Guest guest Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 liz, i keep my eyes open 4 deals, closeouts, half price things. i.e. stuff that's useful 4 freebies or to sell to pts less than they access elsewhere, while i still profit. e.g. i still am giving away some of my copies of 'the staying healthy shopper's guide.' i found a bunch of them @ a store. i took one home overnite to see if i would like to give these away. next day i bought almost a basketful, all the store had. punch line: the bks, labeled $12.95, were one dollar each @ 'the dollar tree.' btw, one spirit bk club has a half price sale now with many health books available. remember, in the states, joint commission places limits on gifts to pts. i figure it's good to keep those in mind even if we're not bound by them - unless we're working in a hospital or credentialed clinic setting. i'm about to do an ethics review, in '06, it was ~$15/gift/pt, $50/cumulative. i like the lifetime library membership idea, also. lynn [lizzzrd] wrote: The only advertising I pay for is a small listing in the phone book under " acupuncture " so that people can find me. More than 2/3 of my clients come in because a current or previous patient has referred me. The next largest percentage have been referred by practitioners of various modalities. It's been my experience that most people who are new to acupuncture have a certain amount of nervousness about it. They much prefer to see an acupuncturist recommended by someone they trust. I'd rather put my advertising money into things that support and thank my existing patients. To that end, I have a free lending library of books, CDs and DVDs on health practices and issues, that I add to on a regular basis. Anyone who has ever seen me, even if it's only once, becomes a lifetime member of the library. I keep a stock of books on hand - including titles by Roger Jahnke, Ellison Haas, Andrew Weil and others - and I always send one as a thank you when a referral is made. Whenever a patient inquires whether acupuncture might help their friend or family member, I answer their questions and then give them a copy of " The Acupuncture Answer Book " to give to the person they're concerned about. I occasionally have give-aways in the office for patients - little hand massagers, great pens with my name and phone number on them, small jars of specialty bath salts for relaxing or for muscle aches. I always send personal birthday and anniversary cards out, too. I started doing all these things because I'm a friendly person and because I really like and appreciate my patients. Over time, I've come to realize that they're much better as marketing tools than any ad I could devise. I've never done any internet advertising and probably never will. Peace, Liz Casey - Angela Pfaffenberger Chinese Medicine Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:10 PM Internet advertising There seem to be lots of internet advertising opportunities now-a-days, such as listings on a site, such as acufinder. I wondered if people would be willing to share what has worked for them - or not worked. I tried google adwords. It was hard to track if it brought in clients but it's afterall very inexpensive once you actually have a website. Angela Pf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Liz: I am not familar with the joint commission on patient gifts, however, I was told that any gifts or fees for referral is a no no. I have to sometimes tell patients this, since I might get a hint about that. One time a screwed up a patient's appointment, two in the waiting room at the same time and only one room. The next time she came in I gave her a bottle of herbs free. I think that is fine- also the gifts thing - check what Lynn says there about amounts. Anne remember, in the states, joint commission places limits on gifts to pts. i figure it's good to keep those in > mind even if we're not bound by them - unless we're working in a hospital or > credentialed clinic setting. i'm about to do an ethics review, in '06, it was > ~$15/gift/pt, $50/cumulative. i like the lifetime library membership idea, > also. lynn > > [lizzzrd] wrote: > The only advertising I pay for is a small listing in the phone book under > " acupuncture " so that people can find me. More than 2/3 of my clients come in > because a current or previous patient has referred me. The next largest > percentage have been referred by practitioners of various modalities. It's > been my experience that most people who are new to acupuncture have a certain > amount of nervousness about it. They much prefer to see an acupuncturist > recommended by someone they trust. > > I'd rather put my advertising money into things that support and thank my > existing patients. To that end, I have a free lending library of books, CDs and > DVDs on health practices and issues, that I add to on a regular basis. Anyone > who has ever seen me, even if it's only once, becomes a lifetime member of the > library. I keep a stock of books on hand - including titles by Roger Jahnke, > Ellison Haas, Andrew Weil and others - and I always send one as a thank you when > a referral is made. Whenever a patient inquires whether acupuncture might help > their friend or family member, I answer their questions and then give them a > copy of " The Acupuncture Answer Book " to give to