Determine your patient focus and conditions (This may change depending on your location)
This will depend on your location and personal interests. If you are in a small town, it may be difficult to focus on any special interests. If you are in city with many NDs and a large population, you may want to distinguish yourself by marketing to a specific niche. Think long and hard about this decision as this may shape your entire career. Create marketing materials that are in line with your area of special interest and seek additional resources to develop your expertise in this area. Ideally, if there are organizations or groups you could contact to develop a relationship or schedule a speaking arrangement, do so.
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Patient focus
What type of patient do you feel you would like to focus on?
- 30%
Your chosen focus will probably will probably end up being only 30% of your patients, but it still provides a focus for you and your clinic.
- Pediatrics?
Do you like kids? Are you willing to work outside of “normal practice” hours? Is your clinic “kid friendly” –lots of toys, bright colours, etc. If it is too “kid” oriented, will this turn off other patients. Does your location match this focus?
- Aging baby boomers?
A huge market! A large demographic of aging “boomers” are increasingly interested in their health.
- Business persons?
A convenient location is important here. Fast, professional service and an emphasis on comprehensive health assessment is key.
- Geriatric patients?
Again, a huge market. Can you combine your practice with other services such as meal delivery, visits, and home care?
You’ll want to start this process approximately 10 months before you plan to open your doors. |
