July 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On July's call we discussed "Managing Progress and Accountability," the ability to hold attention on what is important for the client and to leave responsibility with the client to take action . Simply dial our CCF hotline 402.237.2103 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

July 12, 2012 Chapter Meeting - "Positive Psychology for Coaches: How to Use the Emerging Science of Wellbeing to Help your Clients Flourish" with Kurt Shuster.   Positive Psychology is the scientific study of wellbeing. Founded only ten years ago by psychologist Martin Seligman, this emerging field studies the mechanisms and tools that enable individuals and groups to flourish. Positive Psychology distinguishes itself from clinical psychology, which has traditionally focused on healing mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and other pathologies. Rather than fixing what is wrong with an individual, positive psychology aims to promote and strengthen what is right in non-clinical populations. Please join Kurt Shuster (Noomii.com) as he gives you a brief introduction to the scientific and philosophical foundations of the field and leads you through several hands-on, interactive exercises that coaches can use with their own clients. Applications and techniques for both individual and corporate coaching will be covered.

June 16, 2010, at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On June's call we will discuss "Planning and Goal Setting," the ability to develop and maintain an effective coaching plan with the client. Simply dial our CCF hotline 402.237.2103 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

June 14, 2010, Chapter Meeting - "Changing Business; Transforming Lives" with Karen Kimsey-House.   Events of the past year have shaken us all loose from ‘business as usual’ and provided a spectacular moment of global consciousness. We are beginning to see clearly that as residents of this planet, we are profoundly and inextricably interdependent. Much of the foundation of what we know is shifting, leaving us all unusually free to improvise a fresh course forward. Leaders from every realm of our world, business, secular and spiritual have acknowledged this time as one of great transition and potential transformation. It is a time of powerful choice where we will either be dominated by the circumstances or be shaped and changed by the challenges that face us. Please join CTI co-founder Karen Kimsey-House for an evening of conversation, inquiry and exploration.  What will you create from this time?  What is the role that you, as a coach, choose to play in the unfolding new story of our world?

May 19, 2010, at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On May's call we will discuss "Designing Actions," the ability to create with the client opportunities for ongoing learning, during coaching and in work/life situations, and for taking new actions that will most effectively lead to agreed-upon coaching results. Simply dial our CCF hotline 402.237.2103 Pin: 6969# and you’re there.

May 14, 2010 - Radical Leadership One-Day Workshop. A life of self mastery is exercising your ability to create what you want and leave YOUR imprint on the lives of those around you in a way that gives you a Deep Sense of Pleasure and Satisfaction. It assures you of living a life of NO REGRETS.  This One-Day Self Mastery course will provide you with: Awareness about what’s running your life now, Insight about what’s using up most of your life, your time and your energy, Critical and Concrete Steps for finding your freedom from the Trickster's Triangle, and Action Steps designed by you that will create extraordinary impact in your life in new ways. For more information, visit
www.powerandpossibility.com.

May 10, 2010, Chapter Meeting - "The ICF Code of Ethics ... Your GPS for Coaching" with Liora Rosen.   Please join Liora Rosen, member of the ICF Ethics and Standards Committee and Chair of the Ethics Education sub-committee in an interactive and informative presentation that you will not want to miss. In this workshop, you will experience the Code of Ethics as a foundation for building successful relationships, as a guide safely navigating you out of sticky situations, and as the pillar that helps differentiate your professionalism from others.  At a time when integrity and ethics are defined more as reactions to laws that have been broken and schemes that have caused countless damages and suffering, it is vital for us as professionals to go the extra mile and ask ourselves “what don’t I know?”  It is the goal of the Ethics Education sub-committee to provide information about the new code to all ICF members. As such, Liora has been training ICF global chapter leaders and chapter board members on how to train their chapter members with this easy and fun presentation.

