<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/mygoodalliedhealthpractice/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[My Good Allied Health Practice]]></title><podcast:guid>acc01dc8-d406-5464-81fe-b4fc6120572c</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:40:21 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2026 Amy Geach]]></copyright><managingEditor>Amy Geach</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[My Good Allied Health Practice is a podcast to uplift allied health practice owners in their business journey. I'm all about being smart with heart! On the podcast I will share tips, deeper conversations and wise words to fuel the soul of your practice, shift your mindset, and inspire you into action so you can continue to create the business and life you enjoy. I am all for businesses that create good in the world.... good things for you, good things for your clients, and good things for your community. I'll uncover things about being vulnerable, being brave, pivoting, failures, good wins, things that work, things that don't work and I'll talk with other practice owners who are doing good in their journeys.]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg</url><title>My Good Allied Health Practice</title><link><![CDATA[https://mygoodalliedhealthpractice.captivate.fm]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Amy Geach</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Amy Geach</itunes:author><description>My Good Allied Health Practice is a podcast to uplift allied health practice owners in their business journey. I&apos;m all about being smart with heart! On the podcast I will share tips, deeper conversations and wise words to fuel the soul of your practice, shift your mindset, and inspire you into action so you can continue to create the business and life you enjoy. I am all for businesses that create good in the world.... good things for you, good things for your clients, and good things for your community. I&apos;ll uncover things about being vulnerable, being brave, pivoting, failures, good wins, things that work, things that don&apos;t work and I&apos;ll talk with other practice owners who are doing good in their journeys.</description><link>https://mygoodalliedhealthpractice.captivate.fm</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[A place for Allied Health Practice Owners]]></itunes:subtitle><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Business"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Health &amp; Fitness"></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>5 Tools I Actually Use in My Own Practice</title><itunes:title>5 Tools I Actually Use in My Own Practice</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>I have tried a lot of systems, apps, and tools in my time as a practice owner. Some have promised me productivity bliss, but most ended up as clutter on my phone. So in this episode, I'm sharing the five tools that genuinely work for me. These are the ones that suit how my brain works, that help me connect with my team, stay organised, and actually get things done.</p><p>Here's what I covered in this episode:</p><ul><li>Why I finally stopped trying to make phone-only apps work for me</li><li>The key questions I ask before adopting any new tool</li><li>My favourite walkie-talkie-style app that helps me connect with my team and clients (without the email overload) - <a href="https://www.voxer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.voxer.com/</a></li><li>A visual, structure-loving-but-not-rigid person's app for daily planning - <a href="https://www.tiimoapp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiimoapp.com/</a></li><li>The clinic communication tool that took us out of email chaos and into calm - <a href="https://connecteam.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://connecteam.com/</a></li><li>A project manager that helps me brain dump and plan big things - <a href="https://clickup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://clickup.com/</a></li><li>My old faithful for storing and finding all the things (even if you're a dump-and-dasher) - <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/drive/</a></li></ul><br/><p><strong><span class="ql-cursor">﻿</span>Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The right tools are the ones that reduce mental load, not add to it</li><li>You don’t need the fanciest system, just one that works with your brain, your energy, and your current stage of business</li><li>If a tool feels like homework, it's not the right one for you</li><li>Ask yourself: Does this live where I already work? Will it make things easier or harder? Do I really have the capacity to build a new habit right now?</li><li>Remember to check out the Busy Blind Spot Quiz to get insight on how you're currently approaching work <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/resources/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/resources/</a> </li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helps you feel a little more confident choosing the right supports for your workday. If you’ve found a tool that fits you perfectly, I’d genuinely love to hear about it.</p><p>And if you’re looking for more support and connection in your practice journey, come join us at The Connection Co! We are here to make things easier for you. <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/membership/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/membership/</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have tried a lot of systems, apps, and tools in my time as a practice owner. Some have promised me productivity bliss, but most ended up as clutter on my phone. So in this episode, I'm sharing the five tools that genuinely work for me. These are the ones that suit how my brain works, that help me connect with my team, stay organised, and actually get things done.</p><p>Here's what I covered in this episode:</p><ul><li>Why I finally stopped trying to make phone-only apps work for me</li><li>The key questions I ask before adopting any new tool</li><li>My favourite walkie-talkie-style app that helps me connect with my team and clients (without the email overload) - <a href="https://www.voxer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.voxer.com/</a></li><li>A visual, structure-loving-but-not-rigid person's app for daily planning - <a href="https://www.tiimoapp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiimoapp.com/</a></li><li>The clinic communication tool that took us out of email chaos and into calm - <a href="https://connecteam.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://connecteam.com/</a></li><li>A project manager that helps me brain dump and plan big things - <a href="https://clickup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://clickup.com/</a></li><li>My old faithful for storing and finding all the things (even if you're a dump-and-dasher) - <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/drive/</a></li></ul><br/><p><strong><span class="ql-cursor">﻿</span>Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The right tools are the ones that reduce mental load, not add to it</li><li>You don’t need the fanciest system, just one that works with your brain, your energy, and your current stage of business</li><li>If a tool feels like homework, it's not the right one for you</li><li>Ask yourself: Does this live where I already work? Will it make things easier or harder? Do I really have the capacity to build a new habit right now?</li><li>Remember to check out the Busy Blind Spot Quiz to get insight on how you're currently approaching work <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/resources/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/resources/</a> </li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for listening! I hope this episode helps you feel a little more confident choosing the right supports for your workday. If you’ve found a tool that fits you perfectly, I’d genuinely love to hear about it.</p><p>And if you’re looking for more support and connection in your practice journey, come join us at The Connection Co! We are here to make things easier for you. <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/membership/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/membership/</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">110cf407-de9e-4f69-b267-00ed13da4f52</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/110cf407-de9e-4f69-b267-00ed13da4f52.mp3" length="11873248" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>16:29</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>24</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3d517d40-8115-412f-aaa1-c6f0a9616629/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3d517d40-8115-412f-aaa1-c6f0a9616629/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3d517d40-8115-412f-aaa1-c6f0a9616629/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>When I realised I wasn&apos;t wearing enough hats (I know!!!)</title><itunes:title>When I realised I wasn&apos;t wearing enough hats (I know!!!)</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever had that moment where you're sitting at your desk surrounded by Post-it notes, printer problems, and unfinished progress notes and thought, "Hang on, this is a <em>lot</em> more than being a therapist"? Yep, me too. In this episode, I take you back to when I first started my practice (hi, baby Ruby in the pram!) and share the very real realisation that we wear way more hats than we ever signed up for.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I chat about:</strong></p><ul><li>The funny but accurate concept of an "entrepreneurial seizure" from <em>The E-Myth Revisited</em> by Michael Gerber</li><li>Understanding the three roles every business owner juggles: technician, manager, and entrepreneur</li><li>Why we spend too much time in our safe, comfy clinician zone (and what that costs us)</li><li>What happens when the entrepreneur hat stays hidden in the cupboard</li><li>Practical ways to carve out time and space for managing and growing your practice</li><li>Giving yourself permission to grow (without tying it to being even more busy!)</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Reflections &amp; Takeaways:</strong></p><p>This episode is all about recognising where you're spending your time, and whether it's where you <em>need</em> to be. Technician, manager, entrepreneur: they’re all crucial roles, but most of us cling to our clinical roots while the business side of things quietly frays around the edges. The moment we start to truly own our business owner identity? That’s when things shift.</p><p>Remember: you don’t have to grow a big team. You don’t have to step away from clients entirely. But you do deserve calm, clarity, and support. And that means building systems, carving out CEO time, and embracing all the hats (even if they’re a bit uncomfortable at first).</p><p>If you’re feeling like the technician role is taking over your world, I hope this episode gave you some practical ways to step into your manager and entrepreneur shoes a little more often. And if you need help doing that, come join us inside The Connection...it's the place where we work on these things together... Smart with Heart!</p><p>You can learn more here: https://theconnectionco.com.au</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever had that moment where you're sitting at your desk surrounded by Post-it notes, printer problems, and unfinished progress notes and thought, "Hang on, this is a <em>lot</em> more than being a therapist"? Yep, me too. In this episode, I take you back to when I first started my practice (hi, baby Ruby in the pram!) and share the very real realisation that we wear way more hats than we ever signed up for.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I chat about:</strong></p><ul><li>The funny but accurate concept of an "entrepreneurial seizure" from <em>The E-Myth Revisited</em> by Michael Gerber</li><li>Understanding the three roles every business owner juggles: technician, manager, and entrepreneur</li><li>Why we spend too much time in our safe, comfy clinician zone (and what that costs us)</li><li>What happens when the entrepreneur hat stays hidden in the cupboard</li><li>Practical ways to carve out time and space for managing and growing your practice</li><li>Giving yourself permission to grow (without tying it to being even more busy!)</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Reflections &amp; Takeaways:</strong></p><p>This episode is all about recognising where you're spending your time, and whether it's where you <em>need</em> to be. Technician, manager, entrepreneur: they’re all crucial roles, but most of us cling to our clinical roots while the business side of things quietly frays around the edges. The moment we start to truly own our business owner identity? That’s when things shift.</p><p>Remember: you don’t have to grow a big team. You don’t have to step away from clients entirely. But you do deserve calm, clarity, and support. And that means building systems, carving out CEO time, and embracing all the hats (even if they’re a bit uncomfortable at first).</p><p>If you’re feeling like the technician role is taking over your world, I hope this episode gave you some practical ways to step into your manager and entrepreneur shoes a little more often. And if you need help doing that, come join us inside The Connection...it's the place where we work on these things together... Smart with Heart!</p><p>You can learn more here: https://theconnectionco.com.au</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">bd9b525b-77ec-4a4c-9c70-ca611cbc98cd</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/bd9b525b-77ec-4a4c-9c70-ca611cbc98cd.mp3" length="20708944" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>28:46</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>23</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3bcb3c95-b147-4ceb-8910-60adfa6a759a/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3bcb3c95-b147-4ceb-8910-60adfa6a759a/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3bcb3c95-b147-4ceb-8910-60adfa6a759a/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Pre-holiday emotional jetlag...and how to avoid it!</title><itunes:title>Pre-holiday emotional jetlag...and how to avoid it!</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>If you are juggling school holidays, sick kids, and a business that never seems to switch off, you are <em>so</em> not alone. In this episode, I recorded mid-school-holidays (with one grumpy child off with Dad!), I'm unpacking what it <em>really</em> takes to get rest when you're a practice owner.</p><p>After 19 years in business, I still sometimes get this wrong. I block out the holidays in my calendar, but I forget to actually <em>plan</em> for them. And what ends up happening is a half-switched-off, half-working juggle that leaves no one feeling like they've had a proper break.</p><p>So today is all about taking a REAL holiday. Not the kind with tinsel and tension or school holidays that feel like a logistical headache. I'm talking about the kind of break where your soul says <em>yes</em>, your laptop stays closed, and no one asks you for toast every three minutes.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I share:</strong></p><ul><li>Why practice owners struggle to switch off on holidays</li><li>The frantic pre-holiday energy (you know the one... 117 tasks before Friday!)</li><li>What actually makes a break feel like a <em>real</em> break</li><li>The importance of energetic boundaries before and after a holiday</li><li>How to prep your team (or yourself if you're solo!)</li><li>Tips like the fake start date, the holiday FAQ, and the single point of contact</li><li>Why "no new projects" is your new holiday mantra</li><li>What to do when you come <em>back</em> so you don’t feel punished for taking a break</li><li>And why it’s okay (essential, even) to book that pastry-and-a-book moment</li></ul><br/><p>Real holidays don’t just happen. They take intention and planning, not just of the calendar logistics, but of our mindset. I want you to feel like <em>you</em> got a break, not just your business. That means buffers before and after, boundaries, and giving yourself full permission to be a human who needs rest.</p><p>Thanks for being here. If this episode resonated, feel free to share it with a friend who needs the reminder too. You can learn more about how to connect with me and join our beautiful community over at theconnectionco.com.au. </p><p>Want my freebie download??</p><p>I’ve made you a little freebie: a "Real Holiday Prep Checklist" just for practice owners. Send us an email and we'll get it over to you hello@theconnectionco.com.au</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are juggling school holidays, sick kids, and a business that never seems to switch off, you are <em>so</em> not alone. In this episode, I recorded mid-school-holidays (with one grumpy child off with Dad!), I'm unpacking what it <em>really</em> takes to get rest when you're a practice owner.</p><p>After 19 years in business, I still sometimes get this wrong. I block out the holidays in my calendar, but I forget to actually <em>plan</em> for them. And what ends up happening is a half-switched-off, half-working juggle that leaves no one feeling like they've had a proper break.</p><p>So today is all about taking a REAL holiday. Not the kind with tinsel and tension or school holidays that feel like a logistical headache. I'm talking about the kind of break where your soul says <em>yes</em>, your laptop stays closed, and no one asks you for toast every three minutes.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I share:</strong></p><ul><li>Why practice owners struggle to switch off on holidays</li><li>The frantic pre-holiday energy (you know the one... 117 tasks before Friday!)</li><li>What actually makes a break feel like a <em>real</em> break</li><li>The importance of energetic boundaries before and after a holiday</li><li>How to prep your team (or yourself if you're solo!)</li><li>Tips like the fake start date, the holiday FAQ, and the single point of contact</li><li>Why "no new projects" is your new holiday mantra</li><li>What to do when you come <em>back</em> so you don’t feel punished for taking a break</li><li>And why it’s okay (essential, even) to book that pastry-and-a-book moment</li></ul><br/><p>Real holidays don’t just happen. They take intention and planning, not just of the calendar logistics, but of our mindset. I want you to feel like <em>you</em> got a break, not just your business. That means buffers before and after, boundaries, and giving yourself full permission to be a human who needs rest.</p><p>Thanks for being here. If this episode resonated, feel free to share it with a friend who needs the reminder too. You can learn more about how to connect with me and join our beautiful community over at theconnectionco.com.au. </p><p>Want my freebie download??</p><p>I’ve made you a little freebie: a "Real Holiday Prep Checklist" just for practice owners. Send us an email and we'll get it over to you hello@theconnectionco.com.au</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">a6571713-96d3-4d7b-b3d0-a9c9f3d543fc</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a6571713-96d3-4d7b-b3d0-a9c9f3d543fc.mp3" length="22282288" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>30:57</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>22</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/aa451acd-eac2-4582-8b91-508f2927c6c3/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/aa451acd-eac2-4582-8b91-508f2927c6c3/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/aa451acd-eac2-4582-8b91-508f2927c6c3/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>The Myths &amp; Moments of Burnout in Allied Health with Nicole de la Perelle</title><itunes:title>The Myths &amp; Moments of Burnout in Allied Health with Nicole de la Perelle</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>I’m really glad you’re here because today’s episode hits that place many of us settle into without even realising... a quiet burnout. Enough to feel tired, a little despondent, maybe like you’ve lost your spark. I had Nicole de la Perelle from Encourage OT on, and together we lean into what burnout <em>actually</em> looks like.. its early whispers, and what we, especially as practice owners, can do <em>before</em> it becomes the roar. This one’s honest, hopeful, and full of practical stuff.</p><h3>What We Covered</h3><ul><li>Breaking down what burnout <em>really</em> is: exhaustion, cynicism/negativity, and reduced professional efficacy.</li><li>Nicole's own journey into recognising burnout (thanks to an art therapist) and how hard it was to admit.