Physio, Community and #TaddyTuesday

Coming from the NHS many, many years ago to eventually being my own boss in my own clinic has been a fun ride. No-one though ever taught me how to be a ‘Businessman’ and so all that side of things just gets cobbled together over time. I often say to people that my business is a funny one as the main aim is to get people to not want or need to come back. In essence were are only successful when we have gotten rid of you and you don’t return. Now all that is not strictly true because a few things definitely happen- everyone is getting older than they were and life often throws challenges at us that our bodies can’t handle.

So how do those thoughts fit into running and growing a clinic? The biggest and best source of business for us is, and has always been, word of mouth. This is clearly the most powerful thing to attract new custom and happily it is also free. I have dabbled in some traditional ‘business groups’, wasted a lot on SEO and adverts but I have found most utility in the general notion of community and community building. Having a small clinic in a small town is great because you soon see a massive inter-connected web linking all-souls. I literally asked a patent once how long they had known Debbie (not their real name) to which they responded “since she was born….she’s my daughter….”

In line with this I also have the notion that ‘What is good for Tadcaster is good for the Clinic’.  A thriving town means a thriving community and businesses- it’s a win-win! I have slowly been drawn into different groups and committees which have helped shape and influence the business-side of town, along with some very dedicated and passionate individuals. I have a phrase that we need ‘thick-skinned optimists’ to see beyond the usual grumbles.

I have been working on a social media hashtag #TaddyTuesday whereby I try and give a shout out each week to other businesses in Tad. This was born initially out of the first ‘Magic-Tenner’ campaign in March 2024 when it was clear that businesses supporting businesses felt great and did great things. The Totally Locally Tadcaster success and the new TADvantage card show that we have momentum, ideas and the community to make things happen.     

If you are reading this then firstly- thank you, secondly congrats on making it this far and thirdly next time you need a service or product have a little wander into town and before you make Jeff Bezos some more money you too can do your bit to help our community thrive.