It is hard to believe the end of the year is close at hand. For those almost completing their studies and for those in practice, the year has gone very quickly.
Clearly the business landscape has been altered by numerous factors but those most influential while also uncontrollable are political, economic, health and technical changes. Yes the world of chiropractic is in constant flux and requires a keener way of looking at the practice.
It will be necessary for practices to remain ahead of the curve rather than chasing it. Avoiding trends or becoming cocky towards them might mean the difference between surviving and thriving. And the chiropractic practice cannot afford to get cocky in the midst of competition and healthcare changes.
Here are some top trends I see in for chiropractic practices in 2012:
- Marketing is key to success – Chiropractors are in the science of health but in the business of marketing. The sooner doctors get smarter to this notion the easier their chiropractic marketing. It is about visibility and community.
- Stop the insanity – The Internet has allowed for many crooks and “get rich quick schemes” to help chiropractic marketing. These are some of the most foolhardy things ever seen. Patients come to you because of the admiration of other patients not because you have paid millions to have 140 character texts and ads on webpages. If your family member were ill would you seek council from those you know of an ad on the Internet? Chiropractors will experience more of this fodder and will need to stop spending good money after bad.
- Stop Squandering – The good times allow for many chiropractors to purchase many material things during good times. However in recent years many have not sought the need to invest for the future. Trust me there will be another recession so it is time for chiropractors to save for those rainy days!
- Cash or out – Face it the healthcare companies are becoming more difficult to work with. As such many doctors will begin a migration from co pay to all cash. Cash alleviates hassles. As they say cash in king.
- Service with a smile – There is only one reason for being in chiropractic – the patient. There will be a need to stop taking them for granted. Just in my hometown and within a 30 mile radius there are well over 600 chiropractors. That means competition. Just like fast food there are plenty of places to visit. Treat them wrong and it won’t be yours.
- Policy and Practices – Once you graduate it seemed easy enough to put together a practice. However in recessions there are two issues 1) less patients with discretionary spend and 2) good employees to choose because there are so many seeking jobs. Your practice must be predicated on good procedures to create allure for both. Ignoring these principles will mean the difference between survival and thriving.
- Competition – As the recession and lack of hiring continues many will seek refuge in other professions such as chiropractic. This creates new competition, less patients to choose from and great effort. The way to win is consistent and relentless communication. Now is the time to begin do not wait for competition to come to you.
©Drew Stevens PhD All rights reserved.
Drew Stevens PhD President of Stevens Consulting Group works with chiropractors that suffer like crazy to gain patient volume. Dr. Drew offers a four step formula to help chiropractors dramatically accelerate revenue and outstrip the competition. To gain a FREE 30 Minute No Obligation Practice Assessment connect with Dr. Drew today!