the person they're concerned > about. I occasionally have give-aways in the office for patients - little hand > massagers, great pens with my name and phone number on them, small jars of > specialty bath salts for relaxing or for muscle aches. I always send personal > birthday and anniversary cards out, too. > > I started doing all these things because I'm a friendly person and because I > really like and appreciate my patients. Over time, I've come to realize that > they're much better as marketing tools than any ad I could devise. I've never > done any internet advertising and probably never will. > Peace, Liz Casey > > - > Angela Pfaffenberger > Chinese Medicine > Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:10 PM > Internet advertising > > > There seem to be lots of internet advertising opportunities now-a-days, such > as listings on a site, such as acufinder. > > I wondered if people would be willing to share what has worked for them - or > not worked. > I tried google adwords. It was hard to track if it brought in clients but it's > afterall very inexpensive once you actually have a website. > Angela Pf > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Hi Lynn, What is the " joint commission? " Is there a website I could go to learn more? Thanks, Liz Casey - J. Lynn Detamore Chinese Medicine Thursday, January 25, 2007 7:27 AM Re:TCM- Internet ads - freebies liz, i keep my eyes open 4 deals, closeouts, half price things. i.e. stuff that's useful 4 freebies or to sell to pts less than they access elsewhere, while i still profit. e.g. i still am giving away some of my copies of 'the staying healthy shopper's guide.' i found a bunch of them @ a store. i took one home overnite to see if i would like to give these away. next day i bought almost a basketful, all the store had. punch line: the bks, labeled $12.95, were one dollar each @ 'the dollar tree.' btw, one spirit bk club has a half price sale now with many health books available. remember, in the states, joint commission places limits on gifts to pts. i figure it's good to keep those in mind even if we're not bound by them - unless we're working in a hospital or credentialed clinic setting. i'm about to do an ethics review, in '06, it was ~$15/gift/pt, $50/cumulative. i like the lifetime library membership idea, also. lynn [lizzzrd] wrote: The only advertising I pay for is a small listing in the phone book under " acupuncture " so that people can find me. More than 2/3 of my clients come in because a current or previous patient has referred me. The next largest percentage have been referred by practitioners of various modalities. It's been my experience that most people who are new to acupuncture have a certain amount of nervousness about it. They much prefer to see an acupuncturist recommended by someone they trust. I'd rather put my advertising money into things that support and thank my existing patients. To that end, I have a free lending library of books, CDs and DVDs on health practices and issues, that I add to on a regular basis. Anyone who has ever seen me, even if it's only once, becomes a lifetime member of the library. I keep a stock of books on hand - including titles by Roger Jahnke, Ellison Haas, Andrew Weil and others - and I always send one as a thank you when a referral is made. Whenever a patient inquires whether acupuncture might help their friend or family member, I answer their questions and then give them a copy of " The Acupuncture Answer Book " to give to the person they're concerned about. I occasionally have give-aways in the office for patients - little hand massagers, great pens with my name and phone number on them, small jars of specialty bath salts for relaxing or for muscle aches. I always send personal birthday and anniversary cards out, too. I started doing all these things because I'm a friendly person and because I really like and appreciate my patients. Over time, I've come to realize that they're much better as marketing tools than any ad I could devise. I've never done any internet advertising and probably never will. Peace, Liz Casey - Angela Pfaffenberger Chinese Medicine Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:10 PM Internet advertising There seem to be lots of internet advertising opportunities now-a-days, such as listings on a site, such as acufinder. I wondered if people would be willing to share what has worked for them - or not worked. I tried google adwords. It was hard to track if it brought in clients but it's afterall very inexpensive once you actually have a website. Angela Pf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 it's the joint commission for the accreditation of hospitals and healthcare organizations. jcahho, pronounced 'jayco.' if i put something in the wrong order i'll let u know. they have their own website, just google their name. lynn [lizzzrd] wrote: Hi Lynn, What is the " joint commission? " Is there a website I could go to learn more? Thanks, Liz Casey - J. Lynn Detamore Chinese Medicine Thursday, January 25, 2007 7:27 AM Re:TCM- Internet ads - freebies liz, i keep my eyes open 4 deals, closeouts, half price things. i.e. stuff that's useful 4 freebies or to sell to pts less than they access elsewhere, while i still profit. e.g. i still am giving away some of my copies of 'the staying healthy shopper's