Hey Fabulous Health Professionals,
The month of planning for business-owners is upon us. Being in private practice means that you have the freedom to choose your own priorities – AMEN to that – but it also comes with some unique challenges.
When you run your own business, there are things that you need to do for yourself that you probably took for granted when you worked for someone else… So here are some things you must address if you’re in private practice in 2016:
1. Clinical Supervision:
Now that you’re in Private Practice, who will you turn to for clinical mentoring and support? Private Practice can be lonely and it is too easy to get stuck in a professional vacuum. Your clients and your sanity will benefit immeasurably if you ensure that you seek out supervision.
2. Your Vacation Time
There’s no mandatory annual leave when you’re an entrepreneur. And I hate to break it to you, but you will never feel like it’s the right time to take a break – so stop waiting for that mirage! Plan right now when you will take your holidays, and do what you need to do now to get everything in order so you can enjoy the holidays and down-time you deserve.
I’ve had my upcoming holiday to Bali planned for 6 months now. Knowing that a break is coming keeps me sane when things feel tough!
3. Your Professional Development
How are you going to further your clinical skills in 2016? Is there a training, course or workshop you would love to attend? It’s time to do look at your books and budget for your professional growth well in advance.
4. Your Workload
Did the idea of looking at your books make you throw up in your mouth a little bit? That’s OK, it makes me feel a bit woozy too. So I ask you – is 2016 the year you get an assistant to help you manage your accounting and administration? I’ve used virtual support and an accountant for years, but 2015 was the year I recruited my first full-time practice manager and it has rocked my world. You don’t need to do this alone. And you don’t need to keep battling with numbers – after all, I’m pretty sure people are your strong suit. So put down the abacus for now and pay someone who likes it! (Yes, those people do exist.)
5. Your Brand
When was the last time you evaluated whether your message matched your services and clients? My businesses evolve every year. I regularly take the time to reflect on this and evaluate whether the messaging I put out there matches who I serve and why. Are you still talking to your ideal clients, or have the goal-posts shifted a little?
6. Your Referral Sources
Have you picked your five favourite people to build relationships with this year? What can you offer each other? This is relationship marketing at it’s core. There’s no gross sales vibe here – just take the time to think about all the health professionals you can HELP by making them aware of your incredible service. Who needs to know about you in 2016? Catch up with them over a coffee, learn their needs – and ask yourself if you can be of value.
7. Your Business Growth
Being in private practice is the most freeing decision I have made for myself and my family. But it can be really hard sometimes. I’ve named 7 things you need to address in 2016 but in reality there are many, many more. The value of a business coach & mentor is their ability to guide you towards the outcome and lifestyle you want because (1) we have already walked that path and (2) we add a totally fresh and external perspective to what’s happening for you. I urge you to explore business coaching in 2016 and the potential to reach your goals faster and more successfully than you ever could have imagined.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, click here to book a free consult with me. Let’s make 2016 your best year in Private Practice yet.
Here’s to your success,
