I got a letter from a reader right after I wrote this blog post over at the Music Therapy Maven.
She was shocked about my system for choosing clients. It sounds pretty harsh, but really I think it’s the best way for me to decide which clients are a good fit.
Watch the video to hear the controversial topic addressed . . .
Tweet Casey Truffo’s great quote!
I guess you could say that I’m fiercely against the idea of martyrdom. How about you? How do you choose your clients? Have you ever let go of an F- client?
Hey Kat!
I’m not sure I could use your system exactly, but I am definitely on board with releasing some clients to be another therapist’s A+ clients. This is why I rarely work with kids and teens anymore – I don’t feel as strong with that population nor as passionate as I am about older adults and caregivers, and a lot of the requests I’ve gotten would involve driving and special scheduling, and I’m not into that at this point in my career. Sometimes it’s scary to give up a client and create a hole in the schedule (that “bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” saying echoes in my brain), but I do believe that you have to make room for the better stuff to come in, too.
Thanks!
I feel similarly, Rachelle.
The last year or so I’ve gotten many inquiries about music therapy from people who found me on the internet and were looking for a type of music therapy service that I just knew I wouldn’t be the best fit for. And while it was hard to turn people away (I couldn’t help but remember those years when nothing was coming my way), I loved being able to serve as a positive conduit by connecting them with other music therapists in the area who would be a better fit.
A win-win-win for all because it helped me to clearly identify what my skills are and where my professional passion lies, while also helping to connect folks with other music therapists they might not have otherwise found.
Nice how you’re able to clearly identify your skills Faith! I’m definitely on board with that. Yes!!
I hear you Rachelle =) I’m glad you’re able to let your F- clients be some else’s A+ clients. I love that about the world. There’s always a better fit if it isn’t perfect for us!
If working with children I think its important to grade the parents too. Sometimes my clients are A+ but the parents are F-. So I think the fit has to be good with both parent and client for all to benefit.
Yes! The parents are the “clients” in this case, for sure! Agreed.
As I am sure you know, I LOVE this. I’m so lucky to have gotten to the point (roughly) where most of my clients are A listers, and the F’s don’t come a knocking anyhow! (yaaay B-school!) Thanks for sharing your system, love!
Woo hoo! I love how you took b-school to refine your regular practice. I took it to make my web presence soar. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds this year =) You’re awesome Nat!