guide.' i found a bunch of them @ a store. i took one home overnite to see if i would like to give these away. next day i bought almost a basketful, all the store had. punch line: the bks, labeled $12.95, were one dollar each @ 'the dollar tree.' btw, one spirit bk club has a half price sale now with many health books available. remember, in the states, joint commission places limits on gifts to pts. i figure it's good to keep those in mind even if we're not bound by them - unless we're working in a hospital or credentialed clinic setting. i'm about to do an ethics review, in '06, it was ~$15/gift/pt, $50/cumulative. i like the lifetime library membership idea, also. lynn [lizzzrd] wrote: The only advertising I pay for is a small listing in the phone book under " acupuncture " so that people can find me. More than 2/3 of my clients come in because a current or previous patient has referred me. The next largest percentage have been referred by practitioners of various modalities. It's been my experience that most people who are new to acupuncture have a certain amount of nervousness about it. They much prefer to see an acupuncturist recommended by someone they trust. I'd rather put my advertising money into things that support and thank my existing patients. To that end, I have a free lending library of books, CDs and DVDs on health practices and issues, that I add to on a regular basis. Anyone who has ever seen me, even if it's only once, becomes a lifetime member of the library. I keep a stock of books on hand - including titles by Roger Jahnke, Ellison Haas, Andrew Weil and others - and I always send one as a thank you when a referral is made. Whenever a patient inquires whether acupuncture might help their friend or family member, I answer their questions and then give them a copy of " The Acupuncture Answer Book " to give to the person they're concerned about. I occasionally have give-aways in the office for patients - little hand massagers, great pens with my name and phone number on them, small jars of specialty bath salts for relaxing or for muscle aches. I always send personal birthday and anniversary cards out, too. I started doing all these things because I'm a friendly person and because I really like and appreciate my patients. Over time, I've come to realize that they're much better as marketing tools than any ad I could devise. I've never done any internet advertising and probably never will. Peace, Liz Casey - Angela Pfaffenberger Chinese Medicine Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:10 PM Internet advertising There seem to be lots of internet advertising opportunities now-a-days, such as listings on a site, such as acufinder. I wondered if people would be willing to share what has worked for them - or not worked. I tried google adwords. It was hard to track if it brought in clients but it's afterall very inexpensive once you actually have a website. Angela Pf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Thanks, Lynn. Is anyone out there as frustrated as me at the lack of information we were given in school about things like this? Or on building and running a business, dealing with insurance, ect.???? It's no surprise to me that so many people come out of school and are out of the profession within five years. I'll check out the website, Lynn. I appreciate the info. Peace, Liz - J. Lynn Detamore Chinese Medicine Thursday, January 25, 2007 8:35 AM Re:TCM- Internet ads - freebies it's the joint commission for the accreditation of hospitals and healthcare organizations. jcahho, pronounced 'jayco.' if i put something in the wrong order i'll let u know. they have their own website, just google their name. lynn [lizzzrd] wrote: Hi Lynn, What is the " joint commission? " Is there a website I could go to learn more? Thanks, Liz Casey - J. Lynn Detamore Chinese Medicine Thursday, January 25, 2007 7:27 AM Re:TCM- Internet ads - freebies liz, i keep my eyes open 4 deals, closeouts, half price things. i.e. stuff that's useful 4 freebies or to sell to pts less than they access elsewhere, while i still profit. e.g. i still am giving away some of my copies of 'the staying healthy shopper's guide.' i found a bunch of them @ a store. i took one home overnite to see if i would like to give these away. next day i bought almost a basketful, all the store had. punch line: the bks, labeled $12.95, were one dollar each @ 'the dollar tree.' btw, one spirit bk club has a half price sale now with many health books available. remember, in the states, joint commission places limits on gifts to pts. i figure it's good to keep those in mind even if we're not bound by them - unless we're working in a hospital or credentialed clinic setting. i'm about to do an ethics review, in '06, it was ~$15/gift/pt, $50/cumulative. i like the lifetime library membership idea, also. lynn [lizzzrd] wrote: The only advertising I pay for is a small listing in the phone book under " acupuncture " so that people can find me. More than 2/3 of my clients come in because a current or previous patient has referred me. The next largest percentage have been referred by practitioners of various modalities. It's been my experience that most people who are new to acupuncture have a certain amount of nervousness about it. They much prefer to see an acupuncturist recommended by someone