I'm just opening up this thread as it's new feature for the newsletter. I've received a couple of emails from other homeopaths who feel their boundaries are being tested at the moment. What's happening in your practice? I hope you will share.
This thread about boundaries really resonated with me. I had a few clients last week who wanted to change their appointment times but then left me hanging by not getting back to me to confirm. I know only I can change that by being more clear.
Sometimes taking proper time to respond to emails helps, as I can then think about my boundaries and what I do/do not want to offer - rather than an instant reply which I then later regret!
I also had the "I'm not a shop" feeling when someone emailed asking for remedies without a consultation or catch-up.
It's very frustrating when rearranging consultations. Taking time to reply properly is always worthwhile. I set up my client-therapist agreement specifically to address this type of issue. I found that having it in multiple places was the only solution.
1) Client therapist agreement shared in response to the initial enquiry or discovery call booking.
2) Synopsis on my booking site, and on the confirmation email, reminder email and the note attached to the invoice.
3) Invoices sent in advance.
I also find that offering two options for the follow up - two dates only - gives me the best reply.
I structure the email with the new date options indented, with each on a new line.
Making sure the info is easy to skim read, and only two options.
Plus, another sentence: if these don't work for you, you can also re-book directly through my online booking system (with link).
Looking forward to seeing you, etc.
And when people ask for remedies - with some people I don't mind - depending on who they are, how long I've been seeing them, and what the remedies are for.
Others, I simply say, yes, happy to send remedies. Please could you book in for a free 15 minute catch up call? (Link)
I try to be aware that most people skim read my newsletter and don't retain any information I share there. I share it simply as a courtesy, and not because I expect it to be remembered! :-)
This is quite long. I hope it helps.
Thanks so much for being part of the conversation, Claire.
This is really helpful Tracy, thank you for taking time to share your experience and tips :-) It's interesting what you say about your newsletter and not expecting people to retain the information, that has given me food for thought.
Yes. My train of thought on this is simply this: Just because something has been said, doesn't mean it has been heard. Just because something has been written, doesn't mean it has been read.
Today, for example, I had a discovery call with someone. We spoke for 30 minutes, he wanted to book. I informed him that I would be sending an invoice. He had checked me out enough online to know which college I teach at, but hadn't checked my prices. He had also not read the email that I had sent to him, which contained my fees. He had clearly expected me to be cheaper. I told him we didn't have to book the appointment in, and that he could think about it.
I was very patient but inside I was thinking: we have just spent half an hour on the phone, you booked via my website and my booking system, which has my prices on - why are you surprised by how much I charge? :-)
I'm just opening up this thread as it's new feature for the newsletter. I've received a couple of emails from other homeopaths who feel their boundaries are being tested at the moment. What's happening in your practice? I hope you will share.
This thread about boundaries really resonated with me. I had a few clients last week who wanted to change their appointment times but then left me hanging by not getting back to me to confirm. I know only I can change that by being more clear.
Sometimes taking proper time to respond to emails helps, as I can then think about my boundaries and what I do/do not want to offer - rather than an instant reply which I then later regret!
I also had the "I'm not a shop" feeling when someone emailed asking for remedies without a consultation or catch-up.
It's very frustrating when rearranging consultations. Taking time to reply properly is always worthwhile. I set up my client-therapist agreement specifically to address this type of issue. I found that having it in multiple places was the only solution.
1) Client therapist agreement shared in response to the initial enquiry or discovery call booking.
2) Synopsis on my booking site, and on the confirmation email, reminder email and the note attached to the invoice.
3) Invoices sent in advance.
I also find that offering two options for the follow up - two dates only - gives me the best reply.
I structure the email with the new date options indented, with each on a new line.
Making sure the info is easy to skim read, and only two options.
Plus, another sentence: if these don't work for you, you can also re-book directly through my online booking system (with link).
Looking forward to seeing you, etc.
And when people ask for remedies - with some people I don't mind - depending on who they are, how long I've been seeing them, and what the remedies are for.
Others, I simply say, yes, happy to send remedies. Please could you book in for a free 15 minute catch up call? (Link)
I try to be aware that most people skim read my newsletter and don't retain any information I share there. I share it simply as a courtesy, and not because I expect it to be remembered! :-)
This is quite long. I hope it helps.
Thanks so much for being part of the conversation, Claire.
This is really helpful Tracy, thank you for taking time to share your experience and tips :-) It's interesting what you say about your newsletter and not expecting people to retain the information, that has given me food for thought.
Yes. My train of thought on this is simply this: Just because something has been said, doesn't mean it has been heard. Just because something has been written, doesn't mean it has been read.
Today, for example, I had a discovery call with someone. We spoke for 30 minutes, he wanted to book. I informed him that I would be sending an invoice. He had checked me out enough online to know which college I teach at, but hadn't checked my prices. He had also not read the email that I had sent to him, which contained my fees. He had clearly expected me to be cheaper. I told him we didn't have to book the appointment in, and that he could think about it.
I was very patient but inside I was thinking: we have just spent half an hour on the phone, you booked via my website and my booking system, which has my prices on - why are you surprised by how much I charge? :-)
How frustrating, lucky him that you were patient!