Common Start-Up mistakes for Allied Health professionals
In Australia, Allied Health Practitioners don't get taught business subjects as part of their degree (excluding chiropractors). Therefore, it can be extremely challenging to start up your own business! Below I have listed some common start-up mistakes, and hopefully, this information will help you in your journey to becoming a business owner.
1. Signing up for a long-term lease before you have a steady, predictable stream of clients
Offer your services as telehealth to build clientele
Sublease with different professionals, for example, if you are a massage therapist, sublease with a physiotherapist
Offer home-visits / school-visits / retirement-home visits depending on your profession
2. Not thinking about your finances
Create a clear budget; marketing, office supplies, supplies required in your profession, external services (Accountant, HR Consultant, Business Coach)
Set a clear 12-month goal for your desired earnings
Create a proper schedule of fees and know your worth
Keep all this in mind when wanting to make sporadic purchases
3. Doing it all yourself
Outsource tasks - it can be hard due to a fear of letting go/no-one will do it to my standard - mindset
Seek expert advice, so you are not wasting time and money as you are making informed decisions
Create solid systems and processes - it will make it easier to scale up in the future!
4. Not setting things up professionally
Do not create your own logo, business cards & referral pads etc. Get professional help.
Do not use free email accounts ending in @gmail.com / @hotmail.com. Create one with your business name.
Before you get started you should have a solid business plan in place that clearly states the following:
Information about your business (why, how, vision, mission)
Information about the market (The problem, your solution, target market, SWOT analysis)
Risk management
Goals & actions
The finances
