The Holistic Practitioner’s Business Bible
Chapter One: Certified or Licensed-Okay,
Now What?
Some Statistics for Thought
Chapter Two: Start Smart!
Spice Up Your Business Plan
About Business Loans
Setting Goals for Your Business
Where Should You Begin Your Practice?
Legal Issues
State Laws
Zoning Restrictions and
Registrations
Permits
Taxes
Types of Insurance
Liability and Malpractice
Insurance for the Business
Insurance for You
Other Things You Need to Know
Chapter Three: Juggling the Numbers
Setting Up a Budget
Monthly Costs
Quarterly Costs
Annual Costs
Initial Set-Up Costs
Taxes
Chapter Four: Decor and Much More
Choosing an Office vs. Working at Home
The Office Option: Parking
Renting and Leasing
Do Come In!
The Inner Sanctum
Decorating
Sights: Start with Wall Color
About White
Furniture and Furnishings
Lighting/Extras/Smells
Take Another Look
What Do You Hear? How Does It Feel?
Does It Sparkle?
Chapter Five: All Systems GO!
Types of Computers
What Kinds of Software Do You Need?
Using Word Processing Software
Using Database Management Software
A Note About Recordkeeping
Shareware, Freeware, and Open Source
Additional Software
Staying on Top of It All
Help When You Need It
Office Supplies You Will Need
Professional Supplies
Chapter Six: Show Me the Money!
Setting Your Fee
Sliding Fee Scale
Invoicing and Collections
Billing Insurance Companies
Chapter Seven: Everything is
Marketing; Marketing is Everything
A Practice Session
What Can the Client Expect?
Answering Your Phone
Returning Calls
Email
Dealing with People
The Talkers
The Complainers
The Overwhelmed
Know Your Policies
Slow Pays
Working with Vendors
Chapter Eight: Spreading the Word: How to Advertise
Take a Day To Play
What’s in an Ad?
Who Are You?
The Ad Text
Time to Get it Down on Paper
Visuals/Fonts
Advertising Tips
When You’re ready
Chapter Nine: Advertising Media
What Should You Expect from Editors,
Ad Reps and Station Managers?
Terminology
Beginning
Business Cards, Brochures, and Ryers
Yellow Pages
Daily Newspapers
Magazines
Broadcast TV
CableTV
Radio
Outdoor Advertising
Internet, Web Banners, and Email
Direct Mail
Alternative Newsweeklies
Place-Based/Point-Of-Purchase
Whole Health Expos and Trade Shows
Chapter Ten: Catch’ Em and Keep’ Em
Attracting and Retaining Clients
Developing and Tracking Leads
Network Like a Fisherman
A Return Visit Guaranteed
Making Special Deals
Boosting Business in a Slump
Freebies: Demonstrations, Volunteering,
and Public Speaking
Press Releases
Query Letters and Press Ki ts
Chapter Eleven: Common Woes
of Sole Proprietors Recognizing Burnout
Meditation Exercise
The Car Wash
The Washer/Dryer Exercise
Exercise Can Make a Difference
What if it’s All Just Too Much?
Hiring Help
Partnerships and Corporations
What to Do if You’re Sick
Typical Day: All’s Well that Starts Well
What Else Can You Do?
Avoid the Pitfalls