What it takes to start a Mediation business

Good evening all,

I am brand new to the mediation field I have just completed training in Des Moines, IA and am now looking for any help I can get to improve my skills as I hope to eventually start a mediation business. I have been very impressed with the people that seem to frequent this site and could think of no better resource than the ADRhub members to help mentor me. As I said I just completed introductory mediation training and I know I am not even close to being ready to begin actually mediating. I want to know, so I can stay ahead of the game, how do I go about finding Clients, marketing a business, and finding additional training? Any help or assistance would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time and I look forward to learning from all of you.

-Trevor

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Permalink Reply by Jason Dykstra on March 14, 2011 at 10:52am

Hi Trevor, congrats on your journey towards being a mediator! I am fairly new at this as well, but I will try to pass on some information that has helped me.

The first thing I can say is take as many workshops/courses as possible and read as many books/blogs about mediation that you can. I have found them to be here informative and helpful

Three books you need to read are Tammy Lenski's "Making Mediation Your Day Job" Scott Stratten's "UnMarketing" and Gary Vaynerchuck's "Crush it" (and his new one "The Thank You Economy") These three are great for thinking about how you are going to be marketing. I haven't read Michael Port's "Booking yourself solid" yet, but I can pretty much guarantee that it is a solid book as well (It's my next read!)

The last thing I guess I would say is get involved with your community. Volunteer, go to community events, get to know the influencers and connectors in your community.

Hope this helps a bit!

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Permalink Reply by Trevor on March 14, 2011 at 11:00am

Thank you for your help Mr. Dykstra and I will start reading those books ASAP. Being a new mediator did you find it difficult to start finding clients, and how long has it taken you to build an acceptable comfort level, like I said I just got out of training and have only performed some simulated role play, so the idea of being on my own is still kind of intimidating, aside from other trainings and books is there a way you practice your skills or do you just kind of learn on the go? Once again thank you for your time and assistance it was very helpful.

Jason Dykstra said:

Hi Trevor, congrats on your journey towards being a mediator! I am fairly new at this as well, but I will try to pass on some information that has helped me.

The first thing I can say is take as many workshops/courses as possible and read as many books/blogs about mediation that you can. I have found them to be here informative and helpful

Three books you need to read are Tammy Lenski's "Making Mediation Your Day Job" Scott Stratten's "UnMarketing" and Gary Vaynerchuck's "Crush it" (and his new one "The Thank You Economy") These three are great for thinking about how you are going to be marketing. I haven't read Michael Port's "Booking yourself solid" yet, but I can pretty much guarantee that it is a solid book as well (It's my next read!)

The last thing I guess I would say is get involved with your community. Volunteer, go to community events, get to know the influencers and connectors in your community.

Hope this helps a bit!

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Permalink Reply by Jason Dykstra on March 14, 2011 at 11:07am

You can find some people that are willing to take you on as an apprentice/intern, but that kind of depends where you are located. I volunteered at a Restorative Practice organization to gain some knowledge and comfort within my skills.

That is definitely one of the hard parts about mediation I would say is to find a safe area to "practice." Often times you can pair up with fellow students from your classes to do roleplays as well. On http://cafemediate.com/ they have discussed this issue (I believe). They have some excellent podcasts on their site from some excellent mediators. They haven't posted one in a little while, but keep an eye out for them as they are full of great information

Trevor said:

Thank you for your help Mr. Dykstra and I will start reading those books ASAP. Being a new mediator did you find it difficult to start finding clients, and how long has it taken you to build an acceptable comfort level, like I said I just got out of training and have only performed some simulated role play, so the idea of being on my own is still kind of intimidating, aside from other trainings and books is there a way you practice your skills or do you just kind of learn on the go? Once again thank you for your time and assistance it was very helpful.

Jason Dykstra said:
Hi Trevor, congrats on your journey towards being a mediator! I am fairly new at this as well, but I will try to pass on some information that has helped me.

The first thing I can say is take as many workshops/courses as possible and read as many books/blogs about mediation that you can. I have found them to be here informative and helpful

Three books you need to read are Tammy Lenski's "Making Mediation Your Day Job" Scott Stratten's "UnMarketing" and Gary Vaynerchuck's "Crush it" (and his new one "The Thank You Economy") These three are great for thinking about how you are going to be marketing. I haven't read Michael Port's "Booking yourself solid" yet, but I can pretty much guarantee that it is a solid book as well (It's my next read!)

The last thing I guess I would say is get involved with your community. Volunteer, go to community events, get to know the influencers and connectors in your community.

Hope this helps a bit!

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Permalink Reply by Randy Hoerschgen on March 14, 2011 at 11:28am

Trevor: I have been in your shoes - give me a call and maybe I can help. My business phone is 573 353-4663 I am the owner of DecisionOne. www.decision1.net - Randy