Opening a new practice or expanding an existing one can be exciting, rewarding and challenging at the same time.
The obvious key to a successful practice is growing patient numbers, referrals and positive name recognition in your community and surrounding communities.
Setting yourself apart from other chiropractors in your area will give you the “edge†needed to continue to grow professionally, personally and financially, and branding your self as an expert in your field will take your practice to a new and exciting level.
One way to “set yourself apart†and to brand yourself and your practice would be through public speaking. If you are personable, comfortable with speaking to a group, confident in your beliefs and well versed in patient education, you should consider sharing your knowledge and the skills that you have sharpened over the years with your “target marketâ€.
Whether your practice focuses on Wellness Care, Corrective Care, Personal Injury and Worker’s Comp, Spinal Decompression, Nutrition and Supplements, or any other “niche†marketing the practice through public speaking will identify you as the Chiropractic leader in your locality.
OK, so where do you begin? The first thing you need to do is to get out and research what opportunities that may be available in and around your neighborhood for little or no cost. Begin with local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, community centers, library, schools, parenting groups and organizations that would be open to having you as a lecturer. When meeting with possible venues, be sure to make clear that you are interested in “educating†and not “marketing or selling your servicesâ€. Offering something of value to the community will ensure a positive response from the organization you reach out to.
When deciding on a “topicâ€, be sure to keep in mind that most people are uneducated and in many cases simply ignorant as it pertains to chiropractic and it’s benefits. Decide on a broad subject to discuss that most people will relate to, such as headaches, allergies, PMS, Menopause, Nutrition…etc., and create a presentation that will inform those who attend how regular chiropractic care “fits in†to the particular subject matter being discussed. Be sure to invite friends and family as well as current patients to your presentation. Encourage each and every one to bring a guest and reward them for doing so. If possible, work with the organization to create a press release. Advertise your lecture in your patient newsletter or on your blog if you have one, and of course, promote your event on any social networking sight (such as Face book or Twitter) that you may be a member of.
Remember practice makes perfect, so take the time to prepare and rehearse your presentation. Put together an informational handout and include a list of frequently asked questions and answers to initiate a Q&A period after your presentation is complete. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. (I find it beneficial to record my rehearsals in an effort to scrutinize my own presentations before speaking in public.). Most importantly, be passionate and have fun!
Filed under: Chiropractic Marketing Advice • Chiropractic Practice Building • Get New Patients • Networking for Chiropractors
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