Here is my new 6-minute video with more good news for marketing your practice in a way that works with what you do best – connecting with others. Whether you love to speak or are just starting out, community presentations can be a very effective way to attract new clients. This year you can step away from the computer a bit. Attracting new clients will be about connecting and reconnecting with people in your community. And I suggest 3 steps to get started.
Please let me know what you thought of this video in the comments section below. And let me know what questions you have about building your practice with community presentations.
Interested in more? Check out our newest 4-part audio program “How To Fill Your Appointment Book With Speaking” here.
{ 83 comments… read them below or add one }
Tracy,
Good video. For me, the Q&A, with your detailed responses, is invaluable.
Thanks for all your work on our behalf.
Ann
Hi Casey,
I’ve arrived at you’re organisation through Laura Dessauer telesummit.. You impressed me there and I found this and other of your videos inspiring .
I am based in Ireland and am ready to try out your suggestions on building a great practice here…
This evening I’ll get titles etc sorted and choose some dates..
My only difficulty Casey was hearing/seeing your videos in one continious stream, they kept breaking up……….perhaps the problem lies in my broadband connection…however that usually works like a dream……
blessings,
Mary
Hi Mary,
I am delighted you have joined us here at InTLI.com. I am sorry you are having trouble with the videos. I wish I had an answer for that.
Big hugs and welcome!
Casey
Excellent idea, Stacey. I’m making out a list of topics, and I will be working on this. Thanks!
Thanks, Casey. You’re right, and right on time with this.
The main question I have, is how do I “find groups that need me” and book speaking engagements?
Hi Casey– thanks so much for the info. I know of a few venues for speaking (the local NAMI group for one), but I still have difficulty with finding the confidence and specific structure and talking points for presentations. I guess I just have to think it through a little more, but if you have any suggestions I’d be open. Thanks.
Tina,
I hope you will be joining us for our program starting tomorrow – How To Fill Your Appt. Book with Speaking – we will be talking a lot about how to structure the talk.
Hugs,
Casey
Hi Casey: Thanks for the information about speaking at community groups. I was just thinking about going to high schools and middle schools and meet with Guidence Counselors. I know that this group of professional do not have time to do individual sessions with their students. I also think meeting with church groups is a good idea, what do you think. Vincent Hennessy, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC
Great Vincent! Did you see the video on how to get the speaking engagements? I talk about specifically how to find the groups in that video. In fact you can see all 4 videos I did at http://InTLI.com/blog/speakingvideos/
I would have liked more information on your last 3 points. how to find a group?
how to share your hopes
how to invite them into your practice
Thanks for your feedback!
Hi Randi!
Thanks for taking the time to reply. You are right – there is only so much I can put into a 6-minute video. I hope you will join us for How To Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking – starting March 2. You can read about it here.
Excellent video. You are always inspiring.
I agree completely with what you are suggesting. I regularly do presentations to educate community members about gambling addiction and do this for no charge. I have found this to be very helpful to find new referral sources and new clients! Great suggestion.
Oh GIna – what a great theme!
Hi Casey,
Thanks again for your enthusiastic presence and your earthy ideas for over a year now. Talking with groups of people about topics dear to my heart sounds great to me. “Connecting” with tens of thousands of people via the web and social media can leave one feeling very lonely indeed. A little moderation seems wise.
Kathleen Elliott, Coach
San Mateo, CA
Thanks, Casey. The idea of presenting is really, really scary. How does one prepare the content of a talk?
Hi Sue,
Great great question! We will be covering that in the 4-part teleseminar “Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking.” We will be talking about how to prepare (it is much easier than most thing) – and then how to deliver it in a way that has people asking for more. Hope you will consider joining us!
HI Sue,
Great question – I will be covering that in my new program Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking – starts March 2. Click here to read more. Hope you will join us!
Casey:
Thank you for offering this community presentation to us. You are really “walking the talk.” I enjoy doing presentations and I am currently working on a new one for March.
I would like to offer a suggestion to your viewers. I teach at a local college and most instructors in the psychology departments of various schools, are very happy to have speakers come in as part of their class. The students love the variety and this classes are often at times that work well with our office. For so many reasons, it can be a win-win situation. Such presentations have helped me greatly on both sides of the desk! Hope this idea helps!
All the best,
Paul Brogan, MFT
Encino, CA
Paul,
Great suggestion! Thanks. I’ve attracted some of my favorite clients by doing just that. Excellent!
Casey,
Thanks for your positive approach to marketing. What’s the best way to invite people into our paractices after the speaking engagement? I’ve spoken to a number of parent groups and really didn’t know how to make it count afterwards.
