How failure taught me to trust

Table of Contents

Here’s the story of how I almost went out of business … and how the scariest decision of my career saved me.

👇 CLICK PLAY 👇 

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

Running my own business had been a dream since childhood.

Yet, after 8 years of trying, I was about to lose it all.

Why?

Because I acted from a place of desperation.

It was clear to everyone (including me) who Goodman Creatives lived to serve: therapists.

Yet, my website and marketing told a different story.

Instead of addressing the specific needs of therapists, I advertised my services to anyone who could pay me. Plumbers, accountants, midwives, shamans, photographers, the list goes on …

My business had no direction.

By trying to speak to so many people, I diluted my message and wound up connecting with no one.

On a good month, 1 potential client would reach out. If that person didn’t hire me, my credit card debt would mount. Talk about pressure to have the perfect consult call.

😩 My wife and I were close to selling our dream home.

😩 Bankruptcy was on the table.

Yet, I was still terrified to plant that flag and go “all in.”

My entrepreneurial dream had become a nightmare.

😩 Stress.

😩 Overwhelm.

😩 Despair.

😩 Desperation.

These words defined my business … and my life.

Why?!

Why did I fight what my heart was saying?

Why didn’t I listen to my own advice?

FEAR!

I let fear of failure narrate my story and run my business.

(Ironic since I had already failed).

Fear came so close to ruining me.

Then, I took a stand.

I said, “NO! — I’m not going down this way.”

Instead, I did the scariest thing I could think of.

I declared that I was no longer accepting any clients other than therapists.

In short, I finally decided to TRUST.

TRUST LEADS TO SUCCESS

After years of ambiguity, I redesigned goodmancreatives.com to speak exclusively to mental health professionals.

I focused my message on YOUR specific struggles and dream outcomes.

I created a marketing funnel directed to one person — YOU.

Do you know what happened next, Greg?

🤩 My business turned around.

🤩 33 therapists said YES this year alone.

🤩 Carrie and I are still living in our dream home.

🤩 Bills are paid on time.

🤩 The Goodman Family is going to Hawaii next year.

🤩 I can finally breathe a sigh of relief!

And yes, I still feel stress.

But, it comes from the pressure of running a successful business rather than worrying how to make ends meet.

The Moral of This Story

Even if it feels scary, the best gift you can give your practice is a solid foundation built on a single dream client.

It may take a leap of faith, but I truly believe that when you follow your heart, success will follow you.

And, if you need a little help along the way, I’m always here for you.

Got Questions?

Ask me anything about this article … or, reach out to see how I can help you get a steady, predictable stream of therapy clients you love with less effort and stress.

Share This Article

About the Author:

Greg Goodman

As a therapist business coach, web designer, copywriter, and marketing expert, Greg has been helping mental health professionals get a steady stream of clients they love since 2006.

In his career, Greg has helped everyone from associates to established solo partners, group practices, and beyond. He even had a 6-year stint as the head of a large mental health clinic in San Francisco where he kept 43 caseloads full.

In addition to his work helping therapists, Greg is a passionate photographic storyteller, traveler, husband, father, and human being dedicated to personal growth and making the world a better place.

Fill your therapy practice with a steady stream of clients you love!

Scale your practice to $300k and beyond using a proven formula that has worked for scores of therapists just like you.

Our toolkit includes an integrative mix of coaching, web design, and marketing services.

When we collaborate, you can expect transparency, integrity, accountability, honesty, compassion, innovation, and open communication at every step.

Latest Resources

Free Download

fill your therapy practice ebook

Free Download

The Ultimate Therapist Website ebook

book a 30-minute clarity call

After filling out the form, you will be taken to my online calendar to schedule your phone consult.

Join the waitlist

The next onboarding session of the Profitable Practice Program will be announced shortly.