Posts Tagged ‘Business Success’

Are you facing your Jabberwocky?

October 6th, 2010
Have you watched Alice in Wonderland movie based upon the classic novel by Lewis Carroll? Although the movie takes some very creative liberties with Carroll’s poetic portrayal of the Jabberwocky, there is a point where Alice confronts the Jabberwocky.
Drawing upon her past and encouraged by the words of her father, Alice confronts and slays the beast. It’s a moment we can all resonate with, a point in time where we look bravely at what we fear and step forward into our power. This may show up as confronting an uncomfortable situation or person, taking responsibility, doing something outside of you comfort zone, or facing a fear.
As therapists owning a therapy business we are given opportunities again and again to confront our Jabberwocky’s. (Read on the blog the *** ways you can confront your Jabberwocky in business to help more clients)
Here are some ways that the Jabberwocky may be showing up in your business.
1. You are given opportunities that you don’t follow-up on.
This may happen when you are asked to do something outside of your comfort zone, such as collaborate on a project, speak at an event, or follow-up with a potential client after a meeting. There is tremendous power in reaching out and connecting, or doing something that’s uncomfortable so you can be of service to others. I had this happen the other day, where my massage therapist knew I was out of town, and I would be returning, and he called me when I was back to see when I wanted to schedule my next appointment. It was a simple caring act, and I appreciated his follow-up. So you may want to reflect on where are you missing the opportunity to follow-up in your business-and if there any fears, how can you release these so you may be of greater service to your clients?
2. You are uncomfortable by ________________ (fill in the blank), so you avoid doing it.
I know this too well from my own personal experience with public speaking. I had such a tremendous fear of speaking in front of groups, the first time I had to do so I almost got sick in the middle of my talk. That could have been it for me, instead I kept saying ‘yes’ to speaking opportunities and each time I would find a way to ease my fears (like having a powerpoint show with the lights off). Each step forward helped me to let go of my fears and truly was a powerful example of exposure theory. Now, I joyfully (and still nervously) accept new opportunities to share and present information, which has given me the opportunity to face my speaking Jabberwocky as presenter at a national conferences, as well as a keynote speaker.
3. You don’t know how to do something, so you do nothing at all.
Technology has been moving so rapidly, it often feels overwhelming at times to keep up with everything out there. I know I gotten “technology paralysis” and I’ve become totally stuck because of information overwhelm. Here’s a way I face my technology Jabberwocky, or any other Jabberwocky that involved things I didn’t know… I continually let go of the belief that I am supposed to learn and know it all (what a relief) and I reach out (again and again) and get help. It frees up so much more energy and space, knowing that I don’t need to have the answers (thank goodness), and instead can ask for assistance.
If you’d like to release the Jabberwocky of “I don’t know how to do it paralysis” then please join me on the complimentary Therapy Practice Breakthroughs training call Oct 12, where I will share 9 Powerful Strategies to Creating a Thriving Therapy Practice Helping More People and Increasing Your Income  ***link***http://www.iatpp.org/call/

jabberwockyHave you watched Alice in Wonderland movie based upon the classic novel by Lewis Carroll? Although the movie takes some very creative liberties with Carroll’s poetic portrayal of the Jabberwocky, there is a point where Alice confronts the Jabberwocky.

Drawing upon her past and encouraged by the words of her father, Alice confronts and slays the beast. It’s a moment we can all resonate with, a point in time where we look bravely at what we fear and step forward into our power. This may show up as confronting an uncomfortable situation or person, taking responsibility, doing something outside of you comfort zone, or facing a fear.

As therapists owning a therapy business we are given opportunities again and again to confront our Jabberwocky’s.

Here are some ways that the Jabberwocky may be showing up in your business.

1. You are given opportunities that you don’t follow-up on.

This may happen when you are asked to do something outside of your comfort zone, such as collaborate on a project, speak at an event, or follow-up with a potential client after a meeting. There is tremendous power in reaching out and connecting, or doing something that’s uncomfortable so you can be of service to others. I had this happen the other day, where my massage therapist knew I was out of town, and I would be returning, and he called me when I was back to see when I wanted to schedule my next appointment. It was a simple caring act, and I appreciated his follow-up. So you may want to reflect on where are you missing the opportunity to follow-up in your business-and if there are any fears, how can you release these so you may be of greater service to your clients?

