EmotionalBuzz
the resource for meridian energy therapy
Start up check-list for practitioners
by Rangana Choudhuri
Recently I have been facilitating sessions for practitioners in start up mode. This prompted me to write a start-up check list that I would like to share.
- Decide on the business niche
- what is going to be offered
- what is a client going to purchase?
- High-level business plan – vision, objectives (financial goals), strategy and tactics
- Decide on sole trader versus limited company. For practitioners sole trader is a much easier route at the start. As the business grows limited company may be more preferable
- Company name versus trading under self-name
- Trade mark registration
- Marketing plan – product/service, price, promotion, place (where will the service be offered), proof (evidence, associations and testimonials/case studies), personal development
- Market Research on services being offered. Ask your target audience whether they are interested in your services and if they would be interested at purchasing them and if yes, at what price.
- Inform HMRC on self-employed status – only for sole traders. Register with Companies House for limited companies
- Professional insurance – holistic insurers provide good rates. If insurance in USA and Canada is required I recommend Howden Insurers. For links visit my website
- Accounting requirements – get a good accountant to submit your annual returns.
- Banking requirements – open a bank account specific to your business activities
- Legal requirements
- Grants available – see Business Link
- Business Link registration
- Projected income and budget
- Detailed business plan, if any investment is needed
- Decide on branding requirements
- Name – identity
- Logo
- Tag-line
- Values
- Business message
- Develop marketing materials
- Website
- Business card
- Leaflet
- Postcards
- Appointment letters
- Develop plan to make people aware of your service
- Databases
- Word of mouth
- Networking groups – one minute pitch
- Whether or not to advertise
- Social networking requirements – Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn
- Develop a plan to get people interested in your service
- Providing information – books to read (for example, Journey), Youtube links, and so on
- FREE introductions/talks
- Develop your own story
- Testimonials
- Referrals
- Develop a plan to have satisfied customers
- Referral system
- Loyalty
- Guarantee
- Follow-up plan
- Home-work
- Take home cards
- IT system needed
- Book-keeping – cash in and cash out
- Appointment calendar and process
- Computer
- Printer
- Audio recorder
- DVD/CD
- Data protection act
- Capital requirements
- Furniture – desk/table
- Computer
- Shelves
- Cabinet to securely store client records
- Projecter
- White-board
- Flip chart
- Continuing education
- Supervision
- Training
- Annual case studies
- Resources/suppliers to consider
- Business coach/mentor
- Accountant
- Lawyer
- Web designer
- Insurance company
- Copywriter
- Graphic design
- Printing marketing materials
- Computer as well as basic office suite
- Networking groups
- Venues to give talks
- Consulting rooms
- Satisfied client's
- Friends and family
- Image – how to present oneself
- Office/therapy room – candles, aromatherapy, space clearing, clean coverings
- Books to give away.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this list please contact Rangana Choudhuri at 