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What’s Your Plan to Market in this Economy?

One of my clients asked me this question on one of our calls:  “What should I be doing to market my practice during these challenging economic times?”  As I pondered this thought I think about 269 different ideas flew into my consciousness all at one time.  This can be answered from many different perspectives.  Marketing experts, in droves, have written books on this very question and many would tell you that “any time” is a challenging economic time.  When I observe those clients who are prospering, their marketing plan and practice strategy has been founded on building and maintaining RELATIONSHIPS.  Now I know that some will “po-po” this idea as foolish; short-sighted; and not quick enough.  I frequently hear and read those who would tell you to engage in major post card campaigns; or hire a marketing firm that will develop you a new logo…a new brochure…a newsletter…a new yellow page ad…and new letterhead.  None of which really address the issue of creating relationships…and misses the point entirely.  It’s personal connectedness and not mass mailings that encourage patients to choose to remain in your practice and referr others.

As an advocate of developing a strategic plan to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be, I asked my client the following questions as we began the process of orchestrating how he and his team can become better known by their patients; then more likable; so they can be trusted even more so by their patients.  The more they are trusted the more dentistry the patient elects and the more they talk about you to their family and friends.

Coaching Questions……….

• What is your vision for your practice?
• What makes your practice distinctive and unique?
• Who is your Director of WOW?
• What strategies make cultural and economic sense for your practice?
• What actions will you take; by when; and who will be responsible?

I then suggested my client read the book by Donna Cutting, The Celebrity Experience (Insider Secrets To Delivering Red-Carpet Customer Service).  To discover a host of easily implementable ideas for your practice, click on the title above and scroll down the page to order your own copy at my website.

Dr. Ron is the only Master Certified Dental Coach (MCC) on the planet. He has blended 20 years of clinical dental practice with executive roles in financial planning and investment management along his graduate business training to provide his clients with the tools, support, and accountability to accomplish more. About Dr. Ron, "I count you as one of life’s best finds", says Dr. Gary Imm of Reisterstown, Maryland. He has authored many articles; manuals; ThinBooks ^tm; TeleClasses and if you visit http://www.drarndt.com you can receive one of his FREE reports, "9 Painful Mistakes Dentists Make in the Hiring Process"

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3 Responses to “What’s Your Plan to Market in this Economy?”

1. Donna Cutting Says:
   April 2nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm

   Dr. Ron!

   I just ran across your blog post. I am completely honored that you are recommending my book and that you’ve added it to your bookshelf. Thank you!! I’m so glad you found it helpful - and you have made my day.

   Warmly,
   Donna Cutting
   Author of “The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red-Carpet Customer Service”

2. Richard Poglitsch Says:
   April 3rd, 2008 at 11:36 am

   Ron

   I agree whole heartedly with what you said. Presently I have a small staff of 3. We are always laughing and having a good time and still provide top-notch service which the patients love. When our office manager left us at end of May of last year, our practice got its personality back. The person in charge seems to dictate the personality of the office and now that the office manager is gone, everything is getting back to normal. Now we hear all the stories of how this person was holding us back even though she felt she was indispensable. Not only was the staff not happy with her but found out a lot of people were leaving the practice because of her. So make sure their are no bad apples in the bunch.

   Thanks

   Richard Poglitsch

3. Dr. Ron, THE DENTAL COACH Says:
   April 8th, 2008 at 10:41 am

   I love it when the author, Donna Cutting affirms what we are doing in dentistry………Dr. Ron

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