Have you ever felt like you have one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake? You know what I mean – you are passionate about what you do, but when it comes to promoting yourself you freeze!

We probably all have from time to time, but I’ve found it a really common phenomenon amongst the health practitioners that I work with. They can dutifully attend all my ‘how to’ workshops and courses, read marketing articles and sign-up for the wonderful online resources available, but then find themselves getting in their own way with a scarcity mindset or a fear of failure or fear of success.

Is what you thinking holding you back? Could you manage without negative self talk and give yourself a pep talk instead? Here are some common thought patterns and the perfect replacement for them:

Old Thought	New Thought
Times are tough and business is quiet.	I see opportunities everywhere…
I just need to learn another modality.	My existing skills are sought after…
There’s too much competition.	There’s plenty for everyone, I have something unique to offer.
I’m no good at promoting myself/services.	I’m passionate about sharing how others can benefit from what I offer…
If it’s meant to happen it will.	I am actively taking steps in the direction I want to go and feel great about it!

The funny thing is, these new thoughts aren’t just positive thinking – they are real and achievable.

The key is simple. Recognize that your difference is the difference.

Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, carefully select your target market based on two things:

• who you like working with and


• who already benefits from what you do.

When someone asks you what you do, let them know who you work with and what benefit they receive from seeing you. Don’t just say: I’m a massage therapist. Instead you might say: I work with golf enthusiasts who want to improve their swing. Or whatever audience you have chosen and what the benefits are they receive.

This is not big noting yourself or boasting. It is simply stating who you are passionate about working with and what is in it for them. You will grow to love promoting yourself when you do it in this manner - because it is not about you, it is about your clients.

So stop thinking thoughts that stop you in your tracks, start to think from your clients point of view – and harness opportunities that present themselves daily to let others know about you and your services. Remember it’s not what you know, but who knows what you know that counts!