Private Practice Made Perfect

Today I’m talking about writing a book; the process and all that goes with it. I speak to many business owners who have plans to write a book. It was something I thought about, and something I was always encouraged to do. Different people poked and probed and said, "What about a book? You should write a book." I never really took them seriously. I was of the belief that because I work with families and children, like everybody else, I had nothing different or interesting to say. It was during a business program that it really dawned on me that there were some glaring gaps in the allied health market so I wrote ‘Becoming Chief: How To Lead Your Child's Special Needs Tribe’. In this episode I cover:     Realising the opportunity to write a book     Keeping parents’ needs in mind when writing the book     The planning process - working with a book mentor to come up with a structure     The writing process - how I wrote my book in 30 days     Editing, illustrations and graphics - when the real adventure began     A brief outline of the contents of my book - what you’ll find in each chapter Useful Links:  info@nacre.com.au  Cathy Love LinkedIn Nacre Website Private Practice Made Perfect Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk to Kerri-Anne Telford, an Occupational Therapist with a private practice in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. We talk about team culture, using private practice softwares, NDIS opportunities and challenges and a lot more What is covered in this episode: The team The combination of the practice’s independent contractors and employees Her story in starting her own private practice - finding team members and a new office Kerri-Anne’s weekly schedule Goals of the practice The surprises and learnings from the 3-year growth and run of her practice Her business smarts and where, when and how she got it Her favorite books How she uses emotional intelligence in leading her team The impact of practice management software to her business Her thoughts on the NDIS Her hunch on what is to happen in September with tier pricing Families and fundings from the NDIS The next 12 months for her private practice What Cathy would do if she had a private practice with clinicians and her thoughts in terms of leading a team with the NDIS The importance of organizational culture in her business   Links: LinkedIn Website

In this episode, we talk to Anjelee Khosla, Founding Director of Anjelee OT. We discuss many things about business including the value of going slow, steady and mindfully into business, business plans, power of networking, social media and a lot more. Anjelee OT is a start-up company that was founded in January 2018. The company’s mission is “to empower families of children with challenges by enhancing their strengths, building their skills and creating solutions within a fun and therapeutic environment to achieve positive and meaningful goals." What is covered in this episode: Private work of Anjelee before starting Anjelee OT The things she has been doing to get started Finding networks for the business Working on her Instagram business account Learnings from building her own website What she’s doing to get clients, introductions, and opportunities Business plan for the next 1-2 years Source of her business skills Dancing through family, business and all matters in life How Anjelee OT will be by the end of 2018 Cathy’s plan on coming back to clinical work and doing a workshop on NDIS   Links: Anjelee OT Website Anjelee OT Instagram Angelee OT Facebook

In this episode, we talk to Sonja Walker, Founding Director of Kids First Children’s Services. She has also recently launched her first book. We also will talk about her team and her values-based business. Kids First provides support for families and children with sensitive needs. The company has gathered a highly trained, vastly experienced team of children’s speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and teachers who can provide children and parents with the practical, caring help they need. What is covered in this episode: Background on Kid’s First Children’s Services How Sonja anticipated the business when it started and the challenges she has gone through Thoughts on women working in allied health Highlights in her private practice What to expect and love from her book: School Ready - A practical and supportive guide for parents with sensitive kids Extra bonus materials from the book How Sonja’s week looks like Key learnings from being a business owner The story of figuring out the values that she practices in her business Doing charity work and working with B1G1 Their team’s daily huddle and how communication works throughout the team Apps and programs they use in their business The stage of the business today and in the next 5 years   Links: Kid’s First Children’s Services Book: School Ready B1G1

