What makes a practitioner successful? There are many ways to define success, but beyond the numbers or level of work satisfaction, there are some hallmarks these practitioners share. Here are five that I've observed. 

1. Consistency

Clients are more likely to build a professional relationship with a practitioner who is consistent. From reliably keeping appointments to practice and treatment style, consistency is key in a therapeutic relationship.

Consistency in running the business can include keeping up-to-date with accounts and tax returns, and doing regular self-audits. Also when using social media, stay on schedule with newsletters and posts.

2. Respect

It is fundamental to respect both yourself and clients. A respectful and empathetic "chair-side" manner can increase the likelihood of full disclosure from clients. This improves your ability to accurately diagnose and treat, as well as their motivation to comply with treatment.

3. Authenticity

There's so much conflicting advice about the way to grow a practice. Most practitioners who've built a sustainable and enjoyable practice have developed a unique work-style that reflects their fundamental beliefs. While some standardised approaches (e.g. patented, one-size-fits-all protocols) can boost short-term sales, maintaining these methods or remedies can be difficult if they don't align with your core values.

4. Slow and steady growth

Establishing a practice is usually a steep learning curve. New practitioners often feel overwhelmed working with small numbers of clients and the amount of unpaid time spent increasing their skills and knowledge. Therefore growing the business and your experience slowly and steadily can counter premature burnout and create a more sustainable practice in the long run. Be realistic about the time needed to grow your practice, while maintaining a regular income from a part-time job.

Continuing professional education, collaboration with other health professionals, integrating ongoing learning and gaining experience takes time and persistence. As does developing your business through appropriate planning and marketing.

5. Self-care and awareness

Taking time to reflect on your own needs and those of your clients can make the difference between a practice stagnating or growing. Listening to the needs of your own body/mind/spirit, having regular breaks and maintaining clear boundaries between your work and personal life all require time and awareness. Be the best advertisement for your business by taking care of your own wellbeing, scheduling regular holidays and rest.

Habits that hinder growing a successful practice:

• Frequently rescheduling appointments because it's not worth showing up for only one client or you have better things to do with your time.
• Repeatedly changing techniques and practice style, adopting new products or treatments in rapid succession, without time to access the efficacy of each one.
• Dismissing a client who is slow to improve or embrace your treatment as "D grade" or the "wrong" kind of patient.
• Placing profit above what is best for the client.
• Adopting other practitioners' methods or patented systems without tailoring them to your core values, authentic style or client needs.
• Having an unrealistic business plan (or no plan at all).
• Never taking holidays.
• Ignoring your own physical and emotional wellbeing.

© 2016 Gill Stannard 

http://gillstannard.com.au/services/mentoring-supervision/

http://gillstannard.com.au/2016/02/09/back-to-basics-2016-for-practitioners-who-want-to-excel/