Are you looking for an inexpensive, yet practical resource to add to your toolkit? Look no further than....index cards. Index Cards are a fantastic tool for any type of group program - be it for workshops, retreats or group coaching programs.

I've recently written an article about 5 important uses of index cards which include:

• For course design
• As an icebreaker
• For evaluation
• To mine expectations
• For deciding where to go

Over the years index cards (which also come in a multitude of colours) have been a staple in my toolkit. After reading the article I hope that you too may consider adding them to yours!

I will be offering a number of programs in the coming months as we move into the spring and summer season. I've had a lot of requests to offer the Group Coaching Essentials program in the evening, for those coaches who are not available to participate in the day time. I am pleased to announce that the March Group Coaching Essentials program will be held on Mondays from 8-9:15 pm (EST) on March 12, 19, 26 and April 2nd, with a fifth call held in May at a time convenient to the group.

The Group Coaching Essentials program is designed to support you in the development, implementation and marketing of your own group coaching program (whether it is by phone or in person). The program includes:

• 5 x 75 minute teleseminars (recorded if needed)
• a 70 page Manual (delivered in weekly modules)
• 1-1 pre and post course discussions
• Individualized support from me as needed throughout the course

The program is limited to 8 coaches per session. The cost of the program is $225. For more information about the program, please click here.

For those looking to carve out some quiet, creative space for themselves to focus on their program development or marketing, I will be holding a one-day Creativity Virtual Retreat for coaches and trainers on Friday April 20/07 (10-4pm ET). The cost for this program is $97 US and also includes an individual coaching session with me. For more information, click here. An early bird registration rate of $79 US is available until April 10th.

There are a number of other programs I will be offering in the coming months including:

• Marketing Success for Your Group Programs (3 sessions starts Thurs April 26 at 7:30 pm ET)
• Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups (TM) teleseminar (1.5 hours, including the E-manual, Wed April 11, 7 pm ET)
• Group Program Facilitation Intensive (Weekend of April 14 - 15 2007, Toronto, Canada)
• Tips and Tools for Making Your Workshop or Retreat a Success (1.5 hour teleseminar, May 4 at 12 noon ET)

I hope that you will consider joining us! To reserve your spot for any of these programs please email me at jennifer@potentialsrealized.com or call toll free 1- 866-217-1960.

Twice a year I run a two day intensive in-person training on group programs here in Toronto. The next Group Program Intensive will be held the weekend of April 14 - 15. This is a hands-on workshop, bursting with information, practice and application. We cover tips, tools and exercises for group programs. It's like all of our programs rolled into one, with a significant focus on the creative process of your own group program. You will leave the program with a new toolkit, as well as the skeleton of your own program.

I will be holding a free call on Wednesday March 7th on Group Program Success Strategies from 7-8 pm (EST), and will spend time at the end of the call on more information about the spring Intensive program. To reserve your spot for the Group Program Success Strategies complimentary call, please email me at jennifer@potentialsrealized.com. I look forward to having you join us!