Beyond the Big Agencies

Summary

In this podcast episode, Elise Mitchell discusses the concept of growth in business, particularly in the context of school contracting. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable and intentional growth over rapid expansion, which can lead to chaos and hidden problems. Elise outlines the dangers of pursuing growth solely based on revenue and FTEs, advocating instead for a strategic approach that includes understanding capacity, implementing systems, and ensuring financial soundness. The episode concludes with a call to focus on building a better business rather than simply aiming for bigger numbers.

Takeaways

1. Sustainable growth is more important than rapid growth.
2. Rapid growth can introduce chaos into your business.
3. Redefine success beyond just revenue metrics.
4. Prepare your business infrastructure before pursuing large contracts.
5. Chaos can lead to compliance and service delivery issues.
6. You become overwhelmed when growth is unintentional.
7. Strategic growth should be based on capacity and systems.
8. Documented workflows are essential for expansion.
9. Financial stability is crucial for sustainable growth.
10. Focus on building a better business, not just a bigger one.

Resources

Scale Your School Contracting Business Coaching Program: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/coaching-program

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell discusses the significance of conducting mid-year satisfaction surveys for school contractors. She emphasizes the importance of gathering customer feedback early in the year to address issues, gauge renewal likelihood, and identify growth opportunities. The episode outlines the benefits of satisfaction surveys, including catching potential deal-breakers, collecting testimonials, and measuring success through net promoter scores. Elise provides actionable tips for creating effective surveys and highlights the necessity of turning feedback into tangible improvements to strengthen client relationships and drive business growth.

Takeaways

1. Mid-year satisfaction surveys can transform service delivery.
2. Customer feedback is crucial for contract renewal and expansion.
3. Surveys should be sent early to allow for course correction.
4. Addressing issues promptly can prevent them from becoming deal-breakers.
5. Satisfaction surveys can gauge renewal likelihood and spot opportunities.
6. Collecting testimonials during surveys can enhance credibility.
7. A net promoter score helps measure overall business performance.
8. Surveys should include clear, actionable questions.
9. Follow up on feedback to show clients their input is valued.
10. Effective surveys can lead to strategic growth and stronger relationships.

Resources

1. School Satisfaction Survey Guide: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/surveyguide
2. Scale Your School Contracting Business: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/coaching-program

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this final episode of the season, Elise Mitchell reflects on the key trends and insights from 2025 in school contracting. She discusses the importance of pricing strategies, the shift towards early renewals as a sign of trust, the challenges of new contracts, and the growing significance of email outreach. Additionally, she highlights the preference for provider-run companies, the widening trust deficit, the rise of hybrid service models, and the ongoing recruitment challenges. Looking ahead to 2026, Elise emphasizes the need for clarity, systems, and relationship-building in the evolving education landscape.

Takeaways:

• Prices absolutely mattered this year.
• Schools wanted continuity and stability earlier.
• Renewals happened earlier and faster than in previous years.
• New contracts came in later due to decision fatigue.
• Emails became a bigger entry point for outreach.
• Providers preferred working for provider-run companies.
• Trust is a crucial currency in the industry.
• Hybrid models grew in popularity this year.
• Recruitment was particularly challenging in 2025.
• Schools value clarity, systems, and relationships.

Resources:

The Therapist Support Network Beginner's Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

The Scale Your School Contracting Business Waitlist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/scalewaitlist

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode, we break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in school contracting: the January Contract — the mid-year surge in staffing and service needs across public and private schools.

Elise shares why this window exists, what school leaders are experiencing behind the scenes, and how contractors can position themselves to step in with confidence. From staffing shortages and budget resets to shifts in caseloads and compensatory services, January is a uniquely high-need, low-competition period.

You’ll learn how to communicate proactively, what pain points to address in outreach, and how to offer solutions schools actually want this time of year. Elise also explains why these short-term January roles often become long-term, relationship-building opportunities.

Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand in 2025–2026, this episode will help you take advantage of a powerful — and often untapped — revenue window.

• January is one of the best times of year to secure school contracts.
• Schools re-evaluate staffing mid-year and often discover unexpected service gaps.
• Flexibility in service models increases during this period.
• Proactive outreach positions you ahead of other contractors.
• Understanding school pain points (service gaps, missed minutes, scheduling changes) boosts your sales conversations.
• Private schools also experience a January reset and seek additional support.
• Short-term January placements frequently turn into multi-year relationships.
• Competition is lower because most providers assume hiring happens only in August.
• Offering solutions → not sales pitches → builds trust.
• Approaching schools with a helpful mindset sets you apart

Resources:

The Therapist Support Network Resources: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Ellie Richter, a bilingual speech therapist who has transitioned into the virtual space of speech therapy. They discuss the evolution of teletherapy, the challenges and rewards of direct contracting, and the mindset shifts necessary for business ownership. Ellie shares her experiences with client relationships, pricing strategies, and the importance of flexibility in service delivery. The conversation highlights the significance of virtual therapy as a valuable tool in the field and encourages professionals to embrace their worth and advocate for themselves in their careers.

Takeaways

Ellie Richter is a bilingual speech therapist with 16 years of experience.

She transitioned to virtual speech therapy to educate others in the field.

Direct contracting allows therapists to set their own rates and work with schools directly.

Mindset shifts are crucial when moving from employee to business owner.

Setting a sustainable rate is essential for financial stability.

It's important to be intentional about client relationships and contracts.

Virtual therapy can be a valuable tool for both therapists and clients.

Flexibility in service delivery can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

Past experiences shape current business decisions and strategies.

Advocating for oneself is key to success in the therapy profession.

Resources:

The Therapist Support Network School Contracting Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

The Essential Teletherapist: https://www.instagram.com/theessentialteletherapist/

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this engaging podcast episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Hallie Sherman, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who shares her journey and insights into working with older students in the field of speech therapy. Hallie discusses the benefits of working with this age group, including fewer initial evaluations and the ability to create meaningful connections. They explore the challenges and strategies for engaging older students, the importance of transitioning from employee to business owner, and the resources available for SLPs looking to expand their skills. Hallie's upcoming book, 'The Secondary SLP Roadmap,' is also highlighted as a valuable resource for those in the field.

Hallie Sherman is the SLP behind Speech Time Fun, sharing practical ideas for SLPs.

Working with older students can be rewarding and impactful.

There are fewer initial evaluations with older students.

Engaging older students requires understanding their interests and goals.

Connection is more important than data collection in therapy.

Transitioning from employee to business owner requires confidence and action.

Using others' success as inspiration can motivate your own journey.

Creating a safe environment is crucial for student engagement.

Incorporating real-life goals into therapy makes it more relevant for students.

Resources like Hallie's blog and upcoming book can help SLPs in their practice.

speechtimefun.com

slpelevate.com

instagram.com/speechtimefun

speechtimefun.com/preorder

https://www.instagram.com/thetherapistsupportnetwork/

www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode of Beyond the Big Agencies, Elise Mitchell speaks with Hylan and Nikki, co-founders of the Mentorship Collective, about the critical role of mentorship in the field of speech pathology. They discuss how structured mentorship can significantly improve clinician retention, combat burnout, and enhance job satisfaction. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting mentorship strategies to meet the needs of new generations of clinicians, particularly Gen Z, who thrive on peer support and structured guidance. The Mentorship Collective offers tailored programs to help businesses implement effective mentorship frameworks, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both clinicians and clients.

• Mentorship significantly increases retention rates for clinicians.
• Strong mentorship combats burnout and enhances job satisfaction.
• A structured mentorship process is essential for effective support.
• Investing in mentorship is a long-term business strategy.
• Gen Z values peer support and mentorship in the workplace.
• Mentorship should be an active, ongoing process, not passive.
• Quality mentorship leads to better outcomes for clients and clinicians.
• Building a positive company culture is crucial for retention.
• Virtual mentorship can be just as effective as in-person support.
• Tailored mentorship programs can help businesses grow and thrive.

