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Tips for Therapists: |
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 This
page is intended for qualified self-employed therapists but
may also be of interest to others.
Interested
in tips and ideas to improve your therapy business ?
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1
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If you have decided to advertise your services
(instead of accepting clients via personal recommendation only), make
sure you have an effective internet presence.
We suggest that in this
case "effective" means that the main search engines return your page
for searches that specify your treatment/s
and location/s, and also for searches on your name.
Why ? : Many people work at a computer all day
and the first place they look for services is no-longer print directories,
but search engines. |
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2
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If you would like to talk with
your clients about products or other services that you sell but which
are not central to your treatments (e.g. health-related MLM products
and
business
opportunities), consider displaying information about these material
on your walls and/or literature area and by so doing, invite the clients
to express
interest to you.
Why ? : If you leave to your clients the option
of raising the subject or not, you won't seem pushy or cause those who
are not interested in your supplementary activies to feel awkward about
expressing no interest. |
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3
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Use a simple spreadsheet to track every treatment you give and every expense you incur (including travel, consumables, and continuing education courses) if you are working as a
self-employed therapist
[Aside: However, do also remember that there may be regulations about storing any client information electronically.
That is, recording that you did a 2x 1-hour massages on 31st March 2005 and charged £30.00 for each is useful, but as far as mentioning client names' is concerned, be aware of the implications of the Data Protection Act (UK) or other applicable legislation in the country/state in which you work.]
Why ? : Being self-employed usually means that you must complete a "Self Assessment" Tax Form. This is very easy if you have kept track of your income & expenses as they occurred. |
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4
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When preparing and updating your consultation sheet / questionnaire, ensure that you can explain your reason(s) for asking each of your consultation questions - in no more than 1 or 2 sentences per question.
Why ? : Some day, someone is likely to ask !
When faced with an uncomfortable question, many people would prefer to "question the need for the question" than to answer it. You will be more likely to get an honest answer, and will certainly look far more professional if you can confidently offer a positive yet concise response in all cases. |
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5
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Is there something you can give away
?
Businesses use "giveaways" as a form of advertising. That is
they give items to their clients and prospects, usually items that are
useful and include their
company logo and contact details. It is a subtle way of reminding customers
and prospects who you are, where you are, and what you do.
Why ? : People usually appreciate having something
to take away. It may also serve as a "talking point" if they show it
to anyone else, such as friends, family, or colleagues. |
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6
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| If you do more than just occasional treatments,
buy yourself a spare uniform.
Why ? : Your focus should be on your treatments
and your clients; not your clothes. By having a spare uniform you
can eliminate crises, and last minute anxiety if you didn't have time
to prepare by washing/ironing, and/or in case of last minute accidents. |
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7
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Do you use Consultation Sheets for pre-treatment
consultations ? ...
If so, and if you have a webpage, make your consultation sheets available
for download from your webpage.
Why ? : Some people would like to have a treatment
but may be concerned about the questions you might ask them first. It
is reassuring for such clients to be able to see your questions in advance.
It might also help by resulting in more people bringing the information
you require with them.
However, if you would like clients to complete your form in advance
then do remember to say so. |
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8
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If you make your email address available
to clients then:
- Choose an email address that sounds professional, and is
easy to remember.
- Check email to the address known to your clients daily -
especially if you also receive enquiries from the internet.
Why ? : This is part of your business image, and
as all PR Consultants know: Image Matters. |
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9
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Always make the effort to be cheerful !
People visit a therapist to help themselves to feel better,
not to cheer-up the therapist. Both clients and therapists
feel better and gain more benefit from the treatment(s) when the therapist
acts in a confident, cheerful, and positive, manner.
Why ? : Cheerful people are pleasant to be around.
Your warm friendly smile can make all the difference in such a people-focused environment. |
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10
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Have you considered being listed on any
of the many "Therapist Listings" on websites ?
Bear in mind that practicing
holistic therapies is a local business.
A general website must have a lot of traffic of potential clients
in your local area in order for it to be of much use to you, and
even then, people who only see your name phone number and list of therapies
might not have sufficient information to decide to call you.
Instead, make sure you have a whole page on the internet
that is just about you and your services. If you do have other listings,
ensure that
they all link to your webpage.
Why ? : That is what works ! |
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Disclaimer:
For entertainment purposes only - the above are intended to
be helpful issues to consider and, if appropriate,
investigate
for your own particular situation. Applicable regulations
differ with location and change over time.
Always
ensure that you are operating within whatever regulations
and accepted "best practice" apply in your area. |
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