Last month I spoke to Regis University‘s Chi Sigma Iota, the counseling honor society, in Broomfield, Colorado on the topic of Mining for Your Niche. Several of those in attendance asked for a reading list on niching. Here are 4 of my favorite books on the topic.
- The Brand You 50: Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an ‘Employee’ into a Brand That Shouts
Distinction, Commitment, and Passion! by Tom Peters, Knopf, 1999.
- The Circle of Innovation: You Can’t Shrink Your Way to Greatness by Tom Peters, Knopf, 1997.
- Nichecraft: Using Your Specialness to Focus Your Business, Corner Your Market, and Make Customers Seek You Out by Dr. Lynda Falkenstein, NichePress, 2000.
- Reimagine! Business Excellence in a Disruptive Age by Tom Peters, DK Publishing, 2003.
Do you have other recommendations related to niching a practice?
Wow! These look like some tremendously helpful resources. I don’t think I’ve ever really thought of branding myself (perhaps it’s because I’m feeling a bit as if I’m from the Dark Ages. 🙂 Thank you so much for giving me something new and fascinating to ponder! It’s rather timely too, because I’m interested in doing more clinical supervision.
Roia, I’m a bit delayed in my reply — went out of state for Thanksgiving and just now getting back to my blog. Thanks so much for dropping in here! Branding can really help to boost the appearance of professionalism for anyone but especially for a psychotherapist. And, as I’m sure you know, there is always a need for strong clinical supervision . . . and also for clinical consultation. Be creative when you are thinking about how to market those services and let me know if you need any support from me! My private practice consultation group that I plan on starting in January might be a terrific way to fine tune your ideas on branding. Would love to have an opportunity to work with you and get to know you better!
Tamara,
As a participant in the group you presented to I appreciate the list you have provided. Also, thank you for presenting to Chi Sigma Iota at Regis.
I read books and worked with a coach to help me define my niche. It was one of the best business decisions I made early on after graduating. I really like Lynda Falkenstein’s book and blog.
For example: When I first began networking with other professionals they remembered me because I had a well defined niche THEY could hold onto. I was not just another face in the crowd.
Also, on my book shelf. Rewarding Specialties for Mental Health Clinicians: Developing Your Practice Niche by Rona LoPresti and Edward Zuckerman
Great suggestions on the book list.
Hi, Brenda! Welcome back to Private Practice from the Inside Out! It’s always fun to present to CSI and I so appreciated the opportunity!
I’ll definitely add LoPresti and Zuckerman’s book to my wish list! Are there ever enough hours in the day just for reading????
Thank you, Roia, for the tweet! You are a dear for passing the info along to your followers!
Tamara, As a participant in the group you presented to I appreciate the list you have provided. Also, thank you for presenting to Chi Sigma Iota at Regis. I read books and worked with a coach to help me define my niche. It was one of the best business decisions I made early on after graduating. I really like Lynda Falkenstein’s book and blog. For example: When I first began networking with other professionals they remembered me because I had a well defined niche THEY could hold onto. I was not just another face in the crowd. Also, on my book shelf. Rewarding Specialties for Mental Health Clinicians: Developing Your Practice Niche by Rona LoPresti and Edward Zuckerman Great suggestions on the book list.
Myrna, I had so much fun working with CSI! Thanks so much for the book suggestions. I’ll definitely check them out!
I know that hiring a coach can seem like a huge investment of time and money for a new therapist. However, my clients often learn new strategies in the first two or three sessions that easily pay for their work with me. It’s simply a matter of commitment – to yourself and your business – and the realization that you AND I are both worth that commitment!
Myrna, I hope to be back with CSI Spring 2011 to talk again!