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The New Year, for me, has always been an exciting, happy time and always brings the opportunity for what seems like a new beginning, a chance to “start fresh“.  It always seems crisp, clean and exciting! We all get to start with a “new page ” and it’s up to us what we want to “write” on it!

Take a few minutes and reflect on the past year and your goals, but don’t dwell on the past year’s missed opportunities. We need to look ahead with excitement and anticipation for what we can do with the new year’s opportunities (pages) that will be presented.

Whatever you “write” is an opportunity within itself! At the beginning of a new year we are all at the same point, granted some may be beginning with more than others, but we are all beginning!

As you begin writing your business page this year, focus on ways to “work smarter and not harder”.  Eliminate situations that are stressful. Focus on what you did that was positive last year that caused your business to grow and then expand on each of those areas.

I like what Carrie Wilkerson, the Barefoot Exec, says:  Develop your three S’s.  Your Story, your Skill Set, and your Style.  Some may copy or emulate what you do, but they aren’t you and you bring your own Story to the table.

Your Story:  It’s unique to you. Your experiences, your life, where you’ve traveled, where you’ve lived, your family, your work…your Story IS about you.   

My story is born and raised in the south, married to an extraordinary man with 3 wonderful daughters.  Spouse to a husband who suffered and overcame panic attacks and alcohol, and who now has chronic kidney disease due to diabetes and high blood pressure.  Worked outside the home most of my life in the dental profession (about 30 years), and I’m cat lover 1^st –dog lover 2nd. 

Who you are is because of your story, it’s weaved into your fabric – positive or negative – it’s a powerful part of you and your business.

Your Skill Set: What you’re paid to do, what you went to school to do, what you’ve learned while on the job, what you excel in, your special training and expertise.

My skill set and expertise is in the area of the dental business office with proficiency in administrative responsibilities, building patient relations, and using social media marketing.  I’m a social media consultant and coach for dental professionals and my specialized area is in social media, patient relations, and Internet marketing.

Your Style: Your brand, how you’re known, what defines you, what you’re known for in your online  (and offline) communities and in your work.

My style is a southern lady with Christian conservative values, a people person, and sometimes perfectionist who likes it when a plan comes together and we “getter done”!

This doesn’t mean it’s “all about you”, but your Story, your Skill Set, and your Style ARE what makes you…uniquely you!  It’s also what draws and connects you with other (like minded) people!

Sometimes the old saying “You can’t see the forest for the trees” prevents us from seeing new opportunities for marketing and growing our business. Ask a friend or an associate, who’s opinion you value, to comment on what you’re doing or not doing.  Ask them what they see as your story, or your skill set, or your style. You may be surprised by their answers and what they see.

They aren’t seeing the same trees you’re seeing and can offer a different view….they might even help you to be able to “see the forest”!  But, whatever your story, your skill set, or your style is~ always be true to yourself.  Don’t say you’re one thing and your business reflect something totally opposite.  You must be transparent and authentic.

As you begin writing this new year’s “page” don’t lose site of balance. Remember to keep all the pages in perspective. From time to time you will need to turn the pages down, walk away, and take time to enjoy life and everything that goes with it.

So, what do you want to write on your new page this year? It’s all up to you! Just get your “keyboard” going (your story), write one word after another (your skill set) and then…press enter (your style)!!  After all …A New Year Brings A New Beginning!

Technorati Tags: A New Year, Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging social media, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, Planning a New Year, social media marketing

Christmas is a wonderful time of year! There’s excitement as we hurry around decorating our homes, doing our shopping, planning our menu’s, and getting ready for the “big day”. 

We have been so blessed in our home this year.  Even though my husband, Jack, has had a turn of events with some health issues involving his kidneys and diabetes, we are blessed in the fact his strength is returning.  Although his numbers are not where we would like for them to be, we are in hopes they are going to be. 

But through all of this taking place over the last month, it’s brought back into focus the precious meaning of life and more importantly the Giver of Life. 

The Charlie Brown meaning of Christmas video below says it much better than I could ever say it. I hope you enjoy it and that it speaks to your heart.

From our house, to your house….Merry Christmas, Y’all and may you have a healthy and blessed New Year! 

Today’s social media market is one of engaging and connecting, which puts us in constant contact with our viewers, clients, and patients and brings our email addresses and our cell phone rings in the limelight from time to time.

As patients and clients give us their email addresses, it’s amazing, sometimes comical, some of the names created to be used.  The cell phone rings we hear in the office can also be quite funny. 

A great example of your cell phone ring and how it’s heard is the Geico commercial when they are discussing ring tones and the CEO’s cell phone rings and his ring is totally out there!

If at all possible, have your email address linked to your website address. Best would be your name @your web address.  If that’s not possible, then use your name @gmail.  What you don’t want is something like “redneckgirl @yahoo” or “dudeman @gmail”.  If you’re using it for your business email, then keep it professional. 

The same thing goes for your cell phone ring tone.  True when someone calls you they don’t hear your ring tone,  But what if you are in the middle of a business conversation and you’re right at a critical point and your phone rings playing…”Take This Job and Shove It”! 

In short: Keep it professional.  If in doubt…don’t use it.

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging and connecting, engaging social media, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, Social Media and Telephone, social media marketing, Telephone skill

Social Media has changed marketing as we know it.  It’s instant, engaging, and presents a multitude of opportunities and benefits for connecting with new and exisiting patients. 

However, one of the oldest and still most cost effective social media marketing tools in your practice is your telephone!  Are you utilizing it to it’s full potential?

Although we don’t want to place or keep a caller on hold, in reality we know it’s going to happen. 

Since your caller is holding, a captive audience you might say, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab your listeners attention, but I can’t tell you how many offices I’ve called (speciality and general) and I get to listen to music  or worse yet, be placed on a dead line while holding. 

Obviously the caller wanted some type of information when they called, why not offer them additional information about you, your team, and your practice/services they may not be aware are available.

Some of the services you can share with your caller:

• Your credentials – the caller may have attended the same school
• Types of dentistry provided (ie. general, cosmetic, family, children, RCT, Perio)
• Infection Control – patients are very concerned about this area
• Your location
• Office hours – early morning, evening, or even Saturday appointments?
• Oral Cancer screening -Oral cancer is on the rise… (ie: Vizilite, Identifi3000, etc)
• Zoom Whitening (or the type you offer)
• Implants – one of the most searched for dental procedures
• Invisalign – let them know you offer clear braces
• Referrals – they may not know you’re accepting new patients
• Arestin
• Laser treatment – soft tissue management and uclers for starters

Even your patients that have been in your practice for awhile probably don’t know all the procedures and services you offer.  Let them know in a short, timely message shared while they are on hold.  Never underestimate what your caller knows, or doesn’t know, about you, your services, and your practice.

I’ve come back on the phone, after placing a caller on hold many times, to have them say “I didn’t know you offered…..   Could you tell me more about it? or Can I make an appointment?”  You never know what else your patients may be looking for…let them know what services you have available.  

Again, we should do everything possible to not place a caller on hold, but when we do these are a few of the procedures and services you can have your callers listen to while holding. 

What additional services or procedures can you add?

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Dental Marketing, engaging and connecting, engaging social media, Livvie Matthews, Patient Relations, social media marketing, Telephone and social media

As we sit down with family and friends, please let us remember those who have given, and are still giving… for our country, our freedom, and our liberty. 

Thank you and God bless you….Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Technorati Tags: Livvie Matthews, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving video, Thanksgiving video for military