Chiropractic consulting and practice management groups abound. Do you need one? How do you evaluate a chiropractic consultant to insure a good fit? What can you expect from a practice consultant, coach or mentor?
Before you sign up with any chiropractic consultant or management group, you may find the alternative I'm offering far more helpful and affordable.
My Chiropractic Consultant Experience
I've been a patient and advocate for over 30 years. I have paid cash for my care over those three decades, seeing nine different chiropractors in the process. I've been a guest lecturer at seminars held by the following chiropractic consultants and practice management programs:
Five Star Management
Breakthrough Coaching
Chiropractic Advance Services
Gorilla Marketing
James Carter Associates
Markson Connection
The Masters Circle
Ultimate Practice
Ward Success Systems
Granted, that's only a fraction of the 150 or so practice consultants and coaching groups you'll find listed in the Buyer's Guide at Chiropractic Economics. And it's true that I've never been a client of a single one. However, as a guest speaker I get a behind-the-scenes look before members file into the ballroom. You can pick up a vibe about how they see themselves—and how they see you.
But that's rarely the real problem.
Do You Even Need a Chiropractic Consultant?
Whether it's the demands placed on them from the CCE or merely the fear of being seen as a trade school, chiropractic colleges seem reluctant to teach the skills necessary to successfully run a practice. My own experiences teaching students about the post-board-examination realities seem to fall on deaf ears. So, if you've never run your own business or you were misled into thinking that posting a sign out front and doing a great job is all it takes, you may benefit from hiring a consultant or some consulting services.
As I've fielded phone calls from chiropractors asking about various consultants and management groups, I always ask why they think they need one. Their answers fall into one or more categories:
Install or Create Systems – If you've never worked as an associate or subcontractor in a busy practice, you may not have a grasp of the various systems that need to be in place. Among them would be a clinical system, financial system, staff training system, education system and marketing system. A consultant can help.
Buy Discipline and Accountability – If you already know what to do, but lack the courage or discipline to implement it, a consultant can be handy. Acquiring discipline by paying someone to hold your feet to the fire, or feeling obligated to implement procedures because otherwise you'd be wasting your money, can motivate some to take action. A coach could be helpful.
Reduce Isolation and Belong – I refer to this as the “country club” model. If you don't have a mastermind group (local or distributed) of like-minded chiropractors with whom you can check in with from time to time, you might be inclined to seek a consultant or management group for support and inspiration.
Headspace and Success Principles – Perhaps you're one who lacks adequate self-esteem or maybe you're a self-development or performance junkie. A chiropractic practice management group could be just the thing to raise the bar, help you keep up on the latest technology, insurance regulations and marketing ideas.
The point? If you have any hope of having a successful relationship with a consultant or coach, you'll want to be clear about what you're hoping to achieve.
But there's a far more important question.
Will The Consultant Be a Good Fit?
Mindful of one or more of the motives above, there is a far more critical decision that you must make: Is your world view congruent with the world view of the coach or consultant(s) you're considering?
Notice I used the term “world view” and not “philosophy.” Sure, there are chiropractic consultants who tend to be more medically-oriented and others that are more in alignment with traditional principles. Those distinctions are relatively easy to detect. But world view may not.
Chances are you're not looking to change religions when hiring a consultant. Nor are you probably inclined to stretch the law or even bend it. You may subscribe to the golden rule, but does the management company? Do they have the habit of suing their members for breach of contract? Do they regularly get reactivations from chiropractors who were previous clients? Will they supply the names of clients who have recently disengaged? Are they manipulative—believing that the ends (your improved income) justify the means (overpowering a practice member's free will)? This world view thing is crucial. Just remember. How they treat you as a client, is the way they will teach you to treat practice members!
My Alternative to Traditional Consulting
I'm often asked if I do one-on-one consulting or coaching. I do. But it's different.
I don't have a “program” and I'm not interested in creating a dependency relationship. I don't hold quarterly seminars, attempt to sell you anything and I won't call you up to nag you to do what we talked about. However, if you're looking for an adult relationship, here's what I do offer:
- Email or call me at Patient Media (800) 486-2337 to arrange a mutually convenient time for no more than a one-hour phone call. Pick a time when you can be 100% present for our conversation.
- You'll create the agenda and select the topics that we'll discuss. In other words, you're in charge. The better the questions (clarity, purpose and focus) the more valuable our time.
- At the appointed time, using a land line (or Skype--not your cell phone), you'll call me at my home office. I'll first collect your credit card details for the $150 charge for the hour or portion thereof.
- My job is to profoundly listen, ask questions, uncover blockages and suggest solutions. Record our conversation or have your spouse listen in if you wish.
- At the conclusion of our call I'll ask, “Did you get your money's worth?” If the answer is yes, I'll bill your card. If the answer is no, oh well, we've both lost an hour. I'll assume all the risk to encourage you to take action.
- Naturally, you can count of me for fastidious confidentiality and discretion.
I've been doing this sort of consulting for a couple of years. Usually, a single conversation is enough to loosen the lynch pin and get you moving forward. Sometimes, a doctor has elected to have a follow-up conversation a month or so later. Your choice. The same ground rules above apply.
Chiropractic Coaching Without a Long-Term Commitment
The modest financial investment is usually enough to keep everyone focused. No contracts, other than the handshake above. If I were a chiropractor, it's what I'd want from a chiropractic consultant.
Email me and let's set a time and get you unstuck and having the fun you deserve! |
