Setting Up in Business as a Mediator

Author: Stephen Walker
Publisher: Bloomsbury Professional (formerly Tottel Publishing)
ISBN: 9781780439938
Published In: December 2015
Format: Paperback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Description
Contents

Details

Setting up in Business as a Mediator provides mediators, and those training as mediators, the tools to set up successful and profitable mediation businesses.

An increasing number of lawyers and non-lawyers alike are seeing mediation as a career. Many lawyers see it as a refreshing alternative to what they are doing as solicitors. Many recent graduates see it as a stand-alone alternative career choice.

Many mediators do not have enough work to make a full-time career out of mediation. They may not know how to market themselves as mediators or differentiate themselves from other mediators. Whilst there are a frequent talks, conferences and seminars on how to develop your mediation practice which are always popular there is no title that explains 'how-to-do-it'. Setting up in Business as a Mediator is the title providing mediators and those training as mediators all of the necessary tools and advice to set up successful and profitable mediation businesses.

Unlike most mediation titles which often cover one aspect of mediation, e.g. commercial mediation or family mediation, Setting up in Business as a Mediator crosses over all types of mediation. The tools needed for setting up as a successful commercial mediator are the same as needed for setting up as a successful family mediator which makes this title essential for all those wishing to set up a business as a mediator.

Know Yourself
Why are you doing it?
Where do you want to be in 3 years' time?How will you get there?
How much money, time and effort can you invest?
Why would you choose yourself as a mediator?
Psychology- coping with rejection

Business Plan
Why do you need one?
Elements of a business plan- cash flow, targets, SWOT analysis.
How to write one- template with commentary.

Know Your Product
What are you selling?
What model of mediation?
New models: Med/Arb, Arb/Med, Co-mediation
Portfolio or solo- are you also an arbitrator, trainer, business coach, change manager? Dangers of mixed messages.

Know Your Market
Lawyers, non-lawyers, big -ticket, HR departments, serial litigators, F.D.s
Are you niche?
What do clients want?
New markets: public policy, internal mediation,

Marketing: what is it for mediators?
Website
Business Cards
Free Material
Social media- twitter, linked -in, Facebook,YouTube
Making a noise: blogs, books, articles, podcasts.

Profile is all
What makes a good profile? What makes a bad one?
Accreditation
Specialist training
Directories
Panels

Mentors
Finding one
Using one

Selling
Psychology of Selling
Pitches
Email
Telephone
Calls: cold, warm and hot
Meeting objections: feel, felt, found

References and referrals
How to get them?
What to do with them?
Lawyers/Barrister/Experts
Reciprocity

Money
What do you charge?
Overtime
How do you collect?
Terms and Conditions of Business/Credit
Tax/VAT
Insurance- Liability and Professional Indemnity
Employed /Self-employed

Administration
Bills/Agreements/Dates/Premises
Satisfaction questionnaires /Feedback forms
Complaints handling

Support Groups
Breakfast Clubs,/Associations
Conferences

On Line Dispute Resolutions: saviour or destroyer?

Appendices
Model T & Cs
Model Business Plan
Model Mediation Agreement
Examples of what to do and what not to do in letters and emails