Subject: The Biggest Mistake Dentists Make with the Hygienist Team
Guest Expert: Rachel Wall of Inspired Hygiene, visit and take advantage of a special gift she shares for MyDentalChannel subscribers.

Summary: When I asked Rachel Wall the question, I thought the answer was simple; what's the biggest mistake you see most dentists make? Her answer focuses on more than restorative care, she shares how to unleash your entire Team to ease your workload and increase revenue. This fun and insightful interview will help open your eyes to an answer that is literally right in front of you, even though you may not see it.

• Download the audio interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/df9186c8-84ef-4263-b3b3-d3398c2df5b2/rachel-wall-dental-hygience-part2-biggestmistake.mp3
• Download the Worksheet to Apply to Your Practice by Inspired Hygiene (PDF) for you and your Team here
  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/pdf/MyDentalChannel-Wall-Guide.pdf

• Looking for more on the Internet? Please visit The Biggest Mistake Most Dentists Make for the special interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/OIqbd3iA

Overview
You may be putting all the pressure on yourself, as a dentist, to increase revenues. If you could simply integrate your Team, and especially your Hygienists, into the equation, you may see a dramatic increase in profits. In this interview Rachel Wall answers:

What is the biggest mistake you see dentists making with their hygiene departments?

How do dentists get hygienists excited about enrolling restorative dentistry?

About the Expert

Rachel Wall is the owner of “Inspired Hygiene”.

As owner of Inspired Hygiene, Rachel helps dentists tap into the productive potential of their hygiene team. In addition to coaching, Rachel draws from her 18 years of experience as a clinical hygienist and practice administrator to deliver to-the-point articles and speaking programs. Her articles have been published in numerous industry journals including The Profitable Dentist, Dental Practice Report, Dentistry Today and Modern Hygiene.

She has spoken for the AACD and at The Profitable Denist Destin seminar. Inspired Hygiene's programs include in-office coaching, a free weekly e-zine, the High Performance Hygiene Mastermind group and the new High Performance Perio webinar series. Inspired Hygiene is the preferred hygiene coaching group for the Productive Dentist Academy and a corporate partner with Philips Sonicare and Woody Oakes' Excellence in Dentistry. To contact Rachel, email her at Rachel@InspiredHygiene.com or call 877-237-7230.

This interview reminds me how important the Dental Hygienists are to my Team, and integrating and encouraging them to grow your practice is central for success.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS The GOLD Digital Study Group will have this entire interview and many more we have shared , check out:
http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: How to Convert 50-75% of your callers to Customers with Less than a 20% no show rate

Guest Expert: Katherine Eitel of Lioness Learning, where you can find out the power of her experiential training.

Summary: In this special seminar, you will discover how to convert your incoming calls into customers. Learn the secrets to opening up a customer BEFORE you ask for the details, and much more.

Katherine Eitel will take you step-by-step into the Four Steps to a Great Call in this seminar presented exclusively by MyDentalChannel.

• Download the audio interview here:
  
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/7ed73651-2541-48fc-b91d-afbfbb321bdb/KatherineEitel4Steps.mp3


• Download the Powerpoint that goes with the interview (PDF) for your Team here
  
  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/pdf/eitel4steps.pdf
  

• If you are looking in from the Internet, please visit The 4 Steps to Improving Phone Skills for the Exceptional Practice
  
  http://www.screencast.com/t/HjHi9ci9l4

• How to convert more calls to appointments
  
  
• The single biggest mistake you can make at the beginning of a phone call to ruin conversion, and how to turn this into a sale!
  
  
• Increase return on investment and subsequent referrals from
  advertising callers
  
  
• Keep patients from canceling
  
  
• Improve success with:
  
  • Price Shoppers
    
    
  • Insurance-driven patients
    
    
  • Emergencies
    
    
  • “Cleaning only” patients
    
    
  • Pending Treatment Calls
    
    
  • Hygiene Reminder Calls
    
    
  • Confirmation Calls
  
  

  Do you know the profits you are missing if you and your team don't give the right answers, AND ask the right questions, to these inquiries:
  

  • "I need to get my teeth cleaned."
    
    
  • "Are you on my insurance plan?"
    
    
  • "I have a toothache."
    
    
  • Plus get insider tips to converting the Price Shopper;
    learn what they are really asking for!
    
  