Sometimes your client (whether new or returning) may feel discouraged with their progress. I received this email today after a new client's first session:

"While I know we just started, there is a part of me that feels fearful and doubtful that you can really help me because I've had this problem for years..."

This is the time to offer a good dose of encouragement  and support. Remember though, good client management should be efficient, effective and low -cost so you can offer all your clients the same support while not burning yourself (or your time or money) out!

Here are some tips:

1. Send a quick email sharing an inspirational quote or a line or two of encouragement

2. Remind your client that you are here to offer support between sessions (hint: create session packages so you are compensated for any support you provide via emails or phone. Unsure how? I'll show you step by step exactly how to in my popular class: Creating Session Packages)

3. Offer additional resources to support their healing process: an email newsletter, access to your blog, suggested reading materials or groups to join.

Offering encouragement and support in ways that don't take up loads of your time or energy, is vitally important. It's also about developing good client management skills.

What do you do to offer client support and encouragement?
Let me know I'd love for you to add to my list!

The members of the Success Circle  have had some big breakthroughs from the "Clearing Limiting Beliefs with EFT" call I led a few months ago.
 
Also Practitioners love the ability to be able to call me and ask me any question on attracting clients and maintain a healthy Practice from the one-on-one coaching in the Open Question and Answer calls I've led.
 
So I've decided to combine the two calls together for one powerful call! We'll have time for tapping (EFT) and questions. You'll leave inspired with strategies that apply to your current situation as well as experience the clearing of blocks and fears that are holding you back
 
 
The Cafe calls are FR*EE for all Success Circle members. Not a member? You can get this audio, past calls and 1 month in the membership for only 9.95. C^lick here for details: http://snipurl.com/lh0ly

I've been getting questions after last week's call on Growing Your Practice in 2010 about the Practice Building Success Circle and the offer that I made on the call the other night. I thought I'd answer them here...

Q: I'm just starting out and want clients... is this program for me? Or should I wait?

A: Great question, the Practice Building Success Circle is designed for new Practitioners to get clients and start building their practice. Some Practitioners are working a job and want to attract clients while they are still working. I'll share simple strategies that you can use right away that work.

I also address the needs of Practitioners who have been in practice for some years, who want to attract more clients and take their practice to the next level. Such as offering session packages and leading workshops and teleclasses that are successful and well attended.   Did you see I'm offering a f*ree hour consulting with me for 3 new members? C*lick here to be one of them: http://snipurl.com/lh0ly  

Q: I'm not very tech savvy... do I have to know a lot about technology or the internet?

A: No, the strategies I share work both online (with the internet) and offline. If you can access the internet, I'll show you how to get clients consistently.

Q: I'm in a small town where (name the modality you practice- EFT, acupuncture, hypnotherapy etc.) is not known or folks are skeptical about alternative methods. I don't know what to say when someone asks me what I do.

A: One of the main stumbling blocks for Practitioners is describing their service. One of the most effective skills I'll teach you in the Practice Building Success Circle is how to share what you do in a way that people nod their head and say, "That's what I need, I want to work with you."

I'll teach you the simple technique that feels very comfortable to you that DRAWS your clients to you and has them saying, "Can I get more information about what you do?" Here's more details: http://snipurl.com/lh0ly
 

Q: I lack self confidence and  have doubts and fears about getting clients...

A: Yes, all Practitioners have doubts and fears that hold them back. In the Success Circle I'll show you how to clear these with EFT, a clearing process.  You need to have both a confident mindset and the marketing.  This is what makes this membership so dynamic: we get rid of our inner blocks while attracting clients.  

Q: What if the membership is not for me?  
A: You can join,  check everything out and leave whenever you wish.  I highly encourage you to take advantage of this offer. CL*LICK here.    


To Your Continued Success-
AnaMaria Herrera

Director of Practice Building Institute
Build Your Practice, Love Your Income(tm)
http://www.PracticeBuildingInstitute.com 

PS: I'm thrilled to be sharing with you the strategies I've used both to build thriving practices for myself and my private clients. I look forward to connecting with you! For more information CLICK HERE

Clients will seek our services for one issue or complaint but often do not know all the conditions you're able to treat or address with your modality. Most people don'tt know everything you can do for them. And they might not think to ask.

You've heard me say before: "People don't know what they don't know."

In other words, they might not know that Acupuncture can help with bladder infections, or Classical Homeopathy can address skin conditions or that as a Nutritionist you can help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome through proper guidance and education.

Sometimes your client will be wondering if you can help their mother, aunt, son or neighbor with a certain problem but be hesitant to ask. So when I say "Tell your clients everything!" I'm referring to the issues, conditions and ailments that you can treat or the goals that you can help them achieve.

So for example, at the end of their 1st session or when they have finished a session package let them know your modality can also assist them in other areas. Many times they will not know that you can treat them for other conditions or concerns. Take a few minutes to share the other areas you specialize in.

You can also sprinkle this information in your marketing materials. On your website, on your "Interview with (your name)" one of the interview questions can be: "So what are some of the conditions or issues you specialize in or (name your modality) can treat?"