2. You are uncomfortable by ________________ (fill in the blank), so you avoid doing it.

I know this too well from my own personal experience with public speaking. I had such a tremendous fear of speaking in front of groups, the first time I had to do so I almost got sick in the middle of my talk. That could have been it for me but instead I kept saying ‘yes’ to speaking opportunities and each time I would find a way to ease my fears (like having a powerpoint show with the lights off). Each step forward helped me to let go of my fears and truly was a powerful example of exposure theory. Now, I joyfully (and still nervously) accept new opportunities to share and present information, which has given me the opportunity to face my speaking Jabberwocky as presenter at a national conferences, as well as a keynote speaker.

3. You don’t know how to do something, so you do nothing at all.

Technology has been moving so rapidly, it often feels overwhelming at times to keep up with everything out there. I know I have gotten “technology paralysis” and I’ve become totally stuck because of information overwhelm. Here’s a way I face my technology Jabberwocky, or any other Jabberwocky that involves things I didn’t know… I continually let go of the belief that I am supposed to learn and know it all (what a relief) and I reach out (again and again) and get help. It frees up so much more energy and space, knowing that I don’t need to have the answers (thank goodness), and instead can ask for assistance.

If you’d like to release the Jabberwocky of “I don’t know how to do it paralysis” then please join me on the complimentary Therapy Practice Breakthroughs training call Oct 12, where I will share 9 Powerful Strategies to Creating a Thriving Therapy Practice Helping More People and Increasing Your Income


Does your practice have the summertime blues?

August 25th, 2010

ist2_492773-woman-stressed-I truly delight in summertime, all the play and frivolity of a slower pace that often comes with this time of year. However, I remember when I first began my art therapy business with children, it would be a wildly crazy spring, filled with back to back clients, then summer would hit, and my practice stalled.

At first I tried to reframe the experience as an opportunity to have time off and relax, since the school year was so faced paced. However, this reframe wasn’t going to help me pay my bills, and around mid August I’d become fearful.
I tracked the cycles of the number of clients I saw, and what months peaked, and what months were slow. In my second year in business I noticed the trends and I was able to put aside some extra savings for the slower summer months, with the hopes that during the fall things would pick back up.
I watched this cycle play out for several years and became so uncomfortable with the “feast and famine” cycles in my business. I began exploring other options to help me no longer ride the rollercoaster of fluctuating client appointments.
I knew in my heart there must be a better way, and that’s when I learned the most amazing and magical thing! I learned that clients were willing to invest (a substantial amount of time and money) and commit to a several month program. Here’s how I did it.
So if you are ready to move from a practice that has ebbs and flows, to one that is consistent and supports you, then you’ll want to rethink how you currently offer your sessions.
If you see clients on weekly basis, what happens to their therapeutic goals during holidays, summertime, or busy weeks, when they may cancel at the last minute? If your client is not fully committed you may suddenly hear that they need to take time off  (especially during a difficult time during treatment).
However, you can develop programs to support your clients and help them to commit to sustainable changes, AND you can create ways to support your business (and yourself) all in alignment of being in service.
The gifts of creating programs for your clients are truly magical. You provide a greater level of support and commitment, and together you set clear goals you are working towards, and with that alchemy you’ll be amazed at how your clients will transform.
I remember the first time I offered a program, it was actually with a family that I adored working with, and they had been achieving some remarkable results in helping their children manage their meltdowns. However, I knew there was a missing piece. So I created a 3-month comprehensive program.  I actually saw the family less, but provided more structure and tools, and as a result this family changed their whole system and both the parents and the children dramatically made changes in a VERY short period of time. Why? Because they had committed at a level financially, physically, and emotionally, more than they had done so in the past!
Here are the steps you can take to introduce a program into your practice as well:
Identify the core problems your clients are encountering
Be clear on the benefits they will get working with you
Create a unique “signature system” that you can take your clients through during the program to help them move towards their desired outcomes
Set the program timeframe (3 months, 6 months)
Let all your current clients know this is a new program you are sharing and be clear how it’s different from current therapy (more support/ specific strategies) and why it would benefit them.
When you create programs you focus on the outcomes you and your clients are working towards, AND you will create consistency in your practice. Not only will you empower your clients and offer new opportunities to support them, you’ll create a business that supports you year round!
If you are in need on more specific ways you can create a business that honors you, as well as your clients you’ll want to join me for the upcoming Create A Business I Love Blueprint Secrets link ** where I’ll share with you the steps you can take to create thriving therapy business that supports you, as well as your clients!  Click here to learn more- link platinum preview**

