PROGRESS NOTES

Marketing Your Mental Health Services by Conference Attendance

marketing relationships Oct 30, 2023

In this enlightening episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice," James Marland, MBA, engages in a candid conversation about the value and nuances of attending conferences. With special mentions of Lisa Mustard and Dawn Gabriel, the discussion revolves around the personal experiences and insights of these professionals.

The Essence of Conferences For Mental Health Practices:

Conferences offer a unique opportunity to connect with peers, learn from experts, and immerse oneself in the latest trends and practices. James Marland emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions, highlighting how the energy, laughter, and camaraderie experienced at these events can't be replicated virtually. Dawn Gabriel echoes this sentiment, noting the deeper bonds formed when meeting people year after year.

Marketing Your Therapy Practice at Conferences:

How can one effectively market their practice or service at a conference? Dawn suggests the power of old-fashioned marketing – being friendly, social, and open to lunch or dinner with new acquaintances. Additionally, leveraging technology, such as QR codes that lead directly to one's website, can make a lasting impression. James recalls an innovative business card from Therapy Flow that, when scanned, instantly saved all contact details to one's phone.

Tips for Introverts:

For those who identify as introverts, like Lisa Mustard, attending conferences can be daunting. Lisa shares her strategy of attending local conferences or choosing destinations where family can accompany her, turning the trip into a mini-vacation. She emphasizes the importance of setting aside time to explore the host city and making the experience enjoyable.

Be Social and Approachable: Engage in friendly conversations, and be open to meeting new people, even if it's outside your comfort zone. More tips from the episode:

Lunch and Dinner Networking: Use meal times as an opportunity to connect. Sit with someone new during lunch or dinner and strike up a conversation.
Attend Boutique Conferences: Opt for smaller, boutique conferences where there's a greater chance of forming deeper connections due to the intimate setting.
Leverage Technology: Instead of traditional business cards, use QR codes that lead directly to your website or digital contact information.
Join Group Activities: Participate in group sessions, workshops, or after-hours events to meet people in a more relaxed setting.
Be Genuine: Authenticity goes a long way. Share personal experiences and listen actively to others.
Reconnect with Previous Acquaintances: If you've attended conferences before, seek out familiar faces and strengthen those bonds.
Offer Value: Share insights, offer assistance, or introduce peers to others who might benefit from knowing each other.
Follow-Up Post-Conference: After the conference, reach out to the connections you've made. Send a thank-you note, connect on social media, or schedule a virtual catch-up.

Create Relationships at Your Next Mental Health Conference

Conferences are more than just educational platforms; they're opportunities to connect, grow, and market oneself. Whether you're an extrovert eager to network or an introvert looking for strategies to navigate the crowd, there's immense value in attending these events. As James Marland aptly puts it, the real essence of conferences lies in the in-person interactions, bonds formed, and memories created.

Marketing Download of the Week

Download the Conference Connection Worksheet

Episode Resources

Connect with our Hosts

Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard
Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy
Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists
James Marland - Course Creation Studio

Course Creation Planning Worksheet Download

Subscription give you weekly updates on blogs, podcasts, webinars, and offers from CCS and their partners. We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.