Business Development: Creating New Possibilities

Do you struggle when it comes to developing new business? Maybe you…

  • Find yourself dreading the thought of it?
  • Lack the energy and time to invest in it because you’re too busy serving your clients?
  • Notice yourself feeling awkward or inauthentic when trying to sell?
  • Just know you could be better at it with some focused effort?

Growing new business (including cross-selling) is a skill that is often required for you to advance and thrive in your career. But it can feel overwhelming when it’s something entirely new to you (especially when you’re used to being great at your job!) and you don’t feel like you share much in common with the “rainmakers” in the office.

Wherever you are in your business development journey, this four-month, intensive coaching program will help you create new possibilities! You will uncover and apply a business development style that is unique and authentic to you. By working from the inside out, you’ll be able to see things from a different perspective, take new actions and attract business…hopefully with more ease and some fun along the way!

This program is ideal for CPA firm leaders (e.g., managers, directors, partners or owners) who:

  • Are looking to grow their business, including expanding a service line, creating a new niche, or cross-functional selling.
  • Want to uncover their personal brand and sell in a way that feels authentic to them.

More details on this exclusive program are outlined below:

An Executive Overview

For an investment of $3,250, you will receive an intensive, three-phase development program that is delivered 100% virtually, so you have the flexibility to participate from wherever you are. You will connect with and be supported by an intimate group of 4-6 individuals from different CPA firms across the country.

Following is an overview of the program. For more details, refer to the Detailed Roadmap below.

Phase 1: Planting the Seeds of Possibility

The first six weeks are all about learning and planning. Through a series of on-demand learning modules, you will learn new ways of thinking, being and doing. You will shift your perspective on how you value the service you are providing, what you really want and how to get it. From this new lens, you will create a vision, goals and plan for business development that honors your uniqueness and produces results.

Phase 1 includes:

  • A 1-to-1 coaching session to help you uncover your desired outcomes for the program
  • (Optional) 3-way kick-off meeting with a mentor at your organization (someone of your choosing) and your I2L coach so you can share your big picture goals with and request insights and support from your mentor
  • 6 modules of on-demand content and exercises (approx. 12-18 hours* to complete) from our coaching team that you can complete at your own pace (refer to the roadmap below for details on each module)
  • 2 group coaching sessions to help you uncover and apply what you’re learning through the on-demand content, keep you accountable and create connections with your peers
  • A 1-to-1 coaching session to help you finalize your vision and business development plan

*Note: On-demand learning modules are not currently eligible for CPE.

Phase 2: Cultivating New Possibilities

Now it’s time to nurture those seeds you’ve planted to cultivate new possibilities!! Over the next eight weeks, you will try new behaviors, experience successes and setbacks, and modify your plan as you go.

You will receive group coaching every other week to support you on the journey. This intimate group setting accelerates your learning experience, as it allows you to normalize your experience, receive support from others who are going through similar challenges and create accountability for execution.

Phase 3: Living in Possibility

Your journey doesn’t end when the program does. The final two weeks of this program provide you with the space to reflect on all you’ve learned and create a plan for how you will continue the learning and growth beyond the program – so you can live in the Dimension of Possible!

Phase 3 includes:

  • 1 module of on-demand content from our coaching team that you can complete at your own pace (refer to the roadmap below for details on each module)
  • 1 group coaching session to celebrate your progress and share your plans for continued growth
  • (Optional) 3-way close meeting with your mentor and I2L coach so you can share your progress and on-going plans with your mentor

Timeline

Sorry, registration is closed. Register your interest in our next cohort here.

July – October 2020 with Sarah Elliott

Your 1-to-1 coaching sessions (up to 50 minutes each via phone) will occur as follows:

  • Kick-off meeting – between July 1 – 10
  • Finalize your plan – week of August 17

Your optional 3-way meetings with your mentor and I2L coach (up to 30 minutes each via phone) will occur as follows:

  • Kick-off meeting – week of July 13
  • Close meeting – between October 21 – 30

Your group coaching sessions (up to 60 minutes each via video conference) will be held at 9am PT/12pm ET (*except as noted below) on the following dates:

  • July 21
  • August 4
  • August 25
  • September 8
  • September 22* (10am PT/1pm ET)
  • October 7
  • October 20

Sorry, registration is closed. Register your interest in our next cohort here.

