Whether you have been in private practice for 
decades or for less than a year, each of us knows more than we used to about how to build a private practice. Research shows that if you focus on what you know and what you have (rather than on what you don’t know and what you don’t have), you are more open to seeing (and receiving?) even more . . . .
With that in mind, I thought today might be a good time for each of you to share just one practice-building tip that has been useful to you. Perhaps a mentor taught you a really valuable lesson that you can now pass on. Or, maybe you’ve learned something the hard way and can save a new professional the same hardship that you experienced. Or, is there a book that you’ve just read that is helping you streamline or strengthen some aspect of your business? Or, can you tell us about a colleague that has generated a lot of positive buzz about her work in your town? All of that, and more, can help the rest of us grow those strong and vibrant practices that we’re all after.
Feel free to join the conversation here and share one thing that you know . . . . but please do leave room for others to share their ideas, too, by sharing just one! Better yet, share your tip and then pass this link on to other therapists so that they, too, can drop in here to share! (Share it by bookmarking this post on Delicious, share it on Facebook, tweet about it, discuss it on LinkedIn, post it on Google +, add it to Reddit, Tumblr, and Stumble Upon, pin it to Pinterest, and email it to your friends and colleagues. The more the merrier!
Let’s see how many itty-bitty tips we can accrue here to support each other! I look forward to learning from you!
My Tip:
I commit to do at least one thing each day to build my practice. It can be a big thing like writing an article or a small thing like reaching out to a colleague for coffee. But every single day I do at least one thing to build my business.
Hi, John! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out and thank you for taking time to share a great tip, too! I do this, too – every single day (Monday through Friday) and it really does make a huge difference, doesn’t it? It simply becomes part of the routine to growing your practice!
Don’t try to be all things to all people. Develop a niche. Get specialized training and/or certification. People will be drawn to a therapist who is highly skilled and specialized and they will refer others to you as well.
YES! Pam has it right! Niche that practice now! And, get known for being an expert. It sets you above the rest and makes you memorable, too! Here’s 4 Great Books to Help You Create a Niche for Your Private Practice.
Build your local network! I work with older adults and caregivers and in the last few months have really pushed to attend networking meetings for people in the eldercare world and to have follow-up 1:1 meetings. I’ve learned a lot just from talking with people, and I’m getting referrals, too!
Hey, Rachelle, you’ve sneaked in several goodies here . . . . (1) Old fashioned networking face-to-face really does work – it expands your circle of influence by building trust in you. And, (2) I particularly like that you’ve gone outside your own discipline of music therapy to other professional (and possibly non-professional) caretakers and allies! And, (3) you’re following up! That’s exactly how to network strategically!
So . . . Rachelle . . . care to share the details of your networking meetings for people in the eldercare world i.e. when, where, who, etc.?
One of the most helpful resources in developing my private practice was Kimberly Sena Moore’s e-book, The Therapy Business Blueprint. http://www.musictherapymaven.com/how-to-start-a-therapy-practice/
It was just what I needed!! (That, and of course, your site, Tamara!!) 🙂
Rachel, I love Kimberly Sena Moore’s work, in general! She wrote a guest post for me last year and then invited me over to her place to do the same! Thanks for sharing your tip and your nod to our community here at PPIO!
I asked my local newspaper if I could write a “guest” column for them. It has been more than a year now since I began writing a column every two weeks talking about a variety of topics such as communication, marriage maintenance, parenting etc.
As a marketing tool, it has been great! It does keep you hopping to meet deadlines….but I would recommend it.
Deb, this is such a great idea! Care to tell us where you are and where we might get a peek at your columns?
Hi Tamara,
I live in Shelbyville Indiana. If you google my name and Shelby News….you can read away! 🙂
Also….I am interested in being a part of a Peer Consultation Group (either existing or starting one if there aren’t any in my area)….any thoughts out there on getting this going?
Excellent! Thanks, Deb!
And, you bet I have thoughts to share about starting a peer consultation group (and I’m betting some of the other folks reading this do, too!). Just put “consultation” into the search box in the upper left corner of this page and check out the posts I’ve written on how to do just that. (And, of course, if you can’t find what you are looking for, just let me know!)
I hope you’ll drop back in, Deb, and let us know how your new group progresses.
Great question! I’m love’n the ideas. The first thing I did when I opened my private practice was read Marketing for the Mental Health Professional by David P. Diana and subscribe to your blog.
Yep! I can so relate, Brenda! I read, read, and read some more. In fact, I’m still devouring books! I found David long after I was in private practice but his book and his website are full of inspiration!
The most important thing for me is believing I can do it. I do better coming from a place of abundance and positivity. Also – the stuff above like network with other clinicians and I read the entire marketing section on psychology today’s forum.
Oh, Julie! You guys just can’t help sharing what you know! What was I thinking of asking for “just one?!” Attitude is key for me, too. You know there is research out there that says some of us are genetically more likely to default to the “glass half full” mindset. I think that must be true for me, too. But, the good news is that all of us can strengthen those “gratitude muscles.” (Not so sure? Join our Mustard Seeds and Mega-Gifts community gratitude journal OR keep your own private journal instead.)
