Best locations for a private practice

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bridget McKenna on December 2, 2010 at 1:35pm

I think the presence of other businesses is a plus. If the signage is good, being at the back shouldn't be a problem. Easy to find and plenty of nearby (free, if possible) parking are two very important factors, I think.

Permalink Reply by Kelley Woods on December 2, 2010 at 1:55pm

Here are some things to consider when shopping for an office space; I've added my own perspective!:

1. Accessibility How easy is it for clients to find and get into? Parking and flights of stairs are of consideration. I have a second story walkup and have to make housecalls for those unable to navigate the stairs. Although, I must say that my weightloss clients like seeing the changes as they can climb the stairs easier with every session! (Lemonade, anyone?)

2. Noise levels Are the walls paper thin? Client confidentiality demands privacy and while you can deal with an occasional train whistle or garbage truck, constant noise interference can annoy YOU. My lawyer neighbors have two barking pets that come into the office every day.

3. Neighbors Are they complementary to your business? I had an opportunity to move into another space this year which was occupied by a bunch of shrinks. When I went to explore, there was a sterile and cold feeling to the entire floor. No thanks! On the other hand, I don't want to be next to a head shop, with the whiff of who-knows-what lingering in the hall...

4. Your own style While you can decorate your space, if the area leading to it is in conflict with your own feel and image, that's the first impression a client will get. I love my old building's brickwork and wood accents and the sense of history gives a sense of time unlike any strip mall office.

I'm sure others have more to add. It sounds like your space is affordable and in a safe and clean area, both important aspects. Best of luck to you!

Kelley

Permalink Reply by Teresa Roberts on December 2, 2010 at 2:20pm

Thanks Kelley and Bridget,
There is loads of parking, Bridget so that is a definite plus in my opinion. No stairs Kelley. Handicap accessible bathrooms too. Because it is toward the back of the office park, in other words, not directly on the busy street, outside noise may not be too much of a problem. How thin the office walls are is a good question though. I will definitely look into that. I do love the look of the place......very inviting. I also might be able to use the lobby, after hours, for group sessions, which I plan on offering on a regular basis.

Permalink Reply by Pierre Benoit, CHt, RCCH on December 3, 2010 at 10:15am

Personnally, I prefer being in a medical clinic. I have been since I started and it has been working very well for me, including giving me great credibility.

Permalink Reply by Teresa Roberts on December 3, 2010 at 1:23pm

I just had that same thought today, Pierre, when I looked at a space located next to a physical therapist within a medical facility. First of all, the physical therapist seemed interested in having me next door to him. I immediately began to see the benefits of being mixed in with these various practitioners. Also, there is a conference room on site that is available to anyone paying rent, as a free perk. Since I have planned from the beginning to offer group sessions, educational events, and drop in meditation weekly services, the conference room would be very useful to me.
Pierre Benoit, CHt, RCCH said:

Personnally, I prefer being in a medical clinic. I have been since I started and it has been working very well for me, including giving me great credibility.

Permalink Reply by April Braswell on November 21, 2011 at 12:25pm

Hi Teresa,

 

Well, you posted this a year ago, but this is still a great question and while I am sure you already decided on what you wanted and have already moved in there by now, I'll go ahead and respond to your question because it is one which we all have to deal with at least once, and typically several times over the course of the years of our practice.  I am in the midst of shopping for an office space/possible shared space right now because where I was having sessions is changing its usage policy.  Simply because it is up in the air, I have decided to look for a dedicated space and not deal with their hassles. 

 

Best Locations for a Private Practice

 

A few questions to ask yourself first.

 

What are my areas of specialization?

 

Who knows those people?

 

Who refers for those people?

 

So, if your business has more hynocoaching for business people, time management, and stress reduction, then the office park with law offices would be fabulous.

 

If you specialize with Dental Hypnosis, you want to be in the Dental Building or near some of them.

 

Strip Mall:

what else is precisely in the strip mall?

what other businesses are nearby?

 

As a strip mall, you might actually garner foot traffic.  However, who is walking by?  I'm generally less inclined towards that one, unless there are at least 2 salons there because a lot of the hair stylists and some of their clientele all smoke and your just being there every day as they walk by to go puff just might get them walking in your door to find out more about it.

 

Free Standing Building

Again, what is in the building also?

What businesses are nearby?

 

I am inclined towards going with any office which you described as "is really a lovely space...."  Because working and having client sessions in what is really a lovely space will matter massively over time.

 

So long as your clients can find your office, I am not too worried about not being visible from the main busy street.  It is unlikely you would have generated clientele from walking by.  The issue will be to email clear maps to your section of the building to new clients as well as to have that clearly marked on your website.

 

Hope that all helps!

 

April Braswell, MH

Quit Smoking with Hypnosis Huntington Beach