From DFY to Group Programs: Scale Impact & Income!
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Feb 6
- 8 min read
From Done-For-You to Done-With-You: Scaling Your Impact (and Your Income!) with Group Programs
Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle…blindfolded? If you’re an established female entrepreneur offering Done-For-You (DFY) services, you know what I mean. You're the engine, the driver, the chief bottle washer – and while it might be bringing in decent income now, it's not exactly a recipe for a “rich life”, is it? Trust me, I get it. Building a business while navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood (and let’s not even get started on the puppy antics of Espresso, our miniature whirlwind!), it’s a constant balancing act. My own research into Black female entrepreneurs constantly reinforces this juggle, and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about helping with. I mean, honestly, just this morning, I was trying to have a serious strategy session with my husband about our upcoming Launch Programme, & my two-year-old decided it was the perfect time to redecorate the living room wall with my favourite lipstick. Talk about a "flair" fail! It's these everyday realities that drive me to find more efficient, scalable ways for women to build businesses and lives they truly love.
The DFY Dilemma: Trading Time for Money
DFY services serve a purpose, especially when you're starting out. They get you cash flow, build your portfolio, & help you hone your expertise. I remember in my early days, after the whirlwind of Nisbett & George and Cocoista, craving that initial traction – that feeling of "finally, I'm making money doing what I love!" But the thing is, DFY is inherently a time-for-money trade. You’re limited by the number of hours in your day, the number of clients you can personally handle, & let's be real, the sheer amount of caffeine a human body can safely process. It’s like trying to water a garden with a teaspoon - you’re working hard, but your reach (and your sanity!) is limited. A recent study by the Small Business Administration actually found that female entrepreneurs who successfully transition from DFY to group programs see an average revenue increase of 40% within the first year, while simultaneously reducing their client-facing hours by up to 60%. That's a powerful shift, giving you more time for the things that truly matter – from family dinners that don't involve checking emails under the table, to finally finishing that book you've been meaning to read (or write!), to simply having a moment to breathe and enjoy the beautiful chaos you’ve created.
The Group Program Game-Changer: Leverage, Impact, & Freedom
Group programs, my friend, are where the magic happens. This isn't about abandoning your DFY clients entirely, but it is about strategically shifting your focus to a model that allows you to serve more people, create more impact, & ultimately, generate more freedom in your business & life. Think of it as swapping that teaspoon for a sprinkler system – smart, efficient, and reaching a much wider area. You’re still nurturing the garden, but now you’ve got leverage. It's about working smarter, not just harder, a principle I learned firsthand juggling my MBA at Cranfield with a baby, and now my PhD with two little ones.
This really speaks to the core principles of building a truly flourishing business (something we dive deep into in our Momentum Coaching programme – more on that later!). Efficient systems, smart AI tools (think Fusion – integrating AI strategically to amplify your efforts – imagine having an AI assistant who handles all your scheduling and client communication! More time for you, more time for family, more time for actually growing your business!), ditching what’s not serving you, prioritising your well-being – that’s the secret sauce. It's like when my eldest was learning to ride her bike. She struggled and struggled when we were actively trying to teach her, all tense and focused on "doing it right." Then, one day at school, she just hopped on a friend's bike, no pressure, no expectations, and took off! It was the ease and the fun, combined with her underlying persistence (because, let's be real, she's an Aries – that girl does not give up!), that unlocked it. Similarly, transitioning to group programs can feel daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, that leverage and freedom it creates? Pure magic. Just like riding a bike, but with way more financial rewards!
Making the Shift: Practical Steps for a Smooth Transition
So, how do you actually make this transition from DFY to the leveraged world of group programs? Here’s a clear roadmap:
Identify Your Core Offer: What's the one thing you do exceptionally well, the service that gets the best results for your clients, the thing they rave about? This will be the foundation of your group program. For example, if you're a branding expert and your clients constantly praise your ability to help them clarify their message and attract dream clients, that's your gold.
Package Your Expertise: Distill your DFY process into a structured curriculum that’s easy to follow & implement. What are the key modules? The core lessons? The essential tools and resources? Think step-by-step, bite-sized chunks of valuable information that your clients can easily digest and apply.
Create a Community Experience: Group programs thrive on connection & the magic of shared learning. Build in elements that foster interaction, peer support, & a sense of belonging. Think live Q&As, a private Facebook group, regular check-ins, even virtual co-working sessions – whatever feels authentic to you and your brand. I mean, who wants to feel like they’re on this entrepreneurial rollercoaster alone?
Price for Value & Transformation: This is where so many female entrepreneurs get stuck, and I get it! We often undervalue our expertise and fear charging what we're truly worth. Remember, though, you’re not selling hours; you’re selling transformation. Price your program based on the value it delivers – the results your clients achieve, the problems you solve, the confidence you instill – not the time it takes you to create or deliver it. This requires a mindset shift from scarcity to abundance, from seeing yourself as a service provider to a true agent of change. To make this more concrete, consider three pricing tiers:
Basic Tier: Offers core curriculum access, some community interaction (e.g., a Facebook group).
