What Have You Got In Your Hand? The Key to Your Thriving Health Practice in 2009...

Don't you love fresh starts? The chance to bid farewell to the old and create something new? That's why I find new year's so refreshing.

When shedding the old, the key is to hang on to what has worked well for you and discard, or change what hasn't. I have to confess that I haven't stayed in touch with people as much as I would have liked last year, but this year will see that change. Which brings me to the topic of this blog - what have you already got in your hand (seed) that if nurtured will make all the difference to the success (harvest) of your health practice this year?

Your existing database. Your database probably falls into one of these categories:

1. Database? What database?
2. I have some bits of paper with names and addresses somewhere.....amongst the rat droppings and cockroach poop...
3. Incomplete database. I started one but got distracted by something much more fun....
4. You have a database but don't use it.
5. You have a database and are regularly in contact with those on it.

I can relate to all of these, and have been at each point at different times. But, I promise you that those who answered number 1, will not have the success that the number 5's are having.

Today I want to encourage you to bite the bullet and get your data base in order. Here is a simple checklist, so your can start planting that seed and reaping your harvest.

 Create a manageable file of all leads and clients alphabetically. Ideally this will be on your computer into Outlook, Excell or Access. If you don't have a computer, an card system from your office supplier will do. (If you are too busy, pay someone to do it for you).

 Categorise you clients into A, B, C, D. This could mean your most active are A, or those that spend the most per session for example.

 Create a marketing plan for each segment. Keep it simple so it doesn't overwhelm. This could include sending a regular newsletter, sending a promotional postcard, or staying in touch for birthdays and Christmas.

 Activate your marketing plan. Without it you won't thrive, in fact you probably won't survive.

If you are thinking you can't be bothered or it's too much work, ponder this: 68% of clients go elsewhere because of indifference. It also costs at least 10 times more to attract new clients, than work with existing ones.

Additional success tips when working with your database:

• Keep your lists as current as possible (sending a Christmas card to someone from 5 years ago probably won't be effective, but may be insulting!)
• Make sure what you send is relevant. (Sending your male clients info about the latest womens' festival is just plain silly!) Classifying your lists will ensure relevancy
• If using email be sure that you have permission to send otherwise it may be considered spam and is illegal and you can be heavily fined.
• Use an email and newsletter managment system such as icontact or aweber to create beautiful newsletters and email campaigns.
• Create personalised postcards and brochures at very low cost using Vistaprint. They offer a huge range of designs for a wide variety of stationery. I especially recommend their postcards which are very good quality. Looking professional at all times is important.
• Be consistent - regular contact ensures better results and more referrals.

Keep it simple, and enjoy regular contact with those you already know. Build relationships....it's the way good business is done....and it's enjoyable. If you don't like interacting with people, you are probaly in the wrong industry!

To your health practice success....

Krishna

http://www.healthpracticesuccess.com