Our virtual time together can be as formal or informal as you prefer it to be. I tend to be called a ‘real human’ and not a ‘behind the clipboard’ type of person.

We can navigate anything and everything private practice related that you would benefit from. I am well versed in Washington state practices and rules,
but this does not mean we can’t work together if you are in a different state. We would just research any state specific laws together. As I have worked with folks from all over the USA and in other countries as well.

In this relationship, between you and I, we can and will work on on all hooks and challenges in relationship to your private practice and business life. 

Here is a link to a “Start a Private Practice Checklist” if that is of interest to you on your journey.

Why Do Private Practices Often Fail?

Less than half of the businesses established survive for six years or more.

Here are 3 of 5 reasons, to see the full 5, click here for the full article featured on Practice Of the Practice.

1. Resource requirements are underestimated

Opening up a private practice requires more than financial resource and guts. It entails a more detailed process and planning than one might think. Aside from being able to have the needed capital, one must have a clear and concise plan on how to start the business.

It isn’t just a simple checklist that you can complete overnight. You should know some basics:

• Where to locate your practice?
• Who will be your ideal clients?
• Will you take insurance?
• How many clinicians workers you will have?
• How much is your workers’ salary or percentage?
• How can you pay for the business’ bills and tax?

Many private practices fail because owners don’t start with basic business principles. Being a great clinician does not equal having a great business. As long as you are not ready and prepared, you will be easily swept away by the turbulence of challenge.

2. Low client satisfaction

Revenues, product quality and cost-effectiveness are very important in business, but are you offering good service?

Common ways that people let down their clients are:

• Not returning phone calls or emails quickly
• Having a hard to navigate website
• Having an unclean office
• Not having additional amenities like water or coffee
• Not having a scheduling system
• Sloppy confidentiality

Counseling quality and cost-effectiveness can attract a lot of consumers, as quality and cost are two of the most important things that consumers look for in products or services. However, as you improve your quality, you can improve your rates. Having great revenues gives ensures that the business can keep on running.

Client satisfaction makes the private practice continue to exist. Not knowing how to really communicate to the clients on their preference and suggestions can close your doors.

3. Too common: No uniqueness

When I first launched the Practice of the Practice Podcast, I did a lot of research. The only other private practice podcast at the time was the American Counseling Association. They had not posted in over four months. Thus, when I launched, right away iTunes ranked me #1 and I could say I was the #1 podcast for counselors in private practice. There was no competition!

In the business world, there is much competition awaiting everyone. The more common your business is, the lesser is your chance in winning. If there are a lot of counselors in your area, you have to set yourself apart!

So how do you tell your story as a private practice? How do you market those skills and niches?

One of the reasons that businesses fail is because the team lacks the marketing skills.

Clinicians have to clearly state the advantages of the counseling. Sometimes customers won’t know how great your practice is unless you present it through your website, social media, and traditional local media.