Q:  What are the best ways to become known in my community?

A:  The basic concept is to meet and make a favorable impression on as many people as possible, in as many normal and natural settings as possible. Set goals for how many people you will meet each week, and persist until your goals are met.

ACTION STEPS:

1.    Volunteer.  Find a need and fill it.  Set an example of service.

2.            WOC (Whip Out Cards):  ALWAYS have your business card with you, and include it in EVERY communication.

3.    Visit civic clubs as a guest with the idea of eventually joining one.

4.    Join the Chamber of Commerce.
   1. Attend committee meetings and choose one in which to become active.
   2. Attend luncheons (use a memorable introduction).
   3. Attend "Business after Hours" and learn the skill of networking

5.            Write notes (nice to meet you, etc.).  Watch the local news and thank anyone who makes a noteworthy civic contribution and congratulate anyone who has done something significant like won an election, been chosen for an award, etc. In this age of e-mail, a note or letter with a stamp and a meaningful thought is becoming increasingly rare.

6.    Join a "tips and leads" group. 

7.            Distribute "door hangers" that include information on chiropractic and a coupon for an appropriate   incentive to visit your practice if they feel they might need chiropractic care.  

8.            Join Toastmasters.  Sharpen your public speaking skills.  There are also some great chiropractic communications programs put on by talented ICA members like Dr. Larry Duboff who has great information on the Internet at www.PracticeGear.com.

9.            Give public talks.  Talk about health and wellness issues from a chiropractic perspective.  But, prepare with great seriousness and care. 

10.        Conduct spinal screenings (health facilities, markets, malls, gyms, senior centers, community events, etc).  Present the chiropractic story with professionalism and dignity, but also with confidence and pride.

11.      Use press releases to announce the opening of your office, any advanced credentialing you attain such as certification or diplomate status through ICA's postgraduate councils or other organizations, and any event you sponsor that benefits the community such as ICA's Perfect Posture Month promotions every May.

12.      Establish alliances with others in healthcare.  Interact, refer, seek information and build friendships based on your outspoken desire to do the very best job for every patient.

13.      Create a website and promote your Internet address.  Make it a good one, and do not hesitate to invest in professional help.  After you have established a good web presence, consider a regular e-mail newsletter to your patients and anyone in the greater community who might express an interest.

14.      Write articles for your local paper(s).  Research and get help from those around you who might have other helpful perspectives or new information. Don't rush and make sure you did the best that could be done.  Pick topics on which you can responsibly and credibly speak with authority.  Have several people proofread everything you submit for publication.

15.        Interview for a cable television show.  Let all local media know that you