5 ways to score the goals you want to score in 2015

So it’s the new year and chances are you’re looking for further success for you and your dental business in 2015.

So let’s kick off with five key actions for you to take now. Five powerful and effective actions which will help you make the changes you want to make and take your life and business to where you want it to be.

1.              Know where you are going

If you want to take your life and your business to another level in 2015 it’s vital you know where you want to go.

Rather than simply leaving your progress to luck, fate, or whatever you want to call it, make this the year you consciously consider how you want to change things and how you can do it.

So how do you set your goals?

Take time to dream. Consider how you want to change your life. Paint the picture of what you want your practice to look like at the end of this year, and in three or five years’ time. Your business has a direct impact on your life of course, so make sure you consider the two together.

Here’s a great video to tell you more about how you can set goals and what you can expect when you do.

2.              Let your team know where you are going

Your goals may primarily be around improving your work life balance or other personal ambitions. They may centre around the development of your business. Whatever the case, you’ll need to make changes in your business in order to make them happen.

You can’t achieve changes in your business on your own. So you need to communicate the changes you want to make to your team. Tell them what you want to do. And make sure they understand how the changes will positively affect everyone involved, including your team members and your patients.

This process takes some art, some care. Here’s how you can get it right.

3.              Be clear on how you will fund your goals (and whether you actually need funding)

Setting goals is one thing. Taking action to make them a reality another.

Taking the leap can be a scary prospect. But there’s a key to gaining the clarity and confidence you need to go ahead…

When you put together a strategic financial forecast you establish whether funding is required and if so, where it should come from.

Not everyone needs additional funding to reach their goals. It depends on the goals you set and your individual situation. You’ll find more details here.

4.              Plan your marketing

If your goals involve the growth of your business, you need to consider where this will come from.

There are six ways to grow your business. You can work out which area(s) have potential for you and form a marketing plan for this year.

Clear Vision’s dental marketing specialist Dee published a great new blog in December to help you do just this.

5.              Protect your patient base

When did you last sit down with your team to consider what an individual patient is worth to your business during their lifetime?

Have you ever done this?

In my experience, few dentists have. It’s a calculation which is rarely made but is truly powerful to your team.

When your team recognises the lifetime value of a patient, it provides focus and purpose.

It obliges and motivates your team to sustain a great experience to retain each patient. An experience which consistently generates delighted patients ready to sing your praises. An experience which will better serves the goals you set, whatever they may be.

Here’s where you can read more about how you can make this lifetime value calculation.

Have a query on these points or how you can set and achieve your goals for this year? I’ll gladly reply to any comments or questions you post below. Alternatively, I’ll be happy to speak to you directly – helping dentists is what I do and I’m always happy to have an informal chat. Just let me know