Becoming an independent OT was a leap into the unknown for me. It was a decision that came with its fair share of fears and uncertainties. But, as I've come to realise, it's also one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made.
This past September, I had the opportunity to attend the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Specialist Section for Independent Practice Conference in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
This wasn't just any conference for me. It was my first conference as both a member and committee member of the specialist section.
The conference was an eye-opening experience. I found myself surrounded by a group of exceptionally experienced individuals in the world of independent occupational therapy and business. The wealth of knowledge and expertise in that room was truly inspiring.
Here's me with the powerhouse that is Martina Tierney of Seating Matters fame.
And another one of me with the amazing Jonathan Goodwin retired Stunt Performer. Roll model ScreenWriter & Hypnotherapist and Ambassador for Spinal Injuries.
The conference gave me a chance to reflect on my own journey as an independent OT. It made me realise just how far I've come and how much I've grown, not just as a therapist, but also as a business owner.
Being an independent OT can be hard. It involves juggling multiple roles, from providing therapy to managing finances, marketing your services, and everything in between. It can be scary taking that leap into the world of business, especially when you're used to focusing solely on the therapy side of things.
But despite the challenges, being an independent OT is incredibly rewarding. It gives you the freedom to shape your practice in a way that aligns with your values and passions. It allows you to make a direct impact on your clients' lives, without the constraints that can sometimes come with traditional employment.
Looking back, I am so glad I took the leap into independent practice. Yes, it's been a journey filled with challenges and learning curves. But it's also been a journey filled with growth, fulfilment, and the joy of making a difference in people's lives. And for that, I wouldn't change a thing.
So, here's to the journey of independent OT, with all its ups and downs. It's a journey I'm proud to be on, and one I look forward to continuing. Now, I want to delve deeper and share some of the key takeaways from one of the talks on business that really resonated with me.
Create an emotional connection with your clients.
As an independent OT, you want to be that trusted pair of hands that someone turns to when they need help. This involves not just delivering excellent therapy, but also building strong, meaningful relationships with your clients.
Do you notice the difference between being busy and being productive?
It's easy to fill your day with tasks and feel like you're working hard, but the real question is, are those tasks contributing to your goals? This requires critical assessment of where you spend your time.
This point hit home for me. I had been considering hiring a virtual PA for a while, and hearing this talk made me realise I had been holding off for too long. Delegating tasks that can be handled by others allows you to focus on what you do best - providing therapy.
Don't Drop Your Drawers The phrase "don't drop your drawers" got a good laugh, but it also carried a serious message. It's important to work with people whose values align with yours. This not only ensures a harmonious working relationship, but also helps maintain the integrity of your practice.
Automate Growth is important, but it's equally important to be smart about it. This could involve automating processes or using software to streamline tasks. It's about making strategic decisions to optimise your operations.
Get on with it Not everything has to be perfect. It's more important to make decisions and take action, even if things aren't 100% perfect. This can be a game-changer in terms of moving your business forward.
Growth Finally, growth can only happen if you dedicate enough time to working on the business, as well as in the business. This means setting aside time to plan, strategise, and make decisions that will drive your business forward.
These insights have been invaluable in shaping my approach to running my independent OT practice. I hope they provide some food for thought for other independent OTs or those looking to take the leap. It's about taking risks, learning from others, and finding immense reward in the work we do.
Here are just a few resources to explore that may be able to support you with your business.
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