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If you’re in the market for new space, how much do you really need? Tough call – it depends on many factors, and varies from practice to practice. Here are a few things to consider, though, and some space calculators to help you get in the ballpark. It’s About People In CAM practice, business revolves […]
Since we’re going through the process of finding better, bigger office space, I’d thought I’d post along the way on some of the key challenges and decision points. Buying or leasing can be a challenging one for many practitioners. Interestingly enough, I think it’s more challenging later in your career, when you have the cash […]
SpectraSoft has a free white paper on reducing no-shows and cancellations. While their specialty is software for physiotherapists and other health care pros, some of the tips are quite good, and applicable to any CAM/holistic practice. “No-Show” White Paper (You’ll have to register, but it’s just a four-liner.)
CAM practitioners seem to have a real challenge in leaving their practices for a decent vacation. The Too-Busy can’t seem to make the time, and the Not-Busy-Enough are afraid to leave, or don’t feel they can afford to. Here’s the thing: vacation time is a like money. You need to manage it, or it’ll manage […]
As your practice grows, existing patient referrals begin to make up an increasingly large portion of your new patients. Practitioners will often know where a referral came from, but rarely will they know exactly why that person referred. We often know the source, in other words, but not the cause. The truth is, however, often […]
Here’s a bit of wisdom for you: Patients love having things done to them. They do. They absolutely love it. Why? Partly because many are accustomed to prescriptive health care, and partly because it’s easy. Who wants to do all that hard work of lifestyle change? The reality, however is that things the patient does […]
Here’s the scenario: A new naturopath starts her practice. She’s fresh out of school, heavy in debt and a little freaked out by how much her time is worth. I hope people aren’t turned off by the price, she thinks. Anxious to make sure she’s ‘worth it’ to her clients, her first patient visits are […]
As your practice grows, you’ll be faced with challenges and critical choices that can make a huge difference in your success over time. When these junctures arrive, though, you’ll make your best decisions if you’re not hampered by fear. Here are some of the most common practice fears and tips on how to avoid them. […]
After the post on marketing with integrity, I thought it’d be useful to provide an example of putting the principles to work. Referrals from existing patients are critical to growth. Good patients tend to refer other good patients, and that cycle is an important one for growing your practice with the kind of patients you […]
Reader W., a naturopath, is facing a staff ultimatum: “I need a raise or I quit.” What’s the best thing to do? a) Give In b) Do nothing/ Call the Bluff c) Negotiate d) Accept The Resignation This situation is more common than you think. Keep an eye out for it in your practice, as […]
I came across a tidbit today that does a great job of describing the difference between running a business and running a holistic practice. It’s from Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant, the second in the Rich Dad series of books: “Those who are true “B’s” (Business Owners) can leave their businesses for a year or more, […]
It’s no secret that CAM practitioners, on average, aren’t keen on marketing. It isn’t something most students desire (or get) training in during school, and as practitioners, there’s a sense that marketing is just a little bit dirty – that it’s the sleazy side of business that simply must be done to get ahead. It […]
The latest podcast from SoundPractice.net is “How To Stay On Top of Practice Finances”. While all the podcasts are for MD’s, there’s usually something good in there… SoundPractice.Net
Most businesses wouldn’t even consider firing a customer. But sometimes it’s the smartest thing you can do. -The Bootstrapper’s Bible, by Seth Godin Unless you’re blessed with Mother Theresa-esque patience, I’ll bet there have been days where you’ve been pushed to the edge of reason by one of your clients. Rude behavior, seemingly un-resolvable or […]
Michael Cohen of CAMLAW posted about a $250,000 prize to a practitioner or researcher in the field of complementary or alternative medicine. Nominations for the Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine open February 15, 2007 with the winner announced November 1, 2007. The Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and […]
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