Ideal Practice

In this week's episode, we'll take a look at the hard side of owning a business.

As you'll hear in the passage I share from one of my favorite books, "The Soul Sourced Entrepreneur" by Christine Kane, business is hard - but not because of all the strategies you have to learn or the sales you have to make. 

Business is hard because of the way it forces you to grow - internally, personally, and often in ways you didn't even know you needed to grow.

So let's talk about that. 

Give it a listen. :) 

~Wendy

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

I want to get real for a moment folks. 

I want to talk about one aspect of growing a private practice that we all struggle with at one point or another.

It’s so exciting in the beginning, when you first get out from under the thumb of your employer and start your very own practice. 

There you are - running your own practice - and finally, you’re the one calling the shots! 🎉

But here’s the thing.  You’re also the ONLY one calling the shots, and sometimes that can feel scary, overwhelming, and…isolating. 🥹

If you’ve come from a hospital, agency or perhaps even another group practice, you were part of a team, a collection of professionals with different experience, skills, and perspectives. 

Anytime you weren’t sure how to handle something, odds are there were plenty of people around to ask for advice.

But when you’re in private practice you ARE the team. 

Because you’re the CEO of your own show now, and it’s all on you.

Growing a successful private practice can be many things … exciting, challenging, rewarding … but it’s not always roses and rainbows.  

Clients can be difficult.  Providers can let you down.  Toilets can get blocked 

(Yeah - that may be yours to handle, too. 😬).  

You might make strategic mistakes that could cost you money - or even your reputation.

And all of that is so much harder when you’re trying to deal with them in isolation. 

So, what’s a saavy CEO to do?? 

The antidote to isolation is connection.

There are lots of different ways to find this and in this episode, I’ll share some of my favorites.

In fact, in my own private practice, I recently launched a group for accomplished, professional women - the kind of people who don’t really think they need help. Total badasses - every one of them. 

And yet I see them light up when they experience this sense of connection and recognition inside the group … I see you, I get you, and oh my gosh, you get me too!!

It’s so powerful it gives me goosebumps. ⚡And I want YOU to experience this for yourself. 

That's what connection does for all of us - and that’s why I’m launching a summer workshop series that kicks off next week on June 3.

I’ll be teaching a series of three live and interactive workshops where you’ll be able to experience just how cool it is to be in the (virtual) room with others who are in alignment with you.  And the best part? It’s 100% free to attend. 

(But hey - I do need you to register so that I can give you access. This won’t be open to the public!)

You’ll find all of the details below. 

Get your name on my list, and mark your calendars.

Because life (and business) is so much easier when you don’t have to go it alone.

In the meantime, give this one a listen.  

Here’s to finding your tribe!

~Wendy
Xoxo

P.S. What would it be like to talk to others who are facing the same challenges, have similar goals, and totally get you??? Join me and I’ll show you. 😎

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Today we're going to talk about something a little different … Astrology.

I know some of you will roll your eyes at this. 🙄 And some of you will absolutely lean in (Hello there, Pices!). 🤩 But I encourage ALL of you to listen because there is so much more to this topic than checking a horoscope in the newspaper.

Today I’m talking to Taylor Shuler, a Certified Professional Astrologer.  Taylor helps entrepreneurs find and fulfill their purpose by using a range of tools, including astrology. 

In her own words, Taylor wants to help you ….

Find, validate, and fulfill your soul’s purpose, to give you the clarity to really feel good about what you’re doing and the direction that you’re following.

Well, that sure sounds like something we should all do!

Taylor explains that astrology is a language that can help us to understand ourselves and the events around us.

For example, why are some people ‘big picture thinkers’ while others revel in the details?

The answer probably lies in our birth charts.

And think about this …

Why does it feel so hard to make progress sometimes?  Despite how hard we work or how much we want to achieve something, We. Just. Feel. Stuck.

Well, astrology says that maybe it’s just not the right time.  Maybe you’re right where you’re meant to be, but now is a time for resting and planning, BEFORE the time comes to launch and grow. 🌱

It's an interesting perspective…🤔

In this episode, you’ll also learn:

1. The different gifts, talents, tendencies, and energy that each star sign has.
2. Why we are drawn to certain professions.
3. How to work with the ebb and flow of energy – for yourself AND your business.
4. Why some signs work well together - and others, not so much!
5. Why one business model might suit you better than others.

