Building Relationships that Drive Your Business UNCAGED CLINICIAN
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November 24, 2025

Turn Frustration into Results!

Are you putting in the work to connect with potential gatekeepers or your ideal clients, only to feel like you’re hitting a wall?

Maybe you’re networking, sending thank-you notes, or offering small gifts—but the results just aren’t there.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel frustrated, doubt your approach, or even question your abilities as a clinician.

The good news? Small tweaks can make a big difference.

Many clinicians fall into the trap of a one-way transactional approach. Think about it: lunches, thank-you notes, or patient testimonials are all great—but they can sometimes come across as “please make my business successful.”

If your gut tells you your pitch isn’t landing, it’s probably right.

The key is shifting from a transactional mindset to a relational one.

Instead of asking for something, focus on giving something of real value. Be genuinely interested in the people you’re connecting with, not just interesting to them.

Truth is, many of us are challenged with being interested rather than interesting.

It's amazing how giving another person your attention goes much further than taking the attention away from them.

If you’re trying to connect with a large practice, don’t attempt to reach every provider at once—that's like herding cats.

Instead, focus on one practitioner. Build trust, show value, and let that relationship naturally expand to others in the practice.

Create the first relationship, and let that one become your best marketer in the group.

One of the best ways to expedite a relationship with someone is to first serve them.

Serving doesn’t mean sending gifts or cards.

Rather, ask yourself: how can I make this person’s day easier or less stressful?

Here are some ways to serve gatekeepers and physicians:

• Ask: “Who is your ideal client that I could be on the look out for you?”

• Offer better resources: Provide clean, professional handouts or triage guides for self-care for their patients.

• Contribute to their content: Offer to write a blog or newsletter article that helps their practice’s SEO or educates their staff.

• Support their team: Share ways their staff can reduce strain or work more efficiently.

• Highlight them on social media: Showcase their work and tag them—it’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

Even if a physician says, “I don’t need more business,” there are still ways you can serve them.

Making their day easier and their practice more efficient creates value beyond patient referrals.

Another frustration experienced is when great conversations are happening - say, in a gym - but no one is converting into evaluations.

To avoid letting our mental space go down the tubes, there are some facts that must be kept in mind.

1. Not everyone is ready to buy. We want them to be, but they are not.

   There are four types of individuals you will have discussions with:

   Some don’t view themselves as having a problem. Therefore, the solution you are wanting to offer isn't needed.

   Some see a problem but think there’s no solution. People rarely want to buy something when they feel the situation is hopeless. So give them hope, not a sales pitch.
   
   Some people recognize that they have a problem, but believe another solution is better for them.

   Getting people to change their minds is challenging. However, it CAN happen.

   One way to do so is to set their expectations. Plant a seed in their head about what good care looks like.

   Then, when they don't get the care that they heard about (from you), they just might come calling.

   Some will acknowledge they have a problem and recognize that you are the solution.

   Obviously, this person is ready for your offer.

   Recognizing where people fall and meet them there. Drive the conversation appropriately.

2. Timing matters: 50% of people won’t buy, and 90% of those who do may take up to 90 days to decide. Only about 10% (or less) of consumers across the board will make a purchase that only a few minutes prior they had no idea that they would be buying something.

   Again, understanding this statistic can prevent serious doubt and other complexes from entering into your head.

3. Threshold triggers action. People rarely seek help until pain or disruption reaches a critical point—loss of function, sleep issues, or inability to do what they love.
   

I love using the analogy of farming.

Think of potential clients like crops. They need nurturing before they can produce results.

Remember, not everyone in the gym/studio/workshop are ready for therapy right now.

What we DO want to do is add that person to our audience for providing future care.

You may be having a great conversation with a gym member, but realize that they aren't interested in getting help beyond the tip you are giving for free.

Or, maybe you are afraid to make that offer.

Instead, invite them to schedule a time with you where you can take a closer look at what is going and you would be happy to give suggestions.

People are more likely to respond to a low-stakes invetation first, like a consultation or assessment, instead of immediately jumping into a full rehab plan.

Ask for their email, telling them that you have some other awesome relevant information you would like to send them.

Boom! You just got a person you can directly invite to your next workshop, injury screenings, community event, and send your next blog, etc.

The goal is to meet people where they are, slowly guiding them toward solutions that improve their health without overwhelming or pressuring them.

Make the next step an easy one for them.

If you have been taking the right action steps but feel you are not getting anywhere, here are those tips again:

• Shift from transactional to relational interactions.

• Serve first—help the person, not just yourself.

• Start with one advocate and let relationships grow organically.

• Nurture leads with relevant information and low-pressure opportunities.

• Adjust expectations: not everyone is ready to buy immediately.

Frustration is normal—but with the right tweaks, you can turn dead ends into thriving relationships and sustainable growth.

If you’d like more guidance on turning these strategies into action, schedule a call with us and learn more about Uncaged University. Kevin and I would love to help you take your practice to the next level.

The new UNCAGED UNIVERSITY gives you the guidance and clarity to obtain your goals and your success.

You can even work through the program at your pace, fast or slow. Either way, you come out on top!

Want to learn more about UNCAGED UNIVERSITY? Schedule an UNCAGED UNIVERSITY Application call with us today!  OUR PROMISE TO YOU: NO HARD SELLING.

Details about UNCAGED UNIVERSITY can also be found here.

Also, be sure to check out our website for other resources!

Your Success is our success!

The UNCAGED team