One of my favorite past times is road cycling. But recently I was experiencing back and arm pain when I got off my bike.

I knew I was probably riding my bike incorrectly and finally decided to get some professional help to assist me. Here I am with a professional trainer, Frazer Hazlett, owner of Off the Front Training in Santa Barbara.

He was able to troubleshoot exactly what I was doing to cause the pain and gave me some simple tips that made a huge difference. And I loved listening to his Irish accent. It made climbing on hills easier. :)

I highly recommend hiring a Professional to assist you when you're stuck. There is no way I could have seen the subtle and not-so-subtle mistakes I was doing that was causing me pain.

Thanks Frazer!

If you’re like most Practitioners, you can tend to get overwhelmed when thinking of growing your business. Our schedules are full with family and friends, a part or full time job and the many other obligations we take on.

We can feel it’s an impossible dream to have the time and energy to market our Practice. Or if we have an existing Practice, how do we find time to develop the new projects we want to start.

Well, after coaching Practitioners (and myself) over the years I’ve come up with a word to assist you.

GLAD.

It’s actually an acronym I created to settle the feelings of overwhelm and bring more ease in marketing and building your Practice. Here’s what it stands for:

G: Get Guidance
I find a lot of Practitioners have “Lone Ranger Syndrome”: the habit of doing things themselves.
There is nothing wrong with being independent and a self-starter, but often we can go about ‘re-inventing the wheel’ instead of hiring someone for help who already knows what to do.

While we invest in professional training when it comes to learning our modality (Acupuncture, EFT, Nutrition, Homeopathy) it’s just as important to get training in how to attract clients. And it’s so much easier to learn from someone who has already achieved what we want, rather struggling on our own.

Getting guidance is about working smarter rather than harder.

L: Let it Be Easy
Most of us were raised in cultures that reward us when we have achieved something “the hard way.” We’ve been given the message that if it came easy to us, it really doesn’t count.

While I do believe in taking consistent action when it comes to marketing our Practice, such as writing articles, being active on Facebook, and offering workshops and teleclasses, I also believe that it doesn’t have to be hard.

I want to suggest you write these words on a small card: Let It Be Easy. Put it in a visible place where you can see it daily. (My card is taped on my desk.) In doing so, you’re giving yourself permission to lighten up and relax in the process of building your Practice.

A: Add Variety
If you start to get bored or feel un-inspired to work on your website, bring variety into your house or office. What can you do to create an inspiring atmosphere?

Just last night, I called a friend who does the paperwork for her job in the evening and asked if I could come over. I brought some tasty snacks (all natural, non-alcoholic ginger beer and cheese popcorn) we played upbeat lounge music and was inspired to work for a couple hours.

Mix things up and bring variety to your environment to inspire you. Seems simple? It is and it works!

D: Dedicate time each week
I remember when my father told me, “AnaMaria, in business steady wins the race.” I agree. I’ve learned that it isn’t doing everything all at once that builds a Practice. That’s impossible!

The good news is you don’t have to implement every marketing idea or strategy. You can attract clients right now by taking small, steady steps. But the key is dedication.

The D in GLAD is to remind you to dedicate a certain amount of time each week to build your Practice. It’s the steady determination and dedication that gets the job done.

When you get the guidance you deserve and allow the process of marketing to be easy; add variety to your space, dedicate a chunk of time weekly to attracting clients and surround yourself with other Holistic Practitioners, you’re steadily building the Practice of your dreams.

And you become a more self- empowered and fulfilled person in the process.

Do you have Practitioners to share ideas and get support when you need it? Are you wishing you could have a guide to help you shape your practice and attract clients in an authentic way? Are you trying to figure how to attract clients on your own?

Break free from the Lone Ranger Syndrome! Join the Practice Building Success Circle where you’ll join other like-minded Practitioners building their Practice step-by-step: Visit this site for more info:  http://snipurl.com/lh0ly 

(c) 2009 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

Recently a Practitioner from the Success Circle shared that she had a new client who informed her, "I'm going to challenge everything you do."
 
When I heard this, I saw a little red flag waving.
 
While I think it's important our clients take an active part in their healing process, I also think it's equally essential that Practitioners know the signs of a difficult client.
 
Yes, our clients have problems and issues, that's why they're looking for help. And it's true many are facing financial challenges. But many times both the Practitioner and the client will make excuses for a problematic client. 
 
"Oh, they're rude (or late to appointments, or forgot to call for the f*ree consultation, etc.) because of their condition."
 
"She/he asked for the first session free to see how I work." (Can you imagine asking a dentist to offer a complementary exam and teeth cleaning?)
 
"Once I start treating he/she I'm sure they'll feel better and act more responsibly."
 
Do any of these sound familiar?
 
We've all been there, making excuses for clients hoping things will work out as we start to treat them. But if you ignore the red flags of a difficult client, the Practitioner always pays at the end. You'll pay in lost energy, revenue and frustration.
 
I highly recommend offering a "get acquainted call" or a "f*ree consultation." This is a concise phone conversation to determine their needs, to decide if this client is a match, and to share about your services. I cover exactly what to ask and what to look out for in my class Power of the F*ree Consultation. 
There are several key questions to ask during that phone conversation. But for now, I want to share 3 Red Flags to keep an eye out for.