You mention networking and reading marketing materials, too. Yep – I would starve without the safety net that comes from networking and the inspiration that comes from reading the business literature, too!
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with others who are going the private practice route. We all need to stick together! Building relationships within the community has really helped me build my practice. When you get to know the community where you are working and they get to know you, trust develops and you get a solid referral base.
You’re so welcome, Cherie! And thank you for taking time to bring your voice and tip to our community here at Private Practice from the Inside Out! What I know is that I’m even more likely (and you are, too!) to get a referral from someone you’ve met here from another state. After all, most of us don’t know a lot of therapists in other states . . . or countries for that matter. Since you, Cherie, are the only therapist I know of in Appleton, Wisconsin, you are the one there that is most likely to get my referrals! Thanks for helping me expand my resources in Wisconsin!
I would second your comments Cherie. I have found that connecting to others in private practice has been the most helpful to me. I’ve found this blog extremely helpful and insightful, and also do a lot of networking at our local professional association meetings. Getting to know the other therapists, what their niches are and their tips has helped me professionally to know who to refer to (and get their referrals!) and has given me good models to follow.
Desi, welcome back! Thank you for letting me (and others) know that you find Private Practice from the Inside Out to be helpful. I so appreciate the feedback (good and bad) from all of you guys! It helps keep me on track, for sure!
Cheri,
I am just beginning my own private practice and was wondering if you would expand more on how you began getting to know people in the community. What are some of your suggestions in first stepping out and meeting others. thanks to all for all the great ideas and some I have already been working on but I have been lagging in the networking area. Just not sure where to get started and how to approach others. Just a little nervous I guess.
Hey, Pamela, I want to chime in, too, and suggest that you use the search box in the upper left corner of this blog. If you enter “networking,” you will find lots of tips here for strategically networking to build your practice. Best wishes on your journey and I hope you’ll drop back in often to join the conversations here!
I have a mindfulness-based practice; I teach MBSR classses 4-5x/year. To support my own meditation practice, & that of others, I lead twice weekly meditation groups. Many of my referrals now come from people who have met me through attending meditation. Meditation website is http://www.SarasotaMindfulness.org.
Hi, Betsy! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out!
Thanks for a fabulous tip! by supporting your own meditation practice AND your colleagues, too, you have shared great karma and created a great environment of generosity! That’s something that any of us can do with a little forethought!
Early on in the process of opening my practice, I made a point of contacting former colleagues and therapist friends for “get the lay of the land” meetings. Of course, since these were people with whom I had a positive history, it was pretty easy to call and ask for their ideas and resources. It was the next step that was a little more difficult – reaching out to the group of relative strangers that these friends suggested I contact next. I assumed this second tier of psychotherapists would be less than enthusiastic about meeting with me, a stranger to them and, many times, someone with whom they would be in direct competition in the Omaha psychotherapy market. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. These professionals were supportive of my dream, quick to offer their help, and eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Lesson learned. Never be afraid to reach out to others within your profession for support, especially (duh!) if they are in a helping profession!
Anne, you are exactly right! I did the same thing when starting out – “interviewing” every therapist I could find that seemed to have established a strong practice. Even when I reached out to total strangers they seemed to be rooting for me – telling me what pitfalls to avoid, where to go to get affordable office supplies, how they got started, mistakes they had made, etc. It’s very rare when I have ever met a therapist who didn’t wish me well. Thanks for sharing a really really important tip!
My one thing involves connecting. Currently I am using LinkedIn to connect with as many therapists as I can. I ask everyone I meet, “How do you grow your practice?” In the process of chat. I learn more about my community and what niches I can fill. The process is slow so I’m going to employ some the strategies mentioned above.
Keep doing what you’re doing; it helps.
Hello, Mike! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out and thank you for taking time to drop in today to share your tips and kind words, too. You’ve mentioned LinkedIn and that’s where I know you from. No, I don’t think that you and I have ever spoken to each other directly but I know your name and I know your face. (BTW – check out this blog post to help others “see” your face when you comment on blogs here and elsewhere.) I mention that’s where I “know” you from as a perfect example of how social networking can extend your “net” for your practice.
You are right, though . . . it’s not enough to just be on LinkedIn. So I would encourage you to learn from each other here and elsewhere. Find supportive and generous communities online and face-to-face where you can be supported and inspired to create a strong and vibrant private practice.
Mike, you are doing something else that very few therapists actually think about when building their businesses . . . . You are marketing yourself as the “Weekend Counselor.” That’s really quite brilliant and your video on your website really highlights that choice being, in part, about your stance of doing what is best for the client. It’s great for your business, too, in that it also helps set you apart from your colleagues in town. Nice strategy, for sure!
Mike I took a stroll through your website and love you “Introduction” video.
