The P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast EP306 | Relationships Are The Key To Cash Practice Success With Ziad Dahdul
Ever feel like you're grinding away, maybe even getting burnt out in the traditional PT model or that high volume clinic? Thinking about making the leap to your own cash practice, maybe starting it as a side hustle, but not sure how to make it work or when to go all in?
Well, you gotta listen to this episode. I sat down with one of our awesome Mastermind members, Ziad Dahdul from Ignite Phyzio and Sports Performance out in Orange County. This dude is the real deal: sharp clinician, super high emotional intelligence, and he's navigated that exact journey. We dive deep into his story, from starting as a side hustle while working per diem home health (and knowing when that safety net becomes a trap!), to building a thriving practice focused on a killer niche: ACL rehab for busy working professionals. Plus, we get into the weeds on building relationships that actually drive referrals and why genuinely giving a damn about people is maybe the best business strategy there is.
π Key Takeaways:- βοΈ The Side Hustle Safety Net (and Trap): Starting with a per diem job provides security to build your cash practice without financial pressure affecting decisions. BUT, recognize when it starts holding back your growth and you need to cut the cord.
- βοΈ Give First, Build Relationships: Ziad built his initial patient base not with fancy ads, but by giving massive value upfront (free workshops, screens, consultations) and focusing on genuine local connections. Trust comes before the transaction.
- βοΈ Ask for Referrals (Strategically): Don't just hope for word of mouth. Intentionally ask happy patients for referrals around visits 3β5, when they're seeing results and feeling the value. Follow up post plan of care too.
- βοΈ Niche Down: Find the Underserved: Ziad saw a gap serving busy professionals needing quality ACL rehab who couldn't fit traditional PT schedules. He leveraged a digital/hybrid model to meet their needs. Find your overlooked niche.
- βοΈ Empathy is Your Superpower: Technical skill is important, but genuinely listening, caring, and connecting with patients on a human level (like Ziad emphasizes) builds deeper trust, loyalty, and ultimately, a more fulfilling and successful practice. Choose Column B!
"Stop thinking you need complex marketing funnels from day one. Ziad's proof: focus on over delivering value, genuinely caring about people in your community, and building real relationships. That 'bullshit detector' people have is real; authenticity wins."
π₯ Ready to Build Your Own Successful Cash Practice?- β Grab My Book: Get the step by step playbook. It's called "F*ck Insurance" and it's FREE (just cover shipping). Go to finsurancebook.com.
- β Connect with Ziad: Check out his killer content, especially on ACLs: Instagram @ignitephyzio (P H Y Z I O) or email ignitephyzio@gmail.com .
- β Need Guidance & Community? Stop trying to figure it all out alone. Learn more about our Mastermind and coaching programs where we help PTs like Ziad scale their impact and income. (Link to your relevant coaching/mastermind page if applicable, otherwise implied).
- β Don't Miss an Episode: Subscribe to the PT Entrepreneur Podcast so you catch gems like this every week!
- β Use Clare AI to get 2β5 hours/week back on documentation
- β Join our free 5-Day Challenge to work smarter
- β Book a free strategy call and get personal help with your SEO + growth plan