they trust. I'd rather put my advertising money into things that support and thank my existing patients. To that end, I have a free lending library of books, CDs and DVDs on health practices and issues, that I add to on a regular basis. Anyone who has ever seen me, even if it's only once, becomes a lifetime member of the library. I keep a stock of books on hand - including titles by Roger Jahnke, Ellison Haas, Andrew Weil and others - and I always send one as a thank you when a referral is made. Whenever a patient inquires whether acupuncture might help their friend or family member, I answer their questions and then give them a copy of " The Acupuncture Answer Book " to give to the person they're concerned about. I occasionally have give-aways in the office for patients - little hand massagers, great pens with my name and phone number on them, small jars of specialty bath salts for relaxing or for muscle aches. I always send personal birthday and anniversary cards out, too. I started doing all these things because I'm a friendly person and because I really like and appreciate my patients. Over time, I've come to realize that they're much better as marketing tools than any ad I could devise. I've never done any internet advertising and probably never will. Peace, Liz Casey - Angela Pfaffenberger Chinese Medicine Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:10 PM Internet advertising There seem to be lots of internet advertising opportunities now-a-days, such as listings on a site, such as acufinder. I wondered if people would be willing to share what has worked for them - or not worked. I tried google adwords. It was hard to track if it brought in clients but it's afterall very inexpensive once you actually have a website. Angela Pf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 I was told in practice management class that we can certainly give " thank you " cards or even gifts for referrals, but what we cannot do is give patients free treatments for their referrals. That is considered " buying patients " and is illegal. anne.crowley wrote: Liz: I am not familar with the joint commission on patient gifts, however, I was told that any gifts or fees for referral is a no no. I have to sometimes tell patients this, since I might get a hint about that. One time a screwed up a patient's appointment, two in the waiting room at the same time and only one room. The next time she came in I gave her a bottle of herbs free. I think that is fine- also the gifts thing - check what Lynn says there about amounts. Anne remember, in the states, joint commission places limits on gifts to pts. i figure it's good to keep those in > mind even if we're not bound by them - unless we're working in a hospital or > credentialed clinic setting. i'm about to do an ethics review, in '06, it was > ~$15/gift/pt, $50/cumulative. i like the lifetime library membership idea, > also. lynn > > [lizzzrd] wrote: > The only advertising I pay for is a small listing in the phone book under > " acupuncture " so that people can find me. More than 2/3 of my clients come in > because a current or previous patient has referred me. The next largest > percentage have been referred by practitioners of various modalities. It's > been my experience that most people who are new to acupuncture have a certain > amount of nervousness about it. They much prefer to see an acupuncturist > recommended by someone they trust. > > I'd rather put my advertising money into things that support and thank my > existing patients. To that end, I have a free lending library of books, CDs and > DVDs on health practices and issues, that I add to on a regular basis. Anyone > who has ever seen me, even if it's only once, becomes a lifetime member of the > library. I keep a stock of books on hand - including titles by Roger Jahnke, > Ellison Haas, Andrew Weil and others - and I always send one as a thank you when > a referral is made. Whenever a patient inquires whether acupuncture might help > their friend or family member, I answer their questions and then give them a > copy of " The Acupuncture Answer Book " to give to the person they're concerned > about. I occasionally have give-aways in the office for patients - little hand > massagers, great pens with my name and phone number on them, small jars of > specialty bath salts for relaxing or for muscle aches. I always send personal > birthday and anniversary cards out, too. > > I started doing all these things because I'm a friendly person and because I > really like and appreciate my patients. Over time, I've come to realize that > they're much better as marketing tools than any ad I could devise. I've never > done any internet advertising and probably never will. > Peace, Liz Casey > > - > Angela Pfaffenberger > Chinese Medicine > Wednesday, January 24, 2007 4:10 PM > Internet advertising > > > There seem to be lots of internet advertising opportunities now-a-days, such > as listings on a site, such as acufinder. > > I wondered if people would be willing to share what has worked for them - or > not worked. > I tried google adwords. It was hard to track if it brought in clients but it's > afterall very inexpensive once you actually have a website. > Angela Pf > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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