May 10, 2010, Chapter Meeting Extra: "Photos for Coaches" - Headshot photo opportunity with professional photographer, Dimitre. Is your website needing that professional look? Are you wanting a good picture of yourself to put on your marketing materials? Can't afford the $400 (and up) fees to have a crisp, professional headshot? Then come to our next Chapter meeting from 5:30 - 8:30 pm and take advantage of our special "Photos for Coaches" package. Have a mini-session with Dimitre (a Chicago professional photographer) and get 5-8 top quality photos of yourself looking your best to choose from and use however you desire. All photos will be provided a week later in digital format on disc for easy use. And all for only $50.   (Any slight imperfections can be touched up by the photographer for an additional $20.) The shooting order will be on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 5:30 pm and in tandem with the meeting until we close at 8:30 pm, so slots are limited.

April 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On April's call we will discuss "Creating Awareness," the ability to integrate and accurately evaluate multiple sources of information, and to make interpretations that help the client to gain awareness and thereby achieve agreed-upon results. Simply dial our CCF hotline 402.237.2103 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

April 17, 2010 - "Coaching for Good" charity fundraiser.  Join us on April 17 as we "Coach for Good." We want to bring you and your coaching expertise to the community. And, while we’re at it, we want to help local charities. So, we’re putting two goods to use on Saturday, April 17, and we’re calling it “Coaching for Good.”   Chicagoland professional life and business coaches will donate their services to raise money for local charities. Our goal is to raise $6,000 for local non-profit organization(s). We’re looking for 100 coaches (at least) to donate six, 30-minute coaching sessions for a $10 suggested donation per session. To learn more and to register, visit www.coachingforgood.org. And, be sure to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, Countdown to Coaching for Good.   Questions? Feel free to email Denise Brown at denise@caregiving.com or Pamela Marte at pmarte@insideoutcoachingservices.com. In the meantime, save April 17 on your calendar; that’s when we’re out in the community doing good.

April 12, 2010 - "ICF Core Competencies In Action" with Ira Dressner, PhD, LCSW, PCC. Are you planning to apply for an ACC or PCC Credential with the ICF? If not, find out why you should be. Ira Dressner is Founder of ICF-NYC and current Global Board Member serving his fifth year. Ira will give you the scoop on what you need to know to pass the oral exam. Now is the time!  Take advantage of this rare opportunity and: (1) Review the ICF core competencies with an expert; (2) Observe two volunteers, preferably who are going for their ACC/PCC credential, coach Ira; (3) Discover whether the core competencies were met, what the strong points of the coaching were, what points need to be improved; (4) Give your feedback on the experience and have your questions about learning the competencies and studying for the exam answered; and (5) Ira will explain in the moment what is happening in the assessment and take questions as the coaching is occurring.

March 17, 2010, at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On March's call we will discuss "Direct Communication," the ability to communicate effectively during coaching sessions and to use language that has the greatest positive impact on the client. Simply dial our CCF hotline 402.237.2103 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

March 8, 2010 - "Louise Hay’s Family Constellation Process" with Deborah Todd.  Louise Hay is a self-help movement pioneer, frequent Oprah guest, and was named Science of Mind's Spiritual Hero for 2009. Her best-selling book, You Can Heal Your Life, has transformed the lives of millions of people. Heal Your Life® workshops are based on the principles of this book and have been attended by many thousands of people worldwide. The family constellation is a highly interactive process from this workshop that is used to reveal hidden dynamics in a family so they can be explored and worked with for healing. In the family constellation exercise, family roles are identified and taken on to create an inner picture of the family system. Through this experiential process, useful insights open the possibility for participants to receive valuable family understanding and healing. In this meeting, led by Deborah Todd, the first licensed Louise Hay certified Heal Your Life® teacher in Illinois, coaches will experience first hand the family constellation and learn valuable tools for exploring their own and their clients’ family dynamics. For more information about Deborah, please visit her website.

