What’s Your Story?

What’s Your Story? Why did you enter healthcare practice? I’m honestly curious to know…what’s your story? What challenges did you experience along the way? How did you overcome those challenges and get to where you are today? For some, those challenges may have led to frustration, anger, or even a career change. In today’s healthcare environment it can be difficult to keep up with the changing regulations, provide high quality care to your patients, and maintain a positive attitude. For those of you who feel a little lost, I have a simple tip that may help.

Most of all, I want you to think about the journey you took to become the healthcare provider you are today. Where and why did it all begin? I’m not talking about the generic “I wanted to help people” answer. If you’re in healthcare, a desire to help people is assumed. Dig deep and remember the real reasons why you entered your field.

For many healthcare providers, the reason they selected a career in healthcare was a personal experience. Perhaps it was a negative experience and you entered your profession to prove you could do a better job. For others, like myself, the experience was positively life-changing and we couldn’t imagine living our lives any other way.

Now that you’re thinking about why you do what you do…write it down. That’s right. Put pen to paper, or fingers to keys, or whatever works for you. Furthermore, let your story out of your head. Hence, make sure you include the “who-what-where-when-why-and how,” as well as your feelings and emotions so your story’s complete.

Finally, once your story is written, don’t forget to read it and share it. Dr. Ron Boesch, an amazing mentor of mine, used to say “Own your story.” He understood that no matter who you are or what path you’re on there will be challenges. Knowing your story – the reason behind it all – can help you stay focused and passionate in troubled or confusing times.

How did you overcome challenges in your life or career? I invite you to share your story in the comments box below.

For more information on building community connections, I encourage you to read my new book Community Connections! Relationship Marketing for Healthcare Professionals. If you want more valuable information about how to Connect with YOUR Community, you can find FREE healthcare practice marketing content, PowerPoint Presentation Jumpstart Kits, workbooks, blog articles, and my FREE “Practice Marketing Planner” Now!

Meet Dr. Kelley

I’m going to break a cardinal rule of online content marketing today. What rule is that, you ask? I’m going to share – in my very first blog – the single best piece of small business marketing advice I could give to a healthcare professional. I’m not going to make you pay for it. I’m not even going to make you wait for it. Are you ready? Here it is: The absolute best piece of relationship marketing advice I can give to a healthcare professional looking to grow their practice is to connect with your community. Sound simple enough? Let me explain. Best Practice Blue

Chances are, if you’ve found your way to my website, you’re a healthcare professional who’s looking to build their practice. Perhaps you’re about to graduate or are new in practice. Maybe you’ve been in practice for years but continue to struggle. Or, perhaps you’ve had a successful practice but you’re getting bored with your same old marketing events. No matter which category describes you, connecting with your community can help to ramp up and reinvigorate your practice. But what does connecting with your community mean?

The best way to build a successful private healthcare practice is to become involved in the local community, build genuine relationships, and leverage those relationships to the benefit of all involved. In other words, connect with your community, and allow those community connections to help you build the practice and life of your dreams.

Community building is a key component of success. The health and well-being of your community should be in the forefront every day, which means that you need to connect with them on all levels: physically (through office hours), emotionally (by caring for their needs) and intellectually as they are not just patients but friends too. Connecting with those who support my healthcare practice has been one invaluable resource I’ve used to grow my business!

Dr. Kelley 5k Community Event

When I was new in practice, I had lots of time on my hands. I decided to give back to my community by hosting free health workshops for the local Fire Department. I donated thousands of hours to participate in ride-alongs, to create and deliver the workshops, and to create and sponsor 5 K runs to benefit specific Fire Fighters. The 9 workshops became part of a “curriculum” which all First Responders had to go through and covered physical health, nutrition, and stress management. I created a lasting relationship with this Fire Department focused on their needs. But guess what? Over time, as they got to know and trust me, when they required the services of a chiropractor, many of them turned to me.

Dr. Kelley Pendleton Connecting with her Community

Dr. Kelley Mulhern Connecting with her Community

Connecting with your community doesn’t need to take a lot of time, nor does it need to cost you a lot of money. Find a cause or a population you’re passionate about and figure out a way you can make a meaningful difference for them. Remember – it’s not about you…it’s about your community. But if you take care of them, they’ll take care of you! How can you connect with your community?