Orthotown December 2012 - (Page 20)

practice management // feature by Jamie Hagen The new patient experience is a revolving concept, which, if mastered from beginning to end, will provide great success and growth for your business. When you hear the words, “new patients,” what comes to mind? Most likely you’re thinking about strategies for getting new patients in the door, marketing techniques and new ideas to increase business and patient base, or even how to increase referrals. While these aspects of your business are all very important, the service and experience you provide is crucial for finding prospects, turning prospects into patients and turning patients into profits. It is likely that marketing and prospecting techniques are a regular part of your business operation. Customer service, however, can be overlooked among the day-to-day procedures and often is unknowingly not held to the same standard that other daily operations are. For this reason, remind yourself and your team that customer service and the way you treat your patients is key to your future business. Be sure, however, you and your team are offering exceptional customer service, the latest technology and quality treatment, which will inspire a favorable viral campaign. 2. Meet People It’s not always what you know, but who you know that can help you to grow your business. You’ve likely heard, “a friend of a friend,” “six degrees of separation” or “it’s a small world.” Use these concepts to take viral marketing to the next level by encouraging referrals and maximizing word-of-mouth potential. You can provide the best treatment of anyone out there, but if no one knows about it, you can’t expect your business to grow on its own. Meet as many people as you can, and then inform, encourage and reward them for talking as much as possible about your business. 3. Take an Interest Put forth an effort and take a sincere interest in the lives of your patients and potential patients. You have a service that will truly change the way they look and feel, and can impact their lives. Ensure they pick you to provide them with this service by showing genuine concern for their needs and treating them as people, not just patients. Finding Prospects Finding new patients is one of the most difficult aspects of developing and growing your business. Even with large budgets, new patient discovery is more art than science. Use the following tips – all of which focus on providing outstanding service to customers. 4. Show Your Expertise Knowledge is power, so use that power to empower new patients! Give away your best stuff for free… Your “best stuff ” being the knowledge and expertise you have, which can literally change the lives of others. Imagine what potential patients will think they’ll get when paying for your services if you give them such knowledgeable information for free, first. Do this by being viewed as the expert in your field. Write blog entries, or create a series of podcasts to upload to your Web site, and promote them 1. Create a Buzz Go viral! Use pre-existing social networks – like people and social media – to increase awareness for your business. The purpose of viral marketing is to inspire others to spread your message for you. So utilize the two greatest delivery methods of this concept, word of mouth and social media, to spread your buzz. 20 DECEMBER 2012 // orthotown.com http://www.orthotown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown December 2012

Orthotown.com Highlights
Wired for Success
Wire Bending Recommendations?
This Might Be a Hard Case
New Products
The New Patient Experience
Case Presentation
Let Your Patients Do the Bragging
VisionTrust
Thank You, Dr. Womack!

Orthotown December 2012