02/09/2026
When you train as a Speech and Language Therapist,
nobody teaches you how to sell. In fact, for many of us
who have spent years working in the NHS or another
care environment, even the word ‘sales’ can feel
uncomfortable. Then you move into independent
practice, and suddenly you're expected to market
yourself, find referral routes, decide what to charge and
explain why somebody should choose you.
I've seen newly independent SLTs respond to that
uncertainty by saying yes to almost every referral that
comes their way. You might have a particular clinical
strength or specialism, but find yourself accepting all
sorts of work because you need to get the business
established and bring some money in.
I understand why. But this is where I think we need to
start looking at independent practice differently.
What are you actually really good at?
Where do you want to focus clinically?
Who needs to know that you exist?
And how can you make yourself visible to those people
in a way that still feels credible and ethical?
You don't have to suddenly become a salesperson
because you've become a business owner.
But you do need to learn how to be both a clinician and
the person responsible for building a sustainable
practice.
If you're an SLT who has recently gone independent,
what part of that transition have you found hardest?
