This is a recording of my 2-almost-3-year-old son singing a song I believe is from the cartoon “Yo Gabba Gabba” (though I’m not entirely sure).
As Jameson’s unofficial translator, I’ll help you with the words: Keep trying. Keep trying. Don’t give up. Never give up.
I have needed to hear those words these past couple of weeks. Trying to build a business is hard and I’ve run into some hurdles.
I don’t know if you have similar experiences, but it is hard to build a music therapy business in Colorado. I have friends in other parts of the US who have easily developed a private practice. It feels more like pulling teeth here. And I don’t know why.
The other week, we offered a free music therapy session for children at a local therapy clinic. The therapists were wonderful. They set out our brochures, posted information on the door, talked to parents. Parents seemed interested in the idea. We were hoping this would develop into a weekly group at the clinic.
You know how many people showed up at the free session? Two. Sisters.
I was frustrated. This makes me wonder: What am I doing wrong? What do I need to do differently?
So I talked with the clinic’s owner and we brainstormed some ideas. There are no guarantees these work (I am just now starting to implement some), but I hope that by sharing them with you, it might spark some ideas for you to try:
- Focused Niches. Instead of offering a general “Music Therapy” group, focus the group’s purpose. Have an articulation group. A “learn 3-4 word sentences” group. A social skills groups. Or a fine motor skills group. One of the blessings of music therapy is that we can target so many different treatment goals. So we may need to “niche it down” and provide more focus to our offerings.
- Community Outreach. This could also be known as community networking. I have written before about the importance of educating the public about music therapy. The possibilities for spreading the word about our services are endless. Sing at a church Sunday school program. Offer free workshops at community support groups. Perform at coffee shops. Volunteer at community festivals such as corn mazes. If prospects can see you in person and get to know you a bit, it could go a long ways towards developing your business relationship.
- Email List. About a month ago I started the Music Therapy Maven email newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide additional materials and information about music therapy, music and neuroscience, and private practice. It struck me, though, that I could use a similar format to provide recommendations to people in my community who are interested in music therapy. Sure, I will advertise different music therapy groups we offer, but that will be a small part of the newsletter. The main purpose will be to connect them to other local resources, to websites, CDs, and information that may help them.
I will admit that some of these ideas are outside my comfort zone. But I’m going to give it a shot. I’ve already tried connecting with support groups in the area and have started a community email list. When I create new therapy groups, I will do it with a focused niche in mind. And it may be time to brush up my performing chops (good for nurturing my inner musician, right?).
If you have other outside-the-box ideas for marketing your music therapy services, please share them with all of us by posting a comment below.
And if you find yourself getting frustrated, remember Jameson’s song.
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Earlier in the post I mentioned the Music Therapy Maven email newsletter. If you are interested in signing up simply enter your email address here:
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Amen on the frustrating
In-services on attention and classroom management have been requested of me twice in the last week.
Its a little “out of the box” but anything can turn into an opportunity.
I wish I had brilliant ideas to offer- I’m not in private practice yet. I certainly appreciate your sharing your struggle and ideas here though, because I’m paying attention.
For what it’s worth: in New Jersey, the state music therapy association spent some time putting up displays in the local libraries about autism and music therapy and about music therapy with elders. We got a couple of interested people through that. Maybe you can mobilize the folks who are already receiving services and invite them to refer a friend who may need your services.
Oh, and your little one’s voice is so sweet. Good luck, Ms. Kimberly! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
.-= Roia´s last blog ..Battling inertia one session at a time =-.
Oh Kimberly, I really empathize with your disappointment! I could tell you several stories exactly like that from my time in Fort Collins 2002-2006. I signed up for talk after talk (12-14 in my first year in Fort Collins), and created connection after connection only to have them go nowhere. That is exactly why I jumped at the opportunity to move to Denver. I wish I had some amazing tips for you. I’ve found Denver to be much more supportive of music therapy. Hang in there!!
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