Therapists May Want To Consider Being Coaches

 According to a New York Times article from last Sunday, therapists are having a much tougher time making a living than ever before. Becoming a life coach may be the solution to make a living helping others.

In an article titled “What Is Your Brand,” psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb discusses how therapists with waning practices are redefining themselves to appeal to a new client base.   This re-branding can lead to a new approach in helping others. Rather than focusing on general life issues, one should begin focusing on specific problems.

Many therapists are finding that coaching is a good way to supplement their psychotherapy practice and even supplant it.   The most successful coaches develop a brand that addresses a particular market niche’, such as divorce coaching, dealing with the loss of  a loved one, or working with parents of children with ADHD.

Coaching also lends itself to interacting with people online, and we have designed our Talk To An Expert Inc. software with this in mind.  Online coaching gives you the flexibility to work with clients at home or in the office. This software delivers your practice to the entire country and potentially the entire world! 

Start With A Good Photo for Your Expert Profile

Humans respond emotionally to visual images, particularly the faces of others.  That’s why it is so important for Experts to have a good photograph.  We strongly suggest that you have a professional take your photograph, and that it be a head and shoulders shot. Your dress should be professional as if you were going to an office. 

As an Expert, you want to have a trustworthy yet friendly expression.  Did you know that there are at least 12 different kinds of smiles?  It’s easy for anyone to recognize a forced smile, a wary smile, or even an angry smile.  We unconsciously recognize the sincerity of a smile in others, and similarly others can recognize sincerity in our smile.  

It’s not easy for most of us to take a picture with a relaxed and natural smile, but a professional photographer can help you achieve this. Normally a photographer will snap dozens of pictures, and then you can choose the one you like best.  If you’re not sure which one is best, ask a friend or colleague, making sure to tell him or her what the photo is being used for.  Having a good photograph is not about winning a beauty contest, but rather it is about portraying yourself as someone who is a trusted individual; knowledgeable, sincere, and, how else can I say it, an Expert.

Once you are satisfied with the photo for your Expert Profile, make sure to adjust the image to 160 x 160 pixels for best results.  Remember that even if you have already registered to be an Expert, you can upload a new photo at any time.

Let us know if you have a question about creating your Expert Profile. Your profile is your “storefront” so to speak, so make it place that people will want to visit.   

What Is A Widget?

A Widget is a small application (app) that can be used on a web page or blog that performs a specific function. For example, if you have ever copied a Youtube video to your blog or Facebook page, you have used a Widget. As you know, it is as simple as copying the code and then pasting it where you want it. The Widget does the rest. In the case of Youtube, the Widget puts a mini video player wherever you place the code, as well as the information for the specific video you want others to see.

 In the case of the Talk To An Expert, Inc., our Widget connects Experts to their Profile page, where potential clients or customers can consult with them using email, chat, video chat, or the phone. Our Widget shows the photo and title of the Expert, and also shows the communication Widgets they have chosen. See the right hand column of this blog to see my Widget.

 There are a few other Expert software sites available, but no other company lets you create a Widget so that you can tell the world about your services on any website or blog. In 2013 we will also have Widgets for Linked In and Facebook. You can sign-up for a Widget at www.TalkToAnExpertInc.com, and also contact us there.

Questions about our Widget?  Don't hesitate to call us at:  203-517-0543.

Meet Tom Alpert

Tom Alpert has joined our marketing and sales team, and will also be helping with customer service. Tom has a varied background in advertising, sales, social media, and retail appraisal. Tom is coming from the medical and dental print advertising field. Tom is also a musician and plays many instruments and sings. Ask for a song when you talk to him! If you need any help with Talk To An Expert products or services, Tom is your man.

We're Open For Business

Talk To An Expert, Inc. (TalkToAnExpertInc.com) is now open for business. This week we will be launching our software for use by counselors, coaches, consultants, advisers, and experts of all kinds. We will also be launching our flagship site, www.ChildHelp247.com as more than 100 of the nations leading parenting experts make their expertise to parents around the country communicating by phone, video chat, text chat, or email. Help for your children is now just a few clicks away.