HELP TOPICS
About Us
Account Types
For Consultants
For Employers
About Us
Our Core Values At ICG, we will:
• Lead the way to set new professional standards in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology • Promote the highest ethical standards in everything we do • Utilize the latest research, education, and evidence-based practice of IO psychology to inspire individual and organizational health, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace • Provide novel tools, concepts, and methods to maximize individual and team performance • Respond to real world issues while working hand-in-hand with business leaders turning their most difficult and frustrating challenges into clearly defined and profitable solutions
This website was created for two reasons:
- To provide a place where consultants, coaches, researchers, and academics can share ideas and resources to run a better business.
- To help improve the success rate of small business owners in the United States, and around the world.
Here are the facts:
• There are 32.5 million small business owners (defined as fewer than 500 employees) in the US which accounts for 99.5% of all US businesses (SBA, 2021).
• Small business owners have been negatively impacted by the pandemic more than any other with over 70% shutting down in March 2020.
• More than 20% of new business ventures shut down during the first year of operation (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
• 50% will fail before the 5th year. If you subtract out business owners who open up franchised-type businesses, 85% will fail in that same time period.
The #1 reason small businesses fail – most believe it is their failure to attract and retain quality talent (CNBC, 2019). In other words, they fail to develop quality hiring systems, training programs, and adequate compensation programs to motivate their team. In short, many business leaders may lack the knowledge (not the skillset) of how to intentionally build a culture that drives the performance required to run a successful business.
It’s not about a better business…it’s about a better life.
This website connects proven professionals who can help small business owners overcome their most difficult challenges and build the business and life they’ve always dreamed of.
Account Types and Membership
To create a membership, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a verifiable identity and email address.
There are three types of members who generally sign up for services, which are employers, organizational practitioners, and vendors.
Employers – which include entrepreneurs, team leaders, executives, managers, HR professionals, and recruiters.
Practitioners – which includes anyone in business to support employers with business and people problems related to the workplace.
Vendors – companies who offer ancillary products and services for the benefit of our website members.
There are 5 basic account types that are currently listed on this site:
- Certified Consultant Account – for members who have completed a master’s degree in I/O Psychology, Management, or related field, and desire to open (or already run) a consulting practice.
- Business Coach Account – for members who may not qualify to become certified, or choose to use their own systems and branding.
- Basic Member Account – A basic member account is free and similar to a Certified Consultant Account, with some obvious limitations. This account is perfect for a student who has not met the educational requirements for membership. In addition, some well-established practitioners may not desire to use our branding, business tools, or lead services. For both the student and well-established consultant, the reduced membership price can be an attractive option.
- Employer Account – this is a FREE account for small business owners (5 – 500 employees) who would like to either hire or consult with one of our I/O professionals.
- Vendor Account – members who offer goods and services that will benefit the group.
In 2023, an additional account type will include an invitation-only Partner/Owner Account. The requirements may include but are not limited to upfront financial investment, five years in the industry, dedicated participation in group activities and mentorship, and quality standards.
No, we welcome accounts from our professional Industrial-Organizational Psychology and business community from all over the world!
For Contractors – Coaches and Consultants
All states in the US require psychologists to become licensed, and in almost all cases, licensing depends on having a doctoral degree. In addition, 1500 hours or more of supervised practice is required of psychologists in direct health services roles. During these supervised hours, most practitioners learn the ins and outs of working with clients and running a successful business from a qualified mentor. No such license or supervision is required for those in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology world. While this may seem preferable for those in the industry, there are some distinct disadvantages to this lack of licensing and support.
One disadvantage to the lack of licensing requirements is the confusion caused by many in the industry of whether or not the title “psychologist” can be used for those who have obtained a graduate degree in I-O Psychology and are not practicing in direct health care. The title may be allowed for some consultants working in states with lenient guidelines. However, with the understanding that consultants at ICG will inevitably work across state lines (and possibly in multiple countries), we must conform to the strictest (and most ethical) standards using the title “I/O Consultant” or “I/O Professional” in our advertising and promotion material.
Another huge disadvantage to new I/O graduates is the lack of education and mentoring, which may be needed to open a consulting practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 56.3% of new businesses started in the US will fail in less than 5 years from startup. After removing franchised business models, the failure rate is over 85%.
The Good News
The good news is because of the media focus on DE&I initiatives, the concerns over many employment assessments, and the transition to a work-from-home or hybrid work environment, the need for I-O professionals has never been higher! To take advantage of this incredible opportunity, graduates must transition from student to business owner without the support of a mentor…that is, until now!
