best results are achieved from a old-fashioned landline phone.If we haven't answered all your questions here or on the website, simply email us and we will answer your specific questions in person.