There are many different tools and techniques that we can use to better understand ourselves and how we behave (for example, the Enneagram, which we discussed back in Episode 33).  And, far from being just a trivial, ‘woo woo’ topic, astrology can also be a valuable addition to your toolbox.

This can help you to better understand your strengths, your weaknesses, and even your ideal timing to act (or not!).

Armed with this knowledge, it can also help you to design a business that is genuinely exciting, fulfilling, and in perfect alignment with who YOU are.

And isn’t that the very definition of an Ideal Practice?! 🥰

Worth thinking about. :)

~Wendy
Xoxo

_______________

TODAY’S GUEST:  TAYLOR SHULER

Taylor Shuler is your new regenerative business baddie BFF.  Taylor coaches new, aspiring, and established entrepreneurs to find and fulfill their purpose and build their businesses by leveraging all the best tools from AI to their Zodiac sign.

She is a Certified Professional Astrologer and regenerative designer who helps her clients discern their path forward via astrological readings, horoscopes, and consultations.  Taylor helps her clients to thrive – making the world a better, more beautiful place.

Check out her website here.

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

You have a big heart, and I know you feel like you could help almost anyone in your private practice.
 
But that idea, as lofty as it is, just isn’t true.

The truth?  There is a cost to working with those who aren’t a good fit for you. And in this episode, we’re talking directly about what that cost actually is.

You’ll learn about 4 areas where you may experience a disconnection with your clients, and what that means for you AND for them.

But we’ll also talk about how to remedy each situation.

Sometimes, there are steps you can take in your practice to turn things around, or maybe, even to prevent those disconnections altogether.

Being careful to cultivate a caseload of clients you are truly suited to serve is one of the keys to a successful, sustainable private practice.

Give this a listen. 

~Wendy  
xoxo

P.S. And hey - I have news! Check out the announcement below! 

>>>>>>CHECK THIS OUT!!<<<<<<

Have you heard about this?

The Ideal Practice Summer Workshop Series starts on June 3!

How to Overcome Overwhelm and Finally Create the Profitable, Sustainable, and Enjoyable Private Practice You Wanted All Along - But Never Thought You Could Have.

In this 3 part LIVE workshop series I’ll be working with you around some of the most foundational aspects of a successful private practice.

You’ll learn what it means to be “Profit Centered, People Forward” through healthy pricing and solid payment systems.

I’ll walk you through 5 key ingredients to marketing that will help your message sing so that you really do connect with - and attract - the clients you love working with the most.

And on top of all that, we’ll dig deep into what it means to be the CEO, including into how to prevent some of the problems and pitfalls that come with being your own boss.

The best part? The whole thing is free, and designed to fit with your busy schedule.

WHEN: JUNE 3, 5 and 6
WHAT TIME: 11:30 - 1 ET, 8:30 - 10 PT
WHERE: You're hanging out with me on Zoom of course!

And how? Just click on the link below to get your name on the list. I'll send out all the details soon, but I have to have your name first! So what do you say? Shall we hang out?

DON’T MISS A THING:
GET YOUR NAME ON THIS LIST.
👇👇👇
www.wendypittsreeves.com/summer

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

We’ve talked a lot about money stories here on the Ideal Practice© podcast.  But today, I want you to dive a little deeper into your own money story.  I want you to think about how your money makes you feel.

For example: Do you feel energized when you think about your finances? 🤩

OR…do you feel stressed, heavy, and anxious about your financial situation? 😵‍💫

Your answer says something about your relationship with money.

Is it healthy, or toxic?

Today, you'll hear a fascinating conversation with Jacquette M. Timmons, a speaker, author, and financial behaviorist. Jacquette works with smart, driven, and curious high-earners to help them take back their money story and create their future financial success. 

How cool is that?

And if there’s one thing Jacquette wants you to know, it’s this;

Financial success doesn't start in your wallet.  Because there are a whole bunch of choices that you need to make before you even go there.

Jacquette talks about the importance of paying attention to your behavior with money, which really means paying attention to the emotions that you bring to that.

