As we approach the end of the year and transition into the holiday season, it becomes a busy time for dental practices. Patients are hurrying in to take advantage of their benefits (perhaps you already sent a ‘Use It or Lose It mail blast’), and you and your team are doing everything you can to schedule them in before the year ends. With a surplus of patients in your office and hectic last minute changes to your schedule, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Regardless, now is the time to live in the moment and to be thankful.
The following tips below will provide you some inspiration and guidelines as to how you can re-energize your practice and keep your spirits high during this busy time of year. It will also help you to channel more marketing incentives and keep your patients coming into the new year.
Have an attitude of gratitude:
This is the time of year to be thankful. It’s also the time that you should be thanking your staff and patients. A simple “thank you” makes all the difference. Fun fact: According to Harvard Gazette, receiving expressions of gratitude increases self-worth and work ethic. It’s a natural inclination for someone to want to feel appreciated. If you have a hard-working and dedicated staff, this is the time to thank them. When it comes to patients, you should be thanking them as well. Your patients could easily be at another dental office, but instead, they have chosen you! They have put their trust in you as their provider, and for that, they deserve thanks.
Want to do more than just say thanks? Here are some fun ideas …
* Write handwritten holiday cards for your patients
* Send patients home with a holiday goodie bag ( All dental goodies of course!)
* Take a holiday-themed team photo for a card to send out to patients
* Pick up a Starbucks carafe for your staff! It’s fun, festive, and a nice alternative to that regular coffee you brew!
Live in the moment:
While the thought of vacation may be running in the back of your mind, you want to keep focused on the present. We’ve already established that you have a lot to be grateful for, now it’s the time to focus on your patients and ensure that they have a pleasant visit at your office. Regardless if patients are stumbling in at last minute, this is the time to reconnect with them and build relationships. If you take the time to get to know your patients, both existing and new, the likelihood of them returning in the new year is much higher. Don’t stress over cancellations, instead take that extra time to have your office do something productive such as writing and sending holiday letters, interacting with patients in the office, and scheduling appointments into the new year.
Build your team and your community relationship:
Now is the perfect time for team building and getting involved in your community! From participating in a local food bank to sponsoring local events, studies show that companies that are involved in their local community distinguish themselves from their competitors. Getting involved in community events is a great way to re-energize your team and build a stronger relationship in your own backyard. Ask your staff and patients about local community events they may know about, and then participate in them! Dentistry is about more than just teeth, it’s about nurturing relationships and providing great care to your community!
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These tips are just some of many that you can use to your benefit. The holidays don’t have to be a stressful time of year in the dental office. Remember that a little thanks goes a long way. Take this time appreciate your staff and patients, continually build relationships, and give back to the community.
On behalf of our team at YAPI, we wish you the best this holiday season!
