Setting up a new business is exciting and overwhelming, and amongst all the enthusiasm, activity and decisions it can be easy to make a few mistakes.
In the years I have been working with natural therapists there have been three mistakes that have come up over and over again but with a little bit of knowledge and effort they are easily avoidable.
1. Limited Knowledge Of Running A Business
For most people running a business doesn’t come naturally and a lot of startups fail because people start a business doing what they love but forget about learning all the ins and outs of insurance, bookkeeping, client forms and so on.
You can save yourself a lot of time, money and heartache if you invest in learning how to run a business from the start.
Find a mentor. Go to workshops. Learn business techniques and start to find out what you don’t know.
2. Resisting Technology
I hear many natural therapists say ‘but technology’s not us, we are people orientated’ and that’s fine if you want to limit your practice to your local community but if you really want to grow your business you need to start looking at how technology can help you.
Consider conducting healing sessions via skype, think about using technology such as SMS appointment reminders, and implement automated follow-up emails. It will make things easier for your clients (and you).
3. Mindset
Natural therapists need to get out of the hobbyist mindset. You run a business. This is your job and you should expect to earn an income from it.
Start thinking of yourself as a professional business person, believe in yourself as an excellent provider of a service and start trusting yourself.
All of these potential issues are easily avoided if you are conscious of them from the start.
Dealing with them from the beginning of your business will make for a much smoother, more enjoyable experience in the long run.