If you have a brochure you can list the health concerns or conditions your modality can assist to resolve, and keep that in the waiting room. Tuck this brochure in the New Client information packet for them to take home.

How about writing a brief articles sharing about the background of your modality and the conditions successfully treated? You can be creative by writing,

"Many people know Acupuncture is effective for back pain, but did you know it also can treat...."

OR "Classical Homeopathy is growing in popularity with mothers who want to treat first aid situations with natural means, but you also know the right Homeopathic remedy can resolve conditions such as..."

OR "EFT has been proven to effectively eliminate phobias, but that's not all this great tapping tool can do! Here are some of the issues that EFT can assist with ..."

Use this information on your blog or circulate in your newsletter or ezine. Telling your clients everything is about educating your clients on how you can serve and assist them, their families and those around them.

When your clients know what you can do for them and their family and friends, they become "customer evangelists" for you and your Practice... and that's a very good thing!

(c) 2010 AnaMaria Herrera, EFT Practitioner, Classical Homeopath and Expert Marketer

AnaMaria Herrera, director of Practice Building Institute.com, is devoted to teaching Holistic Practitioners how to consistently attract clients, build a thriving practice and make more money doing what they love. Through her workshops, coaching programs, and products, AnaMaria shows her participants and clients how to create an ideal practice that gives them fulfillment and freedom.

Do you need guidance in creating effective marketing that draws your clients? Unsure of how to communicate with those that ask you, "So what do you do?" Take a look at the Success Circle where I'll personally coach you: C^lick here for details: http://snipurl.com/lh0ly 

There is nothing better than a great meal with one of my best friends.... unless of course the meal is free!

One of my best friends Lori who is also a marketer had given a free workshop to a local non-profit agency. In thanks, the coordinator gave her a gift certificate to a great little bistro called Julienne.  After three attempts to dine at the restaurant, we finally got in and we had a blast chatting over great food and wine.

I always feel I can tell my best friends everything, and was reflecting on the importance of communication with our clients- those that we currently serve and ones that are considering working with us. Do you know you should tell them everything?

Yes, tell your clients everything and in the next post I'll tell you why you should spill the beans with your clients, it's for their own good!

It's been one rainy week here in Southern California and my plants love it. They were looking a bit droopy so I put them out in the rain and they perked right up. Their leaves are nice and shiny, the soil dark and hydrated and I just know if these little green friends of mine could clap their little leaves together out of joy they would!   

Speaking of droopy, last week I was sick and had to reschedule the  F*ree Teleclass: Let this Be the Year for You and Your Practice to Grow!   Click here for details.

QUESTION: Sometimes I feel so passionate about what I do and want to share it with everyone, but then I have trouble following through with my ideas to reach more people. I then get down on myself and feel discouraged. How can I remain positive and motivated to do the things I want to do to get more clients?" -"Lucinda"

Lucinda,

Thanks for writing. I first want to say, there is nothing wrong with you! It happens to all Practitioners at one time or another. I've often said that having a Practice is a lot like being in a relationship. There are challenges and joys. There are times of incredible passion and excitement. And there can also times of the hum-drums in the relationship.

Here are my recommendations for weathering the season of the 'slumps' whether it is for one day or one month, and how to revive and re-energize you so you have that passion and excitement once again.


Read your client testimonials
I cannot tell you how important it is for you to gather testimonials. Firstly, to have on your marketing materials such as on your website, brochures or flyers for workshops or classes. These are your "evangelists for your practice" and I spoke exactly how to gather powerful testimonials on my teleclass: Website Basics.

But just as importantly these words from your past clients serve as energy and confidence boosters! Any time I feel in a slump, maybe a challenging day or I need inspiration I glance at these testimonials and instantly I start to feel excited for the work I do.

 
Get Inspired 
Getting inspiration from others is key as well. I like hearing other Holistic Practitioners on teleclasses or interviews. Attend calls, such as the f*ree teleclass I'm hosting, to keep your energy high.


Make a Commitment to Yourself and Your Practice
There are so many gifted Practitioners and a good many of them do not have the clientele they want. Why is that? Many times the reason is they have not really decided for it. They haven't commiTted fully to themselves to create what they want.

While it's true, most of us were not shown how to gain clients consistently the first step is committing to learn how. When you're 100% committed, it doesn't matter if you have a bad day or week or even month! You've decided that you're here for special purpose and you won't be denied the expression of your unique gifts.


Connect with Holistic Practitioners
If you are a lone ranger, or tend to do things yourself, I urge you this year to break this habit. Yes, it is a habit. Reach out to colleagues from your school or a past workshop you attended. My recommendation however, is make sure they are positive, dedicated and also intent on attracting clients. No negative Nelly, they'll bring you (and your Practice) down.

In the Practice Building Success Circle, I encourage members to make a "Practice Building Partner" that they can connect with, bounce ideas with and get additional support and friendship.

I hope these tips help, I want to suggest you choose one tip and start to apply it right away. I promise you'll feel a renewed sense of purpose and passion for what you do and how to reach more people.
 

