Deciding to set up your own physical therapy practice is one thing, and actually setting it up is whole other thing. Apart from the obvious fact that you are going to provide physical therapy to patients to help patients get better, as a business owner, you have to think about all the other aspects of a physical therapy business. Here are the top 3 mistakes that new physical therapy business owners often tend to make. Avoid these if you want to ensure your business thrives.
Not Marketing Your Practice Enough
As a business owner, you must know the ABCs of marketing and you may also be engaged in the basics. Distribute brochures, spread the word, and make a Facebook page, among other things, but what’s important is that you go above and beyond in the initial years to attract customers if you’re serious about business. Don’t just tell them what you can do for them, give them deals and offer incentives to visit your clinic. For example, maybe hand your patients a complimentary short guide on “lower back pain”?
Being Every Thing to Every Person
Any patient that walks in your door is in need of a particular treatment, and while you may be offering a host of treatments, it’s important that you advertise the one thing that sets you apart from your competitors. You need to understand this because many times, physical therapists lose to their competition trying to be everything to their patients and ending up being nothing to anyone. Do you offer a product or treatment that is unique to your business? Do you excel in treating a niche market? Come up with things to set yourself apart and win more customers.
Not Hiring Physical Therapy Business Consultants
Many physical therapists oppose hiring physical therapy business consultants and many people will advise you against it. But, stop for a minute and think for yourself. Among all the things that you need to take care of, wouldn’t it be nice for someone to evaluate your practice from afar and identify the problems, helping you correct and enhance them so that your business can get a boost? Often times, physical therapy business owners tend to overlook the small but critical things in a business because they have a lot to deal with already, and that’s normal. Hiring a consultant can help you get a bird’s eye view of things, from a different angle, helping you to maximize your strengths and minimize weaknesses.
