When it comes to networking - things have really changed over the past five to ten years! When I was a young mom (I won't tell you how many years ago that was) and needed to find a pediatrician for my newborn baby, I would have asked my neighbor, my sister or the lady I worked out with at the YMCA where they bring their children. The internet was not an option. I wasn't even comfortable thumbing through the yellow pages to find a doctor for my kids - I wanted first hand information about the office and the doctor. This is not the case with today's generation. I am sure they are still just as concerned about finding the right doctor and/or dentist but they look for these services in a much different way.
I take the new patient phone calls here in our office and one of the questions I ask is how the caller found us. Many of the younger, potential patients will respond, "I searched orthodontist or Invisalign on the internet". This always surprises me just a little bit but it is the "way" of the future.
This changes the game just a little for the business' of today. You better show well in the search engine world or you may not be seen by the potential customer/patient. Part of showing up on the first page of Google or other search engines is having good reviews. This is where I give a pitch for writing a review. We don't always want to take the time to write a review but more than ever, it is an important component for business'. We are quick to complain when things are not just right but how often do we give credit where credit is due. If you have received good services from a business and would recommend this business to your family and friends, take the time to write a review. It will make all the difference. I know it takes time - but business' rely on your input.
Written by: Dawn Rosendall, RDA, CDA
