What I Did Right: The Foundations of My Practice’s Success

Opening and running a practice is a journey filled with learning curves, adjustments, and plenty of trial and error. But one thing I’m proud of is the solid foundation I built from day one—choices and strategies that continue to serve my practice well to this day.

Here’s a peek at what I got right from the beginning and why these decisions have been key to our success:

1. Tiered, Performance-Based Pay Structure

From the start, I implemented a pay structure that rewards performance. By tiering pay based on productivity and outcomes, we’ve created a system that incentivizes growth and effort while keeping things fair for everyone.

2. Flat Rate Pay Structure

Instead of going with the traditional percentage split model, I opted for a flat rate. Why? Because it provides clarity and predictability for both the business and the clinicians. This structure has eliminated potential conflicts and confusion over pay while keeping things straightforward and sustainable.

3. Consistency Across All Clinicians

Every clinician in our practice operates under the same pay structure. This equality fosters a sense of fairness, builds trust within the team, and reduces competition or resentment among staff.

4. No Company-Wide Annual Performance Evaluations

Let’s be honest—traditional annual performance reviews are often more stressful than they’re worth. Instead, we focus on continuous feedback and addressing performance in real-time. This approach creates a culture of ongoing growth without the dreaded annual review season.

5. No Fancy Titles

Titles can be a double-edged sword, and I chose to avoid them altogether. In our practice, everyone is recognized for their contributions rather than their titles, which keeps things simple and avoids hierarchical tension.

6. Scalable Technology

I invested in technology that we could grow into, rather than out of. Whether it’s our electronic health record (EHR) system or other tools, this decision has saved us from the constant (and costly) cycle of upgrading systems as we expand.

7. A Centralized Hub for Admin Staff

All our in-person administrative staff operate out of one central hub. This setup streamlines communication, improves efficiency, and ensures that everyone is on the same page—no scattered teams, no mixed messages.

8. The Profit First Cashflow Management Program

From the beginning, I’ve followed the Profit First method for managing cash flow. This system ensures that profit remains a priority, helping us stay financially healthy and capable of reinvesting in our growth.

9. Staying Ahead in Marketing

Marketing isn’t just a “set it and forget it” effort—it’s something I stay on top of consistently. From leveraging new tools to tracking trends, I’ve made it a priority to keep our marketing strategies fresh and effective.

10. Community Outreach as a Marketing Pillar

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of our marketing strategy. Whether it’s connecting with local organizations, participating in events, or simply showing up with swag bags, our outreach efforts have built strong referral networks and lasting relationships.

Why It Matters

These decisions weren’t just about solving immediate problems—they were about building a practice that could grow sustainably, remain adaptable, and foster a positive environment for both staff and clients.

If you’re starting your own practice or looking to refine how you operate, I hope this list sparks some ideas for your journey. The right choices in the beginning can save you countless headaches down the road—and they’ll set the stage for long-term success.