Starting A Successful Mediation Practice By Joseph maina frezhar

Starting A Successful Mediation Practice. Presented by daisy Kerich Kariuki Mediation trainer/cam.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, the trainees will be able to: Describe what is required to build a mediation practice. Explore the possible failure factors in a mediation business Explore the possible success factors in a mediation business.

Introduction. Mediation is a profession and mediators make a full career out of it. It takes much thought and planning to get it right. One would do well to make a business plan for it just like one would do for any other professional business practice. It is possible to start a mediation practice as a primary and independent career or to attach it to another ongoing professional business such as law or psychology. Either way, this module examines how a mediator can grow mediation into a successful professional practice..

Mentorship. It may help to identify a more experienced mediator who has walked the journey before. It is critically important to start off as an apprentice or mentee so as to hone skills and gain confidence to take off successfully..

Volunteer. It may help a great deal to begin by giving pro bono services in the community, church, mosque or other religious institutions. You can also volunteer to mediate family and neighborhood disputes, as well as children and labour disputes at the relevant non -government, government or community service providers. Once you gain the confidence and experience, you will be ready to set up a practice..

Register your Practice. Register your practice and pay any licences. Open a bank account. These are some of the ways of preparing your business for sustainability and growth..

Survey. A business survey can help you in identifying the mediation needs, as you choose which area you would like to focus on. It helps to build a practice that is needed or that is responding to an identified need..

Specialize. Whereas you may begin as a “general practitioner”, it might be more strategic to narrow down your focus on the area of practice you would like to be known for and begin a specialized mediation practice. The areas of specialization ranges from commercial to family to labour to construction to community etc. Specialization will help you have a business focus, niche and target..

Prepare a Business plan and a Strategic Plan. It might help to develop a business plan and a strategic plan for your business. This will indicate to you what you require to have a sustainable practice. It will give you motivation and the determination required to stay the cause. You will be able to monitor the business growth, milestones, the challenges, and opportunities.

Set up systems. Set up business administration systems and templates for your office including telephone lines, intake forms, agreement to mediate forms, invoicing and receipting and other finance management and control tools. Also include your fee’s structure and how you will be paid..

Marketing. Engage a marketing expert to help you in developing a brand for your practice. This would include the trade name, logo, tagline, marketing materials such as business cards etc. Bear in mind that mediation is a professional service, so you will need to be modest in the way you do it. For example, it may not be advisable to put up billboards, but instead, a reasonably sized signpost..

Networking. Join associations related to mediation, both local and international. Attend conferences and webinars. Write articles and send them for publication in professional journals and media. This way, you will be linking yourself to potential clients and referrals. You will be building your professional reputation and image..

Online Presence. Due to the digital age, we are living in, it will help to develop a digital platform for your service. This could include website and social media platforms. If possible, learn and practice virtual mediation so that you are prepared to carry out virtual practice..

Set up an office. Set up a base from where you do your work. Make it private and comfortable. Employ staff as the business grows. With time, you will be taking up mentees and associates..

Become an accredited Mediator. Register as an accredited mediator with the Judiciary. This will provide with additional professional networking opportunities, connect you with your peers, provide you with continuous professional development programs; have you listed on the list of accredited mediators; all of which will build your profile..

Conclusion. Growing a successful mediation practice will require hard work patience, innovation, determination, and persistence. It is hope that the above suggestions will prove helpful in giving the new mediator the impetus required to set up or integrate mediation practice so as advance this exciting profession..

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