Ivy Consulting Group was created by a group of Harvard Extension School students and graduates who, after attending a conference organized by The Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP), realized a huge gap needed to be filled. While the SIOP conference provided valuable research, initiatives, and hiring perspectives, we needed an active member community, shared ideas, branding, business systems, marketing, forms, and mentoring, to name a few. Better yet, we wanted to know how to find leads and use the knowledge we had learned to improve the performance of our clientele. We found that very few of these services were taught at the university or offered by professional organizations. Once we realized what we needed to do, we started building the site you are visiting today.
Yes! ICG is a member network for business consultants and coaches to share ideas and network. As our membership grew, we found that some new practitioners needed much more than a place to network, they needed a complete system and training program to help them launch their new career. For that reason, we have memberships for both fully established consultants/coaching agencies and for those who would like turn-key marketing and coaching systems.
No. Many consultants who become members already have or represent successful firms and will continue to use their own websites and branding.
All we ask of our members is to help us establish our brand by adding your membership to the company’s LinkedIn page.
As a freelance member, you remain in control of your pricing and determine the clients who you would like to work with.
For new Business Coaches, we do recommend you offer at least one free consultation and start with a significantly reduced introductory price to build your client list. Most approved coaches start by offering new clients 6-months of coaching for only $500 per month. We recommend working with clients 1-hour per week every week for the first month and then every other week in month two.
Our commission schedule is easy and transparent.
70% to the Contractor who does the work
10% to the Director/Trainer
15% to ICG Management company to cover website costs, advertising, credit card charges, and product improvement
Of course, if you are not a Certified Coach or Consultant (you choose not to use our marketing systems, brand, or obtain leads), you are not required to bill through our system.
Connect Now
Your title should demonstrate your membership level and services offered.
Member – FREE Contractor Accounts
Founding Member – One of the first members of ICG who has contributed required work to launch the company. Founding members are awarded stock and become fractional owners of Ivy Consulting Group, Inc.
Intern – For approved interns who represent ICG.
Research Assistant – For approved researchers who are not approved to lead projects.
Lead Researcher – For approved researchers who lead projects under the ICG Brand.
Reacher Scientist – An ICG researcher who has obtained the educational requirements to use the title “scientist.”
Ivy Business Coach – for approved business coaches who do not use the ICG Brand or have not completed certification.
Certified Ivy Consultant – for coaches and consultants who have been approved and completed the required training for certification.
Director – An ICG Director is a partner in the firm and has the authority to recruit, train, and develop certified consultant members. Directors are required to make a minimum investment and are fractional owners of Ivy Consulting Group, Inc.
The 10 dynamics of ICG is a list of our group’s primary offerings. The 10 dynamics are:
- Market Research and Consumer Behavior
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Assessments and Selection
- Motivation and Engagement
- Training, Coaching, & Business Development
- Team Building and Culture
- Performance Management
- Leadership Development
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
Using over 100 custom branded Lesson Plans to go along with our proprietary Employer Online Learning System (to be rolled out by topic in 2023), consultants will have a distinct advantage over competitors in the industry.
Regardless of background or experience, certified consultants will have the tools needed to quickly develop a highly successful consulting agency!
A coach enables the individual he or she is working with to solve problems, while a consultant is an expert that will solve problems for the team.
A coach will address issues such as fear or limited self-confidence.
A consultant will generally help with problems directly related to your business.
ALL CONTRACTOR ACCOUNTS
After you create a free contractor account, you have the opportunity to complete a basic online training program that will teach you how to set up your accounts and navigate the website.
APPROVED COACH MEMBERS
If you desire to become an approved Ivy Coach (regardless if you use the ICG brand or your own), you will be required to successfully complete a course confirming the basic skills have been mastered before you can use the title “Ivy Business Coach.”
Additional training includes:
- live online group discussions and training
- a video library of best practices will be available for all consultants to use when needed
- a community forum with groups to help users find the users they are looking for
- live online chat
- support ticket system for more complex issues
CERTIFIED CONSULTANT MEMBERS
If you desire to become a certified consultant, you will be required to successfully complete a course confirming the basic skills have been mastered before taking on clients.
Additional support only offered to Certified Consultants includes:
- Personal training and support from an ICG Director
- Support to help brand and market your agency
- Ability to contribute content to our core lesson plans and receive unassigned leads
- Use of a gold ICG Badge to be displayed to all members
The basic member program was created to provide support to work for an employer and have no interest in owning a consulting agency. In addition, some members may already have established agencies and would like to share best practices without using many of the systems and lead services offered through the Ivy Consultant program.
