November 10, 1775

Today was the birthday of The Marine Corps.

I say this for two reasons:

#1: I am a former Marine myself,

#2: Every year, Marines everywhere celebrate this birthday of one of the greatest military forces in the world.

When I was on active duty, the biggest event of the year was the Marine Corps ball/birthday party. A huge celebration, usually within your 3500 person unit that involved everyone from the newest Marine and his girlfriend, to the most Senior Officer and his long time wife. We celebrated, talked war stories (some had more than others), and danced the night away to show our love for the Marine Corps.

What can a dental practice learn from this?

#1: Events like these bring together Marines everywhere. To this day, I still get emails from my Marine buddies wishing me happy birthday on November 10th. The comraderie and experience of celebrating a landmark occasion is the best team building excercise you can do.

In your practice, celebrate the practice birthday, or an employees aniversary at the practice. Even just set aside a time to gather all the practice staff together away from the office. Get to know your staff as people rather than as hygienists and assistants. These "events" will help them work together as a team, and create a better, more efficient workplace.

Don't limit yourself just to staff parties, patient events can create comraderie and a sense of community as well.

#2: An event like the Marine Corps Birthday, celebrated yearly is a newsworthy item. The Marines have been around 231 years now, and every year, the news media announces it on a national scale.

In your practice, an anniversary, or "birthday" of the practice, if celebrated right can become a very newsworthy event that can gain you notariety ain your community not to mention free publicity and new patients. Make it a point to have and promote events in your community with the purpose of celebration for the community.

Celebrate your practice. There is no doubt it is a big part of your life. You celebrate birthdays and anniversaries of your friends and family, why not your practice?

Have a profitable week!