Pam,
Great question! How to invite people into your practice is one of the topics I will be discussing at length in the Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking teleseminar program. I will e sharing the step-by-step process to do just that! I actually (one time) got 14 clients from one speaking engagement. Now, that many isn’t typical and I wouldn’t want people to think it does…but the process is very cool. Hope you will join us! http://InTLI.com/events/
Casey, this topic is very timely–I’ve been wanting to do some public speaking, and I look forward to your tele-series on this. Will you be covering paid speaking engagements as well as speaking to market?
Kevin
Hi Kevin!
Glad you will be joining us for the teleseries. I will be covering the “whether to speak for free or a fee” question. There are pros and cons to both. I look forward to sharing them and the ‘how to’s’ of asking for $$ if you want to do that.
Casey, you are so generous in sharing your expertise freely – that alone is motivating and offers great mentoring to anyone in a private practice wanting to expand their opportunities in outreach.
Thank you for your good, solid suggestions and helping us keep adapting our strategies in order to reach those who may benefit from finding us!
Casey,
I think your advice is timely and accurate.I have noticed in my own community, the need has been growing for the “hands on” approach. This is good for attracting more clients and referral sources, but it is good for us as practitioners to get out of our offices. Many of us like to get in a comfort zone, and then just rest on our laurels. Getting out into the community can help us all stave off stagnation. I would like to mention a possible starting point that can help absolutely everyone involved. Hitting up your local homeless shelter and asking to speak with their residents as a group and then ask for feedback and questions at the end can really open your eyes as to where needs ,as far as mental health goes, are not being met. You will be ahead of all of your peers in targeting specific needs. Keep in mind that you need to write (and present) at the same level you would use writing a newspaper article. Keep it at a 4th grade reading level, but do not talk down to them. Many of these people are VERY intelligent. A quick “how to” presentation is always welcome in these environments.
My experience of your video is correct. The thing you said, that I would emphasize, is it takes continuity for speaking engagement results.
I loved the video about doing community presentations. It gave me a boost of motivation in the middle of feeling pretty discouraged about starting a first time private practice! Thanks Casey!
Roberta,
It is easy to get discouraged when starting out. If I can just give you an unsolicited piece of advice – just remember that you are called to this work – and then it is just about the details of getting the clients. May your caseload be filled with those that pay you and praise you.
Hi Casey. I had already decided that this year, I am going to get out there and speak and your video only just helped re-confim this. No more being a big secret – time to let my light shine!
You go Valerie! People need you so I am delighted that you aren’t going to keep yourself a secret!
Dear Casey,
Thanks for the encouragement to speak. I have been a marriage counseling for many years but have let some of the opportunities to speak slide. I remembered I had so much fun speaking to the Junior League and doing a retreat or two.
Keep up the good work.
Jim
?
Dr. James W. Walkup
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
445 Park Avenue @57th Street
New York, NY 10022
Cellphone: 914 548 8645
Website:dr-jim.com
Email: jimwalkup@optonline.net
Jim,
I know how easy it is to let opportunities slide sometimes – we are busy – and it is easy to forget the rewards – including FUN! Let me know how it goes getting back out there and sharing your hope and wisdom.
Also one more comment I wanted to add that has helped me in the community I work in, was I wrote a book called State Of Sadess regarding the foster care system. My practice specializes in families with special needs children. Especially displaced children and individuals who have experienced abuse. My book gave me alot of credibility and helped my marketing of my practice.
You recieved a lot of responses. I will add to it. You are so right. Public speaking is the best way to connect with people because it is face to face. I have found the internet for me doesn’t work as well as the face to face community connections. Your presentation was a great reminder to go back to this and incorp. it with the internet. Your presentation was very clear and to the point with great visuals. Thanks.
Hi Stacey. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and story. I am delighted to hear how the book has helped you with marketing – and speaking too! You clearly have a well-chosen “big idea” and I wish you continued and amazing success.
Very good video and right on target as I have been thinking some of the same things; that the internet is tooooo clogged up….that we are all getting tired of spending so much time in front of our computers and that our society is really longing for connection…
good video! thanks for the inspiration, Casey….
HI Casey,
I love the theme of your video – it’s my buzzword: Connecting.
It’s what everyone ultimately wants, whether it drives them to therapy or to social networking sites.
I especially appreciate your idea that being approachable is the key – I have taken professional speaking/coaching training and felt frustrated that I really just want to “talk with” the audience and not memorize what I’m going to say….thanks for the encouragement to follow my heart!!
Keep up the great work!
Avis Attaway, LMFT
Life Source Solutions Center
Riverside, CA
Hey Avis,
Yes – connecting! Excellent – and yes, always always always follow your heart and trust that you know (better than any ‘expert’ how to relate to your community.
Casey, your video provided the confirmation and confidence I needed to take the next step. I’m building my website and was beginning to think about how to reach out in my local community.
Debbra, that is wonderful! Stay tuned I have another video coming out tomorrow: How To Get Speaking Engagements.
