5 Business Books That Inspired My Own, A Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice
My first book, A Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice, is out now, published by Routledge. I will be sharing more about how the book came to be on Therapists Corner, but today I want to tell you about five business books that inspired my own.
Although these books cover a diverse range of topics, you’ll notice they have one key thing in common – they’re all written by women. When I was researching my book proposal, something that really stuck out was how male-dominated the business book genre is. I really had to hunt for female voices I could relate to. Now that my book is out in the world, I’m proud to have added another into the mix.
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Hashtag Authentic: Finding Creativity and Building a Community on Instagram and Beyond by Sara Tasker
The Blurb
‘Since setting up her Instagram account (@me_and_orla) while on maternity leave in 2013, Sara has become a celebrated influencer and iPhoneographer, and through her calm, atmospheric, and authentic style has garnered legions of followers. Here, Sara presents the lessons she has learned along the way […] Hashtag Authentic is both an inspiring manual and an interactive tool for finding an online voice, growing a tribe, and becoming an influencer.’
The Inspiration
As well as being a beautifully written book filled with inspiring photography, Hashtag Authentic is packed with practical tips and advice. Learn about finding your own visual style and personal niche, getting the most out of your camera phone, and the secret to Instagram success.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sara for the Therapists Corner podcast. Our discussion revolved around the potential of Substack for therapists as an additional revenue stream. You can listen to the episode here.
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Brand Brilliance: Elevate Your Brand, Enchant Your Audience by Fiona Humberstone
The Blurb
‘In Brand Brilliance, bestselling author and branding expert Fiona Humberstone will take you on a comprehensive journey. She will help you to define your dream clients, refine your message and up your marketing game. This book will bring substance and clarity to your brand, bring into focus the things that really matter and enable you to communicate with flair and intention. All in her trademark inspirational, practical and easy-to-implement style. Expect to feel empowered, inspired and energised!’
The Inspiration
I learned a lot from Fiona’s passion for branding and design. Branding your business well is arguably more important today than it’s ever been. She helped me understand it’s about more than visuals. As Fiona says, ‘it’s about having a strong message and a clear vision […] It’s about knowing your worth, celebrating your magic and creating a destination brand. It’s about making your business the only logical choice for your ideal clients.’
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Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy by Mary Portas
The Blurb
‘Retail and brand expert Mary Portas argues that over the past thirty years the business of what we buy has been dominated by the biggest, fastest and cheapest. But those values no longer resonate. We’ve come to realize that more doesn’t equal better […] Full of expert insight and invaluable advice, Rebuild is about resetting the dial. It gives businesspeople pause for thought about how to make money, as well as the practical tools to build back post-pandemic. And it speaks to anyone who votes with the pound in their pocket – all of us who, with social progress in mind, want to spend our money differently and better.’
The Inspiration
The so called ‘Queen of Shops’, Mary Portas, introduced me to the idea of building a values-based business which went on to become a really key part of my book.
When someone starts the journey of seeking therapy, it is not just about finding any therapist it’s about finding the right one. They’re searching for a connection and a trusted space for someone who resonates with their values, offering a haven of understanding, safety, and empathy, someone who can walk with them on this journey.
Your business values lay the foundation for such a space. They shape the unique, therapeutic relationship, allowing you to shine authentically. That way, clients who align with your approach can identify you as the perfect fit even before that first session begins; it’s a bond that starts forming right from the very first impression. At the same time, a business built on solid values will be more rewarding to run because it has purpose.
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Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World by Amy Porterfield
The Blurb
‘If your heart is telling you it’s time to leave that 9-to-5 behind, or you feel alive every time you work on your side hustle, or you’re fed-up of building someone else’s dreams . . . it is time to give your two weeks’ notice. But you will need an experienced guide to give you the roadmap to turn this world of possibility into a reality. From corporate underling to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur, Amy Porterfield, host of the podcast Online Marketing Made Easy, has been there, done that.’
The Inspiration
This book is a step-by-step guide to creating more balance, gaining financial freedom, and building a life and business you love. When I was establishing my own private practice, I learned a lot from Amy’s podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy. Eventually, she became my coach and mentor. I was also lucky enough to interview her for the Ask the Therapist podcast. You can listen to the episode here.
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You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero
The Blurb
‘You Are a Badass at Making Money is the book you need if you’ve spent too much time watching money land in your bank account and then roll through your fingers. Jen Sincero went from living in a converted garage to traveling the world in five-star luxury in a matter of years and knows all too well the layers of BS one can get wrapped up in around money, as well as what it takes to dig your way out. In this funny, fascinating and practical book, she goes in-depth on how powerful our thoughts are and how our bank accounts are mirrors of our beliefs about money. You Are a Badass at Making Money combines laugh-out-loud comedy with life-changing concepts, all boiled down into manageable, bite-size tips so that you can put them into practice and get life-changing results.’
The Inspiration
I love Jen’s no-nonsense approach to money and wealth. She helped me appreciate how important it is to have a healthy money mindset and this is definitely a lesson I’ve tried to pass on in my book.
I know many therapists grapple with limiting beliefs around money, often tied to the intrinsic value we place on our care. While some of these concerns may be valid, it’s important to remember we’re providing life-changing support through our services. Financial sustainability enables us to continue doing this, making it an essential part of our practice’s health and longevity.
Happy reading!