I believe in alternative medicine because I do not consider it alternative. Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists and Naturopaths have all helped me. Both Acupuncturists and Naturopaths have graduate level degrees, which mean that they more than likely have student loans to pay. What bothers me is that their education is limited on business and I wonder how they are expected to pay back those loans plus earn a living? For every business it is about earning a living, making ends meet and then growing.
True North Business Consulting wants to support health and wellness professionals by offering business classes and the True North Guidebook. Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, but the official beginning of the school year for many New Englanders. It is a good time to focus on short video seminars that are easy to access and cost effective. True North’s program covers topics such as marketing, insurance needs and legal needs. There are other important topics like retirement planning, a must for any business owner to consider.
These video classes are not just limited to health and wellness professionals but any business owner that needs some guidance. You may be an expert in your field, but you have apprehension about running a business. The True North program is designed for you. Take advantage of it today.
I just returned from vacation. I was on a tour bus visiting the west coast. It was a lot of fun, and when the forty other people on my bus found out I was a lawyer I got legal questions. I am always surprised by this, since there are so many lawyers in the world, but people have questions and I try to answer the ones that I know. However, the most important question that should be answered is: when do I hire an attorney? Sure, this may sound self-serving, but I am going to create a short list.
When you are starting a new venture.
This will surprise you, but I am a fan of Legal Zoom. I believe that they can be of great use for an entrepreneur. However, Legal Zoom does not tell you what you need. You have to know what you need ahead of time. A consultation with a lawyer will give you access to the lawyer’s expertise so that you understand what you need – employment agreements, confidentiality agreements and more.
When you are forming an agreement.
You do not need to contact a lawyer when you are buying a car, but if you are buying a home, then yes, hire a lawyer. The bank’s or mortgage company’s attorney is NOT your attorney. They are watching the interests of the bank and mortgage company. Also, there are certain contracts that need to be in writing- prenuptial agreements, goods over $500 and ones that will take more than a year to complete. You need an attorney to make sure you are protected and you do not face a liability exposure or something you cannot afford.
When you are about to sign a document and you don’t understand it.
Many people sign documents they do not understand. Unfortunately, in a court of law ignorance is not a defense; neither is saying that you didn’t read it. If you do not want to take the time to read a document or do not understand it, then hire an attorney to protect you.
When you feel that a wrong has been committed against you.
I recently had a long talk with a family member about their friend whose child was being bullied. This is not my area of law, but I understood enough to know there was a wrong being committed and that legal assistance was needed. I do not believe that every matter should go to court or result in a lawsuit, but if you feel a right has been violated or you are being stopped from doing something then a legal consultation may be a good idea.
When you get a complaint.
Many people show up to court by themselves without an attorney present after they have received a complaint. Can you represent yourself? Yes, you can. Is it a good idea? No, not at all. The complaint gives you enough time to hire an attorney so the attorney can reply to the complaint. There is a process involved that a lay person does not know about, but an attorney does.
Next month we will discuss how to find the right attorney for your needs.
You are an integrative health practitioner, an acupuncturist, a yoga instructor, a massage therapist, naturopath, or health coach. You help others, and are an expert in your field, having studied and worked hard to develop your practice. However, a practice involves business know-how. Entrepreneurs, Cynthia Pasciuto of True North Business Consulting and Laura Greer of Mandala Services have formed the Institute of Integrative Business Studies to provide online business education to health and wellness practitioners.
Cynthia and Laura are not newcomers to the health and wellness field. Cynthia has taught at the local acupuncture school along with teaching at the undergraduate level. Laura has helped practitioners start, grow and manage thriving health and wellness practicices, has worked for yoga studios and has been a yoga instructor for over ten years. They both noticed there was a need for business knowledge often being asked for advice on social media, marketing, management and legal assistance. They wanted the health and wellness practitioners to succeed.
The Institute of Integrative Business Studies℠ is launching The Integrative Business Program℠, a series of online seminars aimed at helping integrative health practitioners learn what it takes to start, maintain and grow a successful practice. The objective of the Integrative Business Program℠ is to educate integrative health practitioners in order to improve their chances for success and to increase the accessibility of qualified practitioners available to the consumer. The program teaches participants crucial business and practice management principles in the areas of Patient & Clinical Management, Marketing & Public Relations, Accounting, Insurance and Finance, and Business Law.
The Integrative Business Program℠ consists of a number of courses that run for a length of -6 weeks each. Weekly online sessions are 1 hour in length and each course is taught by an expert in the topic.
Courses start in September. Sign up today for a free introductory webinar on Tuesday, August 30th- Jumpstart Your Business: Top Ten Things You Need to Know! Sign up for the free webinar at http://www.integrativebusinessstudies.com/jumpstart
The Institute of Integrative Business Studies℠, where holistic health and business practices meet, is sponsored by the Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Association of Massachusetts and The National Institute of Whole Health.
If you’ve done some flying, then you’ve heard the request, “Is there a doctor on board?”
I always think they should be more specific because they are looking for someone with medical training, not a Phd.
It really is all in the title.
As a business professional you need to be concerned with your credentials. Many professions have licenses.
Attorneys
Acupuncturists
CPA
Massage Therapist
These licenses usually involve requirements of education and examination. But, there are many professions that do not require licenses or have any requirements. So what is that business person supposed to do?
Associations
Get involved in your local and national organization. Life Coaches have the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Organizers have the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). These organizations are working on creating standards in these industries for coaches and organizers to meet and exceed. Plus there are opportunities to network and share information.
Education
Pursue educational opportunities to certify your actions. There are many online programs where with an investment of time and money you can be recognized as a leader in your profession.
In working with many of my clients this is a topic that comes up frequently and True North helps them understand the need to provide honest and clear wording in all their materials to protect themselves and educate consumers.
Contact True North Business Consulting at 781-729-0481 today and comment below.
