How To Thrive As A Healthcare (Migrant) Solopreneur in Finland – An Interview with Samuel Archambault

Welcome back to our “Healthcare Marketing in Finland” blog interview series!

In this installment, I had the pleasure of sitting with Samuel Archambault, a kinesiologist, osteopath, and health promotion specialist based in Turku, Finland.

Samuel shared his insights into how he started his healthcare business, his experiences marketing his services, and the cultural nuances that play a role in the Finnish healthcare market.

Meet Samuel Archambault

Originally from Canada, Samuel Archambault moved to Finland with his Finnish wife.

They initially lived in Rovaniemi for nine months to explore the Finnish Lapland before moving to Turku, his wife’s hometown.

They settled in Turku in July, where Samuel officially launched his healthcare business in September 2023.

The Process of Starting His Healthcare Business in Turku

Officially launching his healthcare business, Samuel offers one-to-one services in health and wellness, including manual therapy, personal training, and healthy habits consultation.

His services aim to help people who have consulted doctors and physiotherapists with pain and symptoms they can’t resolve.

Samuel’s approach involves using manual therapy to improve the body’s natural healing process, providing exercises to enhance movement and posture, and promoting healthy habits to support overall well-being.

Challenges faced in a new country and overcoming cultural barriers

One of the significant challenges Samuel faced in Finland was building connections and trust with the local population.

Given his international background and the uniqueness of his healthcare services, it wasn’t easy to gain immediate recognition.

One of his initial obstacles was the language barrier, particularly in the initial stages, as people might not be drawn to someone they can’t easily communicate with. However, he overcame this challenge by taking language courses and using translation tools.

He made the effort to learn enough Finnish to communicate effectively with his clients. This not only improved his ability to understand their needs but also demonstrated his dedication to providing quality care.

Samuel also recognized the importance of showing up and being present. He actively engaged with the local community, attended events, and volunteered when possible. This approach helped him connect with people and start building relationships.

Samuel also adapted his marketing strategies to educate people about his services, as manual therapy and osteopathy were less known in Finland compared to his home country, Canada.

Samuel’s Marketing Strategies and Building a Client Base

Samuel’s marketing approach is practical and grounded in his belief in providing genuine care to his clients. He relies on simple yet effective strategies to promote his healthcare business in Turku.

Word-of-Mouth

The most powerful tool in Samuel’s marketing weapons is word-of-mouth. He understands that when someone experiences positive results and improved health through his services, they are likely to share their experiences with friends and family. This organic form of marketing has helped him build a loyal client base over time.

Online Presence

While not a tech-savvy person, Samuel recognizes the importance of having a basic online presence. He maintains a website where he shares information about his services, his approach to healthcare, and contact details. This website serves as a helpful resource for potential clients looking for information about his practice.

Social Media

Samuel also uses social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with the local community. He shares valuable health tips, success stories from his clients (with their consent), and updates on his practice. Through these platforms, he aims to reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients.

Building a Clientele

Samuel knows that building a clientele takes time and patience, especially in a new country. He understands that it’s not just about providing quality healthcare but also about building trust and rapport with his clients.

The Importance of Building Trust

Trust is essential in the healthcare profession. Samuel knows that his clients need to trust him with their well-being. He achieves this by being attentive, empathetic, and by genuinely caring about their health. Over time, his commitment to his clients’ welfare has helped him gain their trust, leading to repeat business and referrals.

Differences in Healthcare Services Perception between Finland and Canada

Samuel noticed some interesting differences in how healthcare services are perceived and approached in Finland compared to Canada.

In Canada, healthcare often involves a more diverse range of services, including alternative and complementary therapies. People there tend to have a broader view of what healthcare can encompass, embracing practices like chiropractic care, naturopathy, and various wellness approaches.

In contrast, Finland has a strong emphasis on evidence-based and government-provided healthcare services. People in Finland often rely on the public healthcare system for their primary medical needs. Private healthcare practices, like Samuel’s, are less common and may initially be viewed with skepticism.

Client Demographics and Targeting Strategies

Samuel’s client base reflects the unique healthcare landscape in Finland. His clients are often individuals who are looking for complementary and alternative healthcare options beyond what the public system provides. This includes people dealing with chronic pain, seeking manual therapy for musculoskeletal issues, or interested in improving their overall well-being.

