My colleague, Michelle L. Rollins, LPC, CAC III 
had brilliant idea! And, then she took action! Michelle took the initiative to set up a Meetup group for mental health professionals in private practice in Colorado. She publicized the event and asked her colleagues to do the same. She invited me to speak on Strategic Networking to Build Your Private Practice (thank you! thank you!). And, a good time was had by all!
If you are a therapist or allied health professional and you are feeling a bit isolated, this is a great way to build your own social capital. By helping other professionals meet and learn about each others’ practices, you will also be building your own circle of influence and professional image.
If you are already part of a Meetup group that is focused on mental health professionals, please take a moment and tell us how that’s working for you. Share your tips and advice so that others can learn from your Meetup group and build a stronger community of solo entrepreneurs!
It was a great group to attend and to meet other professionals in private practice. Tamara’s information was extremely useful. I am excited about the next meet up in November!
Traci Hart M.A., LPC
Hi, Traci! Thanks so much for dropping in to comment! I loved your energy at the meeting and am looking forward to networking with you in November!
Your presentation at the meetup group, “Mental Health Professionals in Private Practice,” provided me with concrete ideas on how to network more effectively. Ideas such as, making the connection not just collecitng and handing our business cards helped me to think about slowing down and really talking with the people I meet. Hence, networking is about building relationships. It you would like to connect with me by learning more about me visit http://www.creatingyourbeyond.com
Welcome back, Brenda! Thanks for taking time to comment here. I’m hoping that as others around the globe are hearing about our first Meetup group that they will try out the format for their communities! I’m looking forward to networking with you this fall, too!