Summary

In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, Whitney Owens and David Sturgess discuss the process of hiring a virtual assistant (VA) for a mental health practice. Whitney provides guidance on the financial considerations and considerations for finding the right fit for your practice.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Whitney and David begin the discussion by addressing the common question of how much to spend on a VA as a percentage of gross revenue. Whitney estimates that for a typical practice bringing in $100,000 in gross revenue, it might be reasonable to budget $3,000 a year for a VA, or $250 a month. This breaks down to about $31.25 per eight-hour a month.

Whitney reminds him that it's important to track the results of the VA's work and make adjustments as needed. If the VA isn't producing results, it's okay to let them go and try someone else. Whitney also suggests an alternative to hiring a virtual assistant. If there are schools nearby, he could try hiring an intern with a marketing or business background to write blogs and improve the practice's SEO, rather than a clinical intern.

Scaling Financially

The conversation turns to the topic of scaling financially and when it might be appropriate to set aside funds for other projects, such as starting a nonprofit. Whitney advises having a rainy day fund in place first and then thinking about what you really want to do. She suggests considering if you have the time, emotional bandwidth, and willingness to work for free to make a non-profit happen. Alternatively, he could focus on growing your for-profit practice to a point where it doesn't depend on you seeing clients. This would free up time to work on the nonprofit.

Wise Practice Membership Community

Whitney mentions that the doors to the Wise Practice Membership Community will be reopening in February and invites listeners to learn more about the benefits of the community. David speaks highly of his experience in the community, praising the weekly contact, virtual group circles, discounts, and the opportunity to build friendships and professional connections with other mental health professionals. He also appreciates the freedom to openly discuss faith and pray for one another within the community.

Three Quotes Form the Episode

• "If you hire someone and it's not producing results, you don't have to keep them."

• "Everything in our practice is a trial and error."

• "Watch your numbers, track things."

Conclusion

Overall, the discussion between Whitney and David highlights the importance of careful financial planning when considering hiring a VA, as well as the value of seeking guidance and support from a professional community. To learn more about David's practice, visit Foundry Counseling or call the toll-free number 888-710-3030.

Connect With Whitney

Facebook Community Group

Instagram - @whitneyowensconsulting

Visit the Web Page

Email your questions to Whitney