My wife and I are new chiropractors and are looking to start our own practice at the beginning of the year.

We want to build or practice by getting out into the community and introducing ourselves to as many people as we can meet. We were looking into creating a small packet on who we are and what chiropractic is to leave with the people we meet or to leave it at their door.

Would you have any suggestions as to what you offer that might
accomplish this?

My Response:

While I've never actually put such a "kit" together, I think it's a great idea. Here a couple of suggestions.

1. A copy of our "Answers to the Questions Patients Ask About Chiropractic" brochure. It addresses 24 of the most common concerns of new or prospective patients. (We normally recommend new patients bring a copy home for their spouse.)

2. A one page document with your picture(s) and biography. Let people know about your other interests besides chiropractic. What is your practice philosophy? How do patients benefit coming to a new practitioner rather than an established one? Be revealing and authentic.

3. A copy of our "Your Spine and Nervous System" brochure. It shows the wiring diagram of the nervous system and links the spine to the nerves. While you and I almost take it for granted, people new to chiropractic find this information makes a compelling case for what chiropractors do.

4. A coupon device with an offer that has an expiration date. For example, $50 off your initial examination if you act by a certain date. If possible, update this date during your outreach program so the expiration date is about 2 weeks from when you present the coupon. It's important to communicate a sense of urgency to act while it's still fresh in their mind.

5. If you can get a testimonial or two, maybe from your school clinic experience, of patients who have received care from you and comment on some aspect of your care, tableside manner, the way chiropractic worked for them or whatever.

6. A sheet alerting recipients of your lecture schedule and topics that you give talks on in your community (if you do that sort of thing--highly recommended). You'll be seen as an expert and may actually parlay your encounter into an opportunity to reach even more people.

That's what I would do.

Bill