Kickstart your coaching business with BDS Core, the foundational course designed for new and early career coaches, and for those who are looking to pivot, evolve, or expand their practice. Learn how to define your niche, craft compelling messaging, and develop your business with confidence.
The course is available both as a live offering and a self-paced learning with the live course taking place February 13, 20, and 27.
Led by renowned brand expert William Arruda, this online series is tailored specifically for coaches. It focuses on the unique needs of the coaching profession and offers practical, actionable insights to help you grow your business.
We know everyone learns differently, which is why BDS is available in two versatile formats. Choose the one that works best for your schedule and learning preferences:
Are you a newer coach ready to take the first steps in building your business? A coaching education student wondering how to navigate the business side of things? Or a coach wanting to solidify your brand and grow your client base?
BDS Core is designed for you! Gain the essential tools to confidently market yourself and build a successful coaching business.
With Core, you will learn how to:
Plus, you can gain Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credit! BDS Core offers 9 CCE units in Resource Development.
Join us for Core Live, an immersive, three-day experience designed to maximize your learning.
Mark your calendar:
This thoughtfully spaced format gives you time to:
Want to revisit key moments? You’ll receive on-demand recordings of all sessions in early March, so you can revisit the material whenever you need.
“This three-day virtual event was focused on business development. Not only did I get insightful tips that I could implement right away, but I also had the opportunity to meet fellow top-performing coaches from all around the world!” — Ryan Mayer, ACC, 2024 BDS Core Live Participant
Can’t make the Core Live dates or prefer a self-paced approach? The Core Self-Study course is perfect for busy, on-the-go learners who want the freedom to learn at their own convenience. Embrace the flexibility you need while gaining the tools to grow your coaching business.
This format will be available in March, but you can pre-order now and be among the first to dive in when it’s released.
Core Live and Core Self-Study are available at special rates depending on when you register as well as your ICF membership status.
| Registration Type | Date Range | ICF Member Price | Non-Member Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. - Jan. 15 at 11:59 p.m. (New York) | $400 USD | $475 USD |
| Standard | Opens Jan. 16 at Midnight (New York) | $500 USD | $575 USD |
Registration for Core Live closes Feb. 10 at 11:59 p.m. (New York).
Advanced will help you scale your established practice and pivot into new areas of specialty for heightened success as a more experienced coach. Learn the intricacies of defining and refining your intellectual property and creating a growth strategy using the innovative four-box model. Identify new products, delivery models, and audiences, all while exploring growth activities that amplify your thought leadership. Plus, learn about generative AI and how it can revolutionize your marketing, broaden your offerings, boost efficiency, and future-proof your practice.
You will learn how to:
How is BDS 25 Core different from other business development courses?
BDS 25 is designed specifically for coaches. It is focused on the topics and needs of coach practitioners, making all the content accessible and relevant. BDS 25 is built on a proven three-step process that was developed by personal branding pioneer William Arruda and has been used by thousands of coaches around the world.
What will be different about BDS 25 from previous ICF Business Development Series courses?
Everything. OK, not everything, but a lot. BDS 25 Core is the most targeted and flexible course we have ever built. You can participate live or at your own pace.
The live Core course will take place on three consecutive Thursdays: February 13, 20, and 27.
The self-study format will have the same (recorded) content as the live version; however, all activities will be conducted independently, rather than facilitated as part of the experience.
What are the differences between the live and the self-study formats of the course?
The live sessions take place over three consecutive Thursdays (Feb 13, 20, 27) with 3.5 hours of sessions per day (including a 30-minute break). These sessions are interactive learning and working sessions with other participants. You will leave with outputs you can use right away to achieve your goals.
The live version is likely the right choice for you if you enjoy working alongside others, the session times are convenient for you, and you enjoy learning in a focused, intensive environment.
The self-study course allows you to go at your own pace, setting your own schedule and learning goals. If you like to work independently, consider this format.
Both versions will have the same learning content, comprehensive workbook, and resources (videos, templates, etc.).
I attended a previous BDS, does it make sense for me to register for this one?
If you still need support in defining your business and shaping your practice, Core will provide you with a great refresher. Sometimes it is good to revisit the content with fresh eyes.
If your business is not exactly where you want it to be and you want to revisit your strategy, niche, communications plans, you will benefit from participating.
I am brand new to coaching, should I participate?
BDS 25 Core is a great resource for coaches who are either just starting out or are early in their coaching practice.
How often does ICF offer this course?
The Business Development Series (BDS) can be experienced as a live offering annually. The self-study version is available on the ICF Learning Portal at any time.
What learning content and materials will I have access to?
In each of the two formats (live and self-study), you will have access to curated sessions by William Arruda and a comprehensive course workbook where you can record your learning and create your personalized action plan. Also included will be additional resources, videos, templates, and workbooks to help you continue to expand your knowledge and strengthen your business plans.
Post-session recordings will also be available for those attending the live event.
Will I have access to the materials after the live session ends?
Yes. You will have access to the recorded material for a full year from the date the live sessions begin. The workbook and other resource documents are downloads, so you have ongoing access to them.
What is the cost of BDS 25 Core?
Early Bird registration for all versions of BDS 25 Core will be December 9 at 8 a.m. (New York) – January 15 at 11:59 p.m. (New York). The Early Bird fee for the course is $400 USD for ICF members and $475 USD for non-members.
Standard registration for all versions of BDS 25 Core will open on January 16 at Midnight – February 10 at 11:59 p.m. (New York). The Standard registration fee is $500 USD for members and $575 for non-members.
When does registration end for BDS 25 Core?
For the live courses, Core registration will close on February 10, 2025. Registration for the self-study format is ongoing.
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