Registration Red Flags - 7 Hidden Traps That Delay or Prevent NDIS Registration (and How to Avoid Them)
If you’re working in the world of NDIS, there are a few traps that could delay or stop your registration. Let’s walk through the seven hidden traps so you can avoid them (keep reading for a bonus tip).
Trap 1: Doing It Without Support
Starting an NDIS business alone might seem brave, but it’s a common trap. There’s a lot to know, and without someone by your side, it’s like wandering through a forest without a map.
You need support—a partner or mentor can help you make better choices and avoid costly mistakes.
- Find a mentor or experienced partner to guide you.
- Get support from someone who knows current NDIS processes.
- Avoid costly mistakes by having the right help.
Trap 2: Not Enough Management Skills
Do you have the skills to manage an NDIS business? Running a business isn’t just about being good at what you do. It’s about managing people, understanding money, and taking responsibility.
If managing isn’t your strength, find a partner who is skilled in that role. The right support can make all the difference.
- Learn basic management skills or take training.
- Partner with someone who has strong management abilities.
- Get help managing people, finances, and daily tasks.
Trap 3: Trying To Help Everybody
Being unclear about your specialty is a big trap. If your services are too broad, you may come across as “vanilla”—blending in with everyone else.
Are you an occupational therapist who works best with children? Be specific – and say so in all your marketing. Knowing your niche helps you stand out and makes it easier for participants to find you.
- Define your services clearly and be specific.
- Identify and speak to your client group (e.g., working with children). Are you targeting participants with an intellectual disability, physical disability, or psychosocial disability? Be clear.
- Stand out by highlighting your expertise in your chosen niche.
Trap 4: Choosing An Inexperienced Consultant
Not all consultants are created equal. Avoid choosing a consultant who lacks extensive NDIS experience. Dodge consultants who have never run at least one NDIS business.
A good consultant should have done at least 30 registrations. They know the pitfalls because they’ve faced them.
With over 87 registrations under Gemeh’s belt, he can tell you that experience really matters – particularly when NDIS is playing hard-ball with you.
People sometimes choose inexperienced consultants because they are cutting corners on the pricetag, but a quality consultant will save you money in the long term, every time.
Trap 5: Underestimating Costs (Making No Profits)
You need to spend money to make money, but you need to have money before you can spend it. Make sure you start with enough resources to cover all your expenses. Assume it will take longer than you’d like before you have revenue from plenty of participants.
Spending on marketing is key—no marketing means no participants. Budget wisely and be ready to invest in your growth.
- Budget for consultant fees and marketing costs.
- Account for hidden costs like insurance and bookkeeping.
- Invest in growth areas, such as marketing, to attract participants.
Think about software subscriptions, marketing costs (like your website and ads), and hidden expenses like insurance and bookkeeping.
Trap 6: Taking “Free” Advice From Friends Or Family
Your friends and family mean well, but their advice can be outdated or flat-out wrong. Even if they’re in the NDIS business, they might be in a different area of NDIS or not know the latest NDIS changes.
You need up-to-date knowledge to succeed. Misguided advice can lead you down the wrong path, waste heaps of time and even put you out-of-compliance.
When it comes to looking for advice, you may not even know the right questions to ask, which makes it harder to get the right guidance.
- Be cautious of outdated or incorrect advice.
- Make sure advice is relevant to your specific situation.
- Seek guidance from an experienced NDIS mentor.
“Free” advice can be very costly in the long term.
Trap 7: Lack Of Patience
Building an NDIS business takes time. Many expect quick success, but the first year is about building a foundation. You need to support yourself for at least 12 months while you gain participants.
Any profit should go back into the business to help it grow. Patience is key—investing time now means long-term success.
- Understand that building a foundation takes at least 12 months.
- Reinvest profits back into the business.
- Set realistic expectations for growth and stay patient.
Bonus Tip: Changing Your Mindset - From “Employee” To “Owner”
Switching from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset is so important. As a business owner, the responsibility stops with you—at any hour of the day.
You have to be ready to solve problems whenever they come up. This shift is hard but needed for your business to thrive.
- Embrace the responsibility of running a business.
- Be ready to solve issues anytime they arise.
- Shift from an employee mindset to a leadership mindset.
The Two Steps Of Success
Imagine your NDIS business as two steps on the path to success.
One step is getting your NDIS registration sorted—the foundation that lets you operate legally and effectively.
The next step is to focus on business growth—developing plans and building systems to help your business grow.
Without both steps, your business won’t grow. Get advice if you lack experience in either of those steps.