February 17, 2010, at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On February's call we will discuss "Powerful Questioning," the ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client. Simply dial our CCF hotline 402.237.2103 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

February 8, 2010 - "Generations @ Work" with Scott Fox.  Today, many organizations are finding four different generations interacting in the workplace.  These four different generations (Traditionals, Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers and Millennials) each bring their own unique and sometimes differing perspectives, values and communication styles to the workday experience.  Join us for a discussion of generations and workplace communication. Explore strategies for understanding and effectively managing the different generations. For more information visit www.harvestmarketingpartners.com.

January 20, 2010, at 2:00 pm - Core Competency Call.  On January's call we will discuss "Active Listening," the ability to focus completely on what the client is saying and is not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client's desires, and to support client self-expression. Simply dial our CCF hotline 712.421.6933 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

January 11, 2010 - "7 Critical Steps to More Clients and Maximum Profits" with Michelle Schubnel. Whether you are new to coaching or have been working with clients for years, this is a great time to plan out your sales, marketing and business-building strategies for the year.  Join industry veteran Michelle Schubnel for a powerful and information-packed evening where you will discover the 7 highest-payoff activities you need to focus on if you're serious about attracting more clients now and developing the long-term sustainability and profitability of your business. For more information, visit www.coachandgrowrich.com.

December 21, 2009, at 9:30 pm - Alliance Committee Conference Call.  Join Shawna Myers (Alliance Chair) and the Alliance Committee to find out more about their efforts. Feel free to share your ideas and comments. Contact Shawna at 773-551-3154 or shawna@TheCatalystCoach.com for more information and for the special conference call number.

December 16, 2009, at 2:00 pm - ICF Core Forum.  On December's call we will discuss "Coaching Presence," the ability to be fully conscious and create spontaneous relationship with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible and confident. Simply dial our CCF hotline 712.421.6933 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

December 14, 2009 - "ICF-tacular Holiday Happening."  Admission is free to all coaches. (ICF Member & Non-Member)   Now’s your chance to check out the CCF meetings, meet new and amazing coaches, have some holiday cookies and punch, and leave with something you can take back to your clients and use in your coaching. First, participate in our 1st annual “COACHING BOOK EXCHANGE.” Celebrate the holiday season of gift giving by bringing a coaching related book or audio that you don’t need any more and exchange it for another. Second, be updated about "Your CCF Chapter News." Hear about the latest CCF developments and opportunities AND be the first to hear about our big super coaching event that we’re planning and how YOU can be a part of it. Third, our program for the evening: "Golden Nuggets from the 14th ICF Annual Conference." We close our year with our “best of” from the ICF Conference held in Orlando, Florida, from December 2 - 5, 2009. CCF Members who attended the conference will bring back and share with you the best of the conference keynotes, presentations, and workshops.

December 7, 2009, at 3:00 pm - CCF Committees Information Call.  Come and learn about how you can help the CCF grow. Learn about the various committees that you can be a part of. Discover all the benefits you can receive by giving a little of your time and inspiration. Join this call with CCF President Ben Dooley, as well as other board members, and we'll tell you more about some of the opportunities that await you at the CCF. We'll answer all your questions along the way that you may have. Conference line 712-421-6933 PIN 6969#.

December 7, 2009, at 9:30 pm - Alliance Committee Conference Call.  Join Shawna Myers (Alliance Chair) and the Alliance Committee to find out more about their efforts. Feel free to share your ideas and comments. Contact Shawna at 773-551-3154 or shawna@TheCatalystCoach.com for more information and for the special conference call number.

November 18, 2009, at 2:00 pm - ICF Core Forum.  On November's call we will discussed "Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client," the ability to create a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust. Simply dial our CCF hotline 712.421.6933 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

November 9, 2009 - "Creating High Impact Workshops that Lead to Business Every Time" with Jean M. DiGiovanna, CPCC.  As Master Coaches, you may be facilitating workshops and seminars and delivering speeches to reach a larger audience, gain exposure for your business and position yourself as an expert in your field. In this highly interactive presentation, you will learn the critical success factors to creating high impact workshops and speeches and a repeatable process for generating follow-on business every time. More info can be found at www.workshopuniversity.com.

