Thursday, August 14, 2008

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

If you don't have a business plan, or a vision for your practice, then how will you know what to work on?
How will you know when you've succeeded?
What will that look like?

Whether you're already in private practice, or just thinking about the possibility, it is never too early to work on a vision for your practice.

Join us on August 22, 2008 at 1:00 pm PDT for a FREE teleconference call on "Creating Your Practice Vision".

You can sign up today by clicking here!

Don't "fail to plan" to include this teleconference on your schedule!

We look forward to seeing you there!

We also have a new listserv up and running for those looking for ways to build their dream practice. Join us today by registering at Ask! Believe! Achieve! Yahoo Group.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Value of Therapy

Whether or not it qualifies as a recession, it's clear that we are experiencing an economic slowdown across the nation. You may have seen the impact of this in your practice - fewer calls, or more potential clients who are 'price shopping'. This can be distressing, but you don't need to panic or start looking for another job. Instead, you'll want to continue to work on marketing yourself as effectively as possible, and a key component of this is helping clients understand the value of coming to see you for their therapy needs.

If client are going to be more careful with how they spend their dollars, then it's important you convey how and why you are the best therapist for them. Help your potential clients to believe that you will be providing them value for their money. What are some of the ways you can do this?

1) Define your "ideal client" as well as the services you provide to this target population.
2) Convey these qualifications on your website and in your other marketing materials.
3) Get professional looking business cards, that don't demonstrate they're "free."
4) Work on a phone script (or several even!) to help you discuss your strengths with a potential client, so when they inquire about your fee, you can reply with confidence, as well as begin building rapport, so the client responds to you in a positive manner.
5) Have confidence in your skills and your ability to help others, and remind yourself of this before speaking with clients.

There will always be clients who are shopping for the 'lowest price'. That's okay - there are still plenty of people out there who will invest the money in a service that provides them with clear value. Continue to believe in yourself and your skills. We know therapists who are having record months right in the midst of this economic downturn, there's no reason you can't do it, too!