</li><li>Common myths &amp; misconceptions in allied health: such as it’s all-or-nothing (you’re burnt out or you’re fine), it’s a personal failing (“if only I worked harder or was better”) and generational myths (“Millennials/Gen Z are soft” etc.)</li><li>The stages of burnout, from early warning (“whispers”) to full burnout, and how often we mislabel those early stages.</li><li>The factors beyond hours &amp; caseload that contribute: job demands vs resources, workplace culture, feeling heard/seen, connection, supervision/mentorship, recognition.</li><li>Isolation: even people surrounded by clients or in teams can feel isolated, especially if they're the only one doing certain tasks or working remotely / alone.</li><li>What practice owners can <em>stop</em> doing to reduce burnout risk in their teams!!! Such as being defensive about feedback, waiting until something is “big” before acting, and ignoring small boundary creep</li><li>What practice owners (and individuals) <em>can start/keep doing</em>, such as leaning into small changes: firm boundaries, carving out time for connection, rest, hobbies or small joy things, making connection points in the workplace: team lunches, welfare sessions, being intentional about checking in</li><li>Recognising that rest (weekends, holidays) shouldn't feel like the <em>only</em> way to recover — if you need those just to make it through, something is off.</li></ul><br/><p>Metaphors that stuck:</p><ul><li>“Whisper” vs “scream” stages of burnout</li><li>Firefly: glowing by gathering from environment, turning on/off light, sustaining glow</li><li>Pouring from an empty cup vs pouring from overflow</li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for going through this one with us. If anything here hit home... maybe you thought, <em>“Yeah, that’s me… and I’ve dismissed it too long”</em> , then this is your moment to lean in. Try one small shift this week: maybe it’s a boundary, maybe it’s checking in with someone, maybe it's re‑instating that team lunch spot.</p><p>If you want more support, Nicole’s work is GOLD! And if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off, reach out. You are not alone in this, and you <em>do</em> deserve to feel connected, supported, and less burdened.</p><h3>Resource list courtesy of Nicole:</h3><ul><li>Sydney Burnout Measure. <a href="https://www.naturallywith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sydney-Burnout-Measure-Questionnaire.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.naturallywith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sydney-Burnout-Measure-Questionnaire.pdf</a></li><li>Utrecht Work Engagement Scale <a href="https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/tests/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/tests/</a></li><li>Job Resources and Demands Model <a href="https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/476.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/476.pdf</a> And application in practice to NDIS space (as an interesting read!)&nbsp;<a href="https://nds.org.au/images/events/Banners_2022/BETA_NDIS_Workforce_Findings_Webinar_slides.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer"...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m really glad you’re here because today’s episode hits that place many of us settle into without even realising... a quiet burnout. Enough to feel tired, a little despondent, maybe like you’ve lost your spark. I had Nicole de la Perelle from Encourage OT on, and together we lean into what burnout <em>actually</em> looks like.. its early whispers, and what we, especially as practice owners, can do <em>before</em> it becomes the roar. This one’s honest, hopeful, and full of practical stuff.</p><h3>What We Covered</h3><ul><li>Breaking down what burnout <em>really</em> is: exhaustion, cynicism/negativity, and reduced professional efficacy.</li><li>Nicole's own journey into recognising burnout (thanks to an art therapist) and how hard it was to admit.</li><li>Common myths &amp; misconceptions in allied health: such as it’s all-or-nothing (you’re burnt out or you’re fine), it’s a personal failing (“if only I worked harder or was better”) and generational myths (“Millennials/Gen Z are soft” etc.)</li><li>The stages of burnout, from early warning (“whispers”) to full burnout, and how often we mislabel those early stages.</li><li>The factors beyond hours &amp; caseload that contribute: job demands vs resources, workplace culture, feeling heard/seen, connection, supervision/mentorship, recognition.</li><li>Isolation: even people surrounded by clients or in teams can feel isolated, especially if they're the only one doing certain tasks or working remotely / alone.</li><li>What practice owners can <em>stop</em> doing to reduce burnout risk in their teams!!! Such as being defensive about feedback, waiting until something is “big” before acting, and ignoring small boundary creep</li><li>What practice owners (and individuals) <em>can start/keep doing</em>, such as leaning into small changes: firm boundaries, carving out time for connection, rest, hobbies or small joy things, making connection points in the workplace: team lunches, welfare sessions, being intentional about checking in</li><li>Recognising that rest (weekends, holidays) shouldn't feel like the <em>only</em> way to recover — if you need those just to make it through, something is off.</li></ul><br/><p>Metaphors that stuck:</p><ul><li>“Whisper” vs “scream” stages of burnout</li><li>Firefly: glowing by gathering from environment, turning on/off light, sustaining glow</li><li>Pouring from an empty cup vs pouring from overflow</li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for going through this one with us. If anything here hit home... maybe you thought, <em>“Yeah, that’s me… and I’ve dismissed it too long”</em> , then this is your moment to lean in. Try one small shift this week: maybe it’s a boundary, maybe it’s checking in with someone, maybe it's re‑instating that team lunch spot.</p><p>If you want more support, Nicole’s work is GOLD! And if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off, reach out. You are not alone in this, and you <em>do</em> deserve to feel connected, supported, and less burdened.</p><h3>Resource list courtesy of Nicole:</h3><ul><li>Sydney Burnout Measure. <a href="https://www.naturallywith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sydney-Burnout-Measure-Questionnaire.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.naturallywith.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sydney-Burnout-Measure-Questionnaire.pdf</a></li><li>Utrecht Work Engagement Scale <a href="https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/tests/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/tests/</a></li><li>Job Resources and Demands Model <a href="https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/476.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/476.pdf</a> And application in practice to NDIS space (as an interesting read!)&nbsp;<a href="https://nds.org.au/images/events/Banners_2022/BETA_NDIS_Workforce_Findings_Webinar_slides.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nds.org.au/images/events/Banners_2022/BETA_NDIS_Workforce_Findings_Webinar_slides.pdf</a></li><li>5 Language of Appreciation at Work book <a href="https://www.appreciationatwork.com/books/5-languages-appreciation-workplace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.appreciationatwork.com/books/5-languages-appreciation-workplace/</a></li></ul><br/><h3>How to work with Nicole:</h3><ul><li>Mentoring and supervision: <a href="https://encourageot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://encourageot.com/</a></li><li>Burnout Course: <a href="https://encourageot.com/course/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://encourageot.com/course/</a> </li><li>Workplace training: <a href="https://encourageot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://encourageot.com/ </a></li></ul><br/>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">7713c364-60bf-43b6-80a5-65db310b59bf</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/7713c364-60bf-43b6-80a5-65db310b59bf.mp3" length="55090096" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:16:31</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>21</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/386bfebc-86f0-4fb2-b5eb-d2ed9e3330be/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/386bfebc-86f0-4fb2-b5eb-d2ed9e3330be/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/386bfebc-86f0-4fb2-b5eb-d2ed9e3330be/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Did your employee pay rise become self-sabotage?</title><itunes:title>Did your employee pay rise become self-sabotage?</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>If you've ever laid awake at night wondering whether to give a team member a pay rise, and how on earth to afford it, this episode is for you. It’s a topic that comes up <em>all the time</em> in my mentoring sessions and inside The Connection Co. membership, so I wanted to get honest about what really happens when we start increasing wages without a clear plan. Spoiler alert: I’ve made all the mistakes.</p><p>In this episode, I chat about the sometimes tricky, often heartfelt process of giving pay rises in a way that honours both your values <em>and</em> the financial reality of running a business. There’s no dry Fair Work lecture here, just real talk, some gentle truths.</p><h3>Here's what I cover:</h3><ul><li>The <strong>first uncomfortable truth</strong> about pay rises: the money has to come from somewhere (and no, it’s not Monopoly money)</li><li>The <strong>three buckets</strong> that pay rises can come out of—profit, your own wage, or practice expenses—and why all three can cause resentment if not managed well</li><li>How to avoid generosity becoming <strong>self-sabotage</strong></li><li>What to consider when deciding <em>how much</em> to increase a wage</li><li>Why you need to be clear about whether a pay rise is a <strong>thank you for past work</strong> or a <strong>carrot for future expectations</strong></li><li>The importance of balancing your <strong>nice-boss heart</strong> with your <strong>business-owner brain</strong></li><li>A great little calculation: the <strong>wage to income ratio, </strong>what it is, how to work it out, and what it can tell you</li><li>Why clarity and communication with your team is just as important as the dollars on the payslip</li></ul><br/><h3>Key takeaways and reflections:</h3><ul><li>Pay rises are not just a lovely gesture, they’re <strong>ongoing financial commitments</strong> that must be backed by a sustainable plan</li><li>You can be <strong>both generous and responsible, </strong>those two things aren’t mutually exclusive</li><li>Clear communication about wage levels, award rates, and business sustainability can save everyone from future misunderstandings</li><li>Checking your team’s <strong>wage to income ratios</strong> can help you make smarter, values-aligned wage decisions</li><li>It’s okay to pause. You don’t have to say yes to every request out of guilt or fear</li></ul><br/><p>If you’re currently wrestling with whether (or how) to give a pay rise, I hope this episode has helped you feel less alone and more equipped. The balance between looking after your team and looking after your business is a delicate one, but you can absolutely do both.</p><p>I’ve also created a free fact sheet to walk you through the <strong>wage to income ratio</strong>—what it is, how to calculate it, and what it means for your team. You can download it over at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a> on the podcast page.</p><p>Thanks for being here—I’m so grateful to share this journey with you.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you've ever laid awake at night wondering whether to give a team member a pay rise, and how on earth to afford it, this episode is for you. It’s a topic that comes up <em>all the time</em> in my mentoring sessions and inside The Connection Co. membership, so I wanted to get honest about what really happens when we start increasing wages without a clear plan. Spoiler alert: I’ve made all the mistakes.</p><p>In this episode, I chat about the sometimes tricky, often heartfelt process of giving pay rises in a way that honours both your values <em>and</em> the financial reality of running a business. There’s no dry Fair Work lecture here, just real talk, some gentle truths.</p><h3>Here's what I cover:</h3><ul><li>The <strong>first uncomfortable truth</strong> about pay rises: the money has to come from somewhere (and no, it’s not Monopoly money)</li><li>The <strong>three buckets</strong> that pay rises can come out of—profit, your own wage, or practice expenses—and why all three can cause resentment if not managed well</li><li>How to avoid generosity becoming <strong>self-sabotage</strong></li><li>What to consider when deciding <em>how much</em> to increase a wage</li><li>Why you need to be clear about whether a pay rise is a <strong>thank you for past work</strong> or a <strong>carrot for future expectations</strong></li><li>The importance of balancing your <strong>nice-boss heart</strong> with your <strong>business-owner brain</strong></li><li>A great little calculation: the <strong>wage to income ratio, </strong>what it is, how to work it out, and what it can tell you</li><li>Why clarity and communication with your team is just as important as the dollars on the payslip</li></ul><br/><h3>Key takeaways and reflections:</h3><ul><li>Pay rises are not just a lovely gesture, they’re <strong>ongoing financial commitments</strong> that must be backed by a sustainable plan</li><li>You can be <strong>both generous and responsible, </strong>those two things aren’t mutually exclusive</li><li>Clear communication about wage levels, award rates, and business sustainability can save everyone from future misunderstandings</li><li>Checking your team’s <strong>wage to income ratios</strong> can help you make smarter, values-aligned wage decisions</li><li>It’s okay to pause. You don’t have to say yes to every request out of guilt or fear</li></ul><br/><p>If you’re currently wrestling with whether (or how) to give a pay rise, I hope this episode has helped you feel less alone and more equipped. The balance between looking after your team and looking after your business is a delicate one, but you can absolutely do both.</p><p>I’ve also created a free fact sheet to walk you through the <strong>wage to income ratio</strong>—what it is, how to calculate it, and what it means for your team. You can download it over at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a> on the podcast page.</p><p>Thanks for being here—I’m so grateful to share this journey with you.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">be835a91-0f36-4648-a6c0-76e9b0e80d73</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/be835a91-0f36-4648-a6c0-76e9b0e80d73.mp3" length="19180960" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>26:38</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>20</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/abee7e90-7a9d-4134-b83f-d78adddfe96e/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/abee7e90-7a9d-4134-b83f-d78adddfe96e/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/abee7e90-7a9d-4134-b83f-d78adddfe96e/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>What if you train them and they leave?! The balance of training your allied health team members.</title><itunes:title>What if you train them and they leave?! The balance of training your allied health team members.</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>What if you train them... and they leave?</strong></p><p>Hi lovely ones. Today’s episode touches a nerve that so many of us feel as practice owners: that sting when you’ve trained someone, invested your time, heart and energy, and then… they leave. Ouch. </p><p>It’s one of the most vulnerable parts of leading a team. And it’s also where we often freeze up, unsure of whether to keep backing our people or retreating to protect ourselves. But here’s the thing: <em style="font-size: 1.125rem;">not training your team comes with its own big risks too.</em></p><p>So in this episode, I’m getting honest about the fear behind training (and re-training), why I built a long-game training culture at Health Nest, and how that recently led to us winning a very special award (trophy and all!). But I’m also sharing the behind-the-scenes missteps, false starts, and very human reality of building something like this in a busy allied health practice.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I talk about:</strong></p><ul><li>The old-but-golden quote that changed how I think about training</li><li>The real cost of not training your team (and no one warns you about it)</li><li>What we actually do at Health Nest – our 12-month onboarding, daily planning, mentoring, and values time</li><li>Why we ditched the word “supervision” in favour of “mentoring”</li><li>Building a culture of grace (because learning doesn’t happen overnight)</li><li>The messiness behind the systems – and why that’s totally normal</li><li>How to start small if you’re not there yet</li><li>Why supporting your team, even if they leave, is still a legacy</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Some takeaways from this chat:</strong></p><ul><li>Training is more than teaching skills – it’s living your practice values.</li><li>Yes, people might leave… but they might also stay, flourish, and become your leaders.</li><li>It’s okay if your systems aren’t perfect. It’s okay if you have to cancel mentoring for the third week in a row. You’re not doing it wrong... you’re doing it real.</li><li>You don’t need a 10-module program to start. A checklist and one honest conversation can go a long way.</li><li>Building a training culture is iterative. It grows just like your team does – one awkward, wonderful step at a time.</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Thanks for being here with me.</strong></p><p>Whether you’re in the early days of figuring this out, or you've already built something you're proud of.. I see you. And I hope this episode helps you feel less alone in the mess and magic of it all.</p><p>If it landed for you, feel free to share it with a friend or leave a review... it really helps other practice owners find the podcast. You can also learn more about our Allied Health community over at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p><p>Until next time, keep building your good allied health practice.</p><p>Much love,</p><p>Amy</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>What if you train them... and they leave?</strong></p><p>Hi lovely ones. Today’s episode touches a nerve that so many of us feel as practice owners: that sting when you’ve trained someone, invested your time, heart and energy, and then… they leave. Ouch. </p><p>It’s one of the most vulnerable parts of leading a team. And it’s also where we often freeze up, unsure of whether to keep backing our people or retreating to protect ourselves. But here’s the thing: <em style="font-size: 1.125rem;">not training your team comes with its own big risks too.</em></p><p>So in this episode, I’m getting honest about the fear behind training (and re-training), why I built a long-game training culture at Health Nest, and how that recently led to us winning a very special award (trophy and all!). But I’m also sharing the behind-the-scenes missteps, false starts, and very human reality of building something like this in a busy allied health practice.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I talk about:</strong></p><ul><li>The old-but-golden quote that changed how I think about training</li><li>The real cost of not training your team (and no one warns you about it)</li><li>What we actually do at Health Nest – our 12-month onboarding, daily planning, mentoring, and values time</li><li>Why we ditched the word “supervision” in favour of “mentoring”</li><li>Building a culture of grace (because learning doesn’t happen overnight)</li><li>The messiness behind the systems – and why that’s totally normal</li><li>How to start small if you’re not there yet</li><li>Why supporting your team, even if they leave, is still a legacy</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Some takeaways from this chat:</strong></p><ul><li>Training is more than teaching skills – it’s living your practice values.</li><li>Yes, people might leave… but they might also stay, flourish, and become your leaders.</li><li>It’s okay if your systems aren’t perfect. It’s okay if you have to cancel mentoring for the third week in a row. You’re not doing it wrong... you’re doing it real.</li><li>You don’t need a 10-module program to start. A checklist and one honest conversation can go a long way.