Red Flag #1: Do they quibble about your fees and/or do not follow through with payment
 
Is this client trying to negotiate your fees? Do you allow them to?
 
Once you have taken a new client, do they send their payment/pay you in a timely manner?  During a consultation I had with a potential client, he told me that "I'm used to sending payment after the sessions." He already knew (because I told him) that I require payment up front and offered several payment methods and payment plans.
 
I knew he wasn't a match if he couldn't follow my simple policies for payment. I let him go and wished him the best.
 
Red Flag #2: Are they Argumentative or Critical
 
While I encourage Practitioners to be open to feedback, someone who is overly critical or skeptical will sabotoge their own results.
 
I don't tend to attract critical clients, but during the second session with my client she became quite argumentative. I stopped her rant and asked her, "Do you want to be right or do you want to get better?" She then admitted she had been to dozens of Practitioners of various modalities and most had let her go as a client.
 
Clients that scrutinize what you do and how you do it make for an uncomfortable environment. I suggest to raise your standard and work with clients that are reflective and ask great questions. During the phone consultation if you notice they're critical or debating with you, chances are this will continue as you begin to work together.


Red Flag #3: Are They Committed to Their Healing/Getting Better
 
Clients are looking for Practitioners to guide them. Unfortunately, some want you to fix them in one session. Others won't follow through with suggestions or recommendations.
We live in a 'flu-shot' culture: many people are used to handing over their health to a primary care provider or a drug company to think for them. Or give them a shot or pill to take care of a chronic issue or illness. One of the reasons I love complementary modalities is because it requires us to take an active role in our health and healing process.
 
When you speak to your client for the first time during the f*ree consultation take the opportunity to 'sniff out' how committed they are. You can ask them key questions to assess if they're indeed serious and not just curious.

Keep in mind these 3 red flags before working with your client. Learn how to assess who to work with and who to graciously turn away. When you require all of your clients to be responsible and respectful and let go of those that aren't, you're standing for your client's greatness and your own.
 
Do you know how to offer consultations that have clients hiring you? I'd love to share what questions to ask so you take clients that are a pleasure to work with while detecting the difficult ones to avoid. In the Practice Building Success Circle I'll show you how:  Visit this site for more info.
 
(c) 2009 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

Isn't he cute? Fido is the newly adopted puppy of my neighbors. While he's full of energy (I had to hold him down for the photo!) and can get into mischief, he is a very good dog and responds well to direction.

My neighbors previously had adopted a neglected dog named Simon from a shelter. But after a few short weeks, they clearly saw that Simon needed special care and training. He was starting to act out in harmful ways and they called the shelter for guidance. While it was a difficult decision to make, they decided it was best to return him to the shelter.

This past month I had a client that I too had to 'let go.' After being in practice for years, I could recognize the signs that this client was not a match. Just like my neighbors who had assess if their newly adopted companions were a match, so we Practitioners need to be responsible and determine who we can help.

Bring your questions, I'll answer them on the spot and provide laser coaching to assist you.

This call is invaluable, as I share my years of expertise to your particular Practice and situation. Whether you are just starting out, or in Practice for years, you'll learn so much and walk away with strategies they can use right away.

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

Did you know most people need to connect and talk with you first, before they'll book a session?
 
Did you know it's in your best interest to talk to your clients to see if you're a match to work together?

After you offer a f*ree consultation with a client, do you wonder why they never end up booking a session or treatment?
 
In this class, I'll share with you step-by-step how to offer and lead a powerful complementary phone consultation that has clients booking sessions. You'll learn what questions are crucial to assess if the client is a match for you and your services.  After this teleclass, you'll be confident each and every time you speak to potential clients.

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 the right online tools, you can publish a newsletter and add email campaigns to your marketing plan. But, there is a big difference between publishing a newsletter and publishing a newsletter that your clients care about.

Many online experts will tell why you need an ezine and what results you can receive, but what none of them will tell you, is exactly how to ensure your ezine is successful and that it converts your protential clients into paying clients, and keeps your paying clients coming back again and again.
 
In this class you will learn:
 
Design and layout tips to make your e-newsletter fast and easy to read
What information you need to include, what you don't, and how to find a balance
How to generate high-value content that converts readers to clients
Three easy things you can do to eliminate ezine overwhelm and make publishing effortless email newsletters

Jennifer Bourn,  of www.BournCreative.com is an online marketer and strategist. Jennifer partners with her clients to create powerful, authentic personal brands and she creates and implements the planning and implementation needed for online marketing success, using a combination of Internet tools, marketing strategies, and award-winning communication-based design.

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

This month was my birthday... 40 years to be exact! I took time off to go to the wine country, here's a photo of me wine tasting. That day I reflected on the past year and I felt so blessed and also proud of myself.
 
You see, because I have been building my practice over these years I can now take days off and return to 'work' excited because I love what I do! I still remember when I made that decision to really get serious about getting more clients and decided I could make a great income doing what I love.
 
And now my vision is to help other Practitioners, just like you, do the same.

Cheers!