She wants us to start with our feelings around money, and what our relationship with money looks like.  Because, just like in any relationship, how you behave determines everything.

Healthy relationships – financial relationships included – don’t happen all by themselves.

So in this episode, we’re going to explore:

• How you can build a healthy relationship with your money.
• The 3 key ways to build wealth.
• How to know when you’re wealthy. (What???)
• The difference between being rich and being wealthy.
• How to identify your blind spots around money.

Here’s the thing, folks  …

You are allowed to make money. It's okay. You are allowed to have nice things, and you are allowed to experience luxury, however you define that.

Isn’t it time to change your money story and start earning what you deserve?

I think so.

Here’s to writing a new script!

~Wendy
xoxo

P.S. Have you left a review for  us yet? If not, could I get you to hop over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify for a moment to add your 2 cents? Thank you! 

_______________
TODAY’S GUEST:  JACQUETTE M. TIMMONS

Jacquette M. Timmons is a speaker, author, and financial behaviorist who has been advancing the culture of financial well-being for over three decades.

She is  a frequent blogger, creator, and trademark holder of Pricing Made Human®, and host of the podcast, “More Than Money.”

Her clients include Fortune 100 companies, AM Law 200 firms, nationally known non-profits, and conferences . She has been on programs like “Good Morning America,” CNN, NPR, Black Enterprise, Reuters.com, and the Wall Street Journal.

Her Website
Her Instagram Page
Her LinkedIn Profile 

Her Book: Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your Mate 

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Have you ever walked into a favorite coffee shop or lunch spot and instantly felt at home?

You know what I mean. The atmosphere is just what you need right now, the food is great and the service is top of the line.

It feels SO good to find just what you want, and need, doesn't it?

That's the power of a crystal-clear message, one that says "We know what you need and we're here to provide it."

And that's a concept every private practice needs to master in their marketing.

But it’s really easy to miss the mark. In this episode, using my own experience in looking for a therapist, I'll share seven of the most common marketing mistakes I've seen among those promoting their services.

Clarity is key, y'all, and when I can't tell what you do, how you help, or who you help, you're just another face in a whole sea of profiles that all run together, and I probably won't be calling you.

But we can fix that.

With just a few simple tweaks, you can make YOUR practice stand out in a way that the clients you love, and want to serve, can see themselves in your message. And when they do? They'll be calling.

Check it out.

~Wendy
xoxo

P.S. Which one of these mistakes do you think you might be making? Send me a note and let me know. You can reach me at [email protected].  I love hearing from you guys!

_______________
MENTIONS:

Episode 99: Beyond the Headshot: How a Brand Photo Shoot Can Fuel Business Growth with Sandra Costello

Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Deep Dive into our Most Popular Topic - Intentional Growth

_______________
FREE RESOURCE: A Guide to Better Cash Flow in your Private Practice

Are you cramming client hours into a packed day? Working hard but feel like you're still not making any money? With decades of experience, I’ve found a LOT of ways to boost your bottom line, and I’ve pulled some of my favorites together into a free guide for you. 

Download this today, check out what’s inside, then tell me which one you’ll try first. :)

31 Practical Ways to Increase Cash Flow In Your Private Practice

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Hey guys! Today is kind of special…!!

It’s our 100th episode of the Ideal Practice© podcast, y’all!!

Woot!! 🥳🎉

And I so want to thank all of you all for hanging right with me all along - because together we are building a community, and that is also really special.

Through the course of producing a full 100 episodes, we’ve covered alot of ground. We've talked about everything from how to create better systems, how to have more impact on the world, how to increase your income, and so, SO much more!

So, in honor of this milestone, I wanted to take a look back at some of our most popular episodes. And - as it turns out, our top ten episodes all share a common theme…. growth on purpose.

Each of our most popular episodes tackled different aspects of growing with intention, and growing a practice by getting clear on your desired outcome.

And folks, today’s episode has turned out to be a goldmine, packed with valuable insights and actionable steps.

It's like a mini-masterclass on growing your very own ideal practice!