</li><li>Building a training culture is iterative. It grows just like your team does – one awkward, wonderful step at a time.</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Thanks for being here with me.</strong></p><p>Whether you’re in the early days of figuring this out, or you've already built something you're proud of.. I see you. And I hope this episode helps you feel less alone in the mess and magic of it all.</p><p>If it landed for you, feel free to share it with a friend or leave a review... it really helps other practice owners find the podcast. You can also learn more about our Allied Health community over at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p><p>Until next time, keep building your good allied health practice.</p><p>Much love,</p><p>Amy</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">31e5fbaf-b904-4f2d-a446-b427773a91cf</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/31e5fbaf-b904-4f2d-a446-b427773a91cf.mp3" length="15869680" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:02</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>19</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/8f6452d0-3659-47e6-a782-4f2e8823e573/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/8f6452d0-3659-47e6-a782-4f2e8823e573/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/8f6452d0-3659-47e6-a782-4f2e8823e573/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Why your allied health blog has fizzled and how to bring it back!</title><itunes:title>Why your allied health blog has fizzled and how to bring it back!</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>It happens quietly and often without fanfare: the allied health blog that once had so much promise slowly... fizzles. In this episode, I’m diving into the common pitfalls that cause blogs to lose steam (no shame here... I've been there too!) and how you can revive yours with purpose, consistency, and some practical tweaks.</p><p>Blogging might feel like a slow burn, but it’s one of the most powerful, cost-effective tools we have in allied health to build trust, show our human-ness, and help the right clients find us. Whether your blog is gathering dust or you’ve never started one, there’s something here for you.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I talk about:</strong></p><p><strong>Why blogging is still one of the most powerful tools for your practice</strong></p><p>I share why blogging continues to be a quiet achiever when it comes to growing your practice. It's cost-effective, builds your visibility, shows off your gorgeous expertise (without shouting), and gently builds trust with both clients and referrers. Whether you're trying to grow your client base, shift into a new service model, or just want to be more “findable” online, a good blog can work hard in the background for you, without needing a big marketing budget.</p><p><strong>What causes blogs to fizzle</strong></p><p>Let’s be honest, most of us start our blogs with all the good intentions, but somewhere along the way, they lose momentum. I unpack the very normal reasons this happens, like inconsistent posting, writing for the wrong audience, going too broad with topics, or not knowing what to do after you hit publish. No guilt here... just a chance to notice what’s getting in the way and what small changes could make blogging feel more doable (and maybe even fun) again.</p><p><strong>Key takeaways and reflections:</strong></p><ul><li>Blogs fizzle out for very normal reasons—you're not alone.</li><li>Think smaller: narrow topics are more digestible and helpful.</li><li>Write like a human, not like a textbook (ditch the jargon).</li><li>Frequency matters, but consistency matters more.</li><li>You don’t have to do it all solo—get help with writing, uploading, or promotion.</li><li>A good blog builds trust, grows your reach, and gives your marketing some much-needed legs.</li></ul><br/><p>If you’re feeling the nudge to dust off your blog or finally start one, I’ve got you. Inside my membership, we just ran a booster shot week on starting a blog... where we explored purpose, ideal readers, picked topics, and wrote our first blog post together. If you’re craving structure, encouragement, and community around running your practice, come and join us.</p><p>Thanks for being here with me, I'm incredibly grateful you're part of this community. If you found this episode helpful, please send it to a friend who might need the gentle nudge too.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It happens quietly and often without fanfare: the allied health blog that once had so much promise slowly... fizzles. In this episode, I’m diving into the common pitfalls that cause blogs to lose steam (no shame here... I've been there too!) and how you can revive yours with purpose, consistency, and some practical tweaks.</p><p>Blogging might feel like a slow burn, but it’s one of the most powerful, cost-effective tools we have in allied health to build trust, show our human-ness, and help the right clients find us. Whether your blog is gathering dust or you’ve never started one, there’s something here for you.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I talk about:</strong></p><p><strong>Why blogging is still one of the most powerful tools for your practice</strong></p><p>I share why blogging continues to be a quiet achiever when it comes to growing your practice. It's cost-effective, builds your visibility, shows off your gorgeous expertise (without shouting), and gently builds trust with both clients and referrers. Whether you're trying to grow your client base, shift into a new service model, or just want to be more “findable” online, a good blog can work hard in the background for you, without needing a big marketing budget.</p><p><strong>What causes blogs to fizzle</strong></p><p>Let’s be honest, most of us start our blogs with all the good intentions, but somewhere along the way, they lose momentum. I unpack the very normal reasons this happens, like inconsistent posting, writing for the wrong audience, going too broad with topics, or not knowing what to do after you hit publish. No guilt here... just a chance to notice what’s getting in the way and what small changes could make blogging feel more doable (and maybe even fun) again.</p><p><strong>Key takeaways and reflections:</strong></p><ul><li>Blogs fizzle out for very normal reasons—you're not alone.</li><li>Think smaller: narrow topics are more digestible and helpful.</li><li>Write like a human, not like a textbook (ditch the jargon).</li><li>Frequency matters, but consistency matters more.</li><li>You don’t have to do it all solo—get help with writing, uploading, or promotion.</li><li>A good blog builds trust, grows your reach, and gives your marketing some much-needed legs.</li></ul><br/><p>If you’re feeling the nudge to dust off your blog or finally start one, I’ve got you. Inside my membership, we just ran a booster shot week on starting a blog... where we explored purpose, ideal readers, picked topics, and wrote our first blog post together. If you’re craving structure, encouragement, and community around running your practice, come and join us.</p><p>Thanks for being here with me, I'm incredibly grateful you're part of this community. If you found this episode helpful, please send it to a friend who might need the gentle nudge too.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c944ac20-1148-4cfa-b26e-c5b60738c68b</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/c944ac20-1148-4cfa-b26e-c5b60738c68b.mp3" length="14587936" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>20:16</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>18</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f4938ab4-649b-4ea0-b9a2-334095f6a05d/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f4938ab4-649b-4ea0-b9a2-334095f6a05d/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f4938ab4-649b-4ea0-b9a2-334095f6a05d/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>The One-Pager That Keeps Your Practice Values Off the Paper and In the Room</title><itunes:title>The One-Pager That Keeps Your Practice Values Off the Paper and In the Room</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>One of my all-time favourite topics -and no, not just because I like a good list of words on a wall (although I do love a good font). In this episode, I'm diving deep into the heart and soul of practice values - how to pick them, but also how to actually <em>use</em> them. Whether you're creating your values from scratch or dusting them off for a refresh, I’ll walk you through what’s worked in my own practice, what hasn’t, and how you can truly bring those words to life in your team.</p><p>Here’s what I cover:</p><ul><li>Why it's totally okay to choose your practice values yourself</li><li>A simple process for involving your team without handing them a blank page</li><li>How to choose meaningful values (and not just what you <em>think</em> you should choose)</li><li>What to do if your values no longer feel right (spoiler: it’s fine to change them!)</li><li>How to define your values with real, everyday language</li><li>The game-changing "one-pager" tool I use for each value</li><li>Examples of behaviours that <em>do</em> and <em>don’t</em> reflect a core value like adaptability</li><li>4 practical ways to keep values alive in your practice: in interviews, onboarding, monthly awards, and performance reviews</li><li>The power of storytelling in building a culture with heart</li></ul><br/><p><strong>My big takeaways?</strong></p><p>Practice values aren't just for posters or websites - they're for real life. They’re your practice’s compass. But they only work when they’re felt, shared, and lived every day. When you define them clearly and embed them into your systems (even the little ones), they stop being buzzwords and start becoming a guiding light.</p><p>And remember: values can evolve. If yours need a tweak or even a full refresh, that’s not a failure - that’s growth.</p><p>Thanks for listening.</p><p>I hope this episode helped you reconnect with the purpose and heart behind your business. If you know another practice owner who might be wrestling with this stuff too, feel free to send it their way. And as always, if you want more support, ideas, and good company—come join us at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>. I’d love to welcome you there.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of my all-time favourite topics -and no, not just because I like a good list of words on a wall (although I do love a good font). In this episode, I'm diving deep into the heart and soul of practice values - how to pick them, but also how to actually <em>use</em> them. Whether you're creating your values from scratch or dusting them off for a refresh, I’ll walk you through what’s worked in my own practice, what hasn’t, and how you can truly bring those words to life in your team.</p><p>Here’s what I cover:</p><ul><li>Why it's totally okay to choose your practice values yourself</li><li>A simple process for involving your team without handing them a blank page</li><li>How to choose meaningful values (and not just what you <em>think</em> you should choose)</li><li>What to do if your values no longer feel right (spoiler: it’s fine to change them!)</li><li>How to define your values with real, everyday language</li><li>The game-changing "one-pager" tool I use for each value</li><li>Examples of behaviours that <em>do</em> and <em>don’t</em> reflect a core value like adaptability</li><li>4 practical ways to keep values alive in your practice: in interviews, onboarding, monthly awards, and performance reviews</li><li>The power of storytelling in building a culture with heart</li></ul><br/><p><strong>My big takeaways?</strong></p><p>Practice values aren't just for posters or websites - they're for real life. They’re your practice’s compass. But they only work when they’re felt, shared, and lived every day. When you define them clearly and embed them into your systems (even the little ones), they stop being buzzwords and start becoming a guiding light.</p><p>And remember: values can evolve. If yours need a tweak or even a full refresh, that’s not a failure - that’s growth.</p><p>Thanks for listening.</p><p>I hope this episode helped you reconnect with the purpose and heart behind your business. If you know another practice owner who might be wrestling with this stuff too, feel free to send it their way. And as always, if you want more support, ideas, and good company—come join us at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>. I’d love to welcome you there.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">60986b74-d49c-4b40-b128-e832ac6efe2d</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/60986b74-d49c-4b40-b128-e832ac6efe2d.mp3" length="13829776" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>19:12</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>17</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/bf3dffd6-ddde-433e-9ab5-9ea8940bb1b4/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/bf3dffd6-ddde-433e-9ab5-9ea8940bb1b4/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/bf3dffd6-ddde-433e-9ab5-9ea8940bb1b4/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>A Fair Work Refresher for Allied Health: 5 key things to know about now</title><itunes:title>A Fair Work Refresher for Allied Health: 5 key things to know about now</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Let’s be honest - Fair Work isn’t the sexiest topic around. But if you’re employing people under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, this one’s for you. I’m breaking down five things every allied health practice owner needs to know to stay compliant, sleep better at night, and build more trust with their teams. No jargon, no judgment - just some straight-talking support to help you get across the stuff that matters.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I cover:</strong></p><ul><li>Why the Fair Work Information Statement is essential—and easy to forget</li><li>What the new “right to disconnect” means for small businesses from August</li><li>Allowances you might be missing (hello, laundry and on-call time!)</li><li>How to get pay levels and pay points right—and why “years of service” isn’t the measure</li><li>The truth about professional development allowances (hint: not actually required!)</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Takeaways and reflections:</strong></p><p>Compliance can feel heavy, but not knowing this stuff can lead to bigger headaches down the track. The award isn’t just about pay - it’s about transparency, trust, and getting clear on your responsibilities as an employer. Whether you’ve missed a few steps or are just starting out, this is your nudge to revisit the basics and build solid foundations for your team.</p><p><strong>You’ve got this - and you don’t have to do it alone.</strong></p><p>If you’d love some extra support, inside The Connection membership we’ve got templates, policies, mentoring, and a community of practice owners figuring it out together. You’re always welcome to join us: <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au</a></p><p>And if now’s not the time? That’s okay too. Keep tuning in—I’ll keep sharing what helps.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let’s be honest - Fair Work isn’t the sexiest topic around. But if you’re employing people under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, this one’s for you. I’m breaking down five things every allied health practice owner needs to know to stay compliant, sleep better at night, and build more trust with their teams. No jargon, no judgment - just some straight-talking support to help you get across the stuff that matters.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I cover:</strong></p><ul><li>Why the Fair Work Information Statement is essential—and easy to forget</li><li>What the new “right to disconnect” means for small businesses from August</li><li>Allowances you might be missing (hello, laundry and on-call time!)</li><li>How to get pay levels and pay points right—and why “years of service” isn’t the measure</li><li>The truth about professional development allowances (hint: not actually required!)</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Takeaways and reflections:</strong></p><p>Compliance can feel heavy, but not knowing this stuff can lead to bigger headaches down the track. The award isn’t just about pay - it’s about transparency, trust, and getting clear on your responsibilities as an employer. Whether you’ve missed a few steps or are just starting out, this is your nudge to revisit the basics and build solid foundations for your team.</p><p><strong>You’ve got this - and you don’t have to do it alone.</strong></p><p>If you’d love some extra support, inside The Connection membership we’ve got templates, policies, mentoring, and a community of practice owners figuring it out together. You’re always welcome to join us: <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au</a></p><p>And if now’s not the time? That’s okay too. Keep tuning in—I’ll keep sharing what helps.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">e7640f88-cca8-4421-9432-8e85246264e1</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e7640f88-cca8-4421-9432-8e85246264e1.mp3" length="16490464" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:54</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>16</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/2ec20c7d-bc74-4b19-82f9-a4afa2c91c36/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/2ec20c7d-bc74-4b19-82f9-a4afa2c91c36/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/2ec20c7d-bc74-4b19-82f9-a4afa2c91c36/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>The 5 P’s of Being Choosable: From Blah to Brilliant with Belinda Weaver</title><itunes:title>The 5 P’s of Being Choosable: From Blah to Brilliant with Belinda Weaver</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>If you’ve ever looked at your website and thought, "Why does this feel so... beige?" or felt your automated messages read like they were written by a robot with a clipboard, then this episode is absolutely for you. I had the joy of speaking with the wonderful Belinda Weaver — copywriting coach, wordsmith extraordinaire, and a woman whose warmth and smarts make you want to high-five your screen.</p><p>This chat is packed with insight, heart, and practical goodness on how to make your words do more than inform — make them feel like <em>you</em>. Whether you’re refreshing your website, writing team bios, or emailing a client, Belinda's perspective is a breath of fresh air.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we explore:</strong></p><ul><li>What it means to be "choosable" and why it's more than just being available or competent</li><li>How to infuse your brand voice into even the tiniest touchpoints (yes, even SMS reminders)</li><li>The five P’s of choosability: Pain points, Passion/Purpose, Process, Proof, and Personality</li><li>Simple ways to warm up everyday communication without breaking any rules</li><li>Why little stories (like the colour of your tea or your dog’s name) can become powerful Velcro hooks</li><li>How your Work With Us page can do more than tick a box — it can actually <em>attract</em> the right people</li><li>Ideas for building a story bank and showing your values without oversharing</li><li>How to know when to DIY your content and when to bring in the pros</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>Your marketing doesn’t have to sound like a textbook to be professional.</li><li>Showing your human side builds trust with clients, referrers, and future team members.</li><li>Being "choosable" is about feeling relatable and aligned — not being the flashiest option.</li><li>Even one tweaked email or updated website page can create a ripple effect.</li><li>You have full permission to unbutton your brand voice a little and let it breathe.</li></ul><br/><p>I loved this chat so much. Belinda's way of breaking things down makes content feel doable again. So if you're tired of your practice sounding like every other practice on the block, this is your moment. Go open your website, re-read that auto-reply, or start your story bank today.</p><p>And if you want to soak up more of Belinda's brilliance, you can find her at <a href="https://www.copywritematters.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Copyright Matters</a>.</p><p>Thank you for listening — and for being part of this beautiful community of practice owners who are making allied health better with both heart and smarts.