New office

[net4n6]

I am glad that I found this forum. I've been reading lots of threads on the forum for the last couples days.

I am new to the optical field. Currently, I am not an optician. I graduated from college with a minor in Business and major in Computer Science.

I have an oportunity to manage the optometry office as part time due to my Engineering job. Experienced opticians members please give me advices on how to successfully run the office.

What are the most effective ways of advertising? I've read on the forum which members recommended discount cards, doctors referals, flyers, etc,... please advice more....:cheers:

What are the slow months and busy months of the years? What months should I have a sale/special discount such as "Back to school special" in the month of July?

Thank you for your advices.

[Now I See]

Trying to manage any office part time, IMHO, will be difficult. But, the first thing I would do is look back at old financial, patient, and appointment records to get a clear view of potential slow/low volume months...you should see some trends just by looking back (depending on how old the office is).

As far as advertising, again go back and look...hopefully the office keeps track of how new patients found out about your office, that should give you a good snap-shot of where to spend (or to stop spending) your advertising dollars.

As far as my office, I can tell you I was extremely slow in March '08 and October '08 last year...So far with advertising, word-of-mouth has been the biggest form of advertising, for me. But, all of this is bound to change from year to year and from office to office.

PS...please don't forget to talk to the current employees...they are, more-than-likely, a wealth of knowledge and probably know more about the ups and downs of the place than anybody! :)

[net4n6]

Heather,
Thank you so much for your oppinion. I love the medical field. I was planning to major pre-med after H.S but financially routed me to engineering major. You are right. It is tough to manage the office part time. Fortunately, my full time job is only 10 min. from the office and it's very flexible. I can go to the office at lunch to take care "minor issue" or the staff can call me anytime on my cell. In addtion, I can monitor the office remotely. My wife is there full time but she is new to the "working field". She has been staying home for the last 15 years to take care of my kids. It will take her awhile to adjust to the office.

Currently, I am planning to see what are the needs and wants in the office. Cost cutting but NOT relegate customer service. I want to concentrate on customer service. I like the idea of sending "Thank you" notes to recently seen patients.

What is your opinion on sending birthday card? I afraid patients do not like it because of privacy issue. Some of the patients do not know who we are because we bought the office and patient files from the previous doctor whom been there for 30 yrs.
I learned vast of knowledge from this board.:cheers: More ideas please...