In this episode we talk to Alyce Svensk, Occupational Therapist and Founding Director of Sensational Start Occupational Therapy. Sensational Start is 12 month old business that provides families with a holistic services that support the development of children, identifying areas of concern and providing genuine evidence-based paediatric therapeutic support. What is covered in this episode: The start of the business Learnings from working for her in-law’s business Importance of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in a business The difficulty of creating SOPs for OT Integration and maintenance of SOPs into the business Sensational Start’s business plan 12 months ago Where Alyce picked up her management know-how The reason her business took off to a flying start in a 12-month period Suggestions for word-of-mouth marketing and how she made her business stand out from the rest What worked for the business to bring in early referrals Practice management software used by the business Bringing in admin support and an additional clinician How Alyce feels about being an employer What sets Sensational Start offer that makes it different from the rest How the support from family in therapy is being received In terms of packaging, pricing and planners, how will the NDIS support the holistic approach to therapy Is the business setting quotas for clients coming from different areas including the NDIS Next steps for Sensational Start Information about their workshops for local therapists What Alyce thinks Telehealth will look like - what things will and will not work The things Alyce is most proud of about her business What has her business, Sensational Start, taught her How Alyce sees the future of Sensational Start in the next 12 months Words of wisdom for people in the first 2-3 years of business   Links: Website Facebook Page Alyce Svensk LinkedIn

In this episode, we talk to Nardine Presland, Member Development Adviser of ESSA. ESSA is the Exercise & Sports Science Australia is a professional organisation that establishes, promotes and defends the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners. What is covered in this episode: What is ESSA? 4 professions covered by ESSA, their accreditations, services, and differences Number of members and practicing exercise physiologists at present The services offered by exercise physiologists in the NDIS and NDIA Trend on private practice with exercise physiologists and scientists Exercise psychologists working with families and children Employing exercise physiologists and their pay Professional development investment activities needed for engaging exercise physiologists and scientists Insurance for exercise professionals The future of ESSA and its members in the next 5 years The roles and services exercise professionals can bring in when working with children, teens, and people with different abilities Exercise physiologists working with children and teens with autism and the neurodisability space The Exercise Right Awareness Campaign Insight and take away from the podcast episode Links:  ESSA Exercise Right

In this episode, we talk to Nicole Grant, Occupational Therapist and Founding Director of Gateway Therapies in Brisbane, Australia. Gateway Therapies offers mobile NDIS support services, mobile occupational therapy, mobile speech therapy and autism therapies for adults and children of all ages. What is covered in this episode: Background of Gateway Therapies Reception of clients on their mobile therapy services Their workplace and how they use their space The Gateway Therapies team, their employment statuses and experience levels The need for an engagement process and on-the-job training for young professionals and early career clinicians Innovative ideas on teaching/learning for Allied Health students The things Nicole is most proud of in what she’s doing in her business Time spent by Nicole in a week doing clinical and business development work and how she achieved this The reason why Nicole chooses to retain clinical work as part of her role especially with the NDIS How Nicole developed all her business know-how Why she invests in and supervises her team closely The difference of Gateway Therapies from other practices Positioning their practice for the NDIS Experimenting, implementing, testing and mentoring in business and what you can learn from it What would Cathy be doing differently Links: Gateway Therapies

In this episode, we have a rich and interesting conversation with Ingrid Moyle, owner of Heart Harmony Communications and Australian Employee Manual. Heart Harmony Communications is a company that helps small businesses with content marketing, web content, and design. Australian Employee Manual guides small businesses in writing effective and clear business policies and procedures to comply with human resource legal requirements and build team productivity. What is covered in this episode: Ingrid’s story from being an employee to starting businesses A backgrounder on Heart Harmony Communications What allied health business owners should be doing in the content marketing space The shift of how people engage with content and businesses and what is needed to address this Valuable tips on what and how to write your content Ingrid’s prediction for newsletters in the future and the use of other channels to get your business’ message out Repurposing content for different channels to serve different audiences The kind of content that engage people nowadays The reason why you need to review and go through your published content yearly and the 3 questions you need to ask yourself when doing so A run-through on the history, services, and products of Australian Employee Manual Examples of the policies and procedures covered in the manual The users of the manual Suggestions on how business owners can work through the manual The importance of developing policies and procedures in a business Ingrid’s words of wisdom for allied health businesses going into the NDIS process The future of the Australian Employee Manual and Heart Harmony Communications - where are they headed? The idea of a 3-year business review Cathy’s thoughts about one consistent problem encountered by allied health professionals and businesses and Ingrid’s view about it Links: Website - Heart Harmony Communications Facebook - Heart Harmony Communications Website - Australian Employee Manual