Beautifully done. I LOVED the graphics. It made me want to watch and kept me engaged. And as usual, the information was very helpful. Thank you for this great resource.
Thanks Michelle and Chris!
Helpful. The key might be finding a group that needs you.
Thanks. Chris
HI Casey, Thanks for the tips as always. I am inspired by what you have done over the years and use how you have built your ITLI business as a model for what I am up to. I have learned and continue to learn so much from you, enjoyed meeting you in Houston and look forward to seeing you in person again sometime, thanks for all you do to help therapists to help others. You Rock it out Girl! Luna Smith, LMHC, NCC Naples/Ft Myers FL
Hi Luna! I enjoyed meeting you in Houston too. Hopefully it won’t be so long before we meet again. You rock too!
Thanks for this; liked it very much. Question for you!
Could you please continue on this topic and talk about specific examples and give us a list of places that you would suggest speaking in the community; such as your church, synagogue, …where else?? this would be really helpful to know,
With Gratitude,
Jousline Savra
Jousline – your post prompted my next video – called How To Get Speaking Engagements – and I will share how to find groups to talk to. Stay tuned!
I think you are absolutely right on! Therapy practice marketing must include a combination of both internet marketing (where people can learn more about the product being offered) and community outreach. There is a lot to be said about meeting someone “in the flesh.” This is often readily experienced when two people who have been e-corresponding on a dating website suddenly meet in person for the first time. That live encounter can make or break the relationship! I’m sure it’s a similar experience meeting your prospective therapist for the first time.
For these little video clips you do, Casey, you might consider using a software application like Adobe Captivate. With it you can record your presentation, then edit out any verbal “fumbles.” You can then slow down and take your time with your content and delete out whatever is unnecessary. Otherwise, I enjoyed the presentation and content.
Hey Ryan, thanks for the comments -and the recommendation on video editing software.
Good reminder that it takes more than one venue to attract clients. I’v gotten most of my clients thru the internet. But, that doesn’t mean I’ve got a full practice. I’ve been thinking about speaking and glad to hear from you about it.
Feedback: the audio speed or the speed of your delivery was a little fast.
Question: What did you use to create the video? Cause I liked it…
Theresa Heyes
Hi Theresa,
I used the mac ‘powerpoint’ program called Keynote and recorded this video. And yes, can you believe it – I was TRYING to speak slower. Hee hee.
Excellent video — clear, crisp and motivating.
When I used to speak I would always get clients as a result. But I suggest it’s generally better to organise your own engagements rather than going to groups that meet simply to fill time (e.g. church and synagogue women’s auxiliaries). When you arrange and publicise your own events (and such free gatherings can garner free media coverage) people are coming because they are interested in the topic. Unlike the other types of groups, they’re not just attending week after week simply for the companionship.
However, some therapists may be shy to speak. Here’s more Good News: you can overcome such shyness easily, safely and quickly. How? With hypnosis.
Casey,
I believe you are right on target. My website traffic is slowing waay down. I’m sure it’s what you mentioned- the competition.
I have been thinking about rejoining the local chambers of commerce, breakfast networking groups, etc and professional organizations for that exact reason. I need to connect as well. I used to be all over the community. I will be again. Thanks for the encouragement.
This video is nicely done and the message is right on. After all, therapy is still about trusting relationships
Thanks Tom!
Hi Casey,
I enjoy your newsletter and the video was a very good idea. It offers the personal presence that you speak about. I have one suggestion. Slow down your speech patterns so those of us a little older can catch the nuances of emotion and meaning in your wonderfully warm voice.
Thanks,
Kyle
HI Kyle,
*Grin* I thought the same thing myself – I talked soooo fast!
Casey, you’re the best! I love all of your advice and insight. In this particular video I was hoping (and waiting) for some suggestions as to who I might approach to garner a speaking engagement. I wanted to hear either some suggestions as to where to start or some anecdotes from you or your readers regarding expected or unexpected groups in the community that typically need or want guest speakers.
Thanks for all your help!
William Bumiller
Hi William (Bill),
There are so many topics to talk about how to get speaking engagements and ones that work to get clients. It is hard to decide which parts to put in a 6-minute video as I am sure you can understand. But you have inspired me, I will do another video primer on how to get speaking engagements.
But there is so much I want to share – that is why I created the 4-session (90 minutes each session) teleseminar program Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking – because I really want to share all that is in my brain and that is tough to do in a 6-minute video. In this program, we will be talking about everything from how to find groups, how to connect with the program director – and then the really important part – how to deliver and follow up so that you can convert some audience members to paying clients!
Great job, you made your points clearly with enthusiasm and great graphics.
Thanks,
Cindy
Hey Cindy,
Thanks for noticing the graphics – I was trying something new.