Premium Tier: Includes everything in the Basic Tier plus live Q&As, small group coaching calls, or personalized feedback.
VIP Tier: Offers all the above plus 1:1 coaching sessions, exclusive bonus content, or extended access to the program.
Market Your Magic: Showcase the transformative power of your group program. Focus on the outcomes your clients will achieve, the supportive community you're building, the personalized support you'll provide. Highlight client success stories & testimonials. Paint a vivid picture of the "after" – the confident, successful, flourishing entrepreneur your clients will become. This is where your "Flair" (creating a standout brand) really shines!
Busting the Mindset Blocks: It’s Not Just the System, It's About You
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: "But Carlene, I don't have the time to create a whole new program!" "My clients prefer the personalized attention of DFY." "I'm not a tech expert; setting up a group program feels overwhelming."
Trust me, I've been there. The first time I tried to launch a group program, it was a total flop. I poured my heart and soul into creating what I thought was an amazing curriculum, but I completely underestimated the tech side of things (I mean, who knew there were so many different email marketing platforms?!). The platform I chose was clunky, the communication was messy, and I ended up feeling more overwhelmed than ever. It was a "dogs in a crate" moment – everything felt crammed and unsustainable. I almost gave up, thinking group programs weren't for me. But then I had a "sliding doors moment," a real what-if contemplation about what could be possible if I didn't give up. So, I took a step back, breathed, and remembered my own "Why"—my deep desire to create a more impactful and sustainable business, one that truly gave me the flexibility I craved as a mum. I invested in a tech mentor (because sometimes, asking for help is the smartest move!), streamlined my processes, chose a simpler platform, and relaunched with a much more user-friendly setup. The second time around? It was a totally different story. My initial struggle with pricing almost derailed the whole thing, too. I kept second-guessing myself, lowering my prices, adding more and more bonuses, thinking I needed to justify every penny. Then, I realized I was falling into the "Oprah of Discounts" trap – giving away my value out of fear, rather than confidently charging what my expertise was truly worth. It took some serious mindset work (and a few tough conversations with my coach!) to shift my perspective and start pricing from a place of abundance, not scarcity. It was a game-changer, and it’s something I'm passionate about helping other female entrepreneurs overcome.
So, let’s bust those blocks together, drawing on some powerful mindset shifts & some good old-fashioned practical advice:
Time Scarcity: Creating a group program is an investment of time that will free up more time in the long run. Think leverage. You’re creating an asset that works for you, even while you sleep (or attempt to sleep amidst the toddler’s midnight serenades!). Try time blocking – schedule specific chunks of time for program creation, even if it's just 30 minutes a day. Small, consistent effort, like watering your garden regularly, leads to big blooms! What’s one time block you can schedule today to work on your group program idea?
Personalized Attention: Group programs can absolutely offer personalized support within a community framework. Think live Q&As, small group coaching calls, individual feedback on assignments, even personalized welcome videos. It's not either/or; it's both/&. You can also incorporate AI tools (that's Fusion in action!) like chatbots to answer common questions, freeing up your time for deeper engagement with your clients. How could you incorporate more personalized touches into your group program while still leveraging the power of community?
Tech Overwhelm: Start simple! You don’t need fancy software right out of the gate. Focus on the core elements: a clear and engaging curriculum, a user-friendly platform for delivery, and a simple, effective way to connect with your community (a Facebook group, a dedicated Slack channel, even regular email updates). We can help you with this. Seriously. Check out our Momentum Coaching program for personalized guidance on building smart, AI-enhanced systems that scale with you, without the tech headaches. It's like having a tech-savvy bestie who's also a business strategist, holding your hand and cheering you on every step of the way. Ready to ditch the overwhelm & embrace the flow?
Why This Matters: Creating a Business That Works For You
Transitioning to a group program model isn’t just about making more money (though that’s definitely a perk!). It's about creating a business that's sustainable, scalable, & aligned with your values & your actual life. It's about working smarter, not just harder. It’s about being able to enjoy the “rich life” you’re building – whether that’s spending quality time with your family without the constant guilt of unanswered emails, investing in your own personal growth (like that online course you've been eyeing, or finally starting that meditation practice!), or finally taking that dream holiday with your family (and your partner – because let’s be honest, sometimes we entrepreneurs can get so caught up in building our empires that we forget to nurture our relationships! I know, the fear of becoming “glorified roommates” is real!).
Ready to ditch the overwhelm & step into a more leveraged, impactful business model? Our signature Momentum Coaching program is designed to help you scale sustainably, build smart systems (including practical AI integration for things like automated email sequences, social media scheduling, even personalized client onboarding!), and create the freedom you crave. Scale Your Business & Reclaim Your Time with Momentum Coaching: Book Your Free Discovery Call Now.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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