October 21, 2009, at 2:00 pm - ICF Core Forum. On October's call we discussed "Establishing the Coaching Agreement," the ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship. Simply dial our CCF hotline 712.421.6933 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

October 12, 2009 - “Shifting Context – Transforming Lives: A Conversation Among Masters" with Jodi Jan Larson, MCC.  Sustainable change, lasting transformation lies in shifting context. Many coaches are aware of this yet identifying context and supporting context shifts often elude even the most experienced coaches. In this program Accomplishment Coaching’s Jodi Jan Larson, MCC, led a discussion about the power of context shifting and demonstrate techniques for identifying context and actions to practice new contexts. Most coaches are interested in moving beyond facilitative and accountability coaching and addressing the “Being” of the individual.

September 16, 2009, at 2:00 pm - ICF Core Forum. This month we discussed "Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards," the understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations. Simply dial our CCF hotline 712.421.6933 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

September 14, 2009 - "The Manifestation Wheel: From Vision to Reality" with Alan Seale.   Awarding-winning author and coach Alan Seale drew from his book The Manifestation Wheel to teach us how the Wheel can be used as a consistent, reliable, and powerful model for moving through challenges, new directions, and goals, whether you are working the Wheel as an individual, an organization, or a coach. The discussion went quickly through the 8 steps of turning dreams into reality, visioning, decision-making, problem solving and facilitating breakthroughs for individuals and organizations. His model has quite a bit of depth and many of you wanted more! So, Alan generously agreed to let us post his presentation slides for your use.

July 15, 2009, at 2:00 pm - ICF Core Forum. This month we will discuss "Managing Progress and Accountability," the ability to hold attention on what is important to the client and to leave responsibility with the client to take action. Simply dial our CCF hotline 712.421.6933 Pin: 6969# and you’re there. For more information, contact Ben Dooley at ben@bedo.org or 630-484-2336.

July 13, 2009 - "Navigating the Turbulent Waves of ADHD" with David Giwerc.  For those who struggle with ADHD it can be like riding a volatile wave in the ocean never really knowing where the current is going to take them. If they can learn which variables impact their ADHD, they can eventually develop a smoother ride. Learn from renowned expert David Giwerc what can be done to minimize the struggles and accentuate success in order to improve the quality of life. Appropriate both for coaches and those with ADHD.

June 11, 2009 - SPECIAL EVENT - "The Top Traps of Experienced Coaches (And How to Get Out Without Chewing Off Your Arm!)" with Cynthia Loy Darst.  There’s not a coach alive who hasn’t bored some poor client into leaving. Yikes! Don’t let it happen again. As you grow in experience and competence, you gain strength and confidence in your coaching. And, along the way, it is normal to fall into some traps and bad habits. If these habits go unchecked, your client roster will start to thin, it will get more challenging to keep and attract clients, and, worst of all, you will start getting bored. Yikes! Join Cynthia Loy Darst, MCC, for a day of experiential fun and irreverent challenge, guaranteed to arouse your creativity and get you painlessly out of your traps!

June 8, 2009 - "Past the Point of Reason" with Cynthia Loy Darst.  Where has your coaching lost its edge? Where are you closing off your creativity, joy or aliveness? This program is designed to create awareness about your own coaching: where you are playing it safe, where you are risking, and how to shake up the way you think about working with clients.

May 23, 2009 - SPECIAL EVENT - "Extreme Social Media Boot Camp" with Heidi Miller.  If you’ve been wondering how to effectively use social media tools such as blogs, podcasts, Facebook and Twitter to expand your influence and brand online, Heidi Miller’s all-day EXTREME SOCIAL MEDIA BOOT CAMP will help you plunge into the social media waters—without leaving your towel or your dignity behind.  In this class, you will learn both the technical and social aspects of how to get started in a variety of online spaces.