The benefits offered to Ivy Business Coaches and Certified Consultants which are NOT available to basic members include:
- the use of the IVY Consulting Group brand (however, basic members can place an emblem on their business social media accounts reflecting membership)
- an ivycg.org Google email address
- Full suite of Google products including Google Drive, Chat, Hangouts, Meet, Tasks, and more.
- a business splash page to advertise to employer members
- access to the ICG marketing system
- access to the ICG billing platform
- access to the ICG client management system (not included in the base membership)
- participation in weekly training calls and coaching sessions
- participation in the Certified Consultant member-only group
- business leads
- banner ads on the ivyconsultinggroup.org website
For a full feature list and comparison table, go to: Membership Benefits – Ivy Consulting Group
Ivy Consulting Group, Inc., will become recognized as a premier training and education agency for I-O Psychologists, business consultants, coaches, researchers, and other professionals in the industry. To maintain our promise of quality and professionalism, we have created the following membership and quality standards:
- A master’s degree (or higher) in Psychology or I-O Psychology from a leading institution, or
- Holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) certificate from the International Coaching Federation or higher, or
- At least 5 years of certifiable coaching experience and three letters of recommendation from past clients.
AND
- Successful completion of the IVY Consulting Group basic training program (30-60 day average completion time).
- Acceptance and adherence to the group’s Privacy & Terms.
- Payment of membership dues.
- Maintain an acceptable quality standard determined by our 5-star customer review rating system.
- An application and approval by the member board.
We realize that our requirements to become a Certified Ivy Consultant is difficult which can limit our company’s growth and ability to help business leaders who need us the most. Also, some Business Coaches would like to maintain their own brand and use establish systems. For these reasons, we created an Ivy Coach membership. Requirements include:
- 5 years experience in coaching, consulting, or training OR a successful track record in the industry in which you will coach others.
- Successful completion of the IVY Consulting Group online basic training program (15-day average completion time).
- Acceptance and adherence to the group’s Privacy & Terms.
- Payment of membership dues.
- Maintain an acceptable quality standard determined by our 5-star customer review rating system.
- An application and approval by the member board.
Phase I (asynchronous training) – newly approved consultants complete an online course that provides an overview of the ICG programs, services, and technology. The course and exam can be completed in 8 hours.
Phase II (live classroom training via google meeting) – Once Phase I has been completed, consultants will be invited to train with a small group of like-minded consultants to complete our ICG Basic Training Program. This phase of the training takes between 3 – 6 months to complete.
Phase III (in-person intensive workshop) – This 3-day workshop is required for certification purposes and will provide in-depth training on how to build a thriving coaching or consulting practice.
In this respect, industrial-organizational psychology is unique. Some states require industrial-organizational psychologists to be licensed based on laws that restrict the use of the title “psychologist.” In these states, an industrial-organizational psychologist would need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and a license to call themselves an industrial-organizational psychologist. Otherwise, despite coming from the background of graduate studies in psychology, this professional would need to use a different job title to refer to themselves.
Other states only restrict the practice of psychology rather than the title. Under these laws, an industrial-organizational psychologist may not need a doctorate because they are not performing work, like psychotherapy services, that requires licensure. However, since the specifics of practice laws vary from state to state, aspiring industrial-organizational psychologists should investigate the exact licensure requirements in their state.
With all of that stated, some of our members may meet all of the requirements to use the title I-O Psychologist in their state; however, there can still be issues when conducting business and even advertising across state lines. Because our practitioners may conduct work in states which have stricter guidelines, using the title “psychologist” is not recommended.
To complete an application, first create an account:
https://ivyconsultinggroup.org/registration-1/
And apply here:
Join Us
FOR CONSULTANTS and ASSOCIATES
Monthly ICG membership dues are listed on the Benefits and Pricing page; however, we will offer special discounts to our 2022-2023 members.
Ivy Consulting Group is proud to offer our Ivy Consultants the tools and support required to develop a successful consulting agency. In some cases, we will rely on 3rd party vendors to help complete our Consultant Toolbox providing access to essential components not available directly through our services today. One of the vendors is HoneyBook.com which is HIPAA compliant and has been trusted by over 100k independent businesses to manage projects, book clients, send invoices, and get paid.
To find out more, click HERE.
Protecting confidential data is a top priority for everyone at ICG.
