Just last week I completed my first ever 2 Day Telesummit. We heard from 7 Dental Experts—Luminaires in our world of dentistry!

Linda Miles started off Day 2 of the telesummit by stating that, “Recession is a state of mind!” This is so true –in life—in general. Linda also went on to say “It’s a RECESSION if it’s around you….it’s a DEPRESSION if you choose to wallow in it!” Smart business owners think positive, talk positive and refuse to talk about how bad things are. I couldn’t agree with her more! How we think and the words that come out of our mouth-will ultimately create our future.

So, why dental marketing? Why can the way you market your dental practice be a game changer during these challenging economic times?

Most dental consultants will agree that every dental practice should spend 1/3 of their time on external marketing (What you do to make the telephone ring) and 2/3’s of your money and time on internal marketing – what you do to keep the patients in the practice for many generations.) Many of the Dental Luminaries talked about this during the 2-Day telesummit.

When is the most important time to begin you external marketing efforts? The best marketing plan you can possibly have is your website. WHY?! This is one tool that has a potential to attract patients to your office 24/7 and 365 days a year. It is very important that on your website, your potential patients or current patients of record, can make an appointment and communicate with you while they are on your site. This is a great place to show off your beautiful dentistry. (Not stock photos or someone else’s dentistry) Imagine all of this can be done while you are relaxing on a beautiful exotic beach in the Caribbean or just asleep during a relaxing weekend at home.

Your website is a great place to connect with everyone in your community and even people across the world, for that matter. Many people will come to your website and feel a connection when they see photos of the doctor and team, as well as read your bios which include your personal interests.

Social media is another great way to connect. Two million people are on their computer right now while you are reading this! During the 2-Day Telesummit, Livvie Matthews (Owner of Simple Social Media) said this when talking to your current or potential patients “ Add the 4 C’s… Character… Conversations… Content … and Work Consistently to incorporate lots of your personality into your social networks! Make It Hard For Viewers To… ‘Disconnect’!

One of the most important and valuable aspects of external marketing is that you are – -at this point in time—able to create a foundation for patient expectations; what they can expect of you and what you will of them as a patient.

THE POSITIVE CHANGES THAT INCREASE YOUR PROFITS

So what is all this marketing mentioned in this blog really worth to you?!

• Case Acceptance is one big complaint dentists have today in this economy today!

In today’s social world and with over 2 million people on the internet 24 hrs. a day, 365 days a week, and you can begin to connect with patients before they have stepped foot into your office. Your website and your social media is a perfect place to begin the connection, communicate your office protocols/information, using video to take people on a tour of your office and show off your business personality. This is part of rapport building and establishing trust.

When patients do choose to come to your office they are more likely to trust you. Once they trust you they are more comfortable buying want they need, not only what they want. This is the beginning of building long-term relationships and getting a “YES” to case acceptance.

The big game changer during these challenging economic times can begin before a patient steps foot into your dental office! This is how you begin to create your own economy.

Now you hold the cards in your hands. Success and profitability in your dental practice are certain to follow!