3 People You Need to Network With

The word “networking” can feel scary and anxiety-provoking, but it doesn’t have to be. As you know, building a successful practice goes beyond providing excellent care—it's also about forming meaningful connections with others. Networking with the right people can significantly boost both your referrals, and your ability to refer out when needed. Here are three key individuals you need to connect with:

1. The Therapist Who’s Always Posting Referral Requests (ISO Requests) in the Local Facebook Group

If you’ve spent any time in your local therapist Facebook groups, you’ve probably seen some names more than others. If you repeatedly see a few therapists posting referral requests, they’re likely getting a lot of referrals. Maybe there’s even one person whose posts you consistently respond to. This person is a goldmine for networking! Send them an email and offer to connect over coffee or video. 

Why? By establishing a relationship with them, you can create a mutually beneficial partnership where you refer clients to each other based on your respective specialties. If they have your contact information and know that you have availability, they’re more likely to reach out to you before making an “ISO” post to your entire therapist community. 

2. The Therapist Whose Office is in the Same Building as Yours

Networking with therapists who share your building is an excellent way to build a supportive professional community. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your own practice, chances are they’ve experienced the same and would welcome an invitation to connect. You may even consider collaborating to organize a workshop or seminar to share each other’s expertise. Establish a rapport by introducing yourself, exchanging business cards, and discussing ways to collaborate. If you’re both in sessions during the day, it may be best to email them before knocking on their door. 

Why? Consider how many clients have chosen you specifically because of your office location. Clients already committed to attending in-person sessions in your building are more likely to consider seeing another therapist in the same location. Moreover, if you primarily work with couples and they see individuals (or vice versa), this presents a perfect opportunity for reciprocal referrals. I personally refer to the other providers in my building often, especially for testing and couples therapy. 

3. The Prescriber Your Clients Love

Building a relationship with a prescriber, such as a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner, whom your clients already trust, is invaluable. These professionals are often looking for reliable therapists to refer their patients to, and also find value in connecting with the therapists providing therapy to their patients. Reach out to introduce yourself and your practice, and ask if they may be willing to meet with you (virtually or in person). 

Why? When prescribers and therapists work together, clients receive more cohesive and effective care. If you’re a therapist, prescribers want to hear what you’re working on with your clients. You spend so much more time with your clients than their prescribers do, so ensuring you’re on the same page will support your clients more than you know. Some clients also seek out prescribers before they begin therapy, so it will help the prescriber to have a list of trusted therapists they can refer to. 

Networking with these three individuals can help you by increasing referrals and enhancing your professional support network. 

Feeling brave? I challenge you to send an email to one of these professionals today.