Art Anderson, your DentalSuccess Tipster, talks about...
Using the Power of Friendly Persuasion
There are many ways to attract new patients, but one that is inexpensive and at the top of nearly every patient’s priority list is friendliness. This isn’t something that can just be accomplished by deciding to be friendly and letting everyone respond in whatever way seems appropriate. It takes careful planning, policy changing, and an abundance of follow-up. Here are some things to give it a start. They are suggested by Darlene Robichaux who is office manager for the practice of Dr. Curtis J. Zeringue in Mathews, Louisiana:
1. Friendly phones: Make sure the phone is answered no later than the second ring. Keep a smile on your face all the time you are talking.
2. Friendly financing: This doesn’t suggest that it is necessary to reduce profits or give away the store as the saying goes. Friendly can mean providing financing that is readily accessible. It can also mean finding a finance company that is willing to give your patients a special rate because the loans put the company in touch with new customers who become good prospects for other loans. Since the loan company assumes the responsibility for making the collections, that helps the dental office relationship with patients to remain friendly.
3. Friendly persuasion: Every patient should get what is best for him/her. Sometimes the patient isn’t always willing to do what’s best for dental health because it might cause financial strain. Being friendly in this instance is making every option available and helping the patient to make the best decision for both his dental health and his pocket book.
That’s a start. Most actions that come under the heading of “friendly” simply involve being sure patients are given all of the information they need in order to make a sound decision.