To target this demographic, Samuel focuses on creating a welcoming and informative environment. He ensures his clients understand the value of his services in conjunction with the public healthcare system. His approach is to complement, rather than compete with, the established healthcare norms in Finland.

Adapting to Finnish Healthcare Market Norms

Adapting to the Finnish healthcare market norms has been a learning experience for Samuel.

He understands that Finland has a well-established public healthcare system that many Finns trust and rely on. As a newcomer, he had to navigate through the cultural norms and expectations of the local healthcare landscape.

He learned that it’s important to respect and work within the existing healthcare framework. Samuel ensures that his services align with Finnish regulations and standards, giving his clients confidence in his practice. He also strives to be transparent about what he offers, so clients can make informed decisions.

Networking and Community Engagement

Networking and being actively involved in the local community are highly regarded in Finland. Finns value personal connections and relationships, both in business and social life.

This emphasis on community and collaboration plays a significant role in how businesses, like Samuel’s healthcare practice, can thrive.

Experiences with Local Events and Initiatives

Samuel recognized early on that participating in local events and initiatives was a key element in building his healthcare business. He attended community gatherings, wellness expos, and healthcare-related seminars. By doing so, he not only learned about the local culture but also got to know other professionals and potential clients.

One of the initiatives he joined was a health and wellness fair organized by a local community center. Samuel set up a booth to offer free consultations and demonstrations of his services. This allowed him to introduce himself to a wider audience and showcase the benefits of his holistic approach to healthcare. It was a great way to break the ice with potential clients and start building trust.

Strategies for Making Connections and Building Rapport

Samuel’s approach to networking and community engagement is simple yet effective. He believes in being genuinely interested in people and their well-being. Instead of pushing his services, he engages in conversations, listens to people’s health concerns, and offers valuable advice whenever possible.

Moreover, Samuel doesn’t limit his networking efforts to just professional circles. He also participates in local sports clubs and hobby groups. This helps him connect with people outside the business context and build deeper, more personal relationships.

In addition, Samuel values the power of referrals. When he provides excellent care to clients, they often recommend his services to friends and family. Word-of-mouth recommendations have been a significant source of new clients for his practice.

Adapting to Future Opportunities and Market Changes

Samuel is forward-thinking when it comes to adapting to future opportunities and changes in the healthcare market. He understands the importance of staying updated with the latest industry developments and continuously improving his services.

To remain relevant and competitive, Samuel plans to explore online healthcare options, such as virtual consultations and teletherapy. This could open up new avenues for reaching clients who may prefer digital interactions or live in areas where physical access to his clinic is challenging.

Additionally, Samuel intends to expand his range of services based on evolving healthcare needs. For instance, if there is an increased demand for specific wellness programs or lifestyle coaching, he’s open to incorporating these offerings into his practice.

Samuel recognizes that having a strong online presence will be crucial for healthcare providers and plans to invest in his online marketing efforts. This includes maintaining an informative website, engaging in social media marketing, and potentially partnering with health and wellness apps or platforms.

These strategies can help him reach a broader audience and showcase the benefits of his holistic approach to healthcare.

Advice for New Healthcare Entrepreneurs in Finland

Here are Samuel’s practical advice for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs in Finland:

• Thoroughly research and understand the local healthcare market. This includes studying customer preferences, healthcare regulations, and potential gaps in services that their business can fill.
• Connect with local healthcare professionals, participate in events, and engage in community initiatives to establish credibility and trust within the community.
• Prioritize customer-centric services. Listening to client’s needs, providing personalized care, and continuously seeking feedback can lead to long-lasting client relationships and positive word-of-mouth referrals. In a healthcare context, this means genuinely caring for the well-being of each client, understanding their unique needs, and tailoring services accordingly. This not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters trust and loyalty.
• Understand and respect local culture. Finland, like any country, has its distinct customs and social norms. Healthcare entrepreneurs must integrate into the local fabric by learning the language, appreciating cultural nuances, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being of the community they serve.

Samuel’s story highlights the power of determination and adaptability. His experiences underscore the importance of resilience, cultural understanding, and a customer-centric approach to success in a foreign market.

Click here to learn more about Samuel’s story and his services

Click 👉 connect with Samuel on LinkedIn

The Healthcare Marketing in Finland series will continue to bring you more stories, insights, and trends in the Finnish healthcare market. In the upcoming features, you can expect to explore emerging healthcare trends, innovative marketing strategies, and the evolving role of technology in the field.

Read other blog articles from the Healthcare Marketing in Finland series