</p><p>You can learn more about me and how to join my membership community at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you’ve ever looked at your website and thought, "Why does this feel so... beige?" or felt your automated messages read like they were written by a robot with a clipboard, then this episode is absolutely for you. I had the joy of speaking with the wonderful Belinda Weaver — copywriting coach, wordsmith extraordinaire, and a woman whose warmth and smarts make you want to high-five your screen.</p><p>This chat is packed with insight, heart, and practical goodness on how to make your words do more than inform — make them feel like <em>you</em>. Whether you’re refreshing your website, writing team bios, or emailing a client, Belinda's perspective is a breath of fresh air.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we explore:</strong></p><ul><li>What it means to be "choosable" and why it's more than just being available or competent</li><li>How to infuse your brand voice into even the tiniest touchpoints (yes, even SMS reminders)</li><li>The five P’s of choosability: Pain points, Passion/Purpose, Process, Proof, and Personality</li><li>Simple ways to warm up everyday communication without breaking any rules</li><li>Why little stories (like the colour of your tea or your dog’s name) can become powerful Velcro hooks</li><li>How your Work With Us page can do more than tick a box — it can actually <em>attract</em> the right people</li><li>Ideas for building a story bank and showing your values without oversharing</li><li>How to know when to DIY your content and when to bring in the pros</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>Your marketing doesn’t have to sound like a textbook to be professional.</li><li>Showing your human side builds trust with clients, referrers, and future team members.</li><li>Being "choosable" is about feeling relatable and aligned — not being the flashiest option.</li><li>Even one tweaked email or updated website page can create a ripple effect.</li><li>You have full permission to unbutton your brand voice a little and let it breathe.</li></ul><br/><p>I loved this chat so much. Belinda's way of breaking things down makes content feel doable again. So if you're tired of your practice sounding like every other practice on the block, this is your moment. Go open your website, re-read that auto-reply, or start your story bank today.</p><p>And if you want to soak up more of Belinda's brilliance, you can find her at <a href="https://www.copywritematters.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Copyright Matters</a>.</p><p>Thank you for listening — and for being part of this beautiful community of practice owners who are making allied health better with both heart and smarts.</p><p>You can learn more about me and how to join my membership community at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">dda1940d-08ca-47da-ab82-368445880b8e</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/dda1940d-08ca-47da-ab82-368445880b8e.mp3" length="42670960" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>59:16</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>15</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Why Rebooking Rate is the Most Underrated Success Factor in Allied Health (And why it&apos;s time to ditch billable hours as your main target)</title><itunes:title>Why Rebooking Rate is the Most Underrated Success Factor in Allied Health (And why it&apos;s time to ditch billable hours as your main target)</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Today I’m talking about a number that I love so much I could almost tattoo it on my forehead (terrible idea, I know). It’s the humble rebooking rate. Yes, I’m serious! This little metric has so much heart and intelligence wrapped up in it, and I think it deserves a place of honour in every allied health practice.</p><p>Before you tune out because numbers aren’t your thing, stick with me. I promise it’s more interesting (and more impactful) than you might think. Rebooking rate is not just a data point — it's a success factor. And in my practice, it has become one of the clearest indicators of how we’re doing across care, confidence, and client connection.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I talk about:</strong></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What rebooking rate (or client visit average) actually is</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why it's a brilliant indicator of client happiness, staff confidence, and service value</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How it quietly signals when a team member might need support</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why it reflects professional, ethical care (not over-servicing!)</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How it's different from billable hours, and why that matters</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My beef with KPIs and why I prefer to talk about "success factors"</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How rebooking rates can help reduce pressure and keep your practice culture healthy</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What a low rebooking rate might be trying to tell you</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to start tracking and using this metric meaningfully</p><p><strong>Takeaways and Reflections:</strong></p><p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Rebooking rate is more than a number</strong> – it reflects trust, impact, and the value your clients perceive.</p><p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Success factors beat KPIs</strong> – let’s shift to numbers that feel aligned with how we actually want to practice.</p><p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Rebooking rate can ease pressure</strong> – when this is strong, billable hours tend to take care of themselves.</p><p>I’ve even put together a little fact sheet to help you calculate your rebooking rate. <a href="https://theconnectionco.ac-page.com/rebooking-rate-factsheet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download it here</a>.</p><p>And remember, this isn’t about pushing people to come back unnecessarily. It’s about making sure we’re walking alongside them properly and not assuming they can go it alone. Our work matters, and when clients keep coming back, it tells us they feel that too.</p><p>Thanks for listening. I hope this episode encourages you to embrace rebooking rate as a tool for insight, alignment, and care. If you found it helpful, share it with a friend. And if you’d like to dive deeper, come check out the membership at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p><p>Until next time, Amy</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today I’m talking about a number that I love so much I could almost tattoo it on my forehead (terrible idea, I know). It’s the humble rebooking rate. Yes, I’m serious! This little metric has so much heart and intelligence wrapped up in it, and I think it deserves a place of honour in every allied health practice.</p><p>Before you tune out because numbers aren’t your thing, stick with me. I promise it’s more interesting (and more impactful) than you might think. Rebooking rate is not just a data point — it's a success factor. And in my practice, it has become one of the clearest indicators of how we’re doing across care, confidence, and client connection.</p><p><strong>In this episode, I talk about:</strong></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What rebooking rate (or client visit average) actually is</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why it's a brilliant indicator of client happiness, staff confidence, and service value</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How it quietly signals when a team member might need support</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why it reflects professional, ethical care (not over-servicing!)</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How it's different from billable hours, and why that matters</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My beef with KPIs and why I prefer to talk about "success factors"</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How rebooking rates can help reduce pressure and keep your practice culture healthy</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What a low rebooking rate might be trying to tell you</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to start tracking and using this metric meaningfully</p><p><strong>Takeaways and Reflections:</strong></p><p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Rebooking rate is more than a number</strong> – it reflects trust, impact, and the value your clients perceive.</p><p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Success factors beat KPIs</strong> – let’s shift to numbers that feel aligned with how we actually want to practice.</p><p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Rebooking rate can ease pressure</strong> – when this is strong, billable hours tend to take care of themselves.</p><p>I’ve even put together a little fact sheet to help you calculate your rebooking rate. <a href="https://theconnectionco.ac-page.com/rebooking-rate-factsheet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download it here</a>.</p><p>And remember, this isn’t about pushing people to come back unnecessarily. It’s about making sure we’re walking alongside them properly and not assuming they can go it alone. Our work matters, and when clients keep coming back, it tells us they feel that too.</p><p>Thanks for listening. I hope this episode encourages you to embrace rebooking rate as a tool for insight, alignment, and care. If you found it helpful, share it with a friend. And if you’d like to dive deeper, come check out the membership at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p><p>Until next time, Amy</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">79ea41e8-c716-4fab-b4f4-86be6992118a</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:45:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/79ea41e8-c716-4fab-b4f4-86be6992118a.mp3" length="14094592" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>19:35</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>14</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/b6a925ff-ac1b-47dc-aa7c-2f1fcaf70fa6/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/b6a925ff-ac1b-47dc-aa7c-2f1fcaf70fa6/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/b6a925ff-ac1b-47dc-aa7c-2f1fcaf70fa6/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Behind the scenes in my practice: Money Monday, privacy changes, and a whole lot of tabs open!</title><itunes:title>Behind the scenes in my practice: Money Monday, privacy changes, and a whole lot of tabs open!</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode is less structured and more like a voice note to a friend. So if you're up for some real talk and gentle reflection, you're in the right place.</p><p>In this episode, I open up about the many moving parts happening in the background of running my clinics. Even when things look calm from the outside, there's a lot going on underneath, and I thought it was time to share some of that with you.</p><p>Here’s what I unpacked:</p><ul><li>Why I’m gently stepping back into professional development and what I'm choosing with more intention</li><li>Handing over day-to-day clinic management (after 19 years!) and all the quirks that come with delegating</li><li>The emotional and logistical weight of reviewing clinic fees across multiple funding models and states</li><li>Creating more meaningful and honest check-ins with my team (beyond ticking boxes)</li><li>Navigating the recent Australian privacy law changes and what they mean for practice owners</li><li>Introducing AI support for note writing and how we're supporting our team through that change</li><li>Website tweaks, a new referral triage process, and my new favourite ritual: Money Monday</li></ul><br/><p>Some reflections I want to share:</p><ul><li>You don’t need to have it all figured out—just keep moving in the direction that feels right</li><li>Delegating can feel weird and vulnerable, but it’s essential for sustainable leadership</li><li>Doing those small, nagging tasks can clear your head and make a big difference</li><li>The concept of "The Third Space" has been a game changer for me—taking a moment to reset between tasks instead of sprinting from one thing to the next</li></ul><br/><p>If you're feeling the weight of running a practice, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone. There's a lot going on for all of us, but there's also a lot of heart, growth, and humour in the process.</p><p>Thanks so much for being here. If you're inside our Connection membership, don't forget to check out the Booster Shot mini course on privacy compliance. And if you're curious about joining us, you can learn more at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p><p>Breathe, delegate something, and I’ll go book that conference ticket.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode is less structured and more like a voice note to a friend. So if you're up for some real talk and gentle reflection, you're in the right place.</p><p>In this episode, I open up about the many moving parts happening in the background of running my clinics. Even when things look calm from the outside, there's a lot going on underneath, and I thought it was time to share some of that with you.</p><p>Here’s what I unpacked:</p><ul><li>Why I’m gently stepping back into professional development and what I'm choosing with more intention</li><li>Handing over day-to-day clinic management (after 19 years!) and all the quirks that come with delegating</li><li>The emotional and logistical weight of reviewing clinic fees across multiple funding models and states</li><li>Creating more meaningful and honest check-ins with my team (beyond ticking boxes)</li><li>Navigating the recent Australian privacy law changes and what they mean for practice owners</li><li>Introducing AI support for note writing and how we're supporting our team through that change</li><li>Website tweaks, a new referral triage process, and my new favourite ritual: Money Monday</li></ul><br/><p>Some reflections I want to share:</p><ul><li>You don’t need to have it all figured out—just keep moving in the direction that feels right</li><li>Delegating can feel weird and vulnerable, but it’s essential for sustainable leadership</li><li>Doing those small, nagging tasks can clear your head and make a big difference</li><li>The concept of "The Third Space" has been a game changer for me—taking a moment to reset between tasks instead of sprinting from one thing to the next</li></ul><br/><p>If you're feeling the weight of running a practice, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone. There's a lot going on for all of us, but there's also a lot of heart, growth, and humour in the process.</p><p>Thanks so much for being here. If you're inside our Connection membership, don't forget to check out the Booster Shot mini course on privacy compliance. And if you're curious about joining us, you can learn more at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>.</p><p>Breathe, delegate something, and I’ll go book that conference ticket.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">8f7deb23-eea3-4983-9fdc-d5fa8cee1ec2</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8f7deb23-eea3-4983-9fdc-d5fa8cee1ec2.mp3" length="20977216" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>29:08</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>13</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/0401e9f4-fcab-48da-9262-7fcdeeb24c85/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/0401e9f4-fcab-48da-9262-7fcdeeb24c85/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/0401e9f4-fcab-48da-9262-7fcdeeb24c85/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Dear Brain, Can we not spiral today? Tackling heavy tasks as a practice owner.</title><itunes:title>Dear Brain, Can we not spiral today? Tackling heavy tasks as a practice owner.</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to <em>My Good Allied Health Practice</em>—where we talk about the wins, the wobbles, and the real work behind running an allied health practice. It’s been a while between episodes, and today I’m back with a big old dose of honesty.</p><p>In this episode, I’m diving into the idea of <em>heaviness</em>—not the physical kind (though mid-40s, toast, and tight jeans do get a mention), but the mental weight we put on tasks that really aren’t all that hard.</p><p>We all do it. That job ad we haven’t posted. The short email we can’t seem to send. The feedback we need to give but keep rehearsing in our heads. These things aren’t always <em>hard</em>, but the stories we build around them make them <em>heavy</em>. And heavy gets in the way.</p><p>Here’s what I covered:</p><ul><li>Why I hadn’t recorded a podcast in months (yes, I forgot how!)</li><li>The real reason I didn’t post a job ad for weeks—even though it was written and ready</li><li>How a two-minute staff question turned into an accidental systems audit</li><li>The sneaky ways we <em>decorate</em> simple tasks with overthinking, what-ifs, and guilt</li><li>The difference between something being <em>hard</em> and something just feeling <em>heavy</em></li></ul><br/><p>And most importantly, I shared what I’m <em>practising</em> to get out of that heaviness:</p><ul><li>Let it be simple – not everything needs a flowchart</li><li>Let it be imperfect – done is better than emotionally drained</li><li>Let it be started – just take the tiniest first step</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Key takeaways to reflect on:</strong></p><ul><li>Ask yourself: <em>Is this actually hard, or am I making it heavy?</em></li><li>Start small and messy. Progress over polish wins every time.</li><li>Pause and notice what you're adding to a task in your mind that’s weighing you down.</li></ul><br/><p>If this episode hits home (and I suspect it might), here’s what you can do next:</p><ul><li>Take a pause. Look at your to-do list. What’s actually heavy—and what just <em>feels</em> that way?</li><li>Reach out if you want some support. I offer mentoring, and I’d love to welcome you inside <em>The Connection</em>, my membership community for allied health practice owners.</li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for being here with me. You’re doing a really good job—even when it feels heavy. Especially then.</p><p><strong>Learn more about me and join the community at:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to <em>My Good Allied Health Practice</em>—where we talk about the wins, the wobbles, and the real work behind running an allied health practice. It’s been a while between episodes, and today I’m back with a big old dose of honesty.</p><p>In this episode, I’m diving into the idea of <em>heaviness</em>—not the physical kind (though mid-40s, toast, and tight jeans do get a mention), but the mental weight we put on tasks that really aren’t all that hard.</p><p>We all do it. That job ad we haven’t posted. The short email we can’t seem to send. The feedback we need to give but keep rehearsing in our heads. These things aren’t always <em>hard</em>, but the stories we build around them make them <em>heavy</em>. And heavy gets in the way.</p><p>Here’s what I covered:</p><ul><li>Why I hadn’t recorded a podcast in months (yes, I forgot how!)</li><li>The real reason I didn’t post a job ad for weeks—even though it was written and ready</li><li>How a two-minute staff question turned into an accidental systems audit</li><li>The sneaky ways we <em>decorate</em> simple tasks with overthinking, what-ifs, and guilt</li><li>The difference between something being <em>hard</em> and something just feeling <em>heavy</em></li></ul><br/><p>And most importantly, I shared what I’m <em>practising</em> to get out of that heaviness:</p><ul><li>Let it be simple – not everything needs a flowchart</li><li>Let it be imperfect – done is better than emotionally drained</li><li>Let it be started – just take the tiniest first step</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Key takeaways to reflect on:</strong></p><ul><li>Ask yourself: <em>Is this actually hard, or am I making it heavy?</em></li><li>Start small and messy. Progress over polish wins every time.</li><li>Pause and notice what you're adding to a task in your mind that’s weighing you down.</li></ul><br/><p>If this episode hits home (and I suspect it might), here’s what you can do next:</p><ul><li>Take a pause. Look at your to-do list. What’s actually heavy—and what just <em>feels</em> that way?</li><li>Reach out if you want some support. I offer mentoring, and I’d love to welcome you inside <em>The Connection</em>, my membership community for allied health practice owners.