I truly delight in summertime, all the play and frivolity of a slower pace that often comes with this time of year. However, I remember when I first began my art therapy business with children, it would be a wildly crazy spring, filled with back to back clients, then summer would hit, and my practice stalled.

At first I tried to reframe the experience as an opportunity to have time off and relax, since the school year was so faced paced. However, this reframe wasn’t going to help me pay my bills, and around mid August I’d become fearful.

I tracked the cycles of the number of clients I saw, and what months peaked, and what months were slow. In my second year in business I noticed the trends and I was able to put aside some extra savings for the slower summer months, with the hopes that during the fall things would pick back up.

I watched this cycle play out for several years and became so uncomfortable with the “feast and famine” cycles in my business. I began exploring other options to help me no longer ride the rollercoaster of fluctuating client appointments.

I knew in my heart there must be a better way, and that’s when I learned the most amazing and magical thing! I learned that clients were willing to invest (a substantial amount of time and money) and commit to a several month program. Here’s how I did it.

investingSo if you are ready to move from a practice that has ebbs and flows to one that is consistent and supports you, then you’ll want to rethink how you currently offer your sessions.

If you see clients on a weekly basis, what happens to their therapeutic goals during holidays, summertime, or busy weeks, when they may cancel at the last minute? If your client is not fully committed you may suddenly hear that they need to take time off (especially during a difficult time during treatment).

However, you can develop programs to support your clients and help them to commit to sustainable changes, AND you can create ways to support your business (and yourself) all in alignment of being in service.

The gifts of creating programs for your clients are truly magical. You provide a greater level of support and commitment, and together you set clear goals you are working towards, and with that alchemy you’ll be amazed at how your clients will transform.

I remember the first time I offered a program, it was actually with a family that I adored working with, and they had been achieving some remarkable results in helping their children manage their meltdowns. However, I knew there was a missing piece. So I created a 3-month comprehensive program.  I actually saw the family less but provided more structure and tools, and as a result this family changed their whole system and both the parents and the children dramatically made changes in a VERY short period of time. Why? Because they had committed at a level financially, physically, and emotionally, more than they had done so in the past!

Here are the steps you can take to introduce a program into your practice as well:

  1. Identify the core problems your clients are encountering
  2. Be clear on the benefits they will get in working with you
  3. Create a unique “signature system” that you can take your clients through during the program to help them move towards their desired outcomes
  4. Set the program timeframe (3 months, 6 months)
  5. Let all your current clients know this is a new program you are sharing and be clear on how it differs from current therapy (more support/specific strategies) and why it would benefit them

When you create programs you focus on the outcomes you and your clients are working towards, AND you will create consistency in your practice. Not only will you empower your clients and offer new opportunities to support them, you’ll create a business that supports you year round!

If you are in need of more specific ways you can create a business that honors you, as well as your clients you’ll want to join me for the upcoming Create A Business I Love Blueprint Secrets where I’ll share with you the steps you can take to create a thriving therapy business that supports you, as well as your clients!

Click here to learn more


Want a new client today? Here’s a tip how

June 10th, 2010

I’ve been getting a lot emails asking for some strategies to jumpstart your private practice and quickly help you see an increase of new clients.

So, I wanted to share with you 3 tips that I know will help you immediately start to see flow in your private practice NOW.

Today I’m sharing Tip #1 to help you get into action quickly.

Tip #1

Make a decision you are going to get a new client today, plain and simple. When you make a powerful decision and take action, you will see results. So take a few minutes to set aside what you are doing. Take a deep breath and visualize welcoming the new client to your practice. Feel their presence and see them coming into your office ready to make powerful changes in their lives. Allow this to resonate with you.  Open up a new folder for them with all the intake paperwork and set it on your desk, welcoming your new client.

