Earn Patient Loyalty -Ginny Hegarty, SPHR

ADA Newsletter Hegarty Fall 2014

ADA Newsletter Hegarty Fall 2014

“We make money the old fashioned way… we earn it!” Oscar Winner, John Houseman’s bounding voice created this memorable catchphrase for an EF Hutton Investment Firm commercial over 30 years ago.The message struck a chord then… and still does. While we can absolutely shorten the learning curve to success, there are no shortcuts to the basic principles of success…not even in the digital world we now live in.

A study of the online reviews of multiple dental practices in a major metropolitan area revealed that for all the changes we’ve seen in how a business presents itself to the world, the bottom line of what makes a lasting positive impression remains the same. Read the full text of my article Score a Great Online Review and Earn Patient Loyalty (more…)

Team Meetings That Work

My favorite team meeting, the one I want to attend is “The Meeting After The Meeting”; the one that takes place in the hallway, sterilization area or at the front desk when the team separates into groups and has a no-holds barred discussion of exactly what should have been said at “The Official Meeting”.  It’s in this raw honesty that change is possible and we can create an agenda that fuels Team Meetings That Work!

The trouble is that “The Meeting After The Meeting” is private, by invitation-only and it’s a tough ticket to get.  

Click on this link to read the full text of this article as published in The Progressive Dentist Magazine to learn the surprising 4 steps to set yourself up for Team Meetings That Work 

Help Make It Right

Fly Eagles Fly

Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur was talking long & reflectively about young quarterbacks & learning curves… Not their learning curves… His.  “your quarterback needs to know that you believe in him. That no matter what is happening out there, you’re going to Help Make It Right.” 

Your team is counting on you to believe in them. In my experience most dental team members will live up to your expectations. While most doctors would prefer to focus on patient care and avoid the team drama,  you’ll find that you & your team will be happier and more effective if you take the lead. Instead of blaming, judging, or resigning yourself to the status quo… start helping.  Don’t think you have the time? You’re already spending time putting out fires that never should have gotten started. This approach will actually save you time as well as stomach lining. It’s easier than you think: How to Manage People Well Without Becoming A Therapist

The team is counting on your leadership. Here’s to a new season full of hope for you & your team. #flyeaglesfly

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20140908_Foles__play_of_the_day__Not_folding.html#l2yPfmlm5dMzZg12.99

The Game Changer: Mastering Breakthrough Communication

Many thanks to Jay Freedman, D.D.S. & Associates, P.C.Montgomery Bucks Dental Society & TD Bank for a great day together.

  It’s such a joy to spend time with teams that are so passionate about making a difference for their practice, patients and for each other.  As a speaker, my goal is always to connect with the audience. My photographer, Tommy Meehan got a great shot of this at this event. What a terrific group!

This is one of my favorite programs to present.  It’s so rewarding to review positive feedback like this from Dr. Freedman:  “Ginny, your innovative approach to improving our communication skills, was a bit hit and a lot of fun. You have a gift for being able to create a safe, comfortable atmosphere where all members of the dental team can discuss sensitive topics and work through practice drama. Best of all, we have some new skills for avoiding the drama altogether!  You are right, the magic doesn’t happen until people connect and we’re so much better at connecting now. Thank you for a terrific day and a great program. I’ll be in touch to plan our next event together.”

Stop Working So Hard

Throw-back Thursday Post: One year later I’m still hearing from doctors and teams that this is a game-changer.

“Time to make the donuts” was the tagline from a Dunkin Donuts commercial back in the 80’s that depicted Fred the Baker getting up before dawn every day, day after day, following the same routine. The character and tagline were so successful that the marketing campaign ran for fifteen years and was named one of the five best commercials of the 80’s. The tagline has remained a catchphrase for those who rise before dawn each day to start a work routine.

…. We’re not Fred the Baker and we’re not making the proverbial donuts; we have the ability to create relationships that change lives. That’s better than any donuts … even the raspberry filled ones!  “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” –Winston Churchill   BE the Joneses… lead on purpose.

Click here to read the full blog post as published on OneMindHealth.com

 

Ethical Sales and Communication in Dentistry

Ethical Sales and Communication with our patients is one of the core values of the best dental practices I work with. Clear communication remains the most challenge aspect of both personal and business relationship growth. Dental Practice Report published our article The Importance of Creating and Building Relationships with the Dental Patient. Dr. Erin Elliott and I discuss the relationship rules that apply to our personal and professional communication:

  • People choose other people they like and trust
  • The best way to know what someone wants is to ask
  • Don’t make assumptions or you may believe them to be true
  • If you don’t like the answers you’re getting, ask better questions
  • There’s never a second chance to make a great first impression
  • If someone does not weigh in on a decision, they cannot truly buy into it

Here’s the link: Read my full article on the importance of creating & building a relationship with the dental patient published on Dental Products Report