</li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for being here with me. You’re doing a really good job—even when it feels heavy. Especially then.</p><p><strong>Learn more about me and join the community at:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">f099e5c2-fd8a-4dd4-83f8-4420daf5b2ca</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f099e5c2-fd8a-4dd4-83f8-4420daf5b2ca.mp3" length="12500944" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>17:22</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>12</podcast:episode><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/5e15e4de-22e2-4007-b12c-2bc9d81b9819/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/5e15e4de-22e2-4007-b12c-2bc9d81b9819/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/5e15e4de-22e2-4007-b12c-2bc9d81b9819/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>My Top 4 Must-Reads for Allied Health Practice Owners</title><itunes:title>My Top 4 Must-Reads for Allied Health Practice Owners</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, I dive into one of my favourite topics—books! Specifically, I’m sharing four game-changing reads that have inspired, motivated, and guided me as an allied health practice owner. If you’re looking for practical insights, mindset shifts, or just a good book to dive into, this is the episode for you.</p><p>I also reflect on my personal journey with reading, how my tastes have evolved, and why I now gravitate towards books that are both practical and impactful. And yes, I even chat about my childhood jealousy of my sister’s love of books (hi Jess!).</p><p><strong>My top 4 book recommendations currently:</strong></p><p><strong>1. The Third Space by Dr. Adam Fraser</strong></p><p>Discover the power of managing life’s transitions. This book is packed with practical tools to help you navigate the shifts between work, home, and everything in between. Learn how to reflect, reset, and respond with intention to reduce burnout and create ease in your day.</p><p><strong>2. This One Wild and Precious Life by Sarah Wilson</strong></p><p>A beautifully written mix of memoir and manifesto that explores connection, purpose, and small acts of rebellion. It’s a reminder to make the most of this one wild and precious life, with insights that extend far beyond business.</p><p><strong>3. The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan</strong></p><p>Shift your mindset from focusing on what’s missing to celebrating how far you’ve come. This book offers practical strategies to track progress, celebrate wins, and build a culture of positivity and momentum in your practice.</p><p><strong>4 .Budgets Don’t Work (But This Does) by Melissa Browne</strong></p><p>Say goodbye to traditional budgets and hello to a personalised approach to financial management. Learn how to identify your money personality, implement spending plans, and separate personal and business finances for better cash flow and peace of mind.</p><p><strong>Your Takeaway Tips:</strong></p><ul><li>Encourage transitions in your day by applying “The Third Space” principles.</li><li>Build meaningful connections and reflect on your life purpose, inspired by Sarah Wilson.</li><li>Celebrate wins regularly to cultivate positivity and motivation.</li><li>Create intentional spending plans tailored to your financial habits and goals.</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Free Resource!</strong></p><p>Want more book recommendations? I’ve compiled a list of <strong>21 Great Reads for Practice Owners</strong> that includes summaries and takeaways from all the books I’ve loved this year. </p><p>Download your free copy here: <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/resources/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>21 Great Reads for Practice Owners</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connect with me:</strong></p><p>If you’ve read any of these books or decide to pick one up, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections and insights with me, and let’s inspire each other to keep growing.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, I dive into one of my favourite topics—books! Specifically, I’m sharing four game-changing reads that have inspired, motivated, and guided me as an allied health practice owner. If you’re looking for practical insights, mindset shifts, or just a good book to dive into, this is the episode for you.</p><p>I also reflect on my personal journey with reading, how my tastes have evolved, and why I now gravitate towards books that are both practical and impactful. And yes, I even chat about my childhood jealousy of my sister’s love of books (hi Jess!).</p><p><strong>My top 4 book recommendations currently:</strong></p><p><strong>1. The Third Space by Dr. Adam Fraser</strong></p><p>Discover the power of managing life’s transitions. This book is packed with practical tools to help you navigate the shifts between work, home, and everything in between. Learn how to reflect, reset, and respond with intention to reduce burnout and create ease in your day.</p><p><strong>2. This One Wild and Precious Life by Sarah Wilson</strong></p><p>A beautifully written mix of memoir and manifesto that explores connection, purpose, and small acts of rebellion. It’s a reminder to make the most of this one wild and precious life, with insights that extend far beyond business.</p><p><strong>3. The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan</strong></p><p>Shift your mindset from focusing on what’s missing to celebrating how far you’ve come. This book offers practical strategies to track progress, celebrate wins, and build a culture of positivity and momentum in your practice.</p><p><strong>4 .Budgets Don’t Work (But This Does) by Melissa Browne</strong></p><p>Say goodbye to traditional budgets and hello to a personalised approach to financial management. Learn how to identify your money personality, implement spending plans, and separate personal and business finances for better cash flow and peace of mind.</p><p><strong>Your Takeaway Tips:</strong></p><ul><li>Encourage transitions in your day by applying “The Third Space” principles.</li><li>Build meaningful connections and reflect on your life purpose, inspired by Sarah Wilson.</li><li>Celebrate wins regularly to cultivate positivity and motivation.</li><li>Create intentional spending plans tailored to your financial habits and goals.</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Free Resource!</strong></p><p>Want more book recommendations? I’ve compiled a list of <strong>21 Great Reads for Practice Owners</strong> that includes summaries and takeaways from all the books I’ve loved this year. </p><p>Download your free copy here: <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/resources/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>21 Great Reads for Practice Owners</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connect with me:</strong></p><p>If you’ve read any of these books or decide to pick one up, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your reflections and insights with me, and let’s inspire each other to keep growing.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">6551bd28-5b1a-446a-acba-6a78658f3bbf</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/6551bd28-5b1a-446a-acba-6a78658f3bbf.mp3" length="18153664" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>25:13</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>11</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Getting out of the practice ownership funk!</title><itunes:title>Getting out of the practice ownership funk!</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to <em>My Good Allied Health Practice</em>! In today’s episode, I’m diving into something I think many of us can relate to: being in a funk. Not the groovy, danceable kind, but the heavy, uninspired kind that sneaks up on us when we least expect it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or just out of sorts, this episode is for you.</p><p>I’m sharing my personal journey with funks, how I’ve navigated them, and practical strategies to help you find your spark again. Spoiler alert: It’s not permanent, and there are ways to recalibrate and refocus.</p><p>Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:</p><h4>Recognising the Funk</h4><ul><li>Sometimes a funk creeps in so quietly you don’t even realise it’s there until you’ve lost your usual drive.</li><li>Acknowledging it can be tough but is the first step to moving forward. I share how I recognised my own funk and what it felt like.</li></ul><br/><h4>The 3 Key Steps to Climbing Out</h4><ol><li><strong>Surround Yourself with the Right People</strong></li></ol><br/><ul><li>Seek out people who inspire and uplift you. For me, this meant reconnecting with a mentor who helped me see challenges as “blips” instead of mountains.</li><li>Consider finding a mentor or even partnering with a fellow practice owner to hold each other accountable.</li></ul><br/><ol><li><strong>Plan Better, Drift Less</strong></li></ol><br/><ul><li>Lack of planning can leave you feeling aimless. I share how mapping out goals—both personal and professional—helped me regain a sense of purpose.</li><li>Tips inspired by James Clear’s <em>Atomic Habits</em>: Link your habits to your identity. Instead of just setting goals, think about the person you want to be.</li></ul><br/><ol><li><strong>Reclaiming “My House, My Rules”</strong></li></ol><br/><ul><li>Learn to stand by your boundaries and values without feeling the need to justify every decision.</li><li>This shift reminded me to stop bending over backward for others at my own expense and to focus on what truly matters.</li></ul><br/><h4>A Funk Isn’t a Failure</h4><p>One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that a funk isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal to pause, reassess, and refocus. The spark you think you’ve lost? It’s still there, waiting for you to dust it off and rediscover your groove.</p><h4>Final Thoughts</h4><p>If you’ve been feeling off-track lately, I see you and I hear you. I hope this episode reminds you that funks are temporary and that small, intentional steps can help you find your rhythm again.</p><p>Want more inspiration like this? Consider joining my membership for allied health practice owners. It’s a space where we grow our practices with heart, surrounded by a supportive community. Head to <a href="http://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a> to learn more.</p><p>I also mentioned my mentoring package that I have re-opened. You can find out more here:</p><p><a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/mentoring/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/mentoring/</a> </p><p>Thanks for listening, and here’s to finding your spark!</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to <em>My Good Allied Health Practice</em>! In today’s episode, I’m diving into something I think many of us can relate to: being in a funk. Not the groovy, danceable kind, but the heavy, uninspired kind that sneaks up on us when we least expect it. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or just out of sorts, this episode is for you.</p><p>I’m sharing my personal journey with funks, how I’ve navigated them, and practical strategies to help you find your spark again. Spoiler alert: It’s not permanent, and there are ways to recalibrate and refocus.</p><p>Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:</p><h4>Recognising the Funk</h4><ul><li>Sometimes a funk creeps in so quietly you don’t even realise it’s there until you’ve lost your usual drive.</li><li>Acknowledging it can be tough but is the first step to moving forward. I share how I recognised my own funk and what it felt like.</li></ul><br/><h4>The 3 Key Steps to Climbing Out</h4><ol><li><strong>Surround Yourself with the Right People</strong></li></ol><br/><ul><li>Seek out people who inspire and uplift you. For me, this meant reconnecting with a mentor who helped me see challenges as “blips” instead of mountains.</li><li>Consider finding a mentor or even partnering with a fellow practice owner to hold each other accountable.</li></ul><br/><ol><li><strong>Plan Better, Drift Less</strong></li></ol><br/><ul><li>Lack of planning can leave you feeling aimless. I share how mapping out goals—both personal and professional—helped me regain a sense of purpose.</li><li>Tips inspired by James Clear’s <em>Atomic Habits</em>: Link your habits to your identity. Instead of just setting goals, think about the person you want to be.</li></ul><br/><ol><li><strong>Reclaiming “My House, My Rules”</strong></li></ol><br/><ul><li>Learn to stand by your boundaries and values without feeling the need to justify every decision.</li><li>This shift reminded me to stop bending over backward for others at my own expense and to focus on what truly matters.</li></ul><br/><h4>A Funk Isn’t a Failure</h4><p>One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that a funk isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal to pause, reassess, and refocus. The spark you think you’ve lost? It’s still there, waiting for you to dust it off and rediscover your groove.</p><h4>Final Thoughts</h4><p>If you’ve been feeling off-track lately, I see you and I hear you. I hope this episode reminds you that funks are temporary and that small, intentional steps can help you find your rhythm again.</p><p>Want more inspiration like this? Consider joining my membership for allied health practice owners. It’s a space where we grow our practices with heart, surrounded by a supportive community. Head to <a href="http://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a> to learn more.</p><p>I also mentioned my mentoring package that I have re-opened. You can find out more here:</p><p><a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/mentoring/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/mentoring/</a> </p><p>Thanks for listening, and here’s to finding your spark!</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">4becdbe6-af8c-4219-a440-db2c4f024ef7</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4becdbe6-af8c-4219-a440-db2c4f024ef7.mp3" length="11747536" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>16:19</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>10</podcast:episode></item><item><title>How to identify your busy blindspot as a practice owner</title><itunes:title>How to identify your busy blindspot as a practice owner</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Hi everyone, it's Amy here. In today's episode, I want to dive into a topic that's been on my mind a lot lately—busyness. I've worked with hundreds of Allied Health Practice owners, and a common theme I hear is how busy they feel. The constant busyness can make it hard to focus on the tasks we love and are passionate about.</p><p>We get so caught up in clinical work and the day-to-day operations of running a practice that our minds are always full, and our hearts get neglected. We end up on a treadmill, reactive rather than proactive, and that's not a great feeling. We often tell ourselves, "Once I get past this stage, it'll be better," but I encourage you to start making changes today. We have one wild, precious life, and I believe in running your best race in it.</p><h3>Identifying Your Busy Blind Spots</h3><p>From my work in the allied health space, I've identified four "busy blind spots" that contribute to our feelings of being overwhelmed. These are the Mouse, the Pigeon, the Kelpie Dog, and the Mountain Goat. You might have one dominant blind spot or a combination that changes over time. Recognising these can help you create space in your life.</p><p>I've developed a <a href="https://the-connectionco.involve.me/busy-blind-spot-quiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quiz</a> to help you figure out which busy blind spot you have. Remember, no one blind spot is better or worse than another. These are simply behaviors and habits that contribute to your busyness. Let's explore what each of these blind spots means.</p><h3>The Mouse</h3><p>The Mouse is all about hard work and getting the job done. You're close to your business and clients, knowing every detail of the day-to-day operations. Without you, the practice loses momentum. While this dedication is admirable, it can lead to burnout if you're not careful.</p><h3>The Mountain Goat</h3><p>If you're a Mountain Goat, you're focused on vision and impact. You're not afraid of risks and have multiple projects on the go. However, jumping from one project to another without proper processes can be overwhelming.</p><h3>The Pigeon</h3><p>Pigeons like to pause and consider their options. They value their practice and want to protect it, often leading to analysis paralysis. This can be a barrier to taking action and moving forward.</p><h3>The Kelpie Dog</h3><p>The Kelpie Dog is loyal and caring, respected by team members and clients. However, this blind spot can lead to overcommitting and sacrificing personal time. I want to share a personal story about when this blind spot was dominant for me.</p><p>A few years ago, I started a lymphedema assessment clinic. It was a great service, but I became overrun with referrals. I was saying yes to everyone, and it became overwhelming. I wished I could restart and build it differently because my diary was overloaded, and I wasn't showing up as my best self.</p><h3>Overcoming the Kelpie Dog Blind Spot</h3><p>If you resonate with the Kelpie Dog blind spot, here are three key activities to help:</p><ol><li><strong>Monthly Accountability Meeting</strong>: Block out time in your calendar to reflect on your goals and metrics. Check if you're following your rules and boundaries.</li><li><strong>Create a Flowchart</strong>: Develop a decision-making flowchart to help determine if taking on something new is a good idea. Consider if it matches your vision, values, and if it makes you happy.</li><li><strong>Articulate Boundaries</strong>: Write down the rules you want to work within and start communicating them. This could be setting specific work hours or encouraging clients to email instead of calling.</li></ol><br/><h3>Taking Action</h3><p>If the Kelpie Dog blind spot resonates with you, start with these activities. If not, you might find you relate more to the Mouse, Pigeon, or Mountain Goat. Take the <a href="https://the-connectionco.involve.me/busy-blind-spot-quiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quiz</a> to find out which...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hi everyone, it's Amy here. In today's episode, I want to dive into a topic that's been on my mind a lot lately—busyness. I've worked with hundreds of Allied Health Practice owners, and a common theme I hear is how busy they feel. The constant busyness can make it hard to focus on the tasks we love and are passionate about.</p><p>We get so caught up in clinical work and the day-to-day operations of running a practice that our minds are always full, and our hearts get neglected. We end up on a treadmill, reactive rather than proactive, and that's not a great feeling. We often tell ourselves, "Once I get past this stage, it'll be better," but I encourage you to start making changes today. We have one wild, precious life, and I believe in running your best race in it.</p><h3>Identifying Your Busy Blind Spots</h3><p>From my work in the allied health space, I've identified four "busy blind spots" that contribute to our feelings of being overwhelmed. These are the Mouse, the Pigeon, the Kelpie Dog, and the Mountain Goat. You might have one dominant blind spot or a combination that changes over time. Recognising these can help you create space in your life.</p><p>I've developed a <a href="https://the-connectionco.involve.me/busy-blind-spot-quiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quiz</a> to help you figure out which busy blind spot you have. Remember, no one blind spot is better or worse than another. These are simply behaviors and habits that contribute to your busyness. Let's explore what each of these blind spots means.</p><h3>The Mouse</h3><p>The Mouse is all about hard work and getting the job done. You're close to your business and clients, knowing every detail of the day-to-day operations. Without you, the practice loses momentum. While this dedication is admirable, it can lead to burnout if you're not careful.</p><h3>The Mountain Goat</h3><p>If you're a Mountain Goat, you're focused on vision and impact. You're not afraid of risks and have multiple projects on the go. However, jumping from one project to another without proper processes can be overwhelming.</p><h3>The Pigeon</h3><p>Pigeons like to pause and consider their options. They value their practice and want to protect it, often leading to analysis paralysis. This can be a barrier to taking action and moving forward.