Resistances To Marketing a Practice-Part 1
If you are a therapist, counselor, or an alternative or complementary health
practitioner (naturopath, homeopathetic doctor, massage therapist, body worker,
etc.), in all likelihood, you are not only uninformed about effective marketing
methods, but you are also likely to have some negative feelings about self
promotion and marketing. When it comes to marketing a practice, knowing how to market effectively is
essential. However, all the marketing knowledge in the world won't be of use to you
if your resistances and fears get in the way of marketing. The most common
resistances that helping and healing professionals have about marketing are
outlined below. Fear of being rejected You may be concerned you are not skilled enough to attract clients for your private
practice. Worries that people will be disapproving Perhaps you are concerned that if you market your practice, peers and potential
clients might judge you or the services you offer. Fear of failing If you fear failure, you might avoid taking the risks necessary to succeed at
marketing. Fear of being seen as aggressive This is a widespread fear that stems largely from of the misconception that
marketing is about intruding upon others. Concerns about being seen as self-serving This fear stems in large part from the idea within the healing professions that your
goal is to "be there" to fulfill your clients needs and not your own. In addition, you
might believe that marketing your services means that you are "bragging." Fear of lacking in knowledge and skills to market a practice sucessfullyObviously if you have never studied marketing, you may have concerns about your
ability to do so effectively. Fears of being successfulYou could fear success because of a belief that you are undeserving of it. Perhaps
you also fear that if you do succeed in private practice, your life will be different and
you might not like the change that occurs. If you identify with any of the above resistances and fears and want to overcome
them, read part 2 of this article, "Overcoming Resistances to Marketing a Practice." © Juliet Austin, 2004 Bio of Author Juliet assists helping and healing professionals (coaches, therapists, counselors,
massage therapists, chiropractors, etc.) who are struggling to build their practices.
She helps her clients overcome resistances to marketing, learn and implement no or
low-cost marketing strategies, create compelling promotional materials, and write
effective website copy. A graduate of both Coach U, The Institute for Life Coach Training and member of
The School of Coaching, Juliet has been a practicing coach for almost 7 years. Sign up for Juliet's free ezine, "Enlightened Marketing" at: http://www.julietaustin.com and visit her blogs at Marketing a Private Practice and Website Design
and Promotion The author grants reprint permisson as long as the article and by-line remain
intact..
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