Lesson 2 of 7
Live 1:1 vs live group coaching
Learning objectives
- Tell the difference between a live 1:1 call and a live group call
- Know when to use each format
- Set a structure that keeps a group call from turning into a free-for-all
- Avoid the 'group call that is really 6 awkward 1:1s' trap
Two different products
A live 1:1 call sells privacy, depth and tailored programming. A live group call sells momentum, accountability and community. Pricing them the same is a mistake — they do different jobs for different clients.
Most coaches accidentally run a group call as a 'shared 1:1', taking turns answering each person. Clients feel ignored, the coach gets exhausted, and the format never compounds.
Pick the right format per moment
Use 1:1 live for: onboarding, plan reviews, technique deep-dives, mindset blocks, performance assessments. Use group live for: weekly Q&A, programme walkthroughs, accountability check-ins, technique demos that apply to everyone, themed coaching (deload week, nutrition, sleep, deload).
A group call structure that actually works
5 min welcome + wins. 10 min taught theme of the week. 20 min Q&A — clients post questions in chat ahead of time. 5 min next steps + action of the week. Recorded and posted in the group space afterwards.
This structure repeats forever, scales with cohort size, and makes the call feel like a class — not a chaotic group chat.
Founder insight — Derrick Twum
MEM's Go Live tools support both 1:1 and group formats on purpose — the coaches who scale fastest use both deliberately, not interchangeably.
Key takeaway
1:1 live and group live are different products. Use a real call structure for groups or it just feels like a noisy 1:1.
Reflection questions
- 1What would your weekly group call be themed around?
- 2What do you currently waste 1:1 time on that could be taught once to a group?
- 3What is the maximum group size you would be confident coaching live?
- 4How will you handle people who dominate the call?
Action task
Draft your standard weekly group-call agenda using the 5/10/20/5 structure above and the theme for the next 4 weeks.
Worksheet
Work through these prompts. Answers save to this device.
Answers are saved to this device only. Cloud sync coming soon.
Related MEM tools
- Go Live 1:1
- Go Live Group
- Messaging