</p><h3>The Kelpie Dog</h3><p>The Kelpie Dog is loyal and caring, respected by team members and clients. However, this blind spot can lead to overcommitting and sacrificing personal time. I want to share a personal story about when this blind spot was dominant for me.</p><p>A few years ago, I started a lymphedema assessment clinic. It was a great service, but I became overrun with referrals. I was saying yes to everyone, and it became overwhelming. I wished I could restart and build it differently because my diary was overloaded, and I wasn't showing up as my best self.</p><h3>Overcoming the Kelpie Dog Blind Spot</h3><p>If you resonate with the Kelpie Dog blind spot, here are three key activities to help:</p><ol><li><strong>Monthly Accountability Meeting</strong>: Block out time in your calendar to reflect on your goals and metrics. Check if you're following your rules and boundaries.</li><li><strong>Create a Flowchart</strong>: Develop a decision-making flowchart to help determine if taking on something new is a good idea. Consider if it matches your vision, values, and if it makes you happy.</li><li><strong>Articulate Boundaries</strong>: Write down the rules you want to work within and start communicating them. This could be setting specific work hours or encouraging clients to email instead of calling.</li></ol><br/><h3>Taking Action</h3><p>If the Kelpie Dog blind spot resonates with you, start with these activities. If not, you might find you relate more to the Mouse, Pigeon, or Mountain Goat. Take the <a href="https://the-connectionco.involve.me/busy-blind-spot-quiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quiz</a> to find out which one you are and get personalised steps to address your busy blind spot. </p><p>I hope you found this episode helpful. Understanding what makes us busy and unpacking those challenges can create a clearer path forward. Cheers to being less busy and making space for what truly matters in our lives. Thanks for being here.</p><p>To find out your busy blindspot, take the quiz now:</p><p><a href="https://the-connectionco.involve.me/busy-blind-spot-quiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://the-connectionco.involve.me/busy-blind-spot-quiz</a></p><p>The book I mentioned in the episode is <a href="https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Atomic Habits</a> by James Clear</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">b858b67d-2355-4f7b-9443-522d780b54ee</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b858b67d-2355-4f7b-9443-522d780b54ee.mp3" length="15915472" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:06</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>9</podcast:episode></item><item><title>How to lean in when you don&apos;t want to! My reflections on starting a new clinic.</title><itunes:title>How to lean in when you don&apos;t want to! My reflections on starting a new clinic.</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Hello everyone, and welcome back! It's been a while since my last episode, and I want to thank you for your patience. I took a little break, which wasn't planned, but it was necessary. I traveled overseas with my daughter to help her settle into her new life as she embarks on her soccer career. I had every intention of recording while I was there, but finding a quiet spot was a challenge. So, here we are today, back together.</p><p>Today, I want to share a personal story about a time when I found it hard to lean into change. It was a moment that stretched over a period, and I had to overcome some serious internal resistance. Let me take you back to 2006 when I started my first practice in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. I registered the business just a month before my first child was born. We were living in Sydney then, and I would travel back and forth with my baby. Fast forward to now, and we've just celebrated her 18th birthday. She's the daughter I recently took overseas.</p><p>The story I want to share begins about ten years into running my practice. My husband and I were at home in Wagga when I came across a quote that changed everything: "If you don't change where you are going, you will end up where you are going." This resonated deeply with us, and we decided to move to Tasmania, where I grew up. My husband loves Tasmania, even though I'm not a fan of cold weather. We made the move, and I started my second practice.</p><p>Deciding to open a second practice wasn't easy. I did it for two main reasons. First, my husband had been a stay-at-home dad, and we needed to increase our income. Second, a dear friend encouraged me to start a hand therapy practice in Tasmania. So, I registered the new business, found a location, and hired Belinda, a wonderful therapist who became an integral part of the practice.</p><p>I remember signing the lease for the new location and feeling a sense of dread. It was unlike me, and I didn't want to admit it to my husband, who was so supportive. But I had to push through. I realised I needed to change my mindset about growth and hard work. I had to untie the idea that growth meant working longer hours and being away from my family. I wanted to have an impact on my clients and my family, so I had to find smarter ways to work.</p><p>I took a fresh start approach with the new practice. I wanted it to feel less clinical and more homely, aligning with my personal values. Belinda and I worked together to create a welcoming environment. I also learned the importance of sharing my vision with her, which helped us work towards the same goals.</p><p>One of the most significant shifts came when I attended a retreat. I thought it would be about fixing business issues, but it turned out to be about me as a person. I had to align my personal vision with my business vision, which made it easier to embrace the changes I was facing.</p><p>I also learned to break tasks into smaller steps and celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. Belinda and I celebrated painting the clinic walls with wine and cheese, and we marked other milestones along the way. These celebrations lightened the load and kept us motivated.</p><p>I wanted to share these insights with you because we often don't talk about the struggles in our industry. It's easy to share wins, but harder to admit when things feel off. I hope my story and the strategies that helped me can be useful to you if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.</p><p>Thank you for listening today. I'm grateful for the journey and the lessons learned. The practice has become incredibly successful, and I'm proud of the heart and soul we've maintained. If you're ever feeling stuck, remember that change is possible, and sometimes, leaning in is the best way forward.</p><p>Here is the link to the retreat I mentioned. It is a great reset and foundation building retreat for anyone wanting to pause and work some things out, get unstuck and work out the steps forward...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello everyone, and welcome back! It's been a while since my last episode, and I want to thank you for your patience. I took a little break, which wasn't planned, but it was necessary. I traveled overseas with my daughter to help her settle into her new life as she embarks on her soccer career. I had every intention of recording while I was there, but finding a quiet spot was a challenge. So, here we are today, back together.</p><p>Today, I want to share a personal story about a time when I found it hard to lean into change. It was a moment that stretched over a period, and I had to overcome some serious internal resistance. Let me take you back to 2006 when I started my first practice in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. I registered the business just a month before my first child was born. We were living in Sydney then, and I would travel back and forth with my baby. Fast forward to now, and we've just celebrated her 18th birthday. She's the daughter I recently took overseas.</p><p>The story I want to share begins about ten years into running my practice. My husband and I were at home in Wagga when I came across a quote that changed everything: "If you don't change where you are going, you will end up where you are going." This resonated deeply with us, and we decided to move to Tasmania, where I grew up. My husband loves Tasmania, even though I'm not a fan of cold weather. We made the move, and I started my second practice.</p><p>Deciding to open a second practice wasn't easy. I did it for two main reasons. First, my husband had been a stay-at-home dad, and we needed to increase our income. Second, a dear friend encouraged me to start a hand therapy practice in Tasmania. So, I registered the new business, found a location, and hired Belinda, a wonderful therapist who became an integral part of the practice.</p><p>I remember signing the lease for the new location and feeling a sense of dread. It was unlike me, and I didn't want to admit it to my husband, who was so supportive. But I had to push through. I realised I needed to change my mindset about growth and hard work. I had to untie the idea that growth meant working longer hours and being away from my family. I wanted to have an impact on my clients and my family, so I had to find smarter ways to work.</p><p>I took a fresh start approach with the new practice. I wanted it to feel less clinical and more homely, aligning with my personal values. Belinda and I worked together to create a welcoming environment. I also learned the importance of sharing my vision with her, which helped us work towards the same goals.</p><p>One of the most significant shifts came when I attended a retreat. I thought it would be about fixing business issues, but it turned out to be about me as a person. I had to align my personal vision with my business vision, which made it easier to embrace the changes I was facing.</p><p>I also learned to break tasks into smaller steps and celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. Belinda and I celebrated painting the clinic walls with wine and cheese, and we marked other milestones along the way. These celebrations lightened the load and kept us motivated.</p><p>I wanted to share these insights with you because we often don't talk about the struggles in our industry. It's easy to share wins, but harder to admit when things feel off. I hope my story and the strategies that helped me can be useful to you if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.</p><p>Thank you for listening today. I'm grateful for the journey and the lessons learned. The practice has become incredibly successful, and I'm proud of the heart and soul we've maintained. If you're ever feeling stuck, remember that change is possible, and sometimes, leaning in is the best way forward.</p><p>Here is the link to the retreat I mentioned. It is a great reset and foundation building retreat for anyone wanting to pause and work some things out, get unstuck and work out the steps forward for the impact you want to make.</p><p><a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/events/healthy-practice-retreat/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/events/healthy-practice-retreat/</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">22884dd9-b905-47c1-bc71-4431a62452a1</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/22884dd9-b905-47c1-bc71-4431a62452a1.mp3" length="16365616" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:44</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>8</podcast:episode></item><item><title>When I ignored the advice from the gurus</title><itunes:title>When I ignored the advice from the gurus</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Today, I'm getting real about times when I've tuned out the so-called experts and trusted my gut instead. It's made a world of difference for my business, and I want to share that with you.</p><p>I've always valued outside perspectives on my practice. Big shoutout to my past mentors – your insights have been golden. But let's be honest, sometimes advice can feel off, even from the pros. Ever felt that way? Stick with me; we're diving deep into this today.</p><p>Fresh perspectives are great, but what if they don't align with your vision? I've learned that not all advice is worth taking, especially when it doesn't resonate with you or your business goals. Here are three times I chose to ignore the gurus:</p><ol><li><strong>The Accountant Who Didn't See My Vision</strong>: An accountant once advised me to shut down part of my business. It didn't sit right with me. I believed in its potential, and guess what? Sticking to my guns was the best decision I ever made.</li><li><strong>City Image Over Regional Pride</strong>: A business guru suggested hiding my regional roots to appear more 'city-like.' Nope, not for me. Embracing my regional identity has brought authenticity and success to my business.</li><li><strong>Values Misunderstood</strong>: At a retreat, an expert challenged my personal value of being 'unsheep-like.' It took me a while to realise that this value is core to who I am and how I run my business.</li></ol><br/><p>So, when should you trust your instincts over expert advice? Here are some tips:</p><p>When you're navigating the sea of advice, especially in the allied health industry, it's crucial to know when to trust your instincts and when to walk away. A major red flag is the "one size fits all" approach. If you sense that someone views every allied health practice as identical—same clients, same services—you're right to be cautious. This lack of personalisation can make the advice feel irrelevant because it doesn't take into account the unique aspects of your business.</p><p>It's important to be skeptical of advice that seems too generic. Even if it's aimed at your industry, if it doesn't resonate with your specific situation, it might not be beneficial. Another key point is to pay attention to contradictions in data or advice from those who aren't familiar with the research you've done. </p><p>Listening to your gut feeling is another critical aspect. It's a complex mix of your experiences and knowledge, and sometimes it's the most reliable guide you have. If something feels off, don't ignore it. Your intuition has helped you get this far, so give it the credit it deserves.</p><p>Also, watch out for advice that doesn't match your core values or long-term vision. If the person giving advice hasn't taken the time to understand your goals or doesn't ask about your vision, it's a clear sign that their guidance may not be in your best interest.</p><p>Lastly, be wary of advice from those with no skin in the game. People who won't be affected by the outcome of your decisions may not be as committed to ensuring that the advice they give is truly sound for you. </p><p>Keep these points in mind, and you'll be better equipped to sift through advice and make choices that are right for your practice. Remember, while expert advice can be invaluable, it's also okay to let some of it pass you by. Trust yourself – you've got this!</p><p>If you're seeking mentorship or looking to connect with other allied health practice owners, check out our membership at <a href="http://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>. Can't wait to see you there!</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, I'm getting real about times when I've tuned out the so-called experts and trusted my gut instead. It's made a world of difference for my business, and I want to share that with you.</p><p>I've always valued outside perspectives on my practice. Big shoutout to my past mentors – your insights have been golden. But let's be honest, sometimes advice can feel off, even from the pros. Ever felt that way? Stick with me; we're diving deep into this today.</p><p>Fresh perspectives are great, but what if they don't align with your vision? I've learned that not all advice is worth taking, especially when it doesn't resonate with you or your business goals. Here are three times I chose to ignore the gurus:</p><ol><li><strong>The Accountant Who Didn't See My Vision</strong>: An accountant once advised me to shut down part of my business. It didn't sit right with me. I believed in its potential, and guess what? Sticking to my guns was the best decision I ever made.</li><li><strong>City Image Over Regional Pride</strong>: A business guru suggested hiding my regional roots to appear more 'city-like.' Nope, not for me. Embracing my regional identity has brought authenticity and success to my business.</li><li><strong>Values Misunderstood</strong>: At a retreat, an expert challenged my personal value of being 'unsheep-like.' It took me a while to realise that this value is core to who I am and how I run my business.</li></ol><br/><p>So, when should you trust your instincts over expert advice? Here are some tips:</p><p>When you're navigating the sea of advice, especially in the allied health industry, it's crucial to know when to trust your instincts and when to walk away. A major red flag is the "one size fits all" approach. If you sense that someone views every allied health practice as identical—same clients, same services—you're right to be cautious. This lack of personalisation can make the advice feel irrelevant because it doesn't take into account the unique aspects of your business.</p><p>It's important to be skeptical of advice that seems too generic. Even if it's aimed at your industry, if it doesn't resonate with your specific situation, it might not be beneficial. Another key point is to pay attention to contradictions in data or advice from those who aren't familiar with the research you've done. </p><p>Listening to your gut feeling is another critical aspect. It's a complex mix of your experiences and knowledge, and sometimes it's the most reliable guide you have. If something feels off, don't ignore it. Your intuition has helped you get this far, so give it the credit it deserves.</p><p>Also, watch out for advice that doesn't match your core values or long-term vision. If the person giving advice hasn't taken the time to understand your goals or doesn't ask about your vision, it's a clear sign that their guidance may not be in your best interest.</p><p>Lastly, be wary of advice from those with no skin in the game. People who won't be affected by the outcome of your decisions may not be as committed to ensuring that the advice they give is truly sound for you. </p><p>Keep these points in mind, and you'll be better equipped to sift through advice and make choices that are right for your practice. Remember, while expert advice can be invaluable, it's also okay to let some of it pass you by. Trust yourself – you've got this!</p><p>If you're seeking mentorship or looking to connect with other allied health practice owners, check out our membership at <a href="http://theconnectionco.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au</a>. Can't wait to see you there!</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">f6b11ca2-6322-4bad-8af1-ae8c620a8ea8</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f6b11ca2-6322-4bad-8af1-ae8c620a8ea8.mp3" length="16369072" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>22:44</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode></item><item><title>5 Key Annual Tasks for your Allied Health Practice</title><itunes:title>5 Key Annual Tasks for your Allied Health Practice</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>I'm Amy Geach, and in this episode, I'm diving into five essential annual tasks that every practice owner should be on top of. Remember, while these tasks are crucial to complete at least once a year, there's no harm in checking them more frequently.</p><p>The first thing to note is... annual tasks can sneak up on us. We've all been there—suddenly, it's time to renew insurances or send information to the accountant. These tasks can be larger than expected and cause stress if not prepared for in advance.</p><p>To stay ahead, I recommend two diary entries for each task—one for when you'll do it and another for reminders leading up to it. This helps avoid the rush and potential errors.  If you have a team, delegate tasks but keep track of them. Ensure you're not caught off guard by staff changes or absences.</p><p>So here are my key annual tasks for you to consider - they might not all apply, so choose the ones that relate to you. </p><p><strong>The Five Key Annual Tasks</strong>:</p><ul><li><strong>Insurances</strong>: Review your coverage amounts and update any necessary information.</li><li><strong>Stock Take</strong>: Count your stock by June 30th and report the value to your accountant.</li><li><strong>Check Stock Prices</strong>: Annually review what you pay for stock and adjust client prices accordingly.