Does it look like a blizzard hit Santa Barbara?

This is a barber shop and every season the owner decorates the outside his shop in a holiday theme. This snow is actually soft plush cotton wool.

I love how he stands out and gets noticed with his unique style.

How do you stand out amongst other Practitioners? Let me know!

Do you sometimes hear a little voice inside your head that whispers, "What makes you different? There are so many (name your field) Practitioners out there... why would someone choose to work with me?"

If you're nodding your head to any of the above statements please know you're not alone! This post shares how you can stand out amongst other Practitioners and connect with your ideal clients who want to work with you.

Recently I surveyed a group of Practitioners asking what was their biggest challenge in gaining clients and several told me, "I lack confidence that clients/patients would choose me when there are other better/smarter/more skilled Practitioners out there."

While I do believe we need to be good at what we do (which comes from practice, which is why it's essential to learn marketing so you can have clients to work with) I also know that it's important to let your own uniqueness and personality shine to potential clients.

Your unique way of who you are with your clients/patients that magnetizes or draws clients to you. If you think there aren't enough clients to work with guess again! Did you know that people would prefer to work with you and not with your colleague?

Why is that?

You might be thinking a client chooses a Practitioner because they have been in Practice for years or has a certain title after their name. But the truth is folks gravitate and choose a Practitioner they can relate to, connect with and feel safe and comfortable around.

I want to suggest for you to give yourself permission to be unique while maintaining healthy boundaries. Here are some tips:

Share Your Magnetic Story
How did you come to do what you do? Your answer to this question is your "Magnetic Story." Often as your potential client hears or reads this explanation, they will begin to relate to you. Did you come to Nutrition after having allergies all your life? Did you know you wanted to help parents with their kids using Emotional Freedom Techniques because of your own children's challenges in school? Or were you cured from an illness by acupuncture and then went on to pursue this as your second profession?

I share exactly how to craft your Magnetic Story in the Success Circle and I recommend Practitioners to share this "Magnetic Story" when you give your free talks, teleclasses and on your website. You can place this information on your "Meet (your name)" or "Interview with (your name)" page on your website.

Show Your Interests
Have pictures of your family, your pets or doing a favorite hobby like gardening in your office. People connect through photos that show you 'outside' of the Practitioners role. If you use Social Media sites and micro sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, you can share some of your interests and likes. Of course, maintain professionalism and be selective with what you share. Remember social media is like an open party were people are observing what you are doing. No need to be fearful, just aware.

Be Yourself
Don't be afraid to be different. I have a client, a Integrative MD, who is known as the 'hugging doctor.' I'm known for being a big foodie and make references to food as I teach marketing to Holistic Practitioners.

One of my teachers from school, a Classical Homeopath who is also a Psychiatrist, donned his characteristic bow-tie when he saw patients. I noticed patients would lighten up as soon as they saw him wearing a-typical accessory for doctors. You can still be professional while sharing your uniqueness with your clients.

Maintain Professional Boundaries
Don't blur the Practitioner and client lines by making sessions a time to talk about yourself or becoming so relaxed that your role as leader is diminished. I recently referred a friend to a Practitioner (a therapist of twenty-plus years who uses EFT in her sessions) and to my dismay, my friend told me she stopped going after two sessions. I asked her why. She said the therapist kept bringing up her divorce and her ex-husband! Yuck!

While you are connecting and relating to your clients, always adhere to your policies and procedures. One mistake I see is Practitioners start feeling so comfortable with a client (and vice versa) that they will let their policies go, such as their cancellation policy or the requirement of having forms filled beforehand. Don't make this mistake! Always remember clients are primarily coming to be healed and to be heard, and keeping professional boundaries will facilitate that healing process.

Start to let your uniqueness come through while being the professional that you are. Your reputation as a stellar Practitioner will spread and your Practice grow.

(c) 2009 AnaMaria Herrera, EFT Practitioner, Classical Homeopath and Expert Marketer

AnaMaria Herrera, director of Practice Building Institute.com, is devoted to teaching Holistic Practitioners how to consistently attract clients, build a thriving practice and make more money doing what they love. Through her workshops, coaching programs, and products, AnaMaria shows her participants and clients how to create an ideal practice that gives them fulfillment and freedom.

If you enjoyed this post, you'll love AnaMaria's down-to-earth, highly effective marketing and mindset products to help you consistently attract clients and develop unstoppable confidence while building your practice and living your passion. To get a F.R.E.E. Audio and receive weekly tips on marketing strategies that draw ideal clients to you, visit: http://www.PracticeBuildingInstitute.com

Are you unsure of what should be on your website?

Are you thinking it's time to have a website, but not sure where to start?

If you already have a website, are you wondering how effective it is to draw clients to you?

 
This call is for you. I'll cover basics to websites: what should be on every Holistic Practitioners website to attract ideal clients.

This is a must call for every Practitioner!

This call is FR*EE for all Success Circle members. Not a member? You can get this audio, past calls, detailed notes and 1 month in the membership for only 9.95. C^lick here for details: http://snipurl.com/lh0ly