In this introductory chapter of the course, students will embark on a transformative journey into the world of business basics for wellness practitioners. They will be introduced to the core objectives, methodology, and available resources that will empower them to build a thriving and successful practice.

Exploring different business structures, legal requirements, developing a business plan, securing funding, and understanding ethical considerations.

·      Sole Proprietor: Exploring the advantages and considerations of establishing a sole proprietorship.

·      Partnership: Understanding the benefits and challenges of forming a partnership in a wellness practice.

·      Corporation: Exploring the structure and legal aspects of establishing a corporation for a wellness business.

·      Choosing a Business Name: Techniques and strategies for selecting a compelling and memorable business name.

·      Registration: Step-by-step guidance on the registration process, including legal requirements and documentation.

·      Legalities: Understanding legal obligations and compliance in operating a wellness practice.

·      Contractor vs. Employee: Distinguishing between the roles of contractors and employees and their implications in the wellness industry.

·      Start-Up Costs: Identifying and managing start-up costs effectively for a successful business launch.

·      Loans and Financing: Exploring different financing options and resources available for wellness practitioners.

·      Other Resources: Additional resources, such as business support organizations and professional networks.

·      Conclusion: Recap of the chapter and key takeaways.  

·      Understanding the importance of financial protection through insurance.

·      The Financial House: Exploring the key elements of a solid financial foundation for a wellness practice.

·      Insurance Defined: Defining insurance and its role in mitigating risks and liabilities.

·      Types of Insurance: Overview of various insurance types relevant to wellness practitioners.

·      Health Insurance: Understanding the benefits and considerations of health insurance coverage for practitioners.

·      Short/Long Term Disability: Exploring disability insurance options and the protection they offer.

·      Living Benefits vs Supplemental: Understanding the difference between living benefits and supplemental insurance.

·      Common Questions: Addressing frequently asked questions related to insurance in the wellness industry.

·      Conclusion: Recap of the chapter and key takeaways.

Creating a professional clinic environment, implementing effective appointment scheduling and client intake procedures, building client relationships, and managing staff.

·      Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): Establishing effective procedures and protocols for clinic operations.

·      Supplies: Identifying essential supplies and equipment for a well-equipped wellness clinic.

·      Why EMR is Necessary: Understanding the importance of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in clinic management.

·      Choosing the Right EMR: Guidance on selecting a suitable EMR system for efficient clinic operations.

·      Introduction to Jane: Overview of Jane, a popular EMR platform for wellness practitioners.

·      Jane Walkthrough: Navigating the features and functions of Jane EMR for effective charting and scheduling.

·      Charting Basics SOAP: Introduction to SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) charting method.

·      Charting Basics: Exploring the fundamentals of effective charting in a wellness clinic setting.

·      Setting Your Prices: Strategies and considerations for setting competitive and sustainable pricing for services.

·      Raising Your Prices: Techniques for implementing price increases in a professional and client-centric manner.

·      Discounts: Understanding the pros and cons of offering discounts and promotions in a wellness practice.

·      Invoices and Receipts: Best practices for generating accurate and professional invoices and receipts.

·      Direct Billing: Exploring the process of direct billing for insurance claims and reimbursement.

·      Direct Billing - Canada: Specific considerations and guidelines for direct billing in the Canadian healthcare system.

·      Direct Billing - USA: Understanding the process and requirements for direct billing in the United States.

·      Conclusion: Recap of the chapter and key takeaways.  

Learning essential bookkeeping principles, managing income and expenses, understanding tax obligations, and maintaining financial records.

·      Instructor Introduction: Introduction to the instructor and their expertise in bookkeeping and tax management.

·      Overview: Exploring the fundamentals of bookkeeping and its role in business success.

·      What is Bookkeeping?: Defining bookkeeping and its purpose in recording financial transactions.

·      Bookkeeping Basics: Understanding key concepts, such as double-entry bookkeeping and chart of accounts.

·      Expenses: Managing and categorizing expenses for accurate financial records and tax deductions.

·      Bills and Utilities: Effective management of bills and utilities to ensure timely payments and financial stability.

·      Storing Receipts: Best practices for organizing and storing receipts for easy reference and tax purposes.

·      Income, Taxes, and GST: Understanding income tracking, tax obligations, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) considerations.

·      Conclusion: Recap of the chapter and key takeaways.  

Understanding marketing fundamentals, developing a unique brand identity, implementing online and offline marketing strategies, and measuring marketing success.

·      Overview: Introduction to marketing strategies tailored to the wellness industry.

·      What is Marketing: Defining the concept of marketing and its relevance to wellness practitioners.

·      Authentic Marketing: Understanding the importance of authenticity in marketing efforts.

·      Ideal Client: Identifying and targeting the ideal client for a wellness practice.

·      USP: Developing a Unique Selling Proposition to differentiate the practice in a competitive market.

·      Brand Identity: Crafting a strong brand identity that resonates with the target audience.

·      Traditional Marketing Methods: Exploring traditional marketing channels, such as print media and networking events.

·      Modern Marketing Methods: Utilizing digital marketing strategies, including social media, email marketing, and online advertising.

·      Marketing Tips: Practical tips and techniques to enhance marketing efforts and maximize results.

·      The 'Right' Client: Strategies for attracting and retaining the right clients for a thriving wellness practice.  

Engaging with successful wellness practitioners through interviews, gaining insights into their experiences and strategies for success, and applying these lessons to individual business goals.

·      Janine Gotzke - General Practice Massage Clinic Owner: In-depth interview with a successful massage clinic owner, sharing insights and experiences.

·      Kendall Hagensen - Multidisciplinary Clinic Owner: Gaining valuable perspectives from a clinic owner operating in a multidisciplinary setting.

·      Robin Divine - Niche-Based Clinic Owner: Exploring the strategies and challenges of running a niche-focused clinic.

·      Melissa Pierson - Mobile Massage Business Owner: Insights into the unique aspects of managing a mobile massage business.

·      Jennifer Fehr - Luxury Spa Manager: Learning from a luxury spa manager about providing exceptional service and client experiences.