</li><li><strong>Employee Wages</strong>: Verify that staff wages align with award rates and account for work anniversaries.</li><li><strong>Success Factors</strong>: Annually assess metrics like income-to-wage ratio, net profit, growth rate, retention rate, referral sources, and client acquisition costs.</li></ul><br/><p>Don't let important tasks slip through the cracks. Set reminders to ensure everything is done on time and without error.</p><p>Here are some action steps I recommend for you:</p><ul><li>Identify your own key annual tasks.</li><li>Schedule time in your diary to complete each task.</li><li>Set multiple reminders leading up to each task.</li><li>Consider delegating tasks where appropriate, but maintain oversight.</li><li>Review and adjust your practices based on annual assessments.</li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for tuning in! I hope these insights help you manage your practice more effectively. Stay organised, and I look forward to sharing more tips with you in the next episode.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I'm Amy Geach, and in this episode, I'm diving into five essential annual tasks that every practice owner should be on top of. Remember, while these tasks are crucial to complete at least once a year, there's no harm in checking them more frequently.</p><p>The first thing to note is... annual tasks can sneak up on us. We've all been there—suddenly, it's time to renew insurances or send information to the accountant. These tasks can be larger than expected and cause stress if not prepared for in advance.</p><p>To stay ahead, I recommend two diary entries for each task—one for when you'll do it and another for reminders leading up to it. This helps avoid the rush and potential errors.  If you have a team, delegate tasks but keep track of them. Ensure you're not caught off guard by staff changes or absences.</p><p>So here are my key annual tasks for you to consider - they might not all apply, so choose the ones that relate to you. </p><p><strong>The Five Key Annual Tasks</strong>:</p><ul><li><strong>Insurances</strong>: Review your coverage amounts and update any necessary information.</li><li><strong>Stock Take</strong>: Count your stock by June 30th and report the value to your accountant.</li><li><strong>Check Stock Prices</strong>: Annually review what you pay for stock and adjust client prices accordingly.</li><li><strong>Employee Wages</strong>: Verify that staff wages align with award rates and account for work anniversaries.</li><li><strong>Success Factors</strong>: Annually assess metrics like income-to-wage ratio, net profit, growth rate, retention rate, referral sources, and client acquisition costs.</li></ul><br/><p>Don't let important tasks slip through the cracks. Set reminders to ensure everything is done on time and without error.</p><p>Here are some action steps I recommend for you:</p><ul><li>Identify your own key annual tasks.</li><li>Schedule time in your diary to complete each task.</li><li>Set multiple reminders leading up to each task.</li><li>Consider delegating tasks where appropriate, but maintain oversight.</li><li>Review and adjust your practices based on annual assessments.</li></ul><br/><p>Thanks for tuning in! I hope these insights help you manage your practice more effectively. Stay organised, and I look forward to sharing more tips with you in the next episode.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">4bbdeb4d-796c-4f50-8eee-9e899c292c67</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4bbdeb4d-796c-4f50-8eee-9e899c292c67.mp3" length="14087248" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>19:34</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Stop doing this in your practice</title><itunes:title>Stop doing this in your practice</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Over the years, through my mentoring program and the Smart with Heart Mastermind, not to mention The Connection membership for allied health practice owners, I've seen a pattern. It's like a silent alarm that goes off, and I can hear it in the voices of practice owners. They don't see it themselves, but I do, and I want to help you understand it as well. </p><p>Let me paint you a picture with a story from about eight or nine years ago. My practice was going through a rough patch – not quite a full-blown storm, but definitely some choppy waters ahead. Our Profit and Loss weren't looking great, cash flow was tight, and I felt that all-too-familiar financial angst creeping in.</p><p>I noticed our diary wasn't as packed as before, and the way we were talking to clients about rebooking just wasn't cutting it. Despite addressing it with my team, nothing changed. That's when I reached out to Fran – shout out to her for being amazing – hoping she could help my team get comfortable with rebooking since it's crucial for both client outcomes and our bottom line.</p><p>After spilling my concerns to Fran over Zoom, she hit me with a truth bomb: "Amy, you are vomiting fear onto your team." At first, I was taken aback, but then it clicked. She was right. I was letting my fear spill over, and it was affecting everyone.</p><p>This is what I want to dive into today. This 'vomiting fear' often shows up disguised as pushing for billable hours or getting defensive with feedback. It can make us intolerant of small issues or lead us to hastily try to fix big ones. It creates a sense of urgency that unsettles the team and can come across as blame rather than leadership.</p><p>When we're fearful, we might react to staff retention concerns or become overly critical of minor things. We might call urgent meetings that throw everyone off balance. But it's important to remember, not every urgent meeting is a fear response; there's a fine line between efficiency and panic.</p><p>The fallout from this fear can be confusion, uncertainty, and resentment among the team. It can make them feel unvalued, which is the last thing any of us want. So, it's crucial to recognize these fear triggers and address them proactively.</p><p>For me, tracking finances, understanding cancellation rates, and measuring staff culture are key to steering clear of those stormy seas. It's about knowing what really scares you. In my case, it was the fear of damaging our brand and reputation, not the surface-level issues like diary bookings.</p><p>Once you pinpoint your fears, you can start to manage your language and approach with your team more effectively. It's about stopping, taking a breath, and connecting with your team where they're at, breaking down assumptions, and rewriting the narrative together.</p><p>I learned to focus on communication with clients, comfort with billing, and the value we bring to our clients. Thanks to Fran's advice, I shifted from dictating to discussing, which helped uncover fears within my team too. Together, we made plans to move forward.</p><p>So, if you've ever found yourself in a similar boat, know that you're not alone. It's about identifying your fears, how they manifest, and finding better ways to tackle them without spreading panic.</p><p>Feel free to reach out if you've experienced this or have thoughts to share.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Over the years, through my mentoring program and the Smart with Heart Mastermind, not to mention The Connection membership for allied health practice owners, I've seen a pattern. It's like a silent alarm that goes off, and I can hear it in the voices of practice owners. They don't see it themselves, but I do, and I want to help you understand it as well. </p><p>Let me paint you a picture with a story from about eight or nine years ago. My practice was going through a rough patch – not quite a full-blown storm, but definitely some choppy waters ahead. Our Profit and Loss weren't looking great, cash flow was tight, and I felt that all-too-familiar financial angst creeping in.</p><p>I noticed our diary wasn't as packed as before, and the way we were talking to clients about rebooking just wasn't cutting it. Despite addressing it with my team, nothing changed. That's when I reached out to Fran – shout out to her for being amazing – hoping she could help my team get comfortable with rebooking since it's crucial for both client outcomes and our bottom line.</p><p>After spilling my concerns to Fran over Zoom, she hit me with a truth bomb: "Amy, you are vomiting fear onto your team." At first, I was taken aback, but then it clicked. She was right. I was letting my fear spill over, and it was affecting everyone.</p><p>This is what I want to dive into today. This 'vomiting fear' often shows up disguised as pushing for billable hours or getting defensive with feedback. It can make us intolerant of small issues or lead us to hastily try to fix big ones. It creates a sense of urgency that unsettles the team and can come across as blame rather than leadership.</p><p>When we're fearful, we might react to staff retention concerns or become overly critical of minor things. We might call urgent meetings that throw everyone off balance. But it's important to remember, not every urgent meeting is a fear response; there's a fine line between efficiency and panic.</p><p>The fallout from this fear can be confusion, uncertainty, and resentment among the team. It can make them feel unvalued, which is the last thing any of us want. So, it's crucial to recognize these fear triggers and address them proactively.</p><p>For me, tracking finances, understanding cancellation rates, and measuring staff culture are key to steering clear of those stormy seas. It's about knowing what really scares you. In my case, it was the fear of damaging our brand and reputation, not the surface-level issues like diary bookings.</p><p>Once you pinpoint your fears, you can start to manage your language and approach with your team more effectively. It's about stopping, taking a breath, and connecting with your team where they're at, breaking down assumptions, and rewriting the narrative together.</p><p>I learned to focus on communication with clients, comfort with billing, and the value we bring to our clients. Thanks to Fran's advice, I shifted from dictating to discussing, which helped uncover fears within my team too. Together, we made plans to move forward.</p><p>So, if you've ever found yourself in a similar boat, know that you're not alone. It's about identifying your fears, how they manifest, and finding better ways to tackle them without spreading panic.</p><p>Feel free to reach out if you've experienced this or have thoughts to share.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c3b67422-8314-4206-a6c4-56615a7594eb</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/c3b67422-8314-4206-a6c4-56615a7594eb.mp3" length="17095696" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>23:45</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode></item><item><title>Success or Strain: Understanding the break even target in your allied health practice</title><itunes:title>Success or Strain: Understanding the break even target in your allied health practice</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to another episode of my podcast! Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you're a returning listener, I'm thrilled to have you here. I'm your host, Amy, and today's topic is crucial for any practice owner: understanding the difference between success and strain through the lens of break-even numbers. Let's dive in. </p><p>Many practice owners experience periods of financial strain, which can manifest as stress over finances, overwhelming busyness, or emotional exhaustion. It's a common issue but often goes undiscussed, leading many to suffer in silence. Financial strain is a quiet stress that many practice owners go through at different times. </p><p>Knowing your break-even point is essential—it's the number of clients you need to see to cover your costs without making a profit. This metric is a powerful tool that can help you avoid financial strain by ensuring you're charging enough for your services and seeing enough clients to pay for your expenses. It's that simple. Knowing this number can be helpful in many ways. When we don't know break even number.... we are leaving a lot to chance, including whether we experience success or strain. </p><p>A break-even analysis isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about gaining clarity on the health of your business. By understanding this key success factor, you can make informed decisions about pricing, planning for growth, managing your diary effectively, and setting realistic expectations for your team.</p><p>To calculate your break-even point, you'll need to know three main things:</p><ol><li>Your monthly expenses (including an average if they fluctuate)</li><li>How much you charge per appointment or billable hour (take an average if you need)</li><li>Any liabilities you're paying off</li></ol><br/><p>You can find these figures in your accounting records, such as your profit and loss statement. Once you have this information, you can use the following formula:</p><p><em>(Total Expenses + Total Liability Payments) ÷ Average Income per Appointment/Billable Hour = Break-Even Point</em></p><p>for example, if your expenses for the month were $35,000 and your liability payments were $5000, and you charged an average of $150 per hour, your break even would be as follows:</p><p>(35,000 + 5,000) <em>÷ </em>150 = 267</p><p>This means you would need to have 267 appointments in the diary each month to cover expenses and liabilities alone. </p><p>After calculating your break-even point, ask yourself:</p><ul><li>Is the number of required appointments or billable hours achievable?</li><li>Does it align with what I need from my business?</li><li>How can I maintain or improve this figure?</li></ul><br/><p>If the target seems unattainable, consider options like reviewing prices, reducing non-billable time, cutting unnecessary expenses, or adding another income earner to your practice.</p><p>It's advisable to review your break-even analysis monthly to stay on top of your financial situation. Adjustments may be necessary if you've made changes to your expenses or pricing. Always seek to understand the reasons behind any shifts in your numbers and plan accordingly.</p><p>Understanding your break-even point is more than a financial exercise; it's about empowering yourself to lead a healthy, sustainable practice. If you're eager to dive deeper into the financial aspects of running a practice, check out my online course, "Know Your Numbers," tailored for Allied Health Practice owners. You can find the link here:</p><p><a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/courses/know-your-numbers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/courses/know-your-numbers/</a></p><p>Thank you for joining me today. I hope this episode has equipped you with another valuable tool for your money toolbox. If you've tried calculating your break-even analysis, I'd love to hear about your experience. Feel free to reach out for a chat!</p><p>Don't forget to subscribe to our...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to another episode of my podcast! Whether you're tuning in for the first time or you're a returning listener, I'm thrilled to have you here. I'm your host, Amy, and today's topic is crucial for any practice owner: understanding the difference between success and strain through the lens of break-even numbers. Let's dive in. </p><p>Many practice owners experience periods of financial strain, which can manifest as stress over finances, overwhelming busyness, or emotional exhaustion. It's a common issue but often goes undiscussed, leading many to suffer in silence. Financial strain is a quiet stress that many practice owners go through at different times. </p><p>Knowing your break-even point is essential—it's the number of clients you need to see to cover your costs without making a profit. This metric is a powerful tool that can help you avoid financial strain by ensuring you're charging enough for your services and seeing enough clients to pay for your expenses. It's that simple. Knowing this number can be helpful in many ways. When we don't know break even number.... we are leaving a lot to chance, including whether we experience success or strain. </p><p>A break-even analysis isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about gaining clarity on the health of your business. By understanding this key success factor, you can make informed decisions about pricing, planning for growth, managing your diary effectively, and setting realistic expectations for your team.</p><p>To calculate your break-even point, you'll need to know three main things:</p><ol><li>Your monthly expenses (including an average if they fluctuate)</li><li>How much you charge per appointment or billable hour (take an average if you need)</li><li>Any liabilities you're paying off</li></ol><br/><p>You can find these figures in your accounting records, such as your profit and loss statement. Once you have this information, you can use the following formula:</p><p><em>(Total Expenses + Total Liability Payments) ÷ Average Income per Appointment/Billable Hour = Break-Even Point</em></p><p>for example, if your expenses for the month were $35,000 and your liability payments were $5000, and you charged an average of $150 per hour, your break even would be as follows:</p><p>(35,000 + 5,000) <em>÷ </em>150 = 267</p><p>This means you would need to have 267 appointments in the diary each month to cover expenses and liabilities alone. </p><p>After calculating your break-even point, ask yourself:</p><ul><li>Is the number of required appointments or billable hours achievable?</li><li>Does it align with what I need from my business?</li><li>How can I maintain or improve this figure?</li></ul><br/><p>If the target seems unattainable, consider options like reviewing prices, reducing non-billable time, cutting unnecessary expenses, or adding another income earner to your practice.</p><p>It's advisable to review your break-even analysis monthly to stay on top of your financial situation. Adjustments may be necessary if you've made changes to your expenses or pricing. Always seek to understand the reasons behind any shifts in your numbers and plan accordingly.</p><p>Understanding your break-even point is more than a financial exercise; it's about empowering yourself to lead a healthy, sustainable practice. If you're eager to dive deeper into the financial aspects of running a practice, check out my online course, "Know Your Numbers," tailored for Allied Health Practice owners. You can find the link here:</p><p><a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/courses/know-your-numbers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theconnectionco.com.au/courses/know-your-numbers/</a></p><p>Thank you for joining me today. I hope this episode has equipped you with another valuable tool for your money toolbox. If you've tried calculating your break-even analysis, I'd love to hear about your experience. Feel free to reach out for a chat!</p><p>Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes filled with actionable insights for your practice.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts/]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">69254487-9321-4e8f-981b-fd632d446cc7</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/69254487-9321-4e8f-981b-fd632d446cc7.mp3" length="25840672" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>35:53</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode></item><item><title>My top interview questions for finding your good eggs</title><itunes:title>My top interview questions for finding your good eggs</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the show notes for today's episode of my podcast, where I dive deep into the art of interviewing and share my top five favourite questions that help uncover the true essence of a candidate. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a whopping 12 candidates for a client coordinator position at my clinic. While it was a time-consuming process, it was crucial to ensure we didn't miss out on the perfect addition to our team, which prides itself on a beautiful culture.</p><p>In this episode, I stress the importance of not overwhelming yourself with too many interviews—unless, like in my case, you're also considering part-time roles to complement a full-time position. The goal is to find the right fit, and sometimes that means meeting more people to see who aligns best with your team dynamics.</p><p>I share with you my top five interview questions from the ten we asked during our recent hiring process. These questions are designed to go beyond the surface and tap into the candidates' personalities, values, and potential fit within the company culture. Here they are:</p><ol><li><strong>Quiz Insights</strong>: Candidates completed a quiz as part of their application, and I ask them to reflect on their results. This question isn't about the quiz score but rather their ability to follow instructions and recall information, providing insight into their self-awareness.