Practice managers often struggle to find new and creative ways to create positive vibes within the practice. Being a practice consultant means that we are full of helpful ideas to help you energize your team, all while everyone has some fun to boot. We know that Valentine’s Day is about a month away, but that means you have plenty of time to prepare and incorporate some ideas from our blog today. Read on as we share fun ways to generate positive energy in your practice that you can start right now.
Highlight a Product or Service
Discuss with your team which product or service you would like to spotlight to help attract new patients and get your current patients back in the office. Every practice will be different but say you want to feature take-home teeth whitening kits or a smile makeover with veneers. Create an advertisement and make it Valentine-themed by saying something like, “get your smile ready for Valentine’s Day by taking advantage of a convenient take-home teeth whitening kit.” Ideally, please share it on social media to spread the word once you get your idea together. You could also post a printout of the advertisement in your office so that current patients coming in can also see the news.
Host an Internal Contest
Who doesn’t love a little bit of competition? Now is a great time to create a fun contest to get your team pumped up. For instance, maybe you have a contest to see how many cleanings and checkups each team member can get on the schedule just by calling patients that haven’t been to your practice in a while or that are overdue for their preventive care. Another idea is to see how many Google reviews each team member can get patients to write within a set timeframe. You could also use upselling services like teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign if you’d like. Make the contest internal by posting it on your Slack for every team member to see and view the rules and conditions.
Get Social
Share on social media about what’s happening within your practice. Patients want to see photos of each of you while at work enjoying yourselves and having a little bit of fun. Use social media to create Valentine-themed picture collages, boomerang videos, Reels, or post a TikTok video. Plan ahead on what each participant will say or do for the video or photo op. That way, it takes the pressure off the person being filmed.
Dress Fun
Consider allowing team members to wear holiday-themed t-shirts, socks, headbands, or other appropriate items to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This creates social engagement with patients and pumps up the team, and breaks the monotony of wearing the same thing every day. Even better is to take photos of team members showing off their holiday attire and post those images on social media for an opportunity to increase social engagement.
Decorate the Office
Red or pink flowers, hearts, and other Valentine-themed décor are easy to procure for this lovely holiday. You don’t have to spend much or go all out, but add some red, pink, and white Valentine-themed items to your practice to help lighten the mood. Classy holiday décor is warm and inviting for patients and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, it can be a source of positivity within the practice. Remember, share pictures of your décor on social media!
Show Your Team Appreciation
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show employee appreciation by giving a small, holiday-themed gift. The gifts don’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful and personal. Perhaps you gift each team member a box of chocolates or flowers. You know your team best, so choose something appropriate for the holiday that you know they each will enjoy. Each team member may receive something different yet of equal value.
Visit Your Referrals
Referring doctors do a lot for your practice by recommending patients to you. Show some appreciation by reaching out or visiting those practices within your community that send you business all year long. Thank them for their support by visiting them in person and leaving them a small token of appreciation like a thoughtful gift. Spread the love by taking photos of your visit, sharing on social media, and “check-in” on social media. This could be a fun, engaging time for your team members too. Perhaps you can block off a little extra time before or after lunch so that everyone can be involved in the outing. Don’t look at it like time wasted on the schedule. Instead, you’re fostering a relationship with your referring offices and helping energize your team.
As managers, it’s partly your responsibility to lead activities that engage everyone in the office and help energize the team. Sometimes, managers see these events as a waste of time and costing too much money. But the good news is that neither of those is true! While some ideas may take a little time, it’s time well spent investing in your team. Plus, the activities and gifts don’t have to cost a fortune. It truly is the thought that counts!
Bryant Consultants is a family-owned consulting firm that can help dental practices reach their full potential and more! If you would like to learn more or schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation, please get in touch with Bryant Consultants by calling (877) 768-4799. We provide consultation, training, and coaching virtually or in person. To ensure that you receive the latest updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
