The Synergy of Abundance

[Jaime Nichols]

I've read from discussions on Hypnothoughts that hypnotists tend to be a territorial lot when things get to a local level. I've seen some evidence to bear some of this out, particularly when it comes to stage hypnotists. From my own perspective, though, I just don't see things that way.

Yes, the most succesful among us are entrepenurial, doing their level best to be "first to market" on search engines, local trade networks, and such. This eagerness to be out there, shouldn't be interpreted as preditor behavior, however. I've yet to hear of another hypnotist stealing away a client, and while it's fair to assume there are plenty of eyeballs and earholes whose attention is diverted to another hypnotist before they even learn of Welcome Suggestions, there are just as many potential customers out there who may learn of me through referrals, or through being in my extended networks outside of the world of Google, Yellow Pages, or BNI.

Rather than approach things from a scarcity mentality, I take an abundance perspective. Even playing the numbers game extremely conservatively, there are huge untapped markets in my area for hypnosis. I don't begrudge other hypnotists and coaches their success, and instead celebrate it. By being sincere and earnest about managing my time to include a lot of meaningful connection on the human level, I know I can develop win-win relationships with those offering "competing" services, as well as with people who aren't directly involved in the profession.

Authenticity, competence, and a genuine positive regard for your clients, colleagues, and the vast untapped pool of possibilities tends to be pretty good bait, in my experience. I'll share more on this in the days to come.

[Sophie Nicholls]

Hi Jaime and James. Yes, I agree. And every great experience that someone has with a local hypnotherapist is fabulous PR for our profession!

[James Hazlerig]

I couldn't agree more! Of course, sometimes that unconscious territoriality tries to creep into my thoughts, so I remind it that other hypnotists are the "cooperation," not the "competition."

When I was in training, I asked my teacher her feelings on the matter. She said that if just 1% of the population of any city decided to seek out hypnotic help, every hypnotist in town would be overbooked. I think it's clear that way more than 1% of the population needs our help!