</li><li><strong>Strengths and Weaknesses</strong>: I inquire how the people closest to the candidates would describe their strengths and weaknesses. This approach encourages authenticity and offers a personal perspective on the candidate's character.</li><li><strong>Passions Outside Work</strong>: Understanding what brings joy to a candidate helps me see them light up and relax, revealing their genuine interests and passions outside of their professional life.</li><li><strong>Decision Reflection</strong>: Asking candidates about a decision they would change from the past year unveils depth, regret, or confidence in their choices, giving us a glimpse into their reflective abilities.</li><li><strong>Company Values Connection</strong>: I read out our company values and ask candidates to choose one that resonates with them and explain why. This question helps me understand their alignment with our core principles.</li></ol><br/><p>These questions have proven invaluable in finding the "good eggs" for my team—those individuals who naturally embody the qualities we can't teach but are essential for our practice.</p><p>If you're gearing up to conduct interviews, consider these questions carefully. They're crafted to reveal more than rehearsed answers; they aim to get to the heart and soul of the person sitting across from you. Remember, an interview is a two-way street, and while it's important to assess the candidates, they're also evaluating if they want to be a part of your world.</p><p>For those interested in more interviewing insights, I've got a treat for you! Check out the free resource available in the show notes: my ultimate list of interview questions. Head over to <a href="http://theconnectioncode.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectioncode.com.au</a> and navigate to this podcast episode to find the link below in the show notes. This resource includes additional tips for interviewing and features 50 of my favourite questions that are excellent at identifying the ideal candidates for your Allied Health business.</p><p>Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you found these insights helpful. </p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the show notes for today's episode of my podcast, where I dive deep into the art of interviewing and share my top five favourite questions that help uncover the true essence of a candidate. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a whopping 12 candidates for a client coordinator position at my clinic. While it was a time-consuming process, it was crucial to ensure we didn't miss out on the perfect addition to our team, which prides itself on a beautiful culture.</p><p>In this episode, I stress the importance of not overwhelming yourself with too many interviews—unless, like in my case, you're also considering part-time roles to complement a full-time position. The goal is to find the right fit, and sometimes that means meeting more people to see who aligns best with your team dynamics.</p><p>I share with you my top five interview questions from the ten we asked during our recent hiring process. These questions are designed to go beyond the surface and tap into the candidates' personalities, values, and potential fit within the company culture. Here they are:</p><ol><li><strong>Quiz Insights</strong>: Candidates completed a quiz as part of their application, and I ask them to reflect on their results. This question isn't about the quiz score but rather their ability to follow instructions and recall information, providing insight into their self-awareness.</li><li><strong>Strengths and Weaknesses</strong>: I inquire how the people closest to the candidates would describe their strengths and weaknesses. This approach encourages authenticity and offers a personal perspective on the candidate's character.</li><li><strong>Passions Outside Work</strong>: Understanding what brings joy to a candidate helps me see them light up and relax, revealing their genuine interests and passions outside of their professional life.</li><li><strong>Decision Reflection</strong>: Asking candidates about a decision they would change from the past year unveils depth, regret, or confidence in their choices, giving us a glimpse into their reflective abilities.</li><li><strong>Company Values Connection</strong>: I read out our company values and ask candidates to choose one that resonates with them and explain why. This question helps me understand their alignment with our core principles.</li></ol><br/><p>These questions have proven invaluable in finding the "good eggs" for my team—those individuals who naturally embody the qualities we can't teach but are essential for our practice.</p><p>If you're gearing up to conduct interviews, consider these questions carefully. They're crafted to reveal more than rehearsed answers; they aim to get to the heart and soul of the person sitting across from you. Remember, an interview is a two-way street, and while it's important to assess the candidates, they're also evaluating if they want to be a part of your world.</p><p>For those interested in more interviewing insights, I've got a treat for you! Check out the free resource available in the show notes: my ultimate list of interview questions. Head over to <a href="http://theconnectioncode.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectioncode.com.au</a> and navigate to this podcast episode to find the link below in the show notes. This resource includes additional tips for interviewing and features 50 of my favourite questions that are excellent at identifying the ideal candidates for your Allied Health business.</p><p>Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you found these insights helpful. </p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">e85acb70-e17a-41a4-866b-78953e21f6b2</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e85acb70-e17a-41a4-866b-78953e21f6b2.mp3" length="13128208" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>18:14</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode></item><item><title>How to have a mid-year reset</title><itunes:title>How to have a mid-year reset</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to our podcast community! In today's episode, we dive into the essential practice of a mid-year reset. If you're feeling surprised by how quickly the year is flying by, you're not alone. It's already halfway through, and it's the perfect time to pause and realign.</p><p>Feeling unmotivated, stuck, exhausted, or lost? You might also feel like you're "in the weeds," caught up in busyness without making meaningful progress. These feelings are common around this time of year, but there's a solution—a reset. And no, we're not talking about just pushing through. We're talking about a fresh start that involves realigning with your goals and understanding what's working and what isn't.</p><p>Imagine how you want to feel six months from now—on Christmas Eve. Do you want to be stress-free, enjoying time with family, and proud of your achievements? That's what we're aiming for with this reset.</p><p>I have shared with you four principles to guide you through any reset, whether it's mid-year or any other time:</p><ol><li><strong>Space:</strong> Carve out time for your reset activities. Even an hour can make a difference, but a half-day or full-day can be even more beneficial. Consider changing your environment to inspire creativity and focus.</li><li><strong>Reflection:</strong> Reflect on your goals and vision. What have you achieved so far? What do you want more of in your life? Use this positive lens to set the scene for your reset.</li><li><strong>Focus:</strong> From your reflections, identify three to four key projects that will help you reach your big magic goal. Break these down into smaller tasks with due dates to keep you on track.</li><li><strong>Energy:</strong> Pay attention to your well-being. Enhance areas like sleep, movement, nutrition, values, and brain space. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in energy and motivation.</li></ol><br/><p>I also discussed creating intentional space in your diary for ongoing check-ins and the importance of routines and boundaries. Remember, resetting is not about overhauling everything at once; it's about making incremental changes that add up over time.</p><p>To help you implement these principles, I've created a downloadable guide called "My Reset Guide," which you can find in the show notes on our website at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts</a></p><p>Thank you for joining me today, and I hope these insights empower you to take control and move forward with clarity and purpose. </p><p>Remember, listeners, the mid-year mark is not just a milestone—it's an opportunity. Take this chance to reassess your journey. Until next time, keep striving towards your goals with intention and heart.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome back to our podcast community! In today's episode, we dive into the essential practice of a mid-year reset. If you're feeling surprised by how quickly the year is flying by, you're not alone. It's already halfway through, and it's the perfect time to pause and realign.</p><p>Feeling unmotivated, stuck, exhausted, or lost? You might also feel like you're "in the weeds," caught up in busyness without making meaningful progress. These feelings are common around this time of year, but there's a solution—a reset. And no, we're not talking about just pushing through. We're talking about a fresh start that involves realigning with your goals and understanding what's working and what isn't.</p><p>Imagine how you want to feel six months from now—on Christmas Eve. Do you want to be stress-free, enjoying time with family, and proud of your achievements? That's what we're aiming for with this reset.</p><p>I have shared with you four principles to guide you through any reset, whether it's mid-year or any other time:</p><ol><li><strong>Space:</strong> Carve out time for your reset activities. Even an hour can make a difference, but a half-day or full-day can be even more beneficial. Consider changing your environment to inspire creativity and focus.</li><li><strong>Reflection:</strong> Reflect on your goals and vision. What have you achieved so far? What do you want more of in your life? Use this positive lens to set the scene for your reset.</li><li><strong>Focus:</strong> From your reflections, identify three to four key projects that will help you reach your big magic goal. Break these down into smaller tasks with due dates to keep you on track.</li><li><strong>Energy:</strong> Pay attention to your well-being. Enhance areas like sleep, movement, nutrition, values, and brain space. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in energy and motivation.</li></ol><br/><p>I also discussed creating intentional space in your diary for ongoing check-ins and the importance of routines and boundaries. Remember, resetting is not about overhauling everything at once; it's about making incremental changes that add up over time.</p><p>To help you implement these principles, I've created a downloadable guide called "My Reset Guide," which you can find in the show notes on our website at <a href="https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts</a></p><p>Thank you for joining me today, and I hope these insights empower you to take control and move forward with clarity and purpose. </p><p>Remember, listeners, the mid-year mark is not just a milestone—it's an opportunity. Take this chance to reassess your journey. Until next time, keep striving towards your goals with intention and heart.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">b9164569-a8dc-4b56-a9ed-37e6bd78a120</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b9164569-a8dc-4b56-a9ed-37e6bd78a120.mp3" length="26670544" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>37:03</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode></item><item><title>7 must haves for your good allied health practice</title><itunes:title>7 must haves for your good allied health practice</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the inaugural episode of our podcast, where we dive into the essentials of building a thriving allied health practice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing practice, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.</p><h4>Celebrate Your Successes</h4><p>If you've got these must-haves working well in your practice, take a moment to celebrate! We often forget to acknowledge our achievements, but it's essential to recognise and be proud of our progress.</p><h4>The Seven Must-Haves:</h4><ol><li><strong>Heart and Soul</strong>: Know your why, your purpose, and work towards your values.</li><li><strong>Strategy</strong>: Have a clear vision for the future and set strategic goals.</li><li><strong>Team</strong>: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your mission.</li><li><strong>Success Factors</strong>: Identify and track key performance indicators that matter to your practice.</li><li><strong>Communication</strong>: Embrace the "Clear is Kind" approach for effective interactions.</li><li><strong>Ideal Client</strong>: Understand who they are and how best to serve them.</li><li><strong>Self</strong>: Focus on your well-being to maintain energy and motivation.</li></ol><br/><h4>Heart and Soul: Your Practice's Foundation</h4><p>We kick off by discussing the importance of infusing your practice with heart and soul. Understanding your "why" – the reason you get up every morning and do what you do – is crucial. It's about aligning your business activities with your purpose and values. Remember, as your practice grows, maintaining that original spirit becomes even more important.</p><h4>Strategy: More Than Just Day-to-Day Operations</h4><p>Having a strategy is not just about daily tasks; it's about knowing where you want your practice to go. A clear vision can guide you through challenges and help prevent feeling overwhelmed. Following this, regular planning days are essential to keep you on the right track. </p><h4>Building the Right Team</h4><p>Your team is not limited to employees. It includes mentors, accountants, and anyone who supports your journey. They should share your belief in the practice's potential and contribute positively to its growth.</p><h4>Success Factors: Beyond the Financials</h4><p>While financial metrics are important, success factors encompass various aspects of your practice. These could include client loyalty, employee happiness, or personal satisfaction. Choose factors that truly reflect your definition of success.</p><h4>Communication: Clarity is Key</h4><p>Adopting a straightforward yet empathetic communication style can build trust and reduce confusion among your team and clients. Clear expectations and understanding lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.</p><h4>Knowing Your Ideal Client</h4><p>Identifying and catering to your ideal client ensures that your services resonate with those who will benefit most from them. This understanding allows for tailored communication and service offerings that nurture the soul of your ideal clients. </p><h4>Self: The Often Forgotten Must-Have</h4><p>Lastly, don't overlook the importance of leaning into yourself. As a practice owner, your well-being directly impacts your ability to lead and grow your business. Set boundaries, manage your time effectively, and nurture your resilience.</p><h4>Final Thoughts</h4><p>No matter the size of your practice, these seven must-haves are universally applicable. Embrace them to create a practice that not only survives but thrives.</p><p>Thank you for tuning in to our first episode. Stay tuned for more knowledge-sharing in future episodes, and remember, your journey to a successful allied health practice starts here.</p><p>We hope you found this episode insightful and inspiring. For more tips and discussions on allied health practices, make sure to subscribe and join us next time. Thank you for listening, and here's to your success!</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the inaugural episode of our podcast, where we dive into the essentials of building a thriving allied health practice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing practice, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.</p><h4>Celebrate Your Successes</h4><p>If you've got these must-haves working well in your practice, take a moment to celebrate! We often forget to acknowledge our achievements, but it's essential to recognise and be proud of our progress.</p><h4>The Seven Must-Haves:</h4><ol><li><strong>Heart and Soul</strong>: Know your why, your purpose, and work towards your values.</li><li><strong>Strategy</strong>: Have a clear vision for the future and set strategic goals.</li><li><strong>Team</strong>: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your mission.</li><li><strong>Success Factors</strong>: Identify and track key performance indicators that matter to your practice.</li><li><strong>Communication</strong>: Embrace the "Clear is Kind" approach for effective interactions.</li><li><strong>Ideal Client</strong>: Understand who they are and how best to serve them.</li><li><strong>Self</strong>: Focus on your well-being to maintain energy and motivation.</li></ol><br/><h4>Heart and Soul: Your Practice's Foundation</h4><p>We kick off by discussing the importance of infusing your practice with heart and soul. Understanding your "why" – the reason you get up every morning and do what you do – is crucial. It's about aligning your business activities with your purpose and values. Remember, as your practice grows, maintaining that original spirit becomes even more important.</p><h4>Strategy: More Than Just Day-to-Day Operations</h4><p>Having a strategy is not just about daily tasks; it's about knowing where you want your practice to go. A clear vision can guide you through challenges and help prevent feeling overwhelmed. Following this, regular planning days are essential to keep you on the right track. </p><h4>Building the Right Team</h4><p>Your team is not limited to employees. It includes mentors, accountants, and anyone who supports your journey. They should share your belief in the practice's potential and contribute positively to its growth.</p><h4>Success Factors: Beyond the Financials</h4><p>While financial metrics are important, success factors encompass various aspects of your practice. These could include client loyalty, employee happiness, or personal satisfaction. Choose factors that truly reflect your definition of success.</p><h4>Communication: Clarity is Key</h4><p>Adopting a straightforward yet empathetic communication style can build trust and reduce confusion among your team and clients. Clear expectations and understanding lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.</p><h4>Knowing Your Ideal Client</h4><p>Identifying and catering to your ideal client ensures that your services resonate with those who will benefit most from them. This understanding allows for tailored communication and service offerings that nurture the soul of your ideal clients. </p><h4>Self: The Often Forgotten Must-Have</h4><p>Lastly, don't overlook the importance of leaning into yourself. As a practice owner, your well-being directly impacts your ability to lead and grow your business. Set boundaries, manage your time effectively, and nurture your resilience.</p><h4>Final Thoughts</h4><p>No matter the size of your practice, these seven must-haves are universally applicable. Embrace them to create a practice that not only survives but thrives.</p><p>Thank you for tuning in to our first episode. Stay tuned for more knowledge-sharing in future episodes, and remember, your journey to a successful allied health practice starts here.</p><p>We hope you found this episode insightful and inspiring. For more tips and discussions on allied health practices, make sure to subscribe and join us next time. Thank you for listening, and here's to your success!</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://theconnectionco.com.au/podcasts]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">9d3d5667-fb0c-418e-85e6-8a04a6891f61</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fc12cf60-acf2-4093-9fc6-8ba4231d7783/FoZpL2-d-KUrxhHozsQU7ay8.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +1100</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/9d3d5667-fb0c-418e-85e6-8a04a6891f61.mp3" length="24588304" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>34:09</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode></item></channel></rss>