What do you do if you want to advance your career as a patient advocate through self-employment?

1 Define your niche

The first step to becoming a self-employed patient advocate is to define your niche. This means identifying the specific area of patient advocacy that you are passionate about and that matches your skills, experience, and credentials. For example, you might specialize in medical billing, insurance appeals, chronic care management, elder care, end-of-life care, or health education. By defining your niche, you can differentiate yourself from other patient advocates and attract your ideal clients who need your expertise and value your services.

2 Create your business plan

The second step to becoming a self-employed patient advocate is to create your business plan. This is a document that outlines your goals, objectives, strategies, and actions for starting and running your business. Your business plan should include the following sections: executive summary, company description, market analysis, services description, marketing plan, operational plan, financial plan, and appendix. Your business plan will help you clarify your vision, communicate your value proposition, identify your target market, analyze your competitors, set your prices, budget your expenses, and measure your progress.

3 Establish your legal structure

The third step to becoming a self-employed patient advocate is to establish your legal structure. This means choosing the type of business entity that suits your needs and preferences. The most common options are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of taxes, liability, management, and regulations. You should consult with a lawyer and an accountant to determine the best option for you. You should also register your business name, obtain your tax identification number, and apply for any licenses, permits, or certifications that are required in your state or locality.

4 Build your online presence

The fourth step to becoming a self-employed patient advocate is to build your online presence. This means creating a professional and attractive website that showcases your services, credentials, testimonials, and contact information. Your website should also have a blog where you can share valuable and relevant content that demonstrates your expertise and authority in your niche. You should also use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to connect with your potential and existing clients, network with other patient advocates, and promote your brand and services.

5 Grow your client base

The fifth step to becoming a self-employed patient advocate is to grow your client base. This means finding and retaining clients who need and appreciate your services. You can use various methods to attract and engage your clients, such as referrals, word-of-mouth, online advertising, email marketing, webinars, podcasts, speaking engagements, or events. You should also focus on delivering high-quality and personalized services that meet or exceed your clients' expectations and needs. You should also follow up with your clients, ask for feedback, and request testimonials or reviews that you can use to showcase your results and reputation.

6 Manage your finances

The sixth step to becoming a self-employed patient advocate is to manage your finances. This means keeping track of your income and expenses, invoicing your clients, paying your taxes, and saving for your retirement. You should also have a separate bank account and a bookkeeping system for your business. You should also set aside a portion of your income for emergencies, insurance, and professional development. You should also review your financial performance regularly and adjust your plan accordingly. You should also seek professional advice from an accountant or a financial planner if you need help with your financial management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?