There’s a common misconception among entrepreneurs when it comes to signature programs. As someone who helps create bespoke signature programs through my Gondola process, I often hear, “Oh, you mean like an online course?” This misunderstanding needs to be addressed because the distinction between an online course and a signature program is significant.

The Core Difference: Teaching vs. Transformation

The primary difference between an online course and a signature program lies in their objectives. An online course teaches you something, providing knowledge and skills you can apply on your own. In contrast, a signature program is designed to facilitate a transformation, guiding participants from a problem state to a solution state.

An online course might give you the tools to solve a problem, but a signature program ensures you solve that problem. If you’re a coach, consultant, or speaker with expertise to share, you have two options: you can either create a course to teach your knowledge or develop a signature program that leads your clients through a transformative journey.

Different Forms of Signature Programs

There is another misconception about signature programs — that it’s a one size fits all. Not true! A signature program isn’t limited to a single format. Here are various types of signature programs that can deliver transformation:

• The Classic Signature Program: This typically involves an online course supplemented by group coaching. Participants progress through the course material together, with added elements like one-on-one coaching at critical points to enhance the transformation process. This can be very powerful and has worked really well for me in facilitating past programs.

• One-on-One Coaching: Here, your signature program serves as a structured process for individualized coaching. This approach streamlines your method, saving you time and ensures consistency in delivering transformations.

• Retreats: These immersive experiences allow participants to dedicate focused time to their transformation. A retreat-based signature program guides them step-by-step through the transformation process, ensuring they achieve the desired outcome.

• VIP Days: For transformations that don’t require extended periods, a VIP day or a two-day intensive can be highly effective. This format condenses the entire transformation process into a focused, intensive sessions over a short period of time.

• Membership Programs: Your signature program can be the core offering in a membership model. Members seek transformation, and a well-structured signature program within a membership can provide ongoing support and results.

• Corporate Programs: If you’re a consultant working with organizations, your signature program might involve workshops, meetings, or presentations that facilitate group transformation.

Determining the Right Structure for Your Signature Program

Choosing the right format for your signature program involves four key criteria:

1. Personal Genius: Understand how you best deliver transformation. Are you more effective in workshops, one-on-one sessions, group coaching, or intensive retreats? Your personal strengths should guide your program’s structure.
2. Results: The transformation you promise must be achievable through your program. Consider the time required for your clients to reach their goals. Whether it takes a day, three months, or a year, your program should be tailored to deliver these results.
3. Client Needs: Your ideal clients’ learning styles and capacity limitations are crucial. Understand how they prefer to engage with the material and what support they need to succeed.
4. Business Goals: Align your signature program with your long-term business objectives. Whether you aim for location-independence, a specific revenue target, or another goal, your program should support these ambitions.

Building Your Signature Program

To create an effective signature program, follow these steps:

1. Identify the transformation you want to facilitate.
2. Choose the style that best suits this transformation.
3. Develop a clear roadmap for taking clients from problem state to solution state.

How I Can Help You

I offer three levels of support to help you create your signature program:

• Free Resources: Join my Wayfinders Facebook community for sustainable growth strategies, valuable connections, and free content to support your business growth.

• The Gondola: My bespoke signature program development service includes 1:1 coaching, designing your program roadmap, creating all necessary marketing assets (PDFs, slideshows, cheatsheets, email sequences, web copy, social media posts), and additional group coaching support. Learn more here. 

• VIP Signature Program Development Day: An intensive one-day session to develop your entire curriculum and determine the best signature program structure, followed by you taking the reins to build and launch. This is perfect if you have a team to help you implement – but let’s connect first to be sure. 

If you’re interested in creating a powerful new revenue stream and delivering exceptional transformations for your clients, reach out to me. Let’s work together to build a signature program that elevates your business and impacts lives.

Join the Wayfinders community for free, explore the Gondola for comprehensive support, or opt for the VIP day to kickstart your program quickly. Let’s transform your expertise into a sustainable, impactful signature program.