professionalism | Practice Up! for Advocates and Care Managers

The Third Question to Ask a Prospective Client

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A few months ago we looked at the FIRST question to ask a prospective client. That first question is actually a self-defense move; making sure you aren’t getting yourself into a problem with someone who has been advocate-hopping and avoiding payment. Find that First Question to Ask a Prospective Client The second question to ask them is their first name. Yes. Just their first name at first, so they won’t think you are trying to delve into their personal business, […]

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Be Professional AND Safe

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When someone is desperate, afraid, frustrated, and therefore, possibly angry, they sometimes make choices that turn out to be dangerous to themselves and others. Smart advocates know that those descriptors can easily fit patients who feel as if there is no hope and no way forward. Their plight may also be exacerbated if they are dependent on drugs they can no longer take (especially opioids) or if they feel as if there is a treatment that MIGHT help, but they

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The Solution to the Paralysis of Analysis

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Years ago, I wrote on the APHA Blog: Just Can’t Throw the Switch? The Analysis of Paralysis Wow! What a nerve I touched with the point — that sometimes we spend so much time worrying about what might happen if we attempt something big (like starting a new business) that we are too paralyzed to actually take the leap. So let’s take a look at that leap… Yes – it’s a biggie! And while it’s not to be taken lightly,

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He’s In the Room and Has a Name

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My childhood best-friend’s father, Ed, was in his late 70s when he began to deal with difficult medical problems. A cancer diagnosis led to surgery, chemo, myriad tests and treatments…. and, of course, many doctor appointments. His daughter, Janet, was a stalwart advocate for her father, driving 90 minutes each way, week-in and week-out for years. She attended all her father’s appointments, took notes, asked questions, filled prescriptions – in short, all those things we do as advocates, which many

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Ask for the Money

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It sounds like a simple task, doesn’t it? And yet, in all these years, I have found that the lack of ability to ask for money is one of the most consistent barriers cited by those who either decide not to open an advocacy practice, or those who fail after hanging out their shingles. In my last post I wrote about a non-solution – creating a non-profit organization. So many who want to be advocates but don’t want to ask

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