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What do clients say?

The International Coach Federation (ICF)

 

I became aware of the work of Terrance Barkan CAE and GLOBALSTRAT through ASAE and learned about the quality work and thought leadership that they offered. 

The growth of the International Coach Federation (ICF) had been significant for many years but we had a problem focusing our efforts for the best long-term outcomes. As always, the opinions within leadership were plentiful and the possible directions that were considered were rather diverse. Our Board of Directors was certain that it was the time to engage a knowledgeable, experienced and unbiased party to help us to develop a plan.

GLOBALSTRAT was one of the several groups responding to our request. Based on the thoroughness of that proposal and a deep understanding of the issues we were facing, it was clear that they were the right partner in this endeavor.

Terrance and his team conducted a lot of research independently of the information we provided them. They were very attentive to the needs and desires of the staff and the Board for information, input or explanation. The plan they designed for us was very comprehensive and provided us with a detailed and specific roadmap on how to continue our growth globally. 

The plan called for some strong positions and necessary actions that by some may have been considered unpopular. GLOBALSTRAT was persistent. They used sound logic and business reasoning to support their recommendations. As a result, they managed to convince  the Board to pursue the plan. 

We are glad they did – three years later we are still observing an unprecedented growth worldwide, our retention rates continue to increase, even with an increase in membership dues, and the sharper focus of the organization seems to be attracting more professional and seasoned coaches as members.

GLOBALSTRAT, with their experience, expertise, industry insights and a track record of always staying current in the affairs of global associations is a proven resource for anybody who plans to grow internationally or for those that want to strengthen their international presence.

 

 


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International Coach Federation ( ICF ) grows members globally while raising membership dues . . .

How?

 
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches, professionals that partner with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Today, ICF counts more than 25,000 members and 11,000 credentialed coaches in more than 100 countries worldwide.
  
As part of a strategic planning process that involved senior ICF staff and the ICF Board of Directors, the organization identified opportunities for incremental global growth as well as undertaking a review of its basic business model and pricing approach.
  
Applying global market research to estimate the potential size of the market, combined with a “value based pricing” approach to define appropriate membership fees, the strategic plan project revealed that ICF’s target market was not only much larger and more global than expected, but also that ICF was undervaluing membership for individuals, and for their organizational affiliates. 
 
The resulting strategy and business plan was a much better defined target audience for ICF membership, professional development and credentialing services. In addition, the membership fees were raised to better reflect the actual value (based on a better understanding of the earning power of the core membership).
 
Did raising membership fees have a negative impact on membership recruitment and retention?
 
The International Coach Federation (ICF) reported unprecedented growth in March 2014, setting a single-month record for new members added and celebrating the continued expansion of the ICF Credential.
 
ICF 2014 Global Chair and Master Certified Coach Damian Goldvarg, Ph.D., said ICF’s record-setting month points to the success of ICF’s growth strategy. “Last year, the ICF began making strategic assessments about the growth of our organization. In late 2013, we told our members that we wanted to grow the ICF community to increase its diversity and enhance professional coaches’ networking opportunities. We called on our members to partner with us as we make a greater investment in the growth of ICF’s community.”
 
ICF added 1,426 new members in March 2014, bringing total ICF Membership to 25,322 at month’s end. Prior to March 2014, the highest number of new members ICF reported in a single month was 717, in April 2013.
 
“Our increased investment in attracting and retaining the best coaches in the industry is yielding dividends for our organization. The ICF community has never been stronger, and the opportunities and resources available to our members have never been greater. Together, we’re increasing global awareness of professional coaching and influencing the future of our industry,” Goldvarg said.
 
ICF Headquarters staff approved 300 applications for an ICF Credential in March 2014, bringing the total number of ICF Credential-holders worldwide to 11,894. Also in March, ICF distributed an unprecedented 2,370 credentialing applications to professional coaches. As these applications are completed, submitted and processed, they lay the foundation for the continued rapid expansion of the ICF Credentialing program.
 
The mission of the ICF Credentialing program is to measure and certify competence of individual coaches, protect and serve consumers of coaching services, and inspire pursuit of continuous development. ICF Credentials are offered at three levels: Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach and Master Certified Coach.
 
The first ICF Credentials were awarded in 1998, with more than 200 coaches holding an ICF Credential by the end of the following year.
 
“As the coaching industry grows, so does the need for a body of highly trained, experienced coaches well-prepared to provide outstanding service to their clients,” said ICF CEO/Executive Director Magdalena Mook.
 
“The ICF offers the only globally recognized credential for professional coaches, and we couldn’t be more thrilled by the continued growth of this program. ICF Credential-holders represent the best that coaching has to offer, and the ICF Credential is a signal to consumers that they’re partnering with an outstanding coach committed to continuous growth and education.”
 
For more information, please visit ICF at www.coachfederation.org.