Episode Overview:
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing 5 of the most common mistakes I see newly qualified equine and canine therapists making—and more importantly, what to do instead. If you’ve recently completed your training and are in those early stages of getting your business off the ground, this is for you.
I’ve coached hundreds of therapists at all stages of their journey, and I see these patterns come up time and again. It’s not about getting everything perfect from day one—it’s about avoiding the traps that waste time, energy, and confidence.
If you’re more established in business, this is still worth a listen. Sometimes the fundamentals are what quietly slip over time. And if you’re mentoring someone new in the industry, feel free to share this episode with them.
Here’s what I cover:
- Waiting for clients to come to you just because you have a logo, socials, or a website. It’s a common misconception that having a professional-looking setup means people will start knocking. Without active client attraction strategies, those platforms don’t convert on their own.
- Assuming your friends and family will support your business. This one can be hard—but so often, people close to you won’t book. They see you as the friend, not the practitioner. It doesn’t mean your business isn’t valid—it’s just a shift they may not be ready to make.
- Letting “not good enough” thoughts hold you back. That voice in your head telling you you’re not experienced enough? It’s normal, but not helpful. You don’t need 10 years of experience to help someone. Your training is fresh, your attention to detail is high, and you care deeply—that matters more than you think.
- Trying to appeal to everyone who owns a horse or dog. This mistake leads to vague marketing and forgettable messaging. Narrowing your focus helps people remember you and trust you faster. I spoke about this in detail in last week’s episode on niching—if you haven’t heard that yet, make sure to go back and listen.
- Comparing yourself to others. It’s a fast way to lose joy and momentum. Remember: you’re not at the same stage as someone who’s been in business for five or ten years. Use others as inspiration, not a measuring stick. And if certain accounts on social media drag you down, give yourself permission to unfollow.
Ongoing Support:
We’re currently running a ‘New in Business’ series across our social channels with extra content, training, and prompts to help you build momentum as a newly qualified practitioner.
You’ll find posts on:
- Getting your first clients
- Building confidence
- Marketing that actually works
- Working with vets …and more.
It’s free, it’s practical, and it’s designed to give you support at one of the trickiest stages of business.
Come and follow the series here:
Tag a friend who’s just qualified and could do with a boost—we’d love to help them get started with clarity and confidence.
