Courage & Clarity Podcast Summary
Episode 132: Why 2025 is THE Year of Group Programs (and What's Changed)
Host: Steph Crowder
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 132 of the Courage & Clarity podcast, host Steph Crowder delves into the evolving landscape of online business, emphasizing why 2025 stands out as the pivotal year for group programs. Crowder, an experienced sales training director, shares her insights and predictions, backed by her extensive work with female entrepreneurs striving to build sustainable, passion-driven businesses.
Launching the 2025 Group Program Series
Timestamp: [05:00]
Steph Crowder announces the commencement of a new series focused on group programs, a favorite business model of hers. This series promises a blend of inspiration, motivation, and actionable strategies, featuring guest appearances from successful female entrepreneurs who have thrived using her methods.
“This is my favorite business model to run myself and to teach people how to run, how to create group programs, how to sell out group programs, and how to scale group programs.”
— Steph Crowder [06:45]
Why 2025 is the Year of Group Programs
Timestamp: [10:30]
Crowder asserts that 2025 is the definitive year for group programs due to shifting buyer behaviors and market dynamics. She highlights that unlike the previous years, where online courses and high-ticket one-on-one services dominated, the market is now ripe for mid-tier, community-driven group programs.
“2025 is going to be the year of group programs. This is the year for group programs.”
— Steph Crowder [12:00]
Evolving Trends in Online Business
Timestamp: [15:00]
Crowder provides a comprehensive overview of the trends that have shaped the online business environment over the past few years:
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The Rise and Decline of Online Courses:
- 2020-2022: Surge in online course popularity due to the pandemic, as people sought new skills and remote learning opportunities.
- 2022-2023: A backlash emerged as consumers felt overwhelmed by the oversaturation of courses, leading to distrust and fatigue.
“We saw a renaissance of online courses... and then we saw a little bit of blowback from that.”
— Steph Crowder [18:25] -
Shift to High-Ticket Offers:
- In response to course fatigue, there was a notable increase in demand for personalized, high-ticket one-on-one services and done-for-you packages.
“People were really willing to pay top dollar... they’re ready for premium support.”
— Steph Crowder [21:10] -
Current Landscape in 2025:
- Despite economic uncertainties and rising advertising costs, there's a renewed interest in group programs that offer both community and personalized support at a more accessible price point.
“Groups get better results than one on one... you can have the same or better results in a group.”
— Steph Crowder [30:55]
Key Drivers for the Surge in Group Programs
Timestamp: [25:00]
Crowder identifies several factors contributing to the ascendancy of group programs:
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Desire for Community: Post-pandemic, individuals crave connection and accountability, which group programs uniquely provide.
“People want to be in community more than they have... they’re looking back and being like, wow, that was actually really great.”
— Steph Crowder [27:30] -
Customization and Expertise: Buyers still seek tailored solutions and expert guidance but prefer the collective environment of a group setting.
“People still want customization, they still want expertise... and they want community.”
— Steph Crowder [29:10] -
Affordability and Accessibility: Group programs offer a balance between cost and personalized support, making them attractive in a climate of financial caution.
“It's a wonderful sweet spot between customization and individuality and access, price point accessibility and making it more doable for people.”
— Steph Crowder [32:45]
Addressing Common Myths About Group Programs
Timestamp: [35:00]
Steph Crowder tackles three prevalent misconceptions that may deter entrepreneurs from launching group programs:
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Audience Size Misconception:
- Myth: You need a large audience to successfully run a group program.
- Reality: Even small, engaged audiences can sustain a thriving group program with the right visibility and messaging strategies.
“You can fill a group program with a very small audience. I have a client who did it with 40 people in her audience.”
— Steph Crowder [36:10] -
Dilution of Results:
- Myth: Group programs compromise the quality of results compared to one-on-one coaching.
- Reality: Properly structured group programs can deliver equal or even superior outcomes by leveraging collective learning and personalized scaling strategies.
“Groups get better results than one on one when they are done properly.”
— Steph Crowder [40:20] -
Exhaustion Factor:
- Myth: Managing and launching group programs is exhausting and unsustainable.
- Reality: With a repeatable sales system and structured processes like the "Buzz Blitz" five-week plan, launching group programs can be energizing and sustainable.
“Once you learn it, once you have it and you create that muscle memory, it doesn’t have to be exhausting at all. It could actually be really energizing.”
— Steph Crowder [43:15]
Strategies for Successful Group Programs
Timestamp: [45:00]
Crowder outlines actionable strategies to optimize group programs:
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Increase Visibility: Enhance your presence and communicate the unique benefits of your group program effectively.
“Turn up your visibility and then you realize, oh, people just didn't know I had a group.”
— Steph Crowder [46:20] -
Clarify Messaging: Ensure your program’s value proposition is clear and compelling, highlighting why it stands out in the marketplace.
“You have to get to a place where you are like, people could be so lucky to be in this group.”
— Steph Crowder [47:50] -
Leverage Community and Accountability: Incorporate elements that foster connection and keep participants engaged and accountable.
“It's all about having the right plan.”
— Steph Crowder [49:40]
Conclusion and Call to Action
Timestamp: [50:00]
Steph Crowder wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to consider the potential of group programs in their businesses. She invites them to join her upcoming free training session, "Fill Your Group Program in Five Weeks," scheduled for June 24th, to gain deeper insights and actionable steps.
“I have not been this excited in my business all year. So launching can actually be the most energizing time of your business.”
— Steph Crowder [52:30]
Crowder also solicits feedback from her audience to tailor future content, reinforcing the community-centric ethos of her podcast.
“Please know that I'm always open to that feedback and I absolutely welcome it.”
— Steph Crowder [54:00]
Join the Training:
"Fill Your Group Program in Five Weeks"
Date: June 24th, Tuesday at 12 PM Eastern Time
Sign Up: stephcrowder.com/workshop
Connect with Steph:
- Instagram: @heyStephCrowder
- Email: Reach out for questions, feedback, or to share your journey.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs considering the transition to or enhancement of group programs, providing both strategic insights and practical solutions to thrive in the current market landscape.