2010 – a good start, or a slow start?

Have the plans you created and goals you visualised began to fall into place? Or are  you fearing another year of no action and no development of your dental business.

This year change must happen.  If you think you can continue down the same path as you have been for the last few years and everything will be OK  – think again.

I heard of too many practices going under towards the end of 2009.

These practices were not doing anything different hence they couldn’t survive. Their marketing was poor or non existent, the team were average – nothing special, and patients were not impressed with the way they were treated (I am guessing that one, but would put money it).

And I am still aware of practices that do not have financial targets and marketing plans in place. New patients do not fall out of the sky into your chair – you must be proactive.

Make this year “the year you shine” as a team. If you have not already made any plans or begun with any progress then now is the time – better late than never.

Laura Horton

Providing dentists and their dental team with training programmes to increase results with proven successful methods.

Photography training, Treatment Coordinator Training and much more. Visit the website today to see how we can help.

A light bulb moment and being unique

On a cold weekend in London in January I came to realise exactly what Tony Gedge does.

I know he runs a marketing company for dentists, but while listening to his clients talk about their success and ROI, it confirmed for me that all of these practices have stood out and been unique. This is what Tony encourages. Stand out be different and be proud to go away from the norm and the uniformed appearance – be the talk of your town.

These practices are doing things differently and are being noticed, talked about, and have new patients coming through their doors that are spending money on private treatments.

Do the patients think the practice is unprofessional – NO. They think it is a fun practice to attend and different.

Are the team involved in the marketing activity – YES, and they are happy in their jobs too (which is clear to see when you meet them). What patient wants to go to a practice where the team clearly do not like their jobs?!!

I knew when I was setting up my business I had a unique service to offer.  I knew it worked in UK dental practices as I had performed the role myself for many years (and I was taught by of some of the best people in the USA – then adapted it to suit the Brits!)

So please be unique, be different and have a personality that prospective patients can see – just have FUN.

Laura Horton

Providing dentists and their dental team with training programmes to increase results with proven successful methods.

Photography training, Treatment Coordinator Training and much more. Visit the website today to see how we can help.

Reflection and a bit of PMA….

My phone has been busy of late. I have received many phone calls and emails from dentists who want to take their business to a new dimension in 2010.

During the conversation the principal has been telling me what went wrong in 2009. To bring someone out of a hole I always ask: “what went well in 2009?”

Look back on 2009 and review what you did well – and should do more of, as well as reviewing action that you should of taken for particular situations.

A business owners now is the time (if you have not already done so) to ensure your plans for

1. Marketing
2. Practice progression
3. Team training
4. Financial targets
5. Personal development plans

and such forth are written down for 2010 so the action can begin!! We are already into the second month of the year so do not delay if you have not already made your plans, better late than never!

Think positive and do not become drowned in problems – solutions are the key.

Laura

www.laurahortonconsulting.co.uk

Providing dentists and their dental team with training to increase sales with proven successful methods.

Photography training, Treatment Coordinator Training and much more. Visit the website today to see how we can help.