Good morning,
Thanks very much for this clip. Stressing the importance of the personal touch makes a great deal of sense to me. I’m just finishing my internship and laying the groundwork for my practice, so I appreciate your expertise. My question is whether you find certain types of community organizations more amenable to presentations than others, and if you do, which ones those might be.
Andrea,
First of all – think about what organizations would be filled with your ideal client. It isn’t the organization actually that is important – it is who the members are and would they make good clients for you. Then just make the call and offer. (And then make sure a lot of your talk allows them to see what their next step could be with you – but with a very gentle manner.
Congrats on finishing your internship! Where to find organizations that bring you in? Perhaps that should be my next video.
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise in marketing. I enjoyed the video and would appreciate further comments on how to present in a non-lecture format. I’ve always enjoyed doing groups and wondered if you’d comment on how to involve the audience in a more interactive style.
thanks
Hi Cynthia!
Part of engaging the audience in interaction is – from the beginning – to have a plan to do so. This means both in the design of your talk and in your opening. Let them feel like experts and that their contribution is valuable at the beginning (showing them not telling them) and then validating them for their contribution all along the way. Hope that helps a bit – it is a big question. That is why I will be sharing a lot about it in the new teleseminar program “How to Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking.” Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://inTLI.com/events/
Thank you for sharing your good ideas with everyone!
Terri, Thanks for the kind words.
As always, Casey, you’ve poked me and got the creative juices flowing. This “video” was quick and to the point (although, it was more of an “audio” than a video, but I like the visual reinforcement).
One suggestion from an “audio” guy… You’re “popping” a bit much. When you say Ps and Ts, they tend to “pop” on your microphone. Try to NOT talk directly into the microphone (professionals talk at an angle and “across” the top of the mic). Or you can try to move the mic away from your mouth more. Or you can get a “pop filter”… one of those foam things that fits over the end of your microphone.
Thanks for giving…
Matt Gomes, PhD, MFT
Kiva Connection Podcast – Practical Health and Wellness Discussions
Subscribe on iTunes or listen on-line (www.kivaspirit.org/blog)
Matt- Bless you! I have been popping my Ps and Ts since I got braces off years ago. I loved the mic tips and will try them today. Check out the next one and see if I’ve improved at all. Thanks!
Thank you, good idea.
Hi Casey,
Thanks for your presentation and i believe you are right on. The internet is a great tool but it is so impersonal and presenting to groups is connecting in real time. I’m going to seriously consider looking for opportunities to do so. Keep up the great work!!
Jim Lewis, LCSW
I enjoy your perspective and this clip focusing on the need for therapists to focus on providing for, and connecting with, our communities was wonderful. Thank you.
Hi Casey.
You are great, what you do is great, what you say is great. I realy enjoy and learn a lot from all your material.
This last video realy tells that going to the basics seems to be the name of the game.
Thank you for being great.
Ros
Ros, Don and Jim – -Thanks for the great comments.
Casey,
This sounds great, but where do you even find groups that want you to come. I’m almost afraid I have overspecialized, yet this is my 3rd grade dream – to work with people with epilepsy – and there is no one else in the community doing this without them being physician. Which is what I think may be working against me – I don’t have an MD behind my name and no way to “prove” my expertise, despite having lived with seizures for 40 years and learning from some of the top neuroscientists in our state on my own. What would you suggest?
Audrey,
I love love love it that you are fulfilling your dream since 3rd grade. And proving your expertise isn’t the solution. People don’t connect on credentials – they want to know “do you get me?” And you, my friend, really ‘get them.’ Share your hope – your story – and with love and humor. Go find those who need this info and don’t keep yourself a secret. It isn’t a short road but it will be amazingly fulfilling. Bless you.
Great video, Casey. I think a lot of people are truly wanting the connection piece, and I’m glad to see you’re addressing this again. The combo of community marketing and Internet marketing is a force to be reckoned with! Hope all is well with you.
Hey Jason,
Thanks for the comment and hope all is well with you too! You rock.
Thanks Casey,
I appreciate this video. I especially like the idea that giving yourself away is a path to prosperity. How lucky are we therapists that we are able to align our values with our best business activities.
Katherine,
Isn’t that the truth? We therapists are the best at connecting and that is actually our best marketing tool too.
Good morning,
Since I love speaking this was very easy to hear. I have just started my practice this winter and have wanted to hear form people who have ” been there and done that.” I agree with what you are saying I once did a lecture on lying and manipulation. It was a favor for a friend ( Iwas promised lunch) afterwards a lawyer asked me to come and speak at her firm.
I do have a nagging questtion though I live in NYC and I don’t exactly feelike there is a comminity any thoughs for the urbanite?
Hi Heidi,
Great question about ‘community’ in NYC. I guess I go back to basics – where does your ideal client hang out? What groups is she or he a member of? That’s where I’d start. Scan the calendar section to start.
We’ll be talking more about that in our upcoming program: How To Fill Your Appointment Book with Speaking.