10 HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL PRACTITIONER

As we have traveled across the country delivering our workshop, The NEW Private Practice, we have had the pleasure surveying many therapists interested in starting and expanding their practices.  It has become, more than apparent, that those of us who operate private practices are, indeed, a rare breed. 

The following is a list of character traits exemplified by the best of us.  We hope you see yourself in this list and also that you might identify possible areas of growth.

  1.  Be a self-starter and a risk-taker 

Your practice will be successful because you have determination and initiative.  Be daring yet thoughtful in your risk taking.  There is no greater rush than success and satisfaction.

  2.  Set goals for yourself (professionally AND personally)

Every successful entrepreneur has a plan.  Goals need objectives.  Start at the end and work backwards.  "I know I will be successful when...."  Now develop the steps to reach this goal. 

  3.  Know your strengths and weaknesses 

What do you enjoy about yourself?  Your current position?  What do you dislike?  Take stock in your skills and pleasures then design your practice to maximize these traits.

  4.  Take time to plan

You have to recharge your batteries and tweak your plan.  Invest in yourself.  Otherwise, you'll be too busy doing the 'job' to notice that growth isn't occurring. Stagnation is not a good business result!

  5.  Value your time – YOU are the most expensive employee

You are the greatest asset your business has!  Don't get bogged down in the minutia.  You should be constantly working at improving your business.  Hire someone to water the plants and buy stamps.

  6.  Stay informed and connected via professional groups

It does the heart good to know that others experience the same highs and lows as you do.  These groups are great resources for developing ideas and finding solutions.

  7.  Take time for yourself – have outside interests

Humankind does not live by speech therapy alone!!  Develop ways to unwind and redirect.  Your family will looooove you for it!

  8.  Don’t chase the money

You will never catch it!!  Don't ever let you or your business be defined by reimbursement.  You started this thing because you wanted to set the rules for yourself...remember?

  9.  Respect your employees

Sounds pretty obvious but it isn't always the case. You probably started your practice because you worked somewhere you weren't respected.  Don't make the same mistake.  Once your policies and procedures are in place include your staff in future growth decisions. 

10.  Mentor others and share your successes

Hiring a coach makes good business sense.  Helping others around you be successful makes good business sense too.  We all learned from someone else.  Share you knowledge and enthusiasm.

We would love to hear your thoughts on our list.  If you have suggestions for additional items to our list, please e-mail us!!