How to choose between a “group coaching” program for photographers and a “mastermind”?

Over the past few years the photography industry has begun to see more masterminds and coaching programs pop up then ever before! So what is the difference, and how do you know which is the right one for you?

Group Coaching and Masterminds got their start in the online business and marketing world

As an industry educator, I've been in the online business and marketing world for a while, and that is where I first learned about group coaching and masterminds. These sorts of programs have been in that space for years and are designed to created community and teach people how to build, grown and run successful businesses.

I run a group coaching program (The Six-Figure Studio) and I have an invite only mastermind (Amplified). I’ve also participated in a number of high end group coaching programs and in some very high end masterminds.

Both experiences have been amazing for me and for my business, but they are not for every one! And now that I’m seeing more of these types of programs in the photography industry, I thought it would be helpful for you to know what I’ve learned about them and what the differences are so that you can make the best choice for YOU when looking for a program for your business.

It comes down to curriculum

The biggest difference between a traditional group coaching program and a traditional mastermind is curriculum.

Group coaching programs almost always have a set curriculum. And masterminds do not.

Group Coaching

When you join a group coaching program, you are joining to learn a particular skill set.

Photographers come to The Six-Figure Studio, for example, to learn about building a photography brand that stands out in the saturated photography industry and how to create a marketing plan that works to pull in the RIGHT kinds of clients in a consistent and predictable way. We have a set curriculum that has been tested and proven to get results that everyone who joins the program works through.

What makes it a group coaching program and not just a class is that we all hop on Zoom together twice a month and talk about where people are at in the program, troubleshoot any problems that come up, work through feelings of being stuck, answer questions, and help people problem solve as they work through the materials.

This is where group coaching really shines!

Unlike an online course, when you are in a group coaching program, you have the opportunity to get one-on-one support when you are stuck or struggling.

Group coaching also helps keeps you accountable, so that you actually finish the program! Because there is nothing worse than signing up for a program and not finishing it- am I right?!

I am a certified teacher, and one thing I learned in teacher school was about the benefits of peer mentoring.

Students learn better when they are taught by their teaching and then mentored, or helped, through the materials by their fellow students! And thats the model we use inside The Six-Figure Studio.

The group aspect of everyone working through the same material and speaking the same language really helps our students get better results, and again, that is one of the great aspects of being in a group coaching program.

Masterminds

Unlike group coaching programs, traditional masterminds don't have set curriculums.

A mastermind is a group of people who come together to help support each other, but what they work on tends to be fluid and based on the immediate needs of the of the people in the group.

So in a mastermind... what you are working on always changes.

In my mastermind, Amplified, we begin every cohort by asking the members to identify the business goal or goals they would like to achieve over the next six months. Then we work as a group on strategic planning and problem solving to help each member meet their goals!

One of the special things that is unique to Amplified is that unlike other masterminds, each of our members have been through the same group-coaching program!

Amplified is only open for enrollment to people who have been through The Six-Figure Studio. This means, that every one in the program speaks the same language and has the same foundations, and I think that is why we see such incredible growth in that mastermind!

Both models have their pros and cons

Group coaching tends to be less expensive. And Masterminds tend to be smaller in size. Both models have their pros and cons. But I believe that group coaching programs like The Six-Figure Studio are the best first step!

Ready to learn more about group coaching?

If you are looking to really learn and master the business side of your photography business this year, I'd love to invite you to check out The Six-Figure Studio.

The Six-Figure Studio is a six-month group coaching program that walks you step by step through how to build an instantly recognizable photography brand, how to effectively market that brand without having to pay for ads, and how to set up system within your business so that your marketing runs on autopilot.

We've had over 300 photographers from around the world go through The Six-Figure Studio, and I’m proud to say it works!

We routinely see photographers doubling their income, hitting six-figures and beyond, ranking on the first page of Google and booking out their calendar.

And if it’s possible for them, it’s possible for you!

To learn more about the Six-Figure Studio, Amplified, and my other course, follow this link.