When coaching Practitioner to build a sustainable Practice, one area I always address is their mindset. Specifically, how they view others in their field and those that practice other modalities and are they open to create relationships with other Practitioners.  

You see, it's my strong belief that it is in your best interest to foster good relationships with Practitioners both in conventional medicine and the holistic field.   Firstly, you can actually increase your referrals when you make connections and reach out to other professionals.

But also you are expanding your reputation as a stellar, classy Practitioner, one who is not threatened by others but who seeks to be of service both to your clients and to your colleagues.   

So how do you conduct your business and view other Practitioners, both in alternative and conventional medicine... are you coming across as a collaborator or a competitor? 

Take my short quiz to find out! 

1. When you see an advertisement or a post on Facebook by a Practitioner in your field (ie: acupuncturist, EFT Practitioner, Nutritionist,) or a new Practitioner opens an office in your town, do you get a sinking feeling there are too many of your colleagues and not enough clients to go around?
 

2. Do you cringe at the thought of seeking referrals from conventional doctors and nurse Practitioners because you feel, 'they won't understand what I do' or 'they're just into drugs and surgery?'
 
 
3. Do you have ideas of how you can do joint venture projects with other Holistic Practitioners (retreats, workshops, teleclass, an educational product, etc.) but are afraid your clients will leave your treatments/sessions and start going to the Practitioner if they learn about him/her?
 
 
4. You've learned (possibly from taking the class: How To Gain Referrals) that  Holistic Practitioners practicing a different modality would be a great source of referrals, but are afraid to approach them because you don't want to look needy or desperate for clients or patients?
 
How did you do? Did you answer 'YES' to one or more of the questions above? If so, know you are not alone... AND you probably have room to strengthen your "collaboration muscles."

Firstly, remember most Practitioners are good, caring people (yes MD's and conventional Practitioners too! They aren't the enemy, really they're not **smile**)  That is why they choose a profession of service.  See them as your equals and treat them with respect.

Learn how to ask for referrals in a diplomatic, professional way. Often others would be open to referring to you and probably would love to have your referrals, but they have not been approached or hesitant to approach others themselves. Take a look at the class that shows you how.

Foster an abundant mindset. YES there really are more than enough clients to go around. Folks have problems (health, emotional, etc.) where ever you go... it's a part of being human. These people are looking for you and your solution but remember being a Pollyanna that thinks 'clients drop from the sky' is not enough. Make sure all of your marketing (from answering the question "so what do you to?" to your website, brochure or business card) speaks to their problem and why they should come to you.

Create a solid marketing plan, I call it your marketing wheel. These are simple strategies you do on a consistent basis to draw clients to you. This will reduce the "feast or famine" syndrome  when it comes to clients and therefore reduce your fear that there isn't enough clients for everyone. If you don't know where to start, get support.

Lastly see this as an opportunity to connect with some really great people. You never know where these connections will lead, both personally and professionally.

Will you give it a go and let me know how it goes? Leave your comments- thanks!

(c) 2010 AnaMaria Herrera

About the author: 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
 


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