Do you believe in the myth that if keep your head down and do what expected your job is going to be “safe”? Maybe that safe job is not the type of work you find meaningful and fulfilling.
The U.S. healthcare market has changed and continues to change at a rapid pace. There is a new standard of how healthcare is being delivered and reimbursed. Therapists are struggling to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Sometimes organizations and therapists are slow to face the new market realities.
There has been more focus on cost and value because of unsustainable growth in healthcare spending. The fee-for service model that encouraged waste is on its way out. New reimbursement models are forcing healthcare providers to deliver better outcomes that cost less and are convenient for the consumer.
Today’s consumer is more informed and incentivized in the purchase of healthcare services because of higher deductibles and co-pays. They want value and results for their money. The previous “the doctor knows best” mentality is being replaced by “how much does this cost?” They are no longer looking for a good therapist but they want the best, whatever that means.
In a competitive marketplace the benefits of standing out and being the best–no matter your profession– are rapidly increasing. The Internet has amplified the noise so to be heard above the crowd therapists need a strong clear message of who they are and the value they offer.
No More Safe Therapy Jobs
“Safe” therapy jobs that are predicated on being quiet and doing your job are quickly disappearing. I’m from the Midwest where there is a strong work culture that prides itself in the value of hard day’s work.
I believe that there is a cultural belief among therapists that if you just work hard enough you’ll be recognized and rewarded in the long run. Unfortunately, in today’s economy this is a formula for professional disillusionment and burnout.
Therapists are often overwhelmed by the busyness of providing quality care and keeping up with the daily paperwork. As therapists put their heads down and take care of their patients nobody really notices or pays much attention.
As the average therapy job becomes more robotic and big data driven you can’t rely on your reputation as a good, hard working therapist to advance your career. Your new boss and colleagues have no clue what you’re really doing because they are busy with surviving the same work pressures.
You need to willing to publically share yourself and your message if you expect to advance in your therapy career. Building a strong professional reputation is the best tactic to protect and advance your therapy career.
3 Steps to Build a Strong Professional Reputation
1. Become a Category Authority
When you are recognized as a category authority, patients and employers will want your services. They won’t want just any therapist but they will specifically want you. Therapists typically have difficulty narrowing their clinical focus. Choosing a niche is a key step in developing a clear professional message.
Narrowing your focus and building your knowledge in a specific area of practice may seem like a career limiting move. But in a noisy competitive marketplace vying for your patient’s attention sometimes it’s the only way to rise above your competition.
2. Build Your Professional Platform
The competition for good jobs and patients is fierce. In your local economy you don’t have to be a worldwide superstar. But you need to be deliberate about being visible and top of mind in your local area. Strategically select marketing channels where you can connect with your ideals clients and key partners.
Set up a bio page on the free website About.me so when people search the web to research you they find a visual appealing and informative site. Simple steps like this will make you light years ahead of your competition, many of which are doing nothing to stand out.
3. Become a Thought Leader
Whatever the reason you go to work or however you want to make a difference– you are meant to share it with others. Any therapist can go to the clinic to see patients and type in their notes for eight or ten hours a day.
Most therapists are made for more than that. They have ideas and skills to improve patient’s lives, make their organization better and even the world. You can’t afford to let your innovative ideas remain hidden inside you. People need your unique contribution.
Becoming a thought leader is not about making lots of money it’s about having impact with your message and life. Look for ways to share your insights via a blog, speaking engagements or videos.
How are you going to build a strong professional reputation so that you can stand out and make an impact? It’s not about seeing more patients and making more money (though there is nothing wrong with benefitting from your professional reputation). It’s about solving real problems and providing real value to your patients, employer and the world.
It’s About Courage
It takes courage not to play it safe. Courage is needed to put yourself out there, to be genuine and be willing to have your ideas criticized. You are brave enough to make a difference because you genuinely believe you can help others and as Steve Jobs said it “put a dent in the universe” It takes a willingness to trust that your generosity, professional aptitude and hard work strategically delivered will benefit the world.
What is one action you will take today to build your professional reputation to impact your world?
Announcements
We are in the last week of the Cash Practice Roadmap Pilot Course which began on January 13th. I have a great group of therapists in the first course and they have made great progress towards starting their own cash practice. This course helps students create a clear professional brand and build a solid business foundation to make their practice idea a reality.
We have therapists from California to New Mexico to New Jersey. A varied group of individuals that are at various stages of building their own practice. It’s been a great time and I’ll fill you in on the lessons I learn from the pilot experience. I’ll be creating a full course later in the year to help therapists launch their very own cash practice.
If you’re interested in the next class please email me at heypaul@paulpotterpt.com and type Cash Practice Roadmap in the subject line. I’ll arrange phone call so I can answer your questions about the next course course.
Get Your Own Copy of On Fire
As therapists we have tremendous opportunity to use our abilites, education and expertise to enhance client’s lives. What a privilege? If your are in the therapy business to serve people, then my new book On Fire: Ignite Your Passion with a Cash Therapy Practice might help you. The healthcare industry has undergone so many changes lately and many therapists are overwhelmed, overworked and confused on where to turn to for help in the battle.
On Fire takes a close look at innovative therapists who are using alternative ways to deliver high-value care to their patients. Cash therapy services have emerged as a viable alternative to accepting business as usual.
If you are intrigued by the attention that cash-based practices are attracting On Fire is a great primer to help you get up to speed on the key issues and how if might impact your practice. The book is available on Amazon. If you are interested in getting your own copy join my email list and I’ll keep you up to date on the special pre-order bonuses I’m giving away.
Please connect with me
- Read Paul Potter’s blog about, cash practice, at home practice, productivity, functional testing and keeping a work-life balance.
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