Treat every single contact or email as if you were their case manager. If you cannot provide them with services, or they need other specializations refer them to services you can truly recommend and make sure they connect.
Integrity builds pride in your own services, and good will in those you refer to, and those you refer on.
I am continuously surprised by the number of private practioncers who leave clients that try cannot accomodate for one reason or another, insurance, availability, specialization, to negotiate complex systems alone.
Martha
Yes, Martha! That’s so true. I think of the phone calls I get from potential new clients and how often they say “I’ve called 5 therapists but you’re the only one that returned my call.” That’s stunning, isn’t it?! To think that we are “helping professionals” but not willing to really help if it doesn’t feed our own bank account?! REALLY?!
Thanks, Martha, for dropping in to remind us all that building our integrity and pride in our services really does help us grow strong and vibrant private practices.
I would like to add on to this, if you don’t mind. I always get back to email and telephone messages within 24 hours, unless I am on vacation, in which case, I have a recorded message on voice-mail and my email stating such. New clients are always in awe at how quickly I get back to them, in the age of Angie’s List, I think this type of customer service is important.
Aaron, thank you so much for adding this. It’s so true! Customer service really isn’t even an option anymore . . . . It’s required in order for a business to survive these days!
I didn’t know about Angie’s List (Where have I been?!) However, a while back I wrote a post, Your Digital Footprint is Behind You, to remind you, in part, that clients can write reviews that can impact your business – with both positive and negative results.
I am in my first year and read the supportive and positive advice from Daniel Franz to go for it, get started and trust that your wisdom and expertise is needed in the world.. He writes that making the leap out of community mental health was the best decision he has made; giving him more income with more time for family. This advice convinced me to take the leap and so far it has been worthwhile and a great learning experience.
Hi, Andrew! It’s good to have your voice here! I, too, find Daniel’s tweets to be full of wisdom. Thanks so much for mentioning him here. Anyone can benefit from his positive attitude and warm tweets!
Tamara,
I’ve been away and I’m just catching up on my e-mail now. Can you please give me the twitter handle for Daniel Franz? I searched for him and there are several people by that name… Thanks!
A little late reading these posts. But the blog can be found here: http://www.danielafranz.com/
Hello, Andrew! It’s good to have you back here again! And, thanks so much for sharing the link to Daniel’s blog!.
Hope your practice in Santa Barbara is thriving!
Purchase a copy of The Paper Office and books by author Lynn Grodski.
Also, a few years ago the was a book called Specialties for MH Professionals. It is still worth reading.
Thanks, Kristene! I do love Lynn’s works but wasn’t familiar with the other book you mentioned. Will definitely check it out! Thanks for taking time to share your resources!
What a great question! I’m in the process of transitioning my practice to NY and am starting my marketing strategy all over again! My tips would be:
– Have a great website in place
– look for ways to make meaningful connections with colleagues, referral sources, and related organizations in the area both online and off. I’ve been doing some cold calling and emailing, and have been so surprised at the wonderful connections that have arisen from it!
– Go for consistency and quality in your interactions with potential connections (again, both online and off)
– Give back! I’ve found that I build more meaningful relationships in the community if I establish myself as not only a clinician, but a resource for those looking for information, assistance, etc.
Those are just a few of my tips! So grateful for the advice of so many others on this post! It’s been great to get everyone’s insight!!
Megan, good luch on your relocation! I hope you’ll let us know how we can support you in your transition!
~Megan
Ahhh, Megan! You’re another one who just can’t help yourself and gave more than one! Gotta love the generosity of those in our profession! Thanks especially for noting the need for a great website. No one has mentioned it yet and I think it really is key in the 21st century. Check out these guest posts – How You Can Create a Professional, Flexible Website (by Beth Hayden) and How to Find a Great Webmaster (series by Michelle Panulla).
Hi Tamara-
Great site and topic! One of the things I haven’t seen mentioned here but found to be a huge resource to me starting my own private practice has more to do with the business-aspect of things. I was very anxious about starting my own business, on top of all things private-practice related and reached out to my local Chamber of Commerce and their Small Business Development Chapter. What a great resource! I first attended a workshop on start-up basics and then met one-on-one with a consultant that they felt was a good fit for my business, and was given a lot of great tips and advice on the business/legal side of things!
Oh, Julie! Thanks so much for dropping in here and adding to our growing list of tips! The Chambers of Commerce and their Small Business Development Chapters ROCK! I, too, spent some time learning from them. And, there’s one available nearby virtually every community in the USA! Great resource and addition to our list!
I wonder what’s available in other countries that’s similar to those? (Anyone out there know?) We have had therapists from 149 countries join us here at Private Practice from the Inside Out. The vast majority of our visitors are still from the USA but we are rapidly growing our online community here to include the voices of others.
Julie, I’m taking a minute to remind those who have been kind enough to comment . . . . Here’s how you can get a “little me” picture to show up beside your comments. http://www.allthingsprivatepractice.com/how-a-tiny-picture-of-you-can-help-drive-traffic-to-your-website-or-blog/