Your creative practice building homework:

CONNECT!

I have a folder with the names and numbers of people who called for information about my services; these are folks who weren’t ready at the time, or we were unable to connect for some reason. If you have a similar folder (and you should) pull it out and, go through it. Give a call to each person, letting them know you wanted to follow-up and offer them an opportunity to come in to meet with you to discuss where they are at with resolving their problem.

If you don’t have a folder with names, then reach out to people you know (both family and friends) letting them know you’re taking new clients and who do they know who could benefit from what you do?

If you are nervous or fearful come from the mindset that you are there to be of service and your call may just be the thing that helps them to finally take action and resolve the problem they are struggling with. You are offering them a gift; show up with that energy when you connect and you will feel authentic and aligned as a healer and helper.

Filling your practice authentically from a place of service does not need to be so difficult. When you are given the tools, and show step-by-step how to do it, it can be very fulfilling and FUN too! If you are ready to take action and create a full practice then click here to learn about the upcoming Fill My Practice Bootcamp where you get specific strategies to quickly and authentically fill your practice!

Want more tips?  Check back next week for Tip #2, a strategy to help you create more income quickly.


What’s Next in Growing Your Business?

March 25th, 2010

All right, you listened to all the empowering topics last week during the telesummit, and wrote down copious notes, and thought, “yes I can do that”…then what?

Life happened, work happened, things got busy, you got distracted, and all of a sudden you get my newsletter in your inbox and your thinking, “oh yeah, I forgot- I was going to do ________(fill in blank).

Okay, your human, life happens, we get busy, overwhelmed, and one more to-do seems just overwhelming. Or maybe you really don’t know where to start, so you’ll put it off for a bit.

Or maybe you are one of the so many people who share with me that they had taken action, created a blog, or implemented SEO for your website. WHOO HOO! I celebrate your steps, even the ittty bitty ones.

For those of you who seem a bit overwhelmed, and even for those of you who took action and are now wonder what’s next. I’d thought I’d offer some support.

Here’s a way to map out your vision of your business that’s authentic and congruent with your vision and values.

and you don’t need to waste your time with excessive business plans to do this.

1. Where to you want to be in 6-months to a year? Write about it, envision it, and become crystal clear.

2. Why is this so important to you?

3. Have you made a commitment to do what ever it takes to achieve this goal? If so, what does that mean to you?

4. What’s your step-by-step plan to achieve this? This is where you get very specific about what you are doing, the time it will take, the outcomes you desire, what support you will need along the way. Most people get stuck on the “how”. They don’t know what they don’t know, so they keep doing the same thing and operating under the same beliefs and actions. This is where most people get frustrated and spend years wasting time and energy, and often where they give up.

So how can you move forward if you don’t know what steps to take?

You can’t really. However, you can learn.

So it’s time to do some research and explore programs, books, and mentors who can help you with this process.

You see, everything you do should lead you into the next step. Meaning the next step for your clients to work with you, the next step you can connect with people after meeting them, the next step you can take to educate potential clients on the benefits you offer and how they can work with you. There should always be a next step.

If you take the time and write out your response to the 4 questions above you have yourself a map of where you want to go, now it’s time to take the next step and take action.

Depending upon where you are in your practice it could mean establishing your niche (that’s the foundation if you haven’t done this yet), it could be establishing your brand so you clearly convey what you do and who you work with, it could be creating marketing systems so you know what you’re working on and when, it could be developing your ’signature system’ to help clients understand the benefits they get from working with you, it could be creating programs and packages to offer your current clients, it could be learning how to have a “connecting conversation” so you authentically enroll new clients into your practice, it could be designing your ‘profit pyramid’ whereby all of your programs and products are mapped out for the year, so you know what income you are creating and where to focus your time and energies.

Now it’s time to step forward and decide, what’s next. If you don’t know what’s next, how committed are you to learn and take action? It’s every action that you take in the right direction of your goals that will help you achieve what you desire swiftly. So out of the list of steps, decide what you’ll focus on and then take action to learn and implement it- really it’s that easy!

