My good friend and colleague Lorrie Thomas of Web Marketing Therapy says, "You've got to toot your own horn, if you don't no one else will!" I totally agree. The problem I find with Holistic Practitioners is they often have the 'shy violet' syndrome. You know, they're good at what they do (maybe even experts in their field or in a certain area) but shrink when it comes to talking about themselves.   

The challenge is that clients are actually looking for your credibility factors before working with you. It's the good old "know, like and trust" factor that comes to play when someone is seeking a professional to help the.You've heard me speak about this before: people hire you when they feel they know, like and trust you.  

This is especially true when someone is seeking to improve their health (both physically and emotionally) as it requires the person to be vulnerable, open and trust. In case you think I'm going to suggest you go back to school to get letters (or more letters!) after your name, I'm not. The good news is, you probably have credibility factors that you just haven't recognized yet.  Here's a few to explore:  

1. Author Have you written articles? I have dozens of articles published and I didn't have to pound the pavement to get them accepted in journals. So technically I'm a published author. I love the ease of using online venues, such as article submission sites, one of my favorites is ezinearticles.com

2. Your Life Experience 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 account, they begin to relate to you. Did you come to Nutrition after having allergies all your life? Did you want to help other parents with their kids using Emotional Freedom Techniques because of your 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.

  3. Testimonies One of the most powerful credibility factors are the words of your past and current clients and patients. I cannot tell you how important it is for you to gather testimonials. Pepper them on your marketing materials such as on your website, brochures or flyers for workshops or classes. These are the "evangelists for your practice" and I spoke exactly how to gather powerful testimonials on my teleclass Website basics.

4. Speaking  Have you lead workshops? Teleclasses? Do you have a signature speech that you can offer to promote yourself as an expert on a certain topic? Hands down, speaking is one of the most effective and affordable ways to showcase your expertise and receive a 'sought-after speaker' status.    Building credibility is actually easy once you know what clients are looking for and how to share your expertise in a way that is elegant and compelling. Don't be afraid to toot your own horn and get out there in a bigger way, your clients are looking for you.  

F*ree Teleclass: Wed Feb 17 11am PDT/2pm EDT

Does any of these sound familiar?

Frustrated because you want to gain more clients but not sure how?

Wish you could have clients come to you easily instead of feeling you're pushing to get them?

Held back by fears and doubts but you don't know how to get beyond them?

Whether you want to attract clients, or you have a Practice that isn't exactly where you want it to be, thus dynamic call is for you. You'll learn:
 
    *  How to Draw Ideal Clients to You
    *  How to promote you and your practice in a way that feels natural and authentic for you
    *  The 2 main fears and doubts that hold Practitioners back and how to remove these blocks
    *  Why you procrastinate  and what to do about it so you follow through with ease
    *  Time (and money) saving tips to grow your Practice steadily

 TO REGISTER C*LICK HERE

Aren't these flowers beautiful?

I spent Valentine's Day with wonderful people in my life and these beautiful red tulips were given to me on this day of friendship and love. Even though the origins of this holiday are obscure for many people, we all have different images come to mind when we hear 'Valentine's Day:' the color red, flowers, chocolates, and cherubs.  

This got me thinking about ourselves as Practitioners and our unique skills. It reminded me how important it is that we become well-known for what we do. In the next post, I'll share how you can reach more people while becoming the "go-to-person"  for certain challenges, issues, and conditions. Read on to find out more.

Did you register for the tele-class: How to attract clients? I'm hosting a free tele-class this coming week details below I highly encourage you to sign up you'll also receive an audio if you can't attend, but you have to register.

Over the years, I have found Holistic Practitioners most resist specializing in a certain condition, issue, or a certain type of person with a specific problem. Here's what Practitioner's tell me they don't want to turn away people or feel restricted  

But once you understand the power of niching (or discovering your areas of specialities) it can propel you and your practice forward.   So you might be asking yourself: Does choosing an area or a couple of areas that I will specialize in, really make a big difference when it comes to getting more clients and building your practice? The answer is YES, and here's why:

    It's easier and affordable to market your business, because your message is clearer
While we have to be good at our skill, we need a clear message of what we do and who we serve. That is what brings clients consistently to us and makes us memorable. Less resources are needed when you know the direction you're going in.You 'get' them and their situation.

 

    Easier to verbally communicate what you do
When that question is asked, 'So what do you do?' you won't shrink, you'll easily answer it and feel confident. And you'll get people asking for your business card!

    More referrals
Your clients and others that know you will peg you as the "go-to-person" for the conditions, issues or challenges you specialize in. I know an esthetician, and one of her main specialties is treating adult acne. She is considered the "go-to-gal" for adults that are suffering from chronic breakouts. Other practitioners refer clients to her that have acne.

    Can easily create passive revenue income sources
Because you know this niche well you know what problems they have. When you know what problems they have, you know what solutions they will pay for. This is essential when offering classes, workshops, audios, and informational products.

If you're afraid you'll be limited, remember you can be a generalist with a growing specialty/ies in a certain area or areas. Can you clearly see that there are big advantages to you and your potential clients when you start to become well-known for treating a certain condition, issue or type of person? I hope so!

Here are my tips to discover your areas of expertise:

  Get clear on who you enjoy working with: what are their challenges, problems and conditions?  Ask colleagues and other Holistic Practitioners for feedback.
Don't try to discover your specialty or specialties on your own, often we can't see them, even though they're right in front of us. Find a business coach to assist you, it will be worth the time, energy and money you spend on this essential component.  

Know you can always choose to work with people that are outside your specialty. Remember your practice is your practice you get to choose who you work with and who you can refer to other people.  

Give yourself permission to develop your expertise. Remember, a Practice is a Practice... we are in the process of practicing our skill. This will take the pressure off and bring you more joy. Promise. 

Do you want your support team to assist you in finding and communicating your service to others? I'd love to help. Join our Success Circle where I'll show you exactly how to clear these blocks and build your Practice in an authentic way.. Visit this site for more info.    

(c) 2010 AnaMaria Herrera, EFT Practitioner, Classical Homeopath and Expert Marketer   WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: AnaMaria Herrera, Online Marketer and Director of Practice Building Institute publishes 'Practice Building Success' teaching Holistic Practitioners how to get clients and build their practice. For a f*ree audio and resources go to: http://www.PracticeBuildingInstitute.com

There are simple things you can do right now that will set you up and prepare both you and your Practice for great success in 2010. I’ll go through the steps I take at the beginning of the year that helps to build my Practice.


You'll learn:

• How to set boundaries so you can create time easily in your schedule for marketing
• One of the most powerful, effective tools I use "Daily Focus Sheet" to get me out of overwhelm and keep me on track
  
• The one thing you absolutely must do before you start marketing your services
• What’s essential to focus on and what to let go of
  
• How to create an environment and habits that inspire you to work on attracting clients, both now and month after month

I’ll teach you how to get out of overwhelm and avoid frustration and be in the flow so you have more joy when you start your day and energy when you finish.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

with Felicia Slattery of Communication Transformation

Public speaking is often called the most powerful form of marketing a Practice -- and it's time for you to get in on the action!  
 
In "Signature Speech Secrets" you'll discover what YOU can do to take advantage of this amazing and powerful tool to attract clients and patients.

     * Why a Signature Speech is so powerful
    * The top 5 reasons you should have a Signature Speech
    * The 5 simple steps to create your Signature Speech

Afterwards, you'll know exactly what you need to do to get your Signature Speech ready to work for you. And you can start immediately! Soon you'll see the results for yourself!

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