May 11, 2009 - "The One Decision: How to Maximize Your Potential and Live a Life of More" with Judith Wright.  Do you want a great life? A life filled with more success, meaning, satisfaction, money, time, and energy? What if you could choose to live a life of purpose and meaning no matter what your financial circumstances, hectic schedule, business outlook or the state of your family? In this program best-selling author Judith Wright will open your mind and heart to live a life beyond your wildest dreams.

April 17 and 18, 2009 - "Grow Your Business, Grow Your Life Live!" with Michael Charest.  Is your business as successful as you want it to be? If you want to take it to new levels, join CCF and Michael Charest for this special two day business building event!   Michael is the Founder and President of Business Growth Solutions and has taught thousands of small business owners and coaches how to successfully grow their businesses.  Join us for this two day live event April 17th-18th and learn:

• 8 core marketing strategies and how to use them
• Specific techniques to coach to objections
• How to secure more clients and effectively conduct complimentary consultations
• Build your belief and confidence so you can create the business you desire.
  
• And that's just the beginning!
  

April 13, 2009 - "Introduction to The Work of Byron Katie" with Paul Zavagno.   If you are a coach or someone interested in personal growth, you will want to learn about the ground-breaking ideas and methods of Byron Katie. This presentation will introduce participants to The Work of Byron Katie, a simple yet powerful process of inquiry that teaches you to identify and question the thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world.

March 9, 2009 - "Social Media Crash Course: Ten Social Media Things to Try on Your Lunch Break" with Heidi Miller.  Have you ever wondered what social media actually is? Is it worth your time? Can it help your business? What about multimedia? If you’ve wondered what the big deal is with participating in blogs, podcasts, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Flickr, take this crash course with Heidi Miller in how to get started in social media, and find out which tools are right for you and your business.

February 9, 2009 - "The 90% Factor: The Nonverbal Dimension of Coaching and Living" with Dr. Stuart Heller   What if the 90% nonverbal factor that impacts your communications and presence also influences your mind-set, mood, and choices? Dr. Stuart Heller has devoted his life to the study of the verbal - nonverbal connection. In the process, he devised a powerfully simple language of Nature’s movements that provides non-judgmental, action-oriented, constructive assessments and practices. (A program for coaches, clients, and anyone interested in personal growth.)

January 12, 2009 - Practical NLP: Modalities & Meta-Programs with Jim Accetta. Have you ever noticed people that were so influential and persuasive? People who build rapport instantly? In any situation? What about those people who seem to be naturally influential? Were these people born gifted? Did they learn these secrets from some guru? The answer is, most of them do not even realize how they do what they do, but now you can learn these patterns yourself! If you are interested in increasing your effectiveness with clients, or improving business and marketing communication, this interactive workshop is for you! Presenting this program is our very own CCF board member, Jim Accetta, one of the few Certified Trainers of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP™) in the Midwest. Jim is an inspirational speaker, author and currently a MCC candidate.

January 8, 2009, at 12:00 noon: Throw Away the Book: Shifting from good coaching to great coaching--where you shine at your best. Join us at 12:00 noon for a special free teleclass sponsored by Ben Dooley and the Minnesota Coaches Alliance. Learn how to let go of the framework and comfort zone of your coaching and begin to discover your own special style—that unique “coachiness” that clients will be attracted to, and not only gives greater depth to your coaching, but also strengthens your confidence and propels you towards your coaching success. In this call, you’ll not only learn core elements about yourself and how you show up, but experience the difference of BEing and DOing that that take your coaching to the next level. No matter where you are in your coaching--beginner, a few years, or a long timer, this call is designed to help you discover another layer to your coaching confidence and power--one that has always been there and you probably never even knew you had, and can be summed up in five words. What are those five words? I'll give you a hint, it's not the title. That's only four words. You'll just have to show up to find out for yourself.

We will also have a Special Guest Speaker who will be presenting tips on how to develop instant recall memory for names, presentations, and information as well as showing how having a trained memory can help you make more money, reduce stress, and save you time. Ken Budka has helped train thousands of business professionals, from all walks of life, on personal development skills that really make a difference.