HOW I DEVELOPED A MARKETING STRATEGY FOR MY PRIVATE PRACTICE – NETWORKING | EP 07
Networking was an important factor in my marketing. Even though direct referral sources from other clinicians and doctors were helpful, networking itself could get expensive.
Some aspects of it worked well, while others were a waste of time and money. I needed to branch out my Canadian marketing and network strategies to suit me and my practice.
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In This Episode
- My first networking strategy
- Using a personal touch
- What I learned from different types of marketing
- Focusing on relationships
My first networking strategy
First of all, I wanted to figure out which client base I was reaching out to. I knew I wanted to connect with other Halifax counsellors, so I created a spreadsheet with all the names and contact numbers of practices in my area and whether or not I had already contacted them.
‘Having this excel file helped me to be focused and remember where I was at with each person, with each business that I was reaching out to.’ (Julia Smith)
It was important to expand my contact list, so I also contacted doctors, yoga teachers, chiropractors, places of worship, and health practitioners.
I would reach out to them and if they got back to me, we would schedule a meeting. If they did not get back to me, I would send a follow-up email, and if I received no response, I would let it go.
Using a personal touch
If I had a meeting with anyone, I knew it was important to follow up the meeting with a personal “thank-you” card, or some token of appreciation for their time and energy.
‘This is important because it helps them to remember who you are, shows gratitude, and helps to build that connection with them.’ (Julia Smith)
I knew that meeting with people, creating connections, and getting out there was important for the growth of my Canadian private practice.
What I learned from different types of marketing
Through this process, I learned that some types of networking worked better for me than others.
What didn’t work so well:
- Pre-COVID, if you wanted to meet with a doctor in a clinic where they do not have their personal email, you have to connect to them through the clinic’s admin system and organize a “lunch and learn” to meet with the doctors, which can be expensive.
- Achieving an authentic connection with a doctor in a clinic setting was difficult. They were tired, busy, and I felt slightly out of place trying to sell to them in that environment.
What was working:
- Coffee-networking events worked well. There you meet one-on-one with other clinicians and counsellors to speak about your work. You chat with them about who they are as people, get to know their business, and build a connection with them.
‘Building that connection and relationship with these practitioners and community-members [was easier because] they got to know me a little bit more and trust me more and know that I’m competent by having these in-depth conversations.’ (Julia Smith)
In hindsight, all my best networking relationships came from practitioners with whom I had a genuine connection, through a good conversation and meet-up experience.
Focusing on relationships
In networking, it is more effective to focus on building a relationship with your new connection than to try to convince them to work with you.
They will decide whether or not they want to work with you based on the quality of the connection that you seek to establish with them.
‘I don’t think people are as responsive to selling rather than just focusing on getting to know the person, building that connection, seeing if you like each other, and then sliding in through the conversation your skills, expertise, and how your business could help them.’ (Julia Smith)
Figure out what works for you, what makes you shine, and then focus your time and energy on that, instead of slogging through the things that are not working.
The more authentic the relationship is, the higher the chance that connection will refer out to you.
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 06: Building A Canadian Online Group Private Practice – Year Five
Ep 03: Dealing With Unexpected Changes in My Canadian Private Practice – Year Two
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
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About Julia
Julia Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, she provides invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice. Julia’s wealth of knowledge also extends beyond the podcast, as she provides personalized one-on-one consulting to therapists who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with their solo or group private practices. With Julia’s expertise, therapists can confidently navigate the complexities of owning a private practice and find work life – balance.
Julia also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