If you are in need of support and want to move swiftly to create more income then I invite you to learn more about the 6 month ‘Create A Business I Love’ blueprint for an authentic 6- figure + business platinum program

I’ll show you the blueprint to create a profitable authentic practice quickly, so you can implement the strategies and see results!

**PLUS THE 1st 4 PEOPLE TO REGISTER GET THIS BIG BONUS**
(and there’s only 2 bonuses left)
Two individual laser coaching calls to get clear about your business and
where you’ll take action to create income quickly!


Change is Inevitable; Struggle is Optional

March 22nd, 2010

If you are in private practice, this is a good motto to adopt. You see the belief that as a therapist you need to struggle and get paid minimally for your services, is truly optional. There is a beautiful liberation when you discover that you have these transformative and empowering gifts you share with our clients, which can dramatically change their lives. When you value your time, freedom, and the work you do, you create a space to consider how you can easily and gracefully bring these gift to others.

So I ask you to take a look at any of the areas you are struggling in your business (from getting more clients, to connecting more with colleagues, being paid well and consistently, to creating your niche). Here’s where you get to work your magic. Look at these areas with gentleness and curiosity, as you would another. What is the struggle telling you? Are there areas you need to let go of, things you need to do less of, more support needed, clear direction, less confusion? What does the struggle what you to know?

I like to use my art and ask the question and see what is revealed. Often using the art allows me to get in touch with thoughts and feelings I was even unaware of.

When you become aware of the struggle, you can make changes.

So ask yourself after doing this exercise, “What’s next”?

Then allow yourself to truly listen.


Do you know how to create program and products your clients love?

March 1st, 2010

Ok- I just got off the phone with a client who was jumping at the opportunity to work with me in my therapy practice. She was ecstatic that she had found me, and knew that this was the exact service she needed to help her child and family make the changes she was searching for. So when I described the program she was already jumping ahead to ask me what the investment in the program would be.

Do you have programs in place for your clients? If not, you may be missing the opportunity to serve them in a bigger way. Just this week alone I created three new opportunities to serve my clients in a more comprehensive way. All three individuals and families were thrilled to work with me at a new level and were eager to receive the support I provided. In turn, I created new business and immediate income in my business this week-and in one week made more than most therapists make in 3 months. I share this with you not to brag, instead to inspire you to see a bigger vision of what is possible with you step forward into your brilliance. What would you do if you had an extra income of $10,000- $15,000? I bet you could think of many ways to spend that money on yourself, and with others.

However, you may have some money gremlins popping up to burst your bubble. Perhaps they are saying you went into business to help others, not to make money. Or maybe you are feeling like that couldn’t happen with your business. Or maybe you believe that I’m unlike you and perhaps all I want to do is make money and I’m not authentic.

If you are have any type of reactive response, then that’s a good thing. It means you are out of alignment with where you want to be with your money goals and there is a signal that you want something more. Wonderful!

Here’s the delightful truth. You can be of service and of great value to your clients, and get paid stunningly well! These beliefs can be in alignment, and they must be in order for you to welcome the money you desire in your business.

So when you decide to clear away any beliefs that no longer serve you, or your clients, then you can step forward and create powerfully supportive programs your clients will thank you for! Mind you, after I told the parent on the phone the cost of my three-month program she thanked me for being authentic and supportive. That’s right, it was of immense value to her and she could see the potential benefits of her investment (which greatly out weighted the costs).

If you’d like to learn how to create programs and packages to help you create a profitable 6-figure practice aligned with your soul’s purpose, then you are going to want to join the complimentary Therapist Resource Telesummit March 12-14

Learn from the experts how to create a therapy business you love working in, while help many more clients!


Why Fear is stopping your success

January 28th, 2010

As much as we are enlightened by the years of training we have done as therapists, there are still hidden beliefs and fears that pop up when we are called to step out of our comfort zone and move into something bigger.

