How to Develop Your Private Practice 2010

• 9.00am–4.30pm, 18 November 2010
• Best Western Premier - Yew Lodge Hotel, Derby

A practical exploration of how to develop a private practice, which was perfectly suited for those fresh out of the NHS, or for those wanting to give an established practice a boost. For many, knowing how to market and operate a successful practice is a mystery – this course gave ready-to-use tips and thought-provoking exercises to help delegates grow their client lists. The programme gave many ideas for areas such as: marketing, communicating your 'brand', provision of resource information and by the end of the day delegates left having compiled a new action plan and with a course booklet. James was more than happy to answer any questions throughout the day. Sadly we did not have as many delegates as hoped, but for the 6 that came it provided a intimate, relaxed and informal setting in which to feel comfortable to talk openly. There was a lovely feeling of camaraderie throughout the day. Of the 6, 4 felt James to be an excellent speaker, 1 a good speaker and one did not mark a rating. 4 felt the course content to be excellent and 2 said it was good. The opportunity to network was found to be excellent by 5 and good for 1. It was the first time that Therapy Learning had run a course at Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth and we were very impressed with the level of committment and friendly professionalism of the staff. Due to reduced number of delegates we had a boardroom, which although it had a large skylight, 3 of the delegates would have preferred windows (as was the feeling of both Viv and Trish). We have always stipulated the need for lots of natural daylight and will ensure we maintain this standard from now on.

Course outcomes

It is intended that at the conclusion of the programme the independent practitioner will have:

• Sufficient knowledge to be able to plan the marketing of their practice
• Ideas of how to generate quality referrals from their client base
• A basic grounding in business discipline, to ensure their efforts bring financial rewards and a plan of action to go forward from the course and realise their vision for their practice.

Programme

Delegates were encouraged to send in questions prior to the course so James could weave them into the day.

Speaker(s)

James Butler

James Butler is Director of Painless Practice, providing assistance to therapists who want to develop their practice to meet current challenges – through one-to-one support, CPD training and published materials. James has co-authored business development books for osteopaths and for homeopaths and speaks widely on practice building techniques.

Following a successful business career in the environmental sector, James formed Painless Practice to share his business skills and experience with complementary therapists. Despite no background as a practitioner himself, he has an extensive understanding of the unique environment in which therapists operate.

As well as working with complementary and alternative healthcare providers, James supports larger businesses in developing their strategies, and works on the leading UK programme for ambitious owner-managers, at Cranfield University's School of Management. Please see his website: http://www.painlesspractice.com for more information about him and his company.

Photos

What attendees said

“Very informative. Well presented. The day passed really quick.”
—Testimonial, Delegate on course

“Excellent informative day which was open to diversifying according to delegates requirements”
—Testimonial, Karen McCabe, OT

“Good value for money. Important to look at these aspects of a business.”
—Testimonial, Lynda Pedley

“Good introductory course, gets me thinking about how I need to develop further”
—Testimonial, Tim Williams, OT