Opening a private practice is filled with emotions.
Here are some of the common things that you might go through during the process:
Trying to Work up the Courage to Leave Your Agency Job
What should I do???
You have spent countless hours making pro's and con's lists. You keep weighing your options: stable income vs. freedom, , security vs. risk, etc.
How can I possibly make this decision???
Spending All Your Free Time Day- Dreaming About Logos
What image represents me best???
Are you doodling office names? Making fake logos or thinking about the symbolism behind a certain bird or tree? Or researching the psychology of colors? Yep, sounds about right!
Scouting Office Space
Can I see myself working here???
Are you doing drive-by's in your favorite parts of town? It doesn't hurt to stop and take a peek, right? Until you find one that looks very promising!
Now what do I do?
Having Second Thoughts When It's Time to Sign the Lease
Is this the right one? Can I afford it? Will I have any clients? What am I thinking??
It's time to sign the lease and doubt creeps in. Can I afford this? What am I getting myself into? You need how much money again???
I might seriously consider changing my mind at this point.
Looking for Office Decor Instead of Doing Real Work
Do I splurge or do I save??? New or used??? Oooh, this is pretty!
Now that you've signed the lease, it's time to start decorating. As much as you plan to save, there's so much to buy.
This is the fun part!
Doing All the Boring, But Important Stuff
Waiting on hold with insurance companies, phone companies, internet providers....
That's right. You do have to run a business. But spending time on hold waiting for insurance company, or the billing service, or the phone company isn't as much fun.
This is the reality of private practice setting in.
Moving In & Decorating
Is this going to fit???
Time to get sweaty! You are moving in and moving things around until they look "just right."
You are physically tired, but so proud to have your own space!.
Waiting for the Phone to Ring
Is the number working? What if no one calls?
Excitement turns to doubt when the phone doesn't ring right away. Uh oh....did I make the right decision.
Time to start networking and letting people know you exist!
Getting Your First Client
Oh thank you! Now what???
Okay, the system is working and you have your first client. You are relieved, but also a bit anxious. It's game time...do I have everything ready?
Filling Your Caseload
What do I do now???
Before you know it, you have a full caseload. And a waiting list! What are you going to do now?? You start thinking about raising your rates, dropping insurance or opening a group practice. (Return to Step #1)
Being So Successful that You Are Grateful, but Exhausted
I'll sleep tomorrow.
Shark Tank's Lori Grenier says that Entreprenuer's are people that work 60 hours a week to avoid working 40 hour a week.
Yep, you are always working, but it doesn't feel like work!
Loving Every Second of The Process
Living the dream!
Finally, you are living your dream and loving every second of it. You can't imagine what life would be like if you had not taken this chance. You are so grateful to have your clients and feel honored to do this work!
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