So let's take a look back at the key lessons and takeaways from our top 10 episodes of the podcast so far. 👇

In this special episode, you’ll hear…

• How to define what an ideal practice looks like to you (and only you).
• Why the law of attraction works, but visualization alone never will.
• The roles that a VA can play in your business (and the one role they can never fill).
• The questions that you need to answer before you hire a VA.
• Why the thing that you’re most afraid of could be the key to your biggest breakthrough yet.
• Why your marketing needs to attract and repel (honestly!).
• And finally - the key to breaking your limiting beliefs (and the tool that can help you do it).

Goodness - I can’t believe we’ve made it this far. And what a treat it has been to go back and revisit these fantastic conversations with these awesome guests!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. 🥰

I want to thank you, once again, for being here with me on this journey. I’m so happy to have you here as part of this community because I have seen personally what a difference it makes when you step into your value, when you own your authority, and when you get clear about the incredible difference that you make in the world.

Here’s to continuing our journey together.

I can’t wait to share many more conversations with you, as you evolve and grow (with intention!) toward your own Ideal Practice(c)!

~Wendy
   xoxo

P.S. If you’re enjoying the podcast as much as I hope you are, could you help me spread the word? Who are two friends or colleagues you know who could really use a boost of encouragement each week? Who else needs this kind of teaching? Please share this episode with them because it’s such a great overview of what it takes to run a successful practice.

And thank you!

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Today we’re talking about something that can be really tricky for so many of us - and THIS time, I’m not talking about money (for once!).

Let’s start with a question.

What happens when you’re the one in front of the camera, instead of the one behind it? How do you feel about having your picture taken?

I’m talking about headshots, photography for your website, or any kind of promotional photography for your business.

(Full disclosure: I have left photo shoots in tears more than once, when I was literally just going in for a simple headshot.)

If you’re anything like me, you don’t exactly love it. 🥴

But in today’s episode, we get to hang out with portrait and branding photographer, Sandra Costello - and she gives me hope, lol. She has the most wonderful way of making her clients feel at ease in front of the camera and capturing them in a beautiful and authentic way. 

With Sandra’s help, we’ll dive into the concept of a brand shoot. This is the kind of photography that goes beyond a single headshot and tells the full story of who you are and the unique gifts that you bring to those who need you. It’s the kind of asset that you need to have in your business if you want to be ready for any opportunity that comes your way. 🤩

Sandra tells us how to show up authentically in front of the camera, and how to let the photographer tell your story in a way that quickly connects with your ideal clients. 

Because here’s the thing … If you want to reach more people and have more impact, people need to see you and see all the many sides of who you are and what you do. 

In Sandra’s own words …

“It’s really easy to not want to put yourself out there, sure - but people can’t access your gifts if you’re a best kept secret...”

Yeah… She’s right about that. 🤔

So let’s get into this. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

1. The difference between a headshot and a brand shoot.
2. Why preparation is essential, and exactly what you need to do to prepare for a brand shoot.
3. How to look like yourself, elevated.
4. What to focus on during the shoot, so that you show up authentically.
5. How much you can expect to pay for a brand shoot.
6. How to choose the perfect brand photographer for you.

As it turns out, brand photography is not all about good lighting and the right props. 

According to Sandra, ENERGY is everything - because when you feel right in front of the camera, you are far more likely to love the results.  And when you love your picture, it’s so much easier to put it out into the world.

So true!

This was such a fun conversation. Take a listen - then tell me if you’re ready to step beyond a single headshot and share your full story …

The world is waiting for you!

~Wendy
  xoxo

P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a minute to share your 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or even Spotify. If you’ve been meaning to do that, but keep putting it off, how about heading over there now? Then send me a screen shot so we can celebrate together! :)
_______________
TODAY’S GUEST:  SANDRA COSTELLO

Sandra Costello is a Portrait and Branding Photographer who believes every day is a gift and portraits are proof of a life well-lived. She quickly puts her clients at ease and delights in capturing fun, relaxed portraits that celebrate and elevate. 

Sandra is the Chief Hugger at Sandra Costello Photography and is everyone's favorite cheerleader. She has been in business for over a decade and has created a welcoming and inclusive

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Today, we're going to talk about one of the hardest, trickiest, sneakiest little challenges that tend to hold so many of us back …

Allowing ourselves to be seen.

