A handbook created for practitioners working in health and well-being who want to build a thriving, sustainable practice, their way. Whether they are new or have been in practice for years, many find marketing and running a business overwhelming. This book simplifies the process and supports practitioners in making the right choices for themselves. By creating their own recipe for their business based on their values, strengths, and the people they help, they can succeed where others fail. Exercises and action points help them move through the process and address any mindset challenges as they go.
- Author: Helen Harding
- ISBN: 9781912807123
- 203 pages
- Paperback
- Published in 2020
- Printed in United Kingdom
Reprinted with the permission of the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths, from the 'Homeopathy in Practice' Journal, Summer/Autumn 2021 edition. Reviewed by Em Colley, MARH.
I was delighted to review this book as I often talk to students about setting up in practice and work with new graduates in the supervision space. I remember being in supervision myself for several years as a newly qualified practitioner and needing more information around many of the areas discussed in this book. I have already recommended it to at least one person and feel sure I will do so to many more.
Helen describes the book as being for CAM practitioners, therapists and coaches who want to build a sustainable business model and says:
Where you are new, or are struggling, or if you are overwhelmed by the number of choices available and do not know here to start to grow your business, this book will seek to guide you through the process.
I would argue that there is also something for those already running a successful business and that tweaks can often be made to make things more sustainable for ourselves.
Divided into 20 chapters, from 'Setting You Up for Success' to 'Creating Your Personal Brand'; from 'Selling from the Heart' to various chapters on 'Ethical Marketing Activities' (covering on and offline) to 'When the Going Gets Tough'; plus the final resources chapter, the material is accessible and easy to read. The contents section further divides each chapter into sub-headings so you can quickly get to where you need to be.
Many exercises are scattered throughout the book to help you clarify what you may need to do to move your practice forward. I strongly suggest anyone using the book dives in fully and does the exercises as well as reading the text. This is where the magic happens. I read a number of books and think "yes, very nice, great ideas" ... and then there are other with worthwhile exercises that I do which encourage me to take action - those are the ones that change my life.
I don't think I found anything new or ground-breaking in the book, but what I did find were ideas and concepts that I'd discovered elsewhere, gathered together and presented together here with clarify. Reading it feels a little like sitting with a business mentor, having a focused chat over a cup of tea. The writing style flows well and chapters follow each other in a logical manner. My copy is well on its way to becoming a practice essential with already well-thumbed corners.
In closing, one thing I really like about the book is how Helen focuses on an individualised 'recipe' approach as opposed to the many experts telling you that you must do this, or do that. She offers so many ideas and suggestions that there really is something for everyone, from students to newly qualified practitioners to 'old hands' within its 203 pages. Just £16.99 is incredible value for this practice-changing, life-changing work.
A huge thank you for the work put into it.
