What Do You Think of the Competition?


What comes to mind when you hear the word “competition”? For many people, it conjures up a sense of threat. But I wonder if you have ever thought of the competition as an asset?

A common topic of discussion among therapists is the challenge of isolation. Perhaps surprisingly, this is not just a feature of our profession, but of any profession where practitioners practice as sole entities. It’s appropriate to look to our professional bodies to support us in this and provide opportunities for us to meet and network. Both IAHIP and IACP are currently doing this, through networking meetings and CPD courses. However, the level of support that can be given from the bodies is limited, especially in organisations that have a small executive staff and rely heavily on volunteer support.

This was also an issue when I worked for the accountancy profession. Despite a much bigger base of members, and consequently a much bigger executive staff, not all the practitioners’ needs for support and networking could be met. So some practitioners worked out a solution for themselves. A number of network groups of practising accountants grew up around the country. Some were locally based, while some drew their members from diverse locations.

Initially people were sceptical, and spoke of the fear of others stealing their clients, or their ideas. However, as the first few pioneering groups took off, others began to see the benefits. These included:

  • Social contact with others who understand the challenges of the work. This helps to build confidence and a sense of the worth of who we are and what we do.Business group showing teamwork
  • Opportunities to share experiences and learn from how others do things.
  • If desired, sharing of skills. One member of the group might be good at marketing, another good at specialised aspects of the work, still another good at thinking outside the box and challenging their colleagues.
  • Shared expenses. With a group of several practitioners, rather than one on their own, buying power is multiplied. For example, designed for purpose training rather than off the shelf is an option.
  • Referral sources are built, to everyone’s advantage.

Sometimes, the fear of what we have to lose can blind us to the opportunities for what we could gain. Take a new look at the others who practice in your area. Have you anything to gain from getting to know them? Maybe they’d be delighted to get a call from you, asking to meet up for coffee and a chat, and who knows, it might be to the advantage of both!

If you’d like to talk about ways to reduce the isolation of being in practice, or indeed any aspect of running your therapy practice, please browse our services here, or get in touch here to avail of your free 20 minute consultation or to make an appointment. Or perhaps you’d like to attend one of our workshops and meet with others in the same boat as yourself?

We’re starting a Six Day Practice Development Workshop Series on March 11th in Dublin. Details here.

Save

Save

Save