What’s The Difference Between Group Coaching And Masterminds?
If you’re planning to launch a group program but you’re stuck between calling it a Group Coaching Program or a Mastermind Group, you’re not alone.
They look similar from the outside. Each of them shares the similarities of small groups, regular Zoom calls and a clear path of transformation but under the hood, they’re pretty different.
Here’s how to tell whether group coaching or a mastermind group is the best fit for your style, your clients, and your creative vision.
1. What’s A Group Coaching Program?
A group coaching program is structured around you leading the group through a specific transformation.
You’re the guide. The teacher. The coach.
You design the curriculum, set the pace, and lead the group coaching calls. Your role as a group coach is to help everyone in the group reach a similar outcome, usually in a set timeframe (like 8–12 weeks).
Key Features of Group Coaching:
- Clear curriculum and milestones.
- You provide training, coaching, and direction.
- Clients are working on similar goals.
- Shorter timeline (usually 6–12 weeks).
- Lower to mid-tier pricing ($500–$5,000).
Example:
“Launch Your First Online Course in 90 Days” – weekly training, group Q&A and personalized coaching.
Group coaching programs are best for clients who want a clear path and expert-led coaching.
2. What’s A Mastermind Group?
A mastermind is a peer-driven community that offers a space for connection, accountability and collaboration.
You’re not just the coach, you’re the facilitator of collective wisdom.
The goal with a mastermind is collaboration, brainstorming, and idea-sharing among members. You might coach a little, but the real magic happens between members exchanging experiences, feedback, and advice.
Key Features of Mastermind Groups:
- Less teaching, more conversation.
- Focus on tapping into the group’s collective knowledge.
- Members often at similar (or diverse but complementary) levels.
- Longer-term commitment (6 months to a year or more).
- Higher pricing ($5,000–$50,000+).
Example:
“6-Figure Coaches Mastermind” – monthly hot seat calls, quarterly retreats and no formal curriculum.
Mastermind groups are best for clients who are more advanced, crave collaboration, and don’t want to be “taught” every step.
3. Major Differences (At a Glance)
| Feature | Group Coaching | Mastermind |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Style | Coach-led | Facilitator-guided |
| Main Goal | Structured transformation | Peer collaboration |
| Content Style | Curriculum-based | Discussion-based |
| Client Level | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate to advanced |
| Typical Duration | 6–12 weeks | 6–12 months |
| Price Range | $500–$5,000 | $5,000–$50,000+ |
4. Which One Should You Launch First?
If you’re newer to running groups or your audience needs more guidance, I would recommend starting with a group coaching program.
They are easier to fill, easier to lead and easier to market because people clearly understand what they’re buying, which is a transformation of their business, wealth, health, relationships, etc.
If you already have a warm, high-level audience (coaches, entrepreneurs, leaders) who want less teaching and more connection, then you may want to launch a mastermind group instead.
Masterminds are relationship-driven. They need strong social proof, personal brand authority, and a clear “who’s in the room” value.
Pro Tip: You can evolve your best group coaching clients into a mastermind later. Graduate them to the next level of working with you.
Choosing The Right Group Container For You
Both group coaching and mastermind groups can change lives and they can help you build a leveraged online business that you love running.
The secret is knowing where your people are, what they need most, and what style of leadership you want to bring to the table.
Start small by launching fast, stay focused on the transformation and then grow & scale from there.
🎯 Want to design your first transformational group coaching program?
Grab my free Group Flow Coaching Guide here and I’ll walk you through our unique process step-by-step.
