Author: Laura Allen

Publisher:

Published: 2021-02-12

Total Pages: 382

ISBN-13: 9781659790207

A Holistic Practitioner''s Guide to Business was originally published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins in 2008 as A Massage Therapist''s Guide to Business. It is written for the extended family of people working in the different areas of complementary and adjunct healthcare. The ideas and resources can be easily adapted to suit all holistic professions, and service professions such as cosmetology and aesthetics.People in the holistic healing arts tend to be caregivers. We have chosen a path of trying to help others feel well. We sometimes feel that instead of choosing the path, the path has chosen us. For those of you who have decided that this path is your livelihood, this book is for you.Along with having the noble desire to help others, most of us need to be able to provide for ourselves and our families, and it''s great to be able to do that while doing a job that we love. Many people in the holistic healing arts are lacking in business education; they may be self-educated or schooled in ways other than through a traditional education, such as by attending workshops or participating in apprenticeships. Even those who may have attended school in an institutional setting, or are still attending one now, are sometimes taught a lot about the theoretical side of business, while receiving too little information about the practicalities of opening and maintaining a business that not only survives but also thrives. A Holistic Practitioner''s Guide to Business is meant to fill that void.Structural OrganizationThis book is divided into five distinct parts. Part I, Mapping Your Route, is full of guidelines for preparing you to become an entrepreneur. Chapter 1 discusses taking an inventory of your strengths and weaknesses, setting concrete goals, and using resources and the help of professional experts before taking the big leap into the business world. It also describes the importance of keeping a positive attitude. Chapter 2 describes constructing and adapting a viable business plan. Chapter 3 discusses the importance of conducting business and therapeutic relationships in an ethical manner.Part II, Setting Out, covers the preliminary details to think through and take care of before opening a business. Chapter 4 is a discussion of the legal, logistical, and financial issues involved in owning a holistic business. Chapter 5 discusses how to manage obstacles any business owner might face and addresses successfully growing your business.Part III, Staying on Course, helps you stay on track and avoid missteps. Chapter 6 discusses managing technology, record keeping, and documentation. Chapter 7 explains budgeting, taxes, managing inventory, bartering, reimbursement, planning for retirement, and valuing a business in preparation for selling. Chapter 8 discusses working alone, assembling, and managing a staff, the differences between employees and independent contractors, and interviewing and hiring. Chapter 9 is a discussion of the necessity of written business policies and enforcing them.Part IV, Traffic Signals, addresses everyday business communications. Chapter 10 discusses cultivating self-confidence and client confidence by projecting professionalism. Chapter 11 discusses effectively communicating in a clear and professional way with clients, staff members, mutual referral practitioners, and others in the business setting.Part V, Highway Visibility, discusses marketing your business. Chapter 12 explains three of the four essential "P''s" of marketing--Product, Place, and Price--and how they can enhance the success of any massage therapy business. Chapter 13 provides an in-depth discussion of the fourth "P," Promotion of your business in the community. Chapter 14 explores the many different kinds of advertising venues available in today''s marketplace and how to get the most benefit for your advertising dollars. Helpful Appendices include standard letters and forms and resources for practitioners. Ancillaries available for instructors.