In this episode, we talk to Liz Brownlee, OT and founding director of Wise OT Solutions. Wise OT Solutions started 7 years ago and is now well-positioned in the industry. As an industry leader, they provide Occupational Therapy and rehabilitation services to people with varying illnesses, injury or disability. What is covered in this episode: Social workers and self-employment in NDIS Background of Spectrum Clarity, how and when it started, their plans for the business, and the services they offer The usefulness of Elaine’s university degrees in serving their business Who are the customers of Spectrum Clarity How the can-do attitude of the employees help them reach their goals The things that have taken them by surprise and problems they’ve encountered in the business How Elaine sees the future of Spectrum Clarity and her worries about several things including the viability of the businesses in the industry Tips for Allied Health Professionals involved in providing support to children and families Spectrum Clarity’s social work ethic and respect for the client Links: Website

In this episode, we talk to Elaine Jackson, a social worker and founding director of Spectrum Clarity. Spectrum Clarity is a company that provides a customer-centric approach to social services such as service coordination and pre-planning in the NDIS space. What is covered in this episode: Social workers and self-employment in NDIS Background of Spectrum Clarity, how and when it started, their plans for the business, and the services they offer The usefulness of Elaine’s university degrees in serving their business Who are the customers of Spectrum Clarity How the can-do attitude of the employees help them reach their goals The things that have taken them by surprise and problems they’ve encountered in the business How Elaine sees the future of Spectrum Clarity and her worries about several things including the viability of the businesses in the industry Tips for Allied Health Professionals involved to provide support to children and families Spectrum Clarity’s social work ethic and respect for the client Links: Website

In this episode, we talk to Eva Harrold, Speech Pathologist and founder of Healesville Speech Pathology. Healesville Speech Pathology provides consultations including diagnostic assessments and treatment programs for children with communication difficulties. What is covered in this episode: The start of Eva’s private practice Her Source of referrals Working through child-centered principles such as kindness, patience and respect and how it has helped her business The things she did to grow her business and how grapevine or word of mouth has contributed to this The reason why using telehealth is a good idea in her private practice Length of her private practice and the importance of her studying How delegating admin and bookkeeping tasks has assisted her in the business and has given her more time for more important things in life Advantages of practice management program in her private practice How having a collaborative approach towards her practice make parents feel more involved and empowered Engaging parents, especially dads, more in their child’s sessions What has Eva learned about herself in being a business manager The advantages of technology for her practice The reason her business is unique The application and effect of the NDIS to her practice Eva’s thirst for knowledge and service Allied assistant, Nibbler, and his effect on clients Cathy’s message to the world right now Links: Website Facebook

In this episode, we talk to Hannah Dunn, occupational therapist and founder of D.O.T.S. Paediatric OT. D.O.T.S. Paediatric OT offers occupational therapy services and education for children, parents, educators and other professionals. What is covered in this episode: The story of the first few years of Hannah’s private practice The premises of DOTS Paediatric OT Their private practice team Strategies used to get their good retention rate Working with communities, schools and home visits and how it is changing How they are working with the NDIS Thoughts and concerns about NDIS and the pending changes Growing the business with the help of policies and procedures How Hannah’s move and thoughts about stepping back from clients have improved her management focus and personal life Things she is proud of in her business Source of her knowledge and business confidence Going through an audit and how they dealt with it What’s in the future for DOTS Paediatric OT The ultimate dream of Hannah for her business One thing Cathy would’ve changed in her practice Links: Website Facebook Instagram

In this episode, we talk to Natasha Hawker, CEO of Employee Matters. Employee Matters provides employee support to small businesses to maximise profitability through employee productivity. The company provides Employee Experts that will guide you in your HR needs. What is covered in this episode: Employee Matters’ business updates over the last year Managing the team and business The process of rebuilding and rewriting their website and the valuable information you can find there The reason why education is key to any business Discussion on the book: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Key things you need to know about recruitment Tips on interviewing potential talent and building your talent pool Employee Value Proposition and why you need it The future of recruitment The importance of candidate management Current thinking and practices about performance development and management and the difference between the two How job descriptions and accountability matrixes help in achieving strategic goals Voxer App Ten (10) questions that can power up performance development sessions or one-on-one meetings The changing state of performance management 10-minute stand-ups and how it helps in action and accountability Discussion on independent contractors, casual & permanent employees Legal Contracts Services of Employee Matters Book: From Hire to Fire and Everything in Between Links: Website - Employee Matters Book - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Book - From Hire to Fire and Everything in Between by Natasha Hawker LinkedIn - Natasha Hawker