It shows up in so many ways, from passing up on an opportuntiy that someone presents, making excuses, and down playing your abilities (among other things). At the core are many beliefs that keep you from moving forward. This is true for you, because if you did not have these beliefs you would have exactly what it is you desire in your life and in your business. There are so many resources out there that you could read, learn, and access on the internet, and even if you didn’t know exactly what to do first in you business, you could get that inforamtion and implement it and that would be it. You would have the number of clients you desire, you’d have the money you desire, and you’d have the ease you desire.

Instead your beliefs have dominated your decisions. You do not effortlessly say yes to what is presented and create what you desire. Fear keeps you in a holding patterning and your beliefs pop up to affirm why you can’t do those things you are so longing for.

What can you do?

First off become aware of your beliefs. What is it that you believe in that keeps you stuck? Read below to see which ones resonate with you (without judgement):

I don’t have what it takes

I don’t know enough

Who am I

I’m not an expert

It will be too much work

No one will pay

I’m not enough

I don’t really need to help more people

I’ ll get overwhelmed

I’m not a good speaker

I’m too disorganized and unfocused

I should change for this

I’m not good enough

Others will be upset

I’ll have to discount

Who am I to do this

I wont be able to do it

People don’t want what I provide

The economy is bad

I’m not as good as they are

This will not work for my business

I don’t have time

I don’t have money

I don’t have support

I don’t like to sell

I’ll be embarrassed

I’ll be vulnerable

They’ll see I’m a fake

They’ll laugh

I’ll have to work to hard

Others will get upset

I don’t want others to uncomfortable

My partner/spouse may leave

Others may reject me

Awareness if the first step. Releasing these beliefs is the next step. There are many ways to heal and let go of old beliefs. I’ll be offering very specific tools and strategies in the upcoming tele-class How to Change What You Are Worth, and Get It!

We will peel back the layers of false beliefs around money-because how you do anything, is how you do everything. We’ll explore how you mirror your beliefs by the way you relate to money. You’ll have money breakthroughs so you finally charge, and make, what you desire! Click here to say yes to money breakthroughs! http://businesssuccessfortherapists.com/4-week-class


What are you creating for your business in the new year?

January 4th, 2010

IMG_1475Are you tired of working either in your own business or working for an agency and you feel stressed out, burned out, or just plain unfulfilled?

Maybe the new year solidified your commitment to move forward in your business, and finally have the practice you love! Wonderful, but where do you begin? There’s so much information out there and it can often feel overwhelming because you don’t know what to do, and most importantly, what to do first!

Here’s my recommendation, before you try to figure out what to do first- go and have some creative fun. Yes, go and play! It is when we play and create space for exploration is when we get to explore what we desire to grow into. So go and get some magazines and cut out images of what you desire to create for 2010. Here’s my collage for 2010 and what I am choosing to grow into in the new year.


What’s your vision for your business in 2010?

December 31st, 2009

What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve” Napoleon Hill. It’s amazing, but you get to be the co-creator in what your business and life looks like for the upcoming year.

Tonight my husband and I get to celebrate a ritual we started, which I love. A few years back we decided to forgo the late night parties and after a yummy dinner out we come home and light a fire, sip some NY Finger Lakes wine, and create our vision for the new year. We bust out the magazine and talk about what we desire for the new year, both personally and professionally. Then w reflect back on our prior year and celebrate what we are creating. For the next few months the collage hangs over our fireplace as a reminder of being the co-creators in our lives.

So, I invite you to play and create and share with me what you are choosing to create in 2010!


Setting goals for 2010

December 28th, 2009

It’s the most wonderful time of the new year, it’s planning time!  In the past my business planning had been like my new year’s resolutions. I would make a bunch of benchmarks and set goals, then a few weeks into the new year I would get distracted or lose interest in following the plans I has set up for myself. Needless to say it lead me to trying to maintain business momentum by doing a bunch of different strategies that were not at all what I had planned for. Go figure, but the results were inconsistent too!

So with some studying of business systems I found out a few things and thought I would spare you the same problem I’ve encountered. Here’s a simple one that works. Plan out your year (or 3 years) and break it down into bite sized projects, then focus all of your energy on taking the steps to complete the projects. The key to this is not to multi-task or jump from project to project, but to be clear on what needs to be done, when it need to be done, and focus all of your attention on getting it done. It sounds simple, but it will transform your business.