<p>Whether you're just graduating from a program, have been practicing your trade part-time or are a seasoned professional in your modality, it can be difficult to create the ideal practice you want to bring to your community. As Seattlites, we are extremely fortunate to live in a mecca of health care opportunities; though in that same vein, as a practitioner it can be a challenge to set your name apart and build a thriving business. As a full-time massage therapist, having worked in various settings including owning and operating a successful private practice, creating and managing the bodywork program for a family wellness center, and working in a thriving chiropractic office, I have found these following strategies invaluable to growing a healthy and balanced business.</p> <p><strong>Set Intention </strong></p> <p>Take a moment to envision your perfect client. Who would benefit from your services? Do you have a specific niche that you want to build on- stay at home moms, public servants, victims of violence? Do you want to contract out with large companies to do on site work? Think about the type of practice that would make you feel successful and accomplished as a healer. The first step to setting goals is to know what you want and where to build resources.</p> <p><strong>Volunteer Your Time</strong></p> <p>One of the greatest ways to get clients into your office is to volunteer your time and let them experience your approach on their terms. Community festivals such as Bumpershoot and Folklife, weekly farmers markets (University district and Ballard are year-round), and athletic events such as the Seattle Marathon and Beat the Bridge, are all great supporters of on site volunteers. You can contact the organizers of these events directly and pursue how you can best be of service. This may not be conducive to all modalities, but striving to make part of your business offerings portable, works wonders to build connections. Another approach to volunteer your time, is to offer your services in a monthly talk or class at another practitioner's thriving office. For example, holding a nutrition night at a chiropractic office, or a sound healing circle at a martial arts school. This is also a wonderful opportunity to network with like-minded professionals!</p> <p><strong>Join an Association</strong></p> <p>National and International associations such as Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals and the Green Yoga Association offer great benefits for members. Marketing tools as well as your contact information displayed on various websites and newsletters are perks in visibility for your business.</p> <p><strong>Contact Specific Businesses</strong></p> <p>Often, opportunities are abundant if you have the ambition to ask. Many business' organize health fairs, set up incentive days and treat employees to wellness services after major projects. It can be a great success to simply walk into a large company, or an office building housing several companies, and offer your practice contact information for such needs. Speak with a receptionist or concierge to direct you to the human resources department, and leave a packet with an introductory letter, business cards, bio etc. You could be hired and paid by the company for on site work, or simply offer to do complimentary mini-sessions to build you office client&egrave;le.</p> <p><strong>Network with Other Practitioners </strong></p> <p>There are a number of interactive web pages, such as <strong>onemindmedical.blogspot.com</strong>, that can help you work with other practitioners and gain credibility and recognition in your field. Further, givers gain. Build your network of complementary business' and create a referral relationship when applicable. Think again about your perfect client. If you want to work with athletes, physical therapists or personal trainers would be a good contact. If moms are your next great referral, introduce yourself to midwives and doulas in your area.</p> <p><strong>Continue to Grow and Evolve in your Field</strong></p> <p>Whether it's taking additional classes, keeping well-read and up to date on new developments, and/or receiving plenty of healing sessions yourself, it is vital to keep the energy in your practice alive and rejuvenated. Do trades with other practitioners and make sure you are keeping the details&nbsp;of your business organized and moving forward.</p> <p><strong>Take Care of the Clients you Already Have</strong></p> <p>It if far more expensive and time-consuming to get new clients than to keep the ones that have already come to to you. Ask for feedback. Many times, a client will not voice what they felt they didn't like about a session, they simply won't return. Stay organized in your paperwork and scheduling, and make seeing new clients a priority. Further, ask your satisfied clients for testimonials and&nbsp;referrals. 69% of&nbsp;first-time&nbsp;patients&nbsp;were driven to try alternative therapies last year&nbsp;through recommendations from a family member or friend.</p> <p>I hope these seven strategies give you insight on how a little focus in the right direction can be a great way to breathe life into the type practice you want to engage in. Potential clients can see your confidence, authenticity, passion and receptivity from a mile away. Stay connected, give to receive and continue to create balance and vitality in your practice for a long-lasting career in the healing arts.</p> 2009-03-06T04:13:21Z -10.3924 328 3472 true 16 6664 seven-effective-strategies-to-breathe-life-into-your-healing-arts-practice 6 2009-03-13T06:09:21Z 2009-03-13T06:09:21Z

It can sometimes be a challenge to attract the energy and clientèle that will help your healing arts practice thrive. Following are seven effective strategies for setting goals and building connections that will breathe life into your practice.

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