Even though I consider myself an optimist, this situation has proven to challenge even those with extreme mental fortitude. I’m sure you’ve also experienced moments of deep concern for our country and the world, and our physical and financial health now and in the future.
60% of my daily responsibilities typically include facilitating strategy sessions with dentists. During these sessions we evaluate the current health of the business, as well as what can be done to meet and exceed business goals. It’s always my mission to only give the advice that is in the best interest of the person I’m talking with to the best of my ability.
This situation is no different. I hope you find the following strategies helpful. I hope they help you to stay positive and focused on your business comeback plan during this difficult time.
- Create a game plan for how your team can strengthen themselves and their ability to serve your community upon returning to work. Whether you host a quarantine book club ( I recommend anything by Patrick Lencioni or Gino Wickman) or you each take online CE in your respective areas of expertise, give your team a goal and a skill that they can improve upon in this downtime.
- Contribute to a quick rebound by keeping your team employed (if you can) and keeping your relationship with critical business advisors that will become key resources for you when opening back up. Terminating your team and key advisors could actually put you back significantly in the progress you’ve worked to build when it comes time to reopen. Many programs, including: team training programs, consultants, marketing initiatives will be necessary when business operations resume. There will likely be employee turnover, patient loss to a degree due to financial difficulty in some, and a shift in the needs of your community (more on this next).
- Stay in contact with your patients. Call and check in on them. See how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Talk to them about your infection control policies and your response to COVID-19. Make sure they are safe and feel safe in your care when the time comes to open the doors. Join our Facebook Group Dental Marketing with Grace and receive daily social media content that’s appropriate for your dental practice currently.
- Consider changing the tone of your marketing to reflect the current needs of your community. You should include your infection control measures, as well as shifting focus to emergency care, if you are open for those services. Once life returns to our new normal, you’ll also benefit from communicating the importance of oral health to have strong overall health. We will have a very health conscious community. Contact us to set up a marketing planning session.
- Consider expanding your hours to have more convenient appointment times when you reopen. You’ll have many patients seeking care and may experience a large workload when it comes time to get back to work.
- Reconsider your brand, website and online presence now. Many Americans are unable to leave their homes for much besides grocery shopping and other essential errands. Your online presence NOW is going to build your brand, establish recognition and strengthen your business when it’s time to open again. This kind of event is unprecedented. Digital ads only utilize spend with views, clicks or impressions. If you’re in a financial situation to be able to invest, your dollars can go far in terms of exposure.
- STAY POSITIVE! Your patients, team and community will look to you for a smile. Be the person to spread hope and positivity.
Grace@identitydental.com
