Out of Sight...

In the dental marketing world, goals are helpful...if communicated properly...

We are now one week into 2007, and hopefully you have already taken steps toward fulfilling your goal of having the best year ever for your practice.

What are your goals for your practice? Does everyone on your staff know them, and could they relay them to me if I asked?

As you know, one of the keys to a successful practice (just like a successful sports team) is the team aspect. The way they work together to bring the practice to realize their goal is important. You need to do everything you can to keep everyone headed in the right direction.

It amazes me how many dentists we work with that do not relay their goals for the practice to their staff members. Then, the dentist works toward a practice goal basically by his/herself while being frustrated because they feel they have no help.

Just as in football, with you being the quarterback, if the play is to run to the right side, you need to make sure the whole team knows that so they can block for you. If you are passing, you need to tell the team that so they can block and/or get open for a pass.

In your practice, as in any business, it is necessary to have specific WRITTEN goals. Your first order of business if you haven’t done so already is to write down your goals and post them where you see them daily. This is your roadmap for your practice for the next year.

The second order of business is to post the goals where everyone else in the office can see them. Then, they are reminded what the destination is, and can offer help and assistance for the journey.

If you don’t tell anyone what the destination is, how are they supposed to help you on the journey. Communicate the practice goals to everyone in your practice, and remind them of those goals often.

Have a productive and profitable week!

P.S. There are many other people you can let know about your goals. Your family, friends, and your suppliers can all be helpful when you need support and help in acheiving goals.