Whether you run an in-person or virtual clinic, you may be wondering how to market your medical practice. Just like with any other industry, you will need to get the word out about your services in order to attract customers and make sure that people know what you have to offer. To do so, you will need to learn how to promote your medical practice. This can be achieved through joining and attending networking groups, where you can reap multiple benefits.
Part of your medical practice marketing plan should always include networking. Besides potential customers, you should also be aiming to meet potential business partners who could help you with various aspects of running your practice. In turn, do not forget to think about what you have to give that could interest potential partners. If nothing else, it’s simply a great way of getting to know local entrepreneurs and business owners. Who knows, you may meet someone who will end up working closely with your business over the years.
Read on to find out more about some best practices when it comes to joining networking groups for medical practices!
Make It a Point to Show Up
Chances are there are some networking groups you can join in your area. Whether it’s specifically for medical practices or for all types of local businesses, make it a point to show up. One networking group you can consider reaching out to is Business Network International, also known as BNI. If they have a group in your area, it’s well worth showing up just to experience what it is like before deciding if you want to take things further. It is also a reference networking organization which means that you will get to mingle with members and chapters from all over the world!
During a BNI meeting, you will get to meet lots of entrepreneurs and small business owners in your area. The way it works is non-intimidating, where you will get to attend a meeting over food and introduce yourself to other business owners. Here, you will also get the chance to pitch your business for around a minute.
The rest works much like any other networking event, where you can work the room and mingle with others. Not only is it a good opportunity to let others know more about what you are doing, you may also end up meeting potential business partners who offer valuable services your practice may require such as legal or financial partners.
Set Realistic Expectations
What is your ultimate goal for networking? Although you may wish to gain more exposure for your medical practice and consequently attract more customers, that should not be the “be all and end all” of it. If you are attending networking groups simply to pitch your services again and again, you may find that you do not gain much out of it.
On the contrary, if you attend with the mindset of getting to make connections, helping people and getting to know as many local business owners as possible, you will find that these people are very willing to help you as well!
Find Groups That Suit Your Needs
Besides BNI, there are many other networking groups you can join. Some, such as meetup.com, may be open to all individuals and types of businesses. However, there are more specialized groups you can join that cater to your niche, if you have one. For instance, if your medical practice specializes in women’s health, you can join women’s groups for business owners, or if your specialization is in pediatrics or working parents with young children, joining parenting groups may be the best way to get referrals and meet new people. The best part about joining these groups is that you may be able to dive into your area of specialization right away.
Sometimes, all you need to do is a quick Google search and you may be well on your way to finding a networking group you can attend. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone. In the post-COVID era, it’s more important than ever to establish connections that can get the word out about your medical practice, especially if it’s new.
Do Not Discount Virtual Meetings
You will find that many networking meetings take place virtually these days. If you discount them completely, you could be missing out on valuable opportunities to get to know new people. Whether it is via Zoom or Skype, make it a practice to get involved.
There’s no doubt that networking can be a little intimidating at first, especially if you are not outspoken or not used to speaking in front of lots of people. To this end, you may find the virtual events are a less intimidating way of getting started. However, one thing that’s true is that it will get easier the more you do it. To get over the nerves, try to focus on what you are trying to accomplish, which is to grow your business. Ultimately, nothing is more important than that, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a step you have to go through.
Over time, you may even find that you enjoy getting the word out about your business and slowly building it up! After all, you started your medical practice out of a passion or interest, and this should be what keeps you going throughout every step of the way, including networking.
Need to Get Matched with a Collaborating Physician?
If you need to get matched with a collaborating physician, you may be looking forward to meeting one during a networking event. By a stroke of luck, you just may! However, if you still require help to get matched with a collaborating physician, you can come to Collaborating Docs with full confidence. We aim to get you matched within just 14 days, and many of our clients get matched within a week! To request a free quote via Zoom, we welcome you to contact us today.