Credit Cards and Billing
ICG does not store credit card data and utilizes secure offsite services such as Google Pay and PayPal to process all membership services.
Customer Management
When it comes to Client Management, documentation, and billing, we must make certain our client’s information is secure and compliant with all HIPAA requirements. Ivy Consulting is a proud partner of the vcita Group and is trusted by over 1.4 million customers worldwide. Using Amazon Web Services (AWS), the service is processed in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), helps healthcare providers protect sensitive records and their patients’ confidential health information by processing data in compliance with HIPAA, and offers full transparency into privacy rights to consumers residing in the State of California in relation to their personal information. In addition, vcita aligns corporate practices with the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA).
We are in the process of completing a comprehensive 3-day intensive workshop that will be offered to approved IVY Consultants who want to become the best of the best. The workshops will become part of a higher-level certification process and will include workshop facilitator training, research, and advanced consulting practices. The target date for roll-out is September 2023.
For Employers
The 10 dynamics of ICG is a list of our group’s primary offerings. The 10 dynamics are:
- Market Research and Consumer Behavior
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Assessments and Selection
- Motivation and Engagement
- Training, Coaching, & Business Development
- Team Building and Culture
- Performance Management
- Wellness
- Leadership Development
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
Using over 100 proprietary Lesson Plans to go along with our Employer Online Learning System, certified consultants will have the tools needed to help you solve your most complex and time-consuming frustrations.
FOR EMPLOYERS
Membership for Employers is completely FREE of charge.
As an Employer, your benefits include:
- A free Company Listing with a splash page advertising your business to members on the site.
- A free job listing or listings to help you find the perfect consultant to help you overcome your most difficult challenges.
- Free access to our online community where you can ask questions and get advice from a pro.
- Free Access to our proprietary online learning management system with professionally developed lesson plans to you understand where systems are going wrong and how an Ivy Consultant could be exactly what you need to reduce frustration and grow your business.
No!
There are no requirements for you to purchase products from ICG or from our contractors.
How does ICG earn revenue?
Our contractor members pay a small fee to use our services and participate in our programs.
Optional Paid Services
Although not required, you will have the option to purchase additional courses, advertise your business using a banner ad, or hire a contractor to help you achieve your goals. When you do, ICG retains 15% to cover administrative expenses which includes investing in new programs for our members.
Yes, we encourage you to get to know the contractor and discuss your project before hiring. However, we do not require our contractors to provide free consultations and some contractors have workloads that do not allow them to retain new clients. When this is the case, feel free to reach out to another contractor for your project. The best way to find contractors is to list your Job Opening here:
Post a Job
Our contractor members set their own rates based on experience, services offered, and the demands of the client.
Remuneration to ICG for Hiring a Contractor as an Employee
Ivy Consulting Group is not a placement agency and does not require fees or percentage of income to be retained when an employer converts a contract worker to employee status.
This is also a good time to clarify the difference between independent contractors and employees.
Worker classification: independent contractors vs. employees
While it would be nice if there were a simple answer to this question, the truth is the definition varies from court to court across the world.As a result there are many tests to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.
Common tests include: the economic realities test, the “ABC” test, the common law “right to control” test, the IRS 20-factor test, and the Restatement (Second) of Agency test, to name a few.
Generally speaking, the distinction has to do with the degree of control a client has over the person performing the work.
A freelancer or independent contractor has the freedom to decide when, where, and how they work, and are responsible for their own tools and equipment. They usually have a finite contract that terminates when the work is completed. In the United States, contractor taxes are handled via a 1099 form.
An employee has a required work schedule and location. They may be required to use the tools and methods prescribed by the employer and can be terminated at any time. In the United States employee taxes are handled with a W2 form.
The more control over a worker’s methods you have as a client, the greater the likelihood that a court might rule that they are an employee.
As you can see, there are a lot of gray areas in worker classification depending on your location and the context of your working arrangement. If you are unsure, please consult with your tax advisor.
Our contractor members set their own rates based on experience, services offered, and the demands of the client.
Simple, secure online payments
Accept all major credit/debit cards and bank transfers are accepted while providing a seamless client experience.
No, our contractors are independent and have the ability to negotiate the price and terms of their own client agreements. While complaints may be rare, we do like to know how our contract members are performing. Please send your positive and negative sentiments to support@ivycg.org.
Misc
Yes! While we are in the early stages of member development, it is our intent to host annual workshops to improve member services, share ideas, and become the true leader in I-O strategy. If you are interested in serving on the member conference committee, please let us know.
