August 2008

Seed, strengthen, stretch

by Dr. CJ Mertz

Seed…your practice, strengthen…your chiropractic, stretch…your effectiveness!

Last century, doctors of chiropractic spent a great portion of their careers as islands, isolated from the rest of their profession. Commonly, the only time they'd be seen was at a mandatory license renewal seminar. Yet, in the past 20 years, we've witnessed a complete reversal of our own behavior, and the biggest practices today are fully connected to a special group of chiropractors. This is the secret to seeding your practice for success and strengthening our great profession, while at the same time stretching out your hand to help a brother or sister.

We must re-train our thought patterns and behaviors to reach new levels of success in 2008 -- and beyond. Chiropractors must be skilled in philosophy, communication, marketing, technique, practice management and patient flow (to experience predictable success in practice). Of course, the problem is that most chiropractors can't visualize what I just described. The bar's definitely been raised, but who's teaching you how to jump?

The practice of tomorrow is here and it's time you became well acquainted.

There are several "moving parts" to today's thriving practices. The days of the "mom'n pop" practice with people lined up out the door to get adjusted have come and gone. The principle hasn't changed, but the process of delivering care and practice building has experienced an extreme makeover.

@Column Head:Practices today

Today's practices share some common  -- and important  -- characteristics.

***  They're run by fully automated paperless software. Atlas Chiropractic Systems is the #1 sought after software in chiropractic today.

***  They feature highly functional and visually stunning websites. The new websites aren't just content management, they are SEO-driven new patient magnets. Check out wellplanet.com (truly in a league of their own).

***  They boast office designs that combine elegance with massive efficiency for the ultimate flow of patients. Davlendesign.com has outfitted more than 1,000 of my clients with "million-dollar looks" (for a fraction of the cost).

***  They enjoy a multi-layered internal and external marketing strategy that attracts a continual flow of new patients every month. The fully comprehensive 80/20 Marketing Club provides concierge-like service to their members. Contact Bob at 800-366-5478.

***  They utilize small video cameras located strategically in the practice, so that their teams can see how they perform and undergo self improvement. Radio Shack can be the simplest solution, but teams that videotape become champions.

***  They feature computerized x-ray systems that rival the price of conventional x-rays, developers & accompanying chemicals.

All of the technology I've referred to has dropped in price drastically over the past five years, and is now available to independent chiropractors who are looking to make the biggest difference for their patients, and maintain healthy profits.

The practice of tomorrow is a wireless, fully automated, web-centric, market positioned, healing temple of beauty. And you don't have to be a "geek" to get into the game. Most of the technology is very user friendly and relatively easy to integrate into your practice. Don't let yourself become obsolete or worse, left behind. Chiropractic will have its biggest growth spurt ever over the next five years and you want to be out front.

What's so exciting is to see that building a high-volume, subluxation-based, cash-driven, lifetime family wellness practice is now in vogue! It's also the most rewarding practice mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. Give me a call and find out how you can contact or visit one of these practices. The sooner you see how it will advance your growth, the quicker you can make plans for your own transformation.

I can't encourage you strongly enough to boldly embrace these new technologies and allow them to empower you and your CAs to serve your patients like never before. Better outreach marketing, better patient education, and better service -- all of this results in record-breaking growth for your practice. You don't have to try and do all of this on your own. Call me today and let me know how I can help.

(Dr. CJ Mertz is the founder and head coach of the prestigious Waiting List Practice chiropractic training organization. See the WLP 300 patient per week opportunity on the back page of this issue. For seminar tickets and information on WLP coaching services, please call The Waiting List Practice at 877-TEAM-WLP).