We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frances J. Harvey, MCLC, CPC a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Frances J., so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have always been a person that has had the heart to help others. I actually didn’t realize this in full until later in life, but it’s always been there.
I believe people have gifts given to them that start in their DNA. It is when we learn what those gifts are and begin to apply them in life that we find our purpose. Gifts are natural and when nurtured and given the opportunity, they will explode.
I have the gift of encouragement, edification, and helping others find their way. When I use this gift, it is when I am the most effective in my work and life and when I am the happiest!
How did I find my Purpose?
I am not so sure that “I” found my purpose, but rather my purpose found me. I am approaching my mid 60’s and have worked in the corporate world for more than half of my life. Building skills, knowledge, experience, wisdom, and resilience absolutely was a part of the journey, So it wasn’t until my mid 50’s until I moved into the place of “I am doing what I am called to do – my purpose”.
“Finding it” – was a process throughout my life. By learning what people want and need, changed my world.
People just want and need to be heard, seen, and respected.
When all that is in place, then you offer the best service you are capable of providing. Our team’s core values are – Partnership, Integrity, Respect, and Service.
So what is it that I do?
I am the Founder and CEO of My Solution Services, Inc. which helps private practice therapists and group practices run and manage their business. I am also a Master Certified Life Coach and a Certified Professional Coach. I specialize in working with clinicians around the world to build manage and grow their business.
Being in the mental health field for over 17 years has brought me to a place of helping those that help others. It’s truly a win – win – win!
How did I get there?
For the first 8 years of being in the field, I was the Director of a large counseling center in So Cal. I learned so much, gain knowledge, and bumped my head a lot, but realized I loved helping those that are healers and help others. However, it was “corporate” and I could only do so much…my hands were tied.
I then realized I needed to do something different. I wanted to serve them in a way that was customized to the clinician’s needs and not just in a business manner. It was then that I started my journey to become a Certified Professional Coach. Only 6 months after I was certified, was when I left the center and started my own business. I vowed to serve my clients in a way that would benefit them the most, but also honor God. My faith has everything to do with my purpose and the success of the business.
So I resigned, started a business at 55 years old with my cell phone, and computer, and jumped in full steam ahead. Within the first 3 weeks, I had 3 clients. Within the first 3 months, I had 10 clients. And from that point forward… it was on!
I FOUND MY PURPOSE!
It was not, and still is not smooth sailing. We have many challenges and I believe that will always be. But BECAUSE I KNOW this is my purpose, it provides the motivation, resilience, and vision to continue moving forward and building a company that is all about helping others!
First, the credit goes to God, who without Him, NONE of this is possible. Second, to my Dad and Mom, my examples.
I grew up with my parents running a business in our home, and although it wasn’t until much later in my life that I realized, it impacted me a great deal. I watched how they treated people! So you could say early on my “gift” was nurtured by example.
In this field, almost no-one ever asks the therapist – “Tell me about you first”. I quickly learned that when I asked that question to my potential clients (the clinicians) it set me and my business apart from others. I realized not only was I here to support them in their business, but my true purpose was to see them FIRST as a person, human beings that have feelings, hurts, challenges, sorrows, joys, happiness, and celebrations just like the rest of us!
Finally, I am grateful for my business partner, who just happens to be my husband. I could not do this on my own. Thank you, Mr. Harvey.
My purpose… it to see others, encourage and help them move forward to where they want to be.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
WHO WE SERVE We have served the mental health world of professional clinicians for 10 years. My Solution Services was one of the FIRST Practice Management teams on the scene to support clinicians in private practice virtually.
When you can’t do it all on your own, you need support, but want someone who knows and understands your work…reach out. We are ‘One Solution ~ Multiple Services.’
WHAT WE DO
My Solution Services, Inc. is not your typical VA service. In fact, we are really not VAs at all.
We provide Private Practice management, business strategic building, and Certified Professional Coaching for therapists. In addition, we offer Mental Health Online Assistant services to help with the daily tasks of your practice.
We help with the HOW TOs and DAILY TASKS of running the business side of private practice. This means everything on the outside of the therapy room! Working with therapists around the world, we provide the assistance you need that is customized to your practice. We meet you where you currently are and then help you grow and we will grow with you.
We provide these services with experience, specialized skills, and a personal touch to help you grow and maintain your business. Our purpose is to help with anything outside of the therapy room; to ease the burden of everyday tasks and give you “More Time to Do What You Do Best”.
HOW WE HELP YOU
We are here to help, as little or as much as you need. It is our belief that just as each person has their own DNA – and so does your practice. Your needs are completely unique to you, so we want to meet you there. We provide quality Online Business Management offering Online Services that are customized to fit all your needs.
We specialize in serving Mental Health therapists in private practice or group practices to manage the everyday tasks of your business. Whether you need one or several services, we are here to help.
Frances is a Practice Building Coach and has been Certified for 10 years, She will help you with business systems, daily management, and growth. Her specialty is working with clinicians bringing over 17 years in management and mental health practices to help grow and maintain your private or group practice.
Bringing knowledge, specialized skills, experience, and a team that truly cares about you, your clients, and your practice, we come with a personal touch. We come with a heart of truly caring about those we work with! We work with people and businesses from all walks of life and provide faith-based services to those who wish to incorporate their Christian faith into business practice with MSS.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe the 3 most important things are…
1. Be flexible and kind to yourself!
It will NEVER be perfect…and that’s OK! Over the years of working with people, and those that have started, or want to start, a business often gets tripped up before they even get started. What I mean is planning is good, necessary, and part of success, but you will NEVER have all your ducks in a row before you start. For that matter, probably for the life of the business as well. Being flexible and knowing that things will change or maybe not go the way you planned – will be critical to your sanity and success. So chill! And make sure to take time for yourself…be kind to your mind, body, and spirit.
2. Treat others the way you want to be treated!
This is such a simple principle if we just follow it. It goes along with being kind. You have NO IDEA what others are going through and the battle they are fighting. A simple smile, kind words, or action will make all the difference. I literally have had people tell me they are choosing to work with me – even though the other guy is cheaper – because of how I treated them in the first meeting. “There is something about you that I can trust”. That is a huge compliment.
Even when I have those problem child clients and they make me climb the wall, I hear my mom say, “You can say almost anything you want or need to say as long as you check your tone and are kind.” Thanks, Mom. It has impacted my business time and time again. P.S. This includes those that work for you.
3. Be generous.
I have had people ask me all the time why I give time or information away. Basically, you reap what you sow. It comes back tenfold. I once read “Make as much money as you can… so you can help more people” I love this! Of course, I want and need to make enough for my family, but I truly believe if we do what we are called to do and treat others with love and kindness, the rest will follow. That has been my experience!
BONUS: HAVE FUN!
I always tell my clients, if we can’t have fun while we are working, why do this?
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In this order…
God
My Husband
My Family
My Therapists
My Business Coach
MY Colleagues
Google…
It is critical to have a strong, solid tribe around you! You CAN NOT DO IT ON YOUR OWN!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysolutionservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frances.j.harvey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysolutionservices
