DentalPlanet

How Your Body Language Affects Referrals

2 Comments

Did you know our perceptions of others are based mainly on non-verbal or visual behaviors?  In fact, some studies indicate approximately 55% of face-to-face communication is conveyed via body language.  Appropriate non-verbal communication can help you better connect with patients, which in turn may boost case acceptance and increase your potential for good word-of-mouth (and referrals).

In today’s dynamic marketing landscape, the easiest way to increase your bottom line is to grow referrals and motivate patients to follow through with treatment. Here are a few body language tips to keep in mind:

• Make eye contact with the patient when they are speaking.
• Keep a friendly and approachable body posture.
• Don’t cross your arms—it may indicate a defensive mood.
• Watch your demeanor—avoid unpleasant or stressed expressions.
• Smile when appropriate and nod to show encouragement.

Also remember to breathe, whether you are in a good mood or not, it will help keep you relaxed and present in the moment.

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Rita Zamora is a relationship-focused dental marketer, specializing in referral marketing, patient relations, case acceptance and social media for general and specialty practices.  Rita developed her referral marketing expertise working hands-on in specialty and general dentistry practices. She is the author of the ebook The Referral System How-To Guidebook For Dentists.
With over sixteen years experience in dentistry, Rita has trained, coached and motivated dentists and teams in marketing, patient relations, communication and social media.

Avoid social media pitfalls

No Comments

Many people say that dentists are slow adapters.   I like to think they are cautious optimistic explorers.  Sure social media is the new hot topic for dentists, but many are entering the arena very slowly.  Others are jumping in full blast and utilizing every social media outlet possible.  No one likes dentists using social media more than me, but there is a group of dentists using social media that is rarely mentioned.  The social media burnouts.   Hundreds of dentists are jumping into social media, then months later dropping all efforts.  While social media has many possibilities, it can often leave a lot of casualties along the way.  Learning from the mistakes of others can allow you to have a great experience online. (more…)

Is Facebook Fast Becoming The New Yellow Pages For Dentists?

No Comments

Every day we’re getting more and more invitations to join Facebook pages. People are jumping on board like the salmon’s rush … Will Facebook become the replacement for the yellow pages—or will it be more like email?

If it begins to seem more like email, you’ll want to remember how easy it was to get people to share their email with you. Now, patients (like all of us), are more leery about giving out their email.  People wonder if they’ll begin receiving emails from you every day or every week. Our email boxes have become inundated with virtual junk mail.  Will patients wonder if they’ll get too much “junk mail” via your Facebook page as well?  The answer is likely “yes.” (more…)

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Patients

2 Comments

A picture says a thousand words, and can get you a thousand patients.  Social Media is built around sharing information.  Sharing pictures is obviously a big part of this, but many dentists don’t capitalize on the marketing power of the picture.  To diagnose the problem lets first ask the question “What does your web presence say about you?”

Twitter is a social media powerhouse.  Millions of users tweet each day, and savvy dentists are starting to use the platform to get their message across.  Twitter’s simplicity definitley has its fans, but it also makes it a bit tougher to create a complex user profile.  User profiles are restricted to a brief blurb and a link.  Not much to go on.  While Twitter doesn’t allow you to create a large text profile, it does allow you to change the background image for your page.  They do offer several default designs, and users can upload a smaller image that will tile across the background.  What does that really say about your cause?  A default image may make you look like someone who is not very involved or active.  It may even make you look like a spammer.  Both big no no’s in the Twitterverse.  A tiled image will make you look more active, but will a composite image of your dog or your family really get someone interested in your practice?  Probably not. (more…)

Is Your Practice Due For A Checkup?

No Comments

When was the last time you heard a patient complain?  We all know that too many complaints are a sign that things aren’t going well.  However a practice that never hears complaints, or never hears much feedback at all, may not be in good shape either.

Periodic surveys are an important component of any services marketing plan—especially a relationship-focused practice.  Consider a third party service that will allow people to feel they can share openly and honestly.  In general, electronic surveys seem to produce more detailed comments.  Once you learn what patient’s value and enjoy most about your practice, you can leverage the information within your marketing plan.

Surveys allow you to learn what you are doing right, and what you may be doing wrong.  What was the most valuable thing you’ve learned from surveys?

Rita Zamora is a relationship-focused dental marketer, specializing in referral marketing, patient relations, case acceptance and social media for general and specialty practices. Rita developed her referral marketing expertise working hands-on in specialty and general dentistry practices. She is the author of the ebook The Referral System How-To Guidebook For Dentists.
With over sixteen years experience in dentistry, Rita has trained, coached and motivated dentists and teams in marketing, patient relations, communication and social media.