Are you the one who takes all the family photos, but you're never in them? Or are you the one who loves the way your friends look in all your pictures, but you always criticize yourself? 😞

Maybe you’re the one who has a great little practice going, but when your audience checks out your website, they can’t find a single photo of you. 

Or perhaps you've got a picture up there, but it’s ten years old and you don't look anything like that anymore. 🥸

(Whoooo boy - that's a mistake, because when people meet you, there's a big disconnect right off the bat.)

I want to talk about this whole idea of having a good picture taken, because you need this for your website, you need it for marketing materials, you need it when you're giving a talk somewhere. 

But here's the problem.

Most of us don't like having our picture taken, and so we shrink, we play small, we hold back, and minimize our talents. Let’s dive into that…

Today we’re going to talk about;

1. How putting yourself out there can transform your therapy practice.
   
   
2. What happens when you find the right photographer…  (#Magic!)
   
   
3. How to feel your best in front of the camera.
   
   
4. What we can learn from a bunch of six year old girls (seriously!).

I know that many of you can relate to how hard this can be, but it's time to change that, guys. 

It’s time to let the people who need you, find you, see you, and connect with you.

You don't help anybody by blowing off your brilliance!

So, show up and let yourself be seen - because once you make the decision to stop hiding, amazing things start to happen.

(And if you like this episode, you’re going to LOVE what I have in store for you next week!).

Take a listen!

~Wendy
  xoxo

P.S. If you’re enjoying the podcast as much as I hope you are, could you help me spread the word? Who are two friends or colleagues you know who could really use a boost of encouragement each week? Who else needs this kind of teaching? Please share this episode with them - and thank you!

_______________

WANT TO BE MY GUEST?

We are adding a new feature to the podcast soon, and it could include you!
Interested?

It's called "Coaching Over Coffee", where one of our listeners is invited to be on the program, sharing a particular issue from their practice they’d like to get some help with. I’ll provide live coaching, which we'll then edit and share on the podcast.

This is a great way to get some help for your practice, get your work in front of more people, and inspire your peers at the same time!

If you'd like to be considered, just click here to complete a short, simple application, and I'll get right back to you.

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Can you believe we’re already at the end of March?

Yet here we are, at the end of Q1, already a full 25% of the way through the year.

Man - that went fast. 😳

But that’s okay. Most of us can only handle about a quarter’s worth of planning at a time anyway - so this is fine. And tending to our business with a quarterly review is how we stay on track with the big picture, with our biggest goals for the year.

That’s how we keep moving our practice forward. This is how success stays on track.

In this episode, I’ll share 4 simple questions you can use to guide your thinking as you reflect on your progress over the past 90 days. Then, we’ll use that reflection to revisit your intentions and map out your plan for the next 90 days too.

All those big plans you had back in January? They still count. The key to making them real, though, is this kind of process.

You have to check in with yourself, and your business on a regular basis.

So, today, I’ll guide you through a simple, 4-part journal exercise that will give you a simple framework you can use to do exactly that.

Hey I get it. It’s easy to lose sight of our long term goals, and sometimes - we’re tempted to give up on them entirely.

Because - life happens, right?

Maybe - but not today.

Today, you’re the one driving the bus, and your business follows your lead. 😎

So give this a listen. Then, set aside some time to sit with this process, so you can stay on track towards your biggest wins for the year.

Let me know what you think. :)

~Wendy
  Xoxo

P.S. If you’re the type who likes to go deeper, be sure to check out the free resource I’ve got for you below. The Quarterly Success Checker is perfect for those who like a more comprehensive process for strategic planning. :)

_______________
FREE RESOURCE: The QUARTERLY SUCCESS CHECKER

If you’re like me and you love taking a deep dive into the planning process for your practice, then you might want a little more than the 4 questions I’ve outlined in today’s episode. Try those as a place to start. And, then, try this.

For you, I’ve got something else. Click on the link below to get your no-cost copy of the Quarterly Success Checker. This free tool is much more comprehensive, and will give you an even deeper sense of where your progress is, and where you want to go next.

Here’s the link:  WendyPittsReeves.com/quarter

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]