To Be or Not To Be…Credentialed

When I was a young boy, one of my favorite television shows was The Invisible Man. It was a fiction, adventure and espionage series based in part on the book authored by H.G. Wells.  As a viewer, the idea of being invisible held fantastic fantasies about moving unseen in the world. What privileged access to events, information, and people that would provide me!  However, for you and me, as collaborative professionals who want to be known and recognized for peaceable, healthy and relationship saving resolution of marital and custody disputes invisible is not an option. CDT and collaborative professionals in Texas go to great lengths in branding and social marketing in our websites, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Besides those efforts of time and money, what sets you apart from your peers as a collaborative professional, as a lawyer, a financial professional or a communications facilitator?  What demonstrates to others in the collaborative world your commitment to the quest for lifelong learning, dedication, improving your skills and being part of the ever-changing way disputes are resolved?

Credentialing: Iron Shavings to a Magnet:  I am a Master Credentialed Collaborative Professional.  I say that not to boast or brag. I take great pride in that accomplishment.  In reality, like you, I am only as good and successful as being part of the next full multidisciplinary team...a team which supports, guides and directs a couple or family out of harm’s way.  Without reservation I can say that getting Credentialed by CDT has been like a magnet attracting iron shavings.  Credentialing has created more opportunities for me and it can for you.  When consumers are searching for a collaborative attorney, when they see that I am Credentialed, they are more likely to call and schedule an appointment with me.  Getting the potential client in your office is important.  Like you, once a potential client is in my office, he or she almost always hires me.  But, the key is getting them to come to see you so that you can inform them of a process which sells itself.

Credentialing Sets You Apart:  The credentialing speaks for itself. It speaks for you and your worthiness without telling war stories or bragging on accomplishments.  No potential client likes us to boast or brag about our accomplishments anyway.  The client’s interests, goals and concerns are to be the sole focus, not you or me.  In your geographical area, with not enough Collaborative cases to keep everyone busy, credentialing helps distinguish you from others and will give you a competitive edge.

Credentialing Reflects a Commitment to Learning:  You and I are not required to become Credentialed.  But, credentialing demonstrates that you have made a choice for lifelong learning.  Credentialing shows others that you will stay on the cutting-edge, both in theory and practice.

Credentialing Stands for Excellence:  Credentialing exemplifies a standard of excellence to the public that the Credentialed professional can be trusted to deliver the highest integrity in the collaborative services being delivered.  Credentialing demonstrates that you have received the highest level of professional recognition and validation of your knowledge and experience in the Collaborative Divorce Process.  It sets you apart in a competitive marketplace for the services you are called to provide.  Credentialing represents that you are the best of the best. 

Credentialing is Good for Your Pocketbook:  Credentialing can mean more business.  Others who are engaged in Collaborative practice will be more likely to invite you to be a part of their teams.  Credentialing demonstrates that you have already achieved the success and talents that teams want.  Additionally, Credentialing may allow you to charge more for the time you spend on a matter.  Most of us reduce our hourly rates and do pro bono work for those in need.  That is part of our service to the world.  Yet, for those clients who can afford a higher hourly rate because of your credentialing, you can and should charge a higher hourly rate.  Attorneys who are Board Certified by the State Bar of Texas generally charge more because of their certification.  Each of us have only so many hours a day to earn a living.  The time you spend in rendering collaborative services you will never be able to sell again.  Credentialing helps you recover a greater reward for the slices of your life, your hours, and your talents you expend for people who can afford to pay a higher rate. 

Get Credentialed: Any Negatives? : The only down-side I can see in becoming Credentialed is the time you and your staff will have to expend in filling out the application.  You only need apply once to be credentialed if you qualify.

To Be or Not to Be Credentialed?  Receiving credentialing offers benefits to you that will last for the remainder of your professional life.  Keeping up with the requirements to maintain that standard of excellence demonstrates what others already know…That you are committed to a lifetime of education, excellence and service to others.  Please join me and many others who have received credentialing by CDT. Answer “Yes, I will.”  You and the clients who hire you will never regret it.  Part of your legacy of love and service to others will not remain invisible but will be seen and appreciated in your Certificate of Excellence…You are Credentialed.