Today in the podcast we talk to Paul Dunn, chairman of B1G1 and a speaker and mentor for entrepreneurs globally. B1G1, a social enterprise, is a global movement that helps businesses become giving businesses. This non-profit organization helps small- and medium-sized businesses embed giving activities in their everyday business operations and transactions to create lasting social impact and transformation in the world. What is covered in this episode: How and why B1G1 started Giving businesses and concrete examples of how it is embedded in the way you do business How Cathy uses B1G1 in her business Transformations and connections a giving business creates and does to you and your business The power of small and how it can make a difference The boom of small businesses and the mindset of owners in the last five years The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals and how businesses can make an impact on these Links: B1G1 Projects of B1G LinkedIn - Paul Dunn

Today in the podcast we talk with Madeline Avci, an occupational therapist and founder of Jump Up for Kids. Jump Up for Kids is a specialised child-centered development service that supports children through their programs, Jump Up Therapy and Jump Up Outdoors. Jump Up Therapy is Occupational Therapy that provides support, knowledge, skills, and abilities to parents and children in a positive and strengths-focused way for the management of their future development. Jump Up Outdoors offers fun, exciting and imaginative outdoor play opportunities for children with a focus on the development of the whole child. What is covered in this episode: Humble beginnings of her private practice People working with and helping Madeline run her business Description and benefits of OT outdoor play through the Jump Up Outdoor Program The beauty of the natural environment and its effect on kids development and learning Interest coming from different people and sectors and partnering with them Learnings over the years about finding, training and retaining great teammates and how a strengths-based approach has worked well for them The expertise of the Jump Up team Madeline’s work week and how she juggles clinical, management, marketing, and other business priorities Madeline’s proudest business moments Plans for Jump Up Kids Therapy and Outdoors in the next 2-3 years Discussion of Cliniko, a practice management software, and how it helps their business Preparation for NDIS Cathy’s recommendation for a practice management software Madeline’s thoughts on matching childhood development and health with activities to help children grow Links: Website - Jump Up for Kids Facebook - Jump Up For Kids Linked In - Madeline Avci

Today in the podcast we talk with Marijn Kortekaas, Senior Manager and Head of Asia Pacific for Physitrack. Physitrack is a cloud-based patient to client engagement solution used by 25,000+ healthcare practitioners with over 1.5M patients in 102 countries. With Physitrack healthcare practitioners better engage patients and help them achieve better outcomes. What is covered in this episode: How Marijn joined Physitrack Background of Physitrack - what it is, what it does and who can use it The story of how Physitrack was born and how it makes life easier for practitioners and patients Key things and various exercises on Physitrack that cater to different clients PhysiApp as a one stop shop for exercise, outcome measures and educational content Special features and available resources on the PhysiApp and how it makes a seamless connection between the practitioner and client How the 360-degree feedback on the app helps track and measure outcomes data which can be used for reports, studies, and the growing trend on collecting outcomes data The importance of Integration of the platforms used in the business Physitrack and how it integrates with other practice management software systems How Australia is tracking towards Telehealth and the digital health future Convenience of Telehealth Physitrack as an all-in-one platform that provides Telehealth services Recording audio on video calls in the app to make note-taking easier The future of Telehealth Physitrack as a marketing tool for practitioners The next 5 years for Physitrack Key things practitioners should look out for when looking for a platform Links: Physitrack PhysiApp Marijn Kortekaas - Linked in Marijnn Kortekaas Email - mk@physitrack.com.au

Today on the podcast we talk to Jacqui Pretty,  Founding CEO of Grammar Factory. Grammar Factory is a publishing company that works with small business owners and leaders, entrepreneurs, health practitioners, topic experts, and turn their knowledge into published books. What is covered in this episode: The reason people put off writing a book Ways to manage the fear or hesitation of starting Using a blueprint to guide you in writing your first book The importance of having a clear idea of who your readers are Identifying, testing, expanding and organizing your ideas into a blueprint The value of “how to” books Methods to help you focus when writing your book Recommended length for books Doing a self-review and finding an editor for your book Different editing and publishing services available in the market The steps Grammar Factory takes in editing your book The book cover’s internal layout and design process Difference of traditional publishing versus self-publishing companies Marketing your book and the value of building partnerships Why the Ebook is recommended Book Blueprint: How Any Entrepreneur Can Write an Awesome Book Grammar Factory and its services Links: Grammar Factory The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Awesome Book LinkedIn - Jacqui Pretty

Today in the podcast we talk with Jo Muirhead, the founding director of the Purple Code. Purple Code is a company that helps people return to work following illness, injury and trauma and works with the tagline “Purpose for People.” What is covered in this episode: The story of how and why Purple Code was born Importance of sense of work and contribution for people People in her business Speed bumps in her business venture The story of how Jo changed her business model and how systems are very important to a business The advantage of using a recruitment company in finding people who were fit for the job Investments made when Jo started the business How a coach has helped her in running her business How the health system is not designed to help with the chronicity of health issues at hand and how chronicity is disabling people How to make a business sustainable instead of wanting overnight success ICF and Coach Training / Certification How Jo uses coaching principles and other skills associated with coaching has helped her business Coaching as a unique skill set Jo as an allied health business coach The benefits and differences coaching has made for Jo What happened to Jo’s business when her clinical load went down The future for Purple Code Jo’s upcoming book “The Entrepreneurial Clinician” Links: Purple Co. Linked In - Jo Muirhead

Today in the podcast we talk with Emma Price, founder of Source Kids. Source Kids, founded in 2014, is a multi-channel resource magazine for parents and carers who are raising children with disability. What is covered in this episode: Emma’s inspiration in building this business Range of channels where Source Kids information is available How Source Kids has grown over the course of 4 years Variety of the magazine’s audience Information available on the Source Kids’ website and directory 1st Disability Expo in Brisbane on July 6 & 7, 2018 Activities and exhibitors to expect in the Disability Expo Source Kids Disability Expo in Melbourne on March 29 & 30, 2019 Practical things supporters can do to help promote the expo The role of Source Kids as a support mechanism to parents and carers The mission and vision of the magazine The magazine as a visual feast which contains energizing content Sources of images in the magazine Not all disabilities are visible disabilities How source kids reminds health care professionals what real collaboration and partnerships with families are Parents, carers and people with disability making their own decisions How to establish the best relationships and outcomes with others Expansion roll-out of the magazine from national to localized state-based magazines The magazine’s need for expert content for its audience Links:   Source Kids Facebook Website Disability Expo Website Disability Expo Facebook Event in Brisbane Business Legal Lifecycle

Today on the podcast we chat with lawyer and author Jeremy Streten from the Business Legal Lifecycle. No matter what the size your practice is, you must pay attention to the legal aspects right from the start. If you don’t take care of your legal obligations and plan for the inevitable problems that will surface, you will be exposing yourself to additional stress as a private practice owner.  Jeremy breaks down the 13 phases of your business lifecycle to make it super easy for you to understand. What is covered in this episode: Jeremy’s different and holistic approach to service the type of clients rather than the type of work How the Business Legal Lifecycle is helping small to medium business owners make the right legal discussions at the right time The most common mistakes made in the first five years of business Why it is important to get advice from consultants in all areas of your business Why you need to have a service agreement in place before you start working with clients The importance of having a debt recovery process in place Why you need to consider when you start employing staff The difference between an employee and a contractor The dangers of listening to 'BBQ advice'  The four stages of your business An overview of the 13 phases of your business lifestyle What you need to consider when trademarking What is considered intellectual property in a private practice Starting with the end in mind with business planning The difference between scale and growth The importance of regularly updating your policies and procedures What you need to consider if you take cash payments Don't be afraid to ask questions to make sure you understand the advice you are getting Links: Business Legal Lifecycle