Book Review by Sally Teixeira

This week I am delighted to share my review of Jane Sheehan's latest book Sole Trader with you. Those of you that know me, will appreciate my trepidation at opening what appears to be a business handbook. I don't do official stuff, law, rules or financial calculations well at all. I remember using the buttons on my school cardigan to count my way through basic arithmetic and wondering why there were so many silly rules I had to follow all the time!

I haven't changed that much as an adult and now I tend to feel and follow my intuition and trust that everything will fall into place... which it generally does! However, I am so glad I opened Sole Trader because it is a great read and I have also picked up some great tips about putting myself 'out there' in the holistic world.

And the icing on the cake is that I will be joining Jane at her Foot Reading workshop in Edinburgh on Saturday 5th December! Although I can only attend for the first day, I'll be taking my camera and I'll tell you all about the fun we have.

Jane was one of my very first 'reflexology' friends. As a reflexology student back in 2001, I had posted a question on the Association of Reflexologists forum about my bewildering experiences in discovering my sensitivities to energy and Jane's answer was like a ray of light in a dark tunnel. We kept in touch over the years, met up a few times, and we are very much on parallel 'foot-paths', supporting and sharing with each other as the feet take us on wonderful journeys around the world.

So without further ado... enjoy! And you can find further details about Jane's Edinburgh workshop here!

“Sole Trader": The Holistic Therapy Business Handbook

Price £16.99 plus postage

Even before you open Jane Sheehan’s Sole Trader, it feels luxurious and looks inviting. Normally I wouldn’t chose to read a business handbook, but I was intrigued to see what Jane had to say about getting established in the therapy business world. Whether it is her infectious down to earth approach or her enthusiasm which reaches out from the pages, I was surprised to find myself pulled in and actually enjoying reading it!

It is very clearly laid out, with full page atmospheric pictures to introduce each chapter and it feels open, light and not at all heavy and ‘businessy’. The book is full of great tips, insights and stories to support her advice and each chapter has Action box to summarize what is being covered and what your next steps are.

Jane starts off by addressing every therapist’s biggest challenge... making that leap of faith into becoming a full time holistic therapist. From preparation, marketing, telephone skills to surviving the tough times, she carries you on a wave of positivity and self belief. Nothing seemed daunting or overwhelming even when it came to statutory disputes and resolution procedures.

The book does only cover the legalities of a business in the UK, but this guide would be a huge asset to any independent therapist, no matter which country they live in. Sole Trader is so much more than a business handbook!

(I was also delighted to come across myself and Universally Rio on page 94! Thank you, Jane!)

Sole Trader is a great read and I highly recommend it.

Sally Teixeira