Don’t make this networking mistake
A common mistake therapists make when networking is only networking with other therapists who are in a similar stage of business as them.
For example, if a therapist is starting their private practice, they’ll network with other therapists who are also new to private practice. Or if they’re just starting out on Instagram, they’ll network with other therapists who are also new to Instagram.
This makes sense logically because they can relate to each other’s shared experiences.
And while it can be helpful, it’s also important to network with therapists who are further along than you.
Think about where you want to be professionally in 5-7 years. Are there therapists you know of who are already in that position? If so, those are great therapists to network with.
I spoke about this idea on Heard Business School with Kelly McKenna, LCSW. She told a story about a more established therapist she met on Instagram, Julia, who had a full caseload and offered to send clients her way.
When she asked Kelly how much she charged and Kelly said $150, Julia said she couldn’t send her clients because she charged $400 per session.
If someone was expecting to pay $400 per session, then $150 would feel cheap. She asked Kelly if she would be willing to charge at least $250.
Kelly agreed, the clients paid it, and it gave her the confidence to permanently raise her rate.
If she hadn’t networked with Julia, she may still be charging $150 per session.