Get serious and value yourself like other professions do

During a recent presentation to my peers at the pre-conference business workshop day at the Ignite conference in Brisbane (October 2023) I recounted to the group the following event…

Some years ago when I was the part owner of a physiotherapy group, I needed some advice in relation to bereavement leave for a member of staff. I contacted our HR lawyer, who helped me clarify our obligations. I promptly received an account from them for $108 plus GST for which I paid.

Some weeks later, I got a call from the same HR lawyer with a question in relation to her husband‘s back pain. Seems his back had been quite uncomfortable for a while, he looked a bit lopsided and he was getting buttock and hamstring pain. I recommend he see his doctor first and then potentially a McKenzie practitioner in their local suburb who I know well.

Following this conversation, my bookkeeper turned to me in her revolving chair, and I turned to her and at the same time, we both said… “That’ll be $108 plus GST”.

We sent our HR lawyer an account for advice.

The account was promptly paid.

Why wouldn’t it be? 

She valued the advice and information she received exactly as I valued the information and advice I received from her.

The problem is every time I tell this to a group of physiotherapists they find it funny.

I find it sad that we, as a profession, find that story and event funny.

Had I been an accountant, recounting the same story at an accounting conference in relation to speaking to an HR lawyer, about an accounting employee and then later, receiving a call from the lawyer in relation to a tax question on superannuation and there was an exchange of appropriate accounts, I suspect no one in the accounting audience would laugh.

That’s not just because accountants don’t tend to have a great sense of humor (my brother’s one of them), it’s because they would consider that transaction standard.

I look forward to the day when someone tells my story in years to come and no one in the audience laughs.

Value what you do.

Get serious.

It’s about time you did.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or queries or if you would like to discuss ideas further either via my mobile (0439347339) or email (antony@antonyhirstconsulting.com.au). 

Kind Regards,
Antony Hirst