The Detailed Roadmap

The following is the detailed roadmap for your 4-month coaching experience. (Note: Modules refer to on-demand learning modules that you will complete on your own time during the designated timeframe.)

Phase 1: Planting Seeds of Possibility

Week 1: Introduction and Overview

  • 1-to-1 coaching session to uncover your vision of success for this program, including high-level goals (up to 50 minutes via phone)
  • Module 1: Introduction & Overview – We’ll give you an overview of the program from start to finish, to get you ready and excited to play!

Week 2: The Inner Game

  • (Optional) 3-way meeting with your mentor (someone at your organization who you have chosen to support you throughout this program) and I2L coach where you can share your high-level goals with your mentor, set expectations and request support (up to 30 minutes via phone)
  • Module 2: The Inner Game (~2-3 hours*) – Lasting success must start inside. We will help you understand who you are, so you can bring your authentic self to business development. We will help you identify the strengths you have to contribute and uncover your mindset, belief system and any fears around business development.

Week 3: Start with Why

  • Module 3: Start with Why (~1-2 hours*) – You will explore and begin to uncover your Why. When you understand your Why, you can share it with others. It will help you connect with others on an emotional level so you can attract your ideal clients who feel they can trust you.
  • Group coaching session to reflect on Modules 2-3 (up to 60 minutes via video conference)

Week 4: What’s Your What?

  • Module 4: What’s Your What? (~2-3 hours*) – You will uncover what you specifically want to offer and what makes you unique.

Week 5: Finding Your Ideal Audience

  • Module 4: Finding Your Ideal Audience (~2-3 hours*) – Our friends at Root + River will help you find and connect with your ideal audience. This will empower you and remind you that you don’t have to be everything to everyone!
  • Group coaching session to reflect on Modules 4-5 (up to 60 minutes via video conference)

Week 6: The Outer Game – Making It Real  

  • Module 6: The Outer Game: Making it Real (~2-3 hours*) – We’ll build on everything you’ve uncovered about yourself, who you want to serve and what you want to offer. We’ll help you convert what you’ve learned into an operating strategy (the How!). Specifically, you’ll focus on the routines you need to cultivate to make a more effective use of your time and energy.
  • 1-to-1 coaching session to help you finalize your personal business development plan (up to 50 minutes via phone). With greater clarity of who you are and the unique value you provide, you will have an opportunity to refine your plan for maximum results.

Phase 2: Cultivating New Possibilities

Week 7: A Coaching Approach to Business Development

  • Module 7: A Coaching Approach to Business Development (~2 hours*) – We’ll explore how critical professional coaching skills, such as active listening and asking powerful questions, can help you identify and close opportunities in a way that feels natural, helpful and not at all like selling.

Weeks 8, 10, 12 and 14:

  • Group coaching sessions where you will share progress updates on your personal business development plan and request support for current challenges (up to 60 minutes via video conference)

Phase 3: Living in Possibility

Week 15: Living in Possibility

  • Module 8: Living in Possibility (~1-2 hours*) – You will reflect on what you’ve learned and create a sustainable plan to continue the learning and growth beyond the program.

Week 16: Sharing Celebrations

  • Group coaching session where you can celebrate all you’ve accomplished over the past four months with your peers and share your plans for how you will continue the momentum beyond the program (up to 60 minutes via videoconference)
  • (Optional) 3-way meeting with your mentor and I2L coach where you will share your accomplishments and plans to continue your growth with your mentor (up to 30 minutes via phone)

*Note: On-demand learning modules are not currently eligible for CPE.

Questions?

We’d be excited to discuss details and answer any questions you have about this program. Contact Sarah Elliott at: sarah@intend2lead.com or 844-275-3868.