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

Mentorship Collective: https://www.mentorshipcollective.com/

Mentorship Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentorshipcollective/

The Therapist Support Network FREE Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

In this inspiring episode, Elise sits down with Brittany Musholt of Little Moose Speech Therapy to talk about her leap from agency work to independent contracting—and how that decision snowballed into building multiple income streams.

Brittany shares how pay transparency motivated her to explore independent contracts, the mindset shifts she had to make when becoming a business owner, and how she balances virtual contracts, private practice, consulting, authorship, and social media.

Together, Elise and Brittany dive into:

• Why mindset is the biggest barrier to getting started in contracting
• How districts benefit from working directly with therapist-owned businesses
• The challenges Brittany didn’t see coming (like taxes and isolation) and how she overcame them
• The importance of building a supportive village of fellow contractors
• Her journey as a children’s book author and how creative projects fuel her mission
• Ways SLPs, OTs, and PTs can expand into additional revenue streams beyond direct therapy

If you’ve been on the fence about independent contracting—or if you’re curious about how to expand your career beyond the therapy room—this episode will give you the encouragement and practical advice you need to take the next step.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Follow Brittany on Instagram: @littlemoosespeechtherapy
• Brittany's Book: https://www.littlemoosespeechtherapyllc.com/store/p/a-tail-of-empathy-rocky-gains-a-brother
• Elise’s Facebook Group: SLP/OT/PT Direct School Contractors
• Getting Started Checklist: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

In this episode, Elise Mitchell discusses the critical role of branding for contractors, especially those just starting out. She emphasizes that branding is not just about aesthetics but about establishing trust and legitimacy in the eyes of potential clients, particularly schools. Elise provides actionable steps for beginners to enhance their branding, including creating a professional email, designing a simple logo, and developing a website. She highlights that effective branding can significantly impact a contractor's ability to secure contracts and maintain long-term relationships with clients.

Takeaways

• Branding is essential for establishing trust with clients.
• A professional email address enhances credibility.
• Websites serve as modern business cards.
• Consistency in branding reinforces legitimacy.
• Simple logos can significantly impact professional perception.
• Branding helps contractors justify their rates.
• Schools prefer working with established businesses.
• Investing in branding materials is a worthwhile expense.
• Branding supports the value you bring to clients.
• Every interaction should reflect your business professionalism.

Disclosures:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

Products/Companies Mentioned:

Cued Creative School Contractor Website Template: https://www.cuedcreative.com/school-contract-websites

Emily B Speech Business Swag, Save 10% with Code 'Elise10': https://www.emilybspeech.com/discount/ELISE10?redirect=/collections/customize-with-your-logo

Therapist Support Network School Contractor Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/school-contractor-packet

In this episode, Elise Mitchell sits down with Jesse Kleinman, founder of Vibrant Digital Solutions, to explore the evolving role of social media for healthcare and school contractors. They dive into practical strategies for building visibility, engaging your audience, and growing your business online. Jesse shares tips on content creation, batching, using templates, and showing your personality to connect with potential clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your expertise and increasing visibility.
• Connecting personally with your audience builds trust and opens doors to new opportunities.
• Clear messaging ensures your audience understands who you are and what you offer.
• Consistency in posting strengthens brand recognition and credibility.
• Engaging with followers is essential for networking and relationship-building.
• Batching content and using templates can make social media management more manageable.
• Focus on progress over perfection — getting started is more important than being flawless.
• Inspiration from others can spark fresh content ideas.
• Investing in marketing support can reduce overwhelm and accelerate growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Vibrant Digital Solutions: https://www.vibrantdigitalsolutions.co/contact

Vibrant Digital Solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrant.digitalsolutions/

The School Contractor Packet: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/training-and-packet

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.