Archive for July, 2009

Adapting to change

I was thinking today about working in an environment where the new norm means uncertainty.  It means being flexible and able to change and flex easily. How do you plan to grow your business with continually changing external conditions that can affect your growth?  What services do people have a tendency to drop if they think their income could be at risk?

What are some of the things you can do to keep people returning? One of the easiest answers is to create an invigorating environment – one where everyone is treated with respect and authenticity. Create connections – instead of just greeting people, make sure you look at them and notice something about them.  Take a moment with them,  whether to ask about their family or compliment them on something in their appearance.  Be genuine.  It is so easy for people to publish their experience using social media and that could influence your ability to draw new patients.  Why not adopt a policy of giving over the top service?  Ask your patients to talk about their experience and share that with their Facebook friends.  Begin to use social media as a place to attract more patients.

When I am looking for a new doctor or a new dentist I like to ask people who they go to and why.  Make it easy for people to recommend you!  Look around your practice and ask what changes could be made that would enhance everyone’s experience.  When you have a happy dentist and happy workers, that naturally is conveyed to patients as they walk through the door.

Smile loudly,

Kathytooth-brush-and-paste

Leave a Comment

Dental Leaders…

Breaking my quiet – I recently received news from readers indicating they were following this blog.  First – thank you! Not wanting to disappoint them I am sharing some general news that is applicable to all businesses and professions.  I have been working on an e-book for corporate leaders in transition and realize it could apply to any profession.  My book is designed to help them market and sell their intellectual property, their knowledge, to a hearing audience.

There may be dental leaders who find themselves in a similar position and who want to enter a new era of their practice life.  You may be one of them! You may be in need of some guidance in what the next steps are beyond your practice.  Beyond excellence in your specific dental field you have gathered expertise in other areas that you want to share.  You may wonder how to get started to share your knowledge.

Some thoughts for you…

Are you a “baby boomer” brimming with ideas and expertise that could add value to new dentists?  How can you contribute and make it easier for someone just starting?  When I spoke at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry I experienced their hunger to do things well from the beginning.  If you are an expert and have capabilities and expertise to share, there are so many ways to market your intelligence today.  Think about what you can do for the new and upcoming professionals in your industry. What are their needs, wants and desires?  Write out how you can help with this in a way that takes them to new levels beyond what school can teach.  What was missing for you that you can convey that isn’t learned only through experience.

Once you recognize that you have something to share, think about the medium to reach your audience.  Would you want to teach, write, conduct workshops, blog, or use other multi-media?  Food for thought…

Think about it, but not too long or you will see someone doing what you have always known was in you to do after you completed this part of your practice.

Have a great day!

Warm Regards,

Kathy

Leave a Comment