5 Steps to Creating an Awesome Business Plan

If you want to significantly increase the chances of your private or group practice thriving, you want to create a clear business plan. The process takes some time, but you'll gain the clarity and direction you need to set yourself up for success.

Step 1: Your Mission

Why are you in private practice? Why have you chosen that this is the way for you to go with using your skills and talents? Your mission is simply the big picture of what you want your business to do. You want to change the lives of families in your communities? You want to decrease PTSD with vets in your area? You want to improve the parenting skills of parents in your town? What is your heart’s desire for your business and the impact that it will make? WRITE IT DOWN!

Step 2: Who You Serve

This is important. Your business serves a certain kind of person. Just like the pet store loves people who own pets, the Italian restaurant who serves the best pasta to carb lovers, the climbing gym who attracts active people in the community, you are seeking to attract people to your business. Who are they? AND what is their biggest problem? WRITE THAT DOWN!

Step 3: How You Serve and Why

Look, 1:1 sessions might be the way you are going to help your clients, but that isn't required or necessary. There are lots of ways to help people. You might have extended sessions, group therapy, retreats, classes...lots of options. Write each service you provide and the outcome you seek with that service.

For example, you might do a retreat for couples that’s meant to give them an experience of connection over a weekend and teach them skills and communication versus 1:1 sessions that are meant to help the client over a long period of time in integrating skills and communication to better their relationship and reduce the risk of divorce.

Step 4: Financial Portfolio

What are you going to charge for your services? What are the expenses for your business? Don't forget that it's more than utilities and bills—you want to include amazing training and support, travel, and savings for those times when you get sick or when you are out of the office. Based on the amount of clients and the fees you charge, what is your projected income for this year?

Step 5: Marketing Plan

How are you going to get the word out? Your marketing plan should be more than blogging and social media. You want a blend of in-person and online marketing. Where is your client at in the world? Literally, look at where they hang out. Is there a way you can connect with them there? Start writing down what you will do each week to build new connections and potential referral sources as well as get your message out to the people who need it most.

Now you have the bones of your business plan! This is something you want to revisit annually. Trust me, planning will give you confidence and clarity. It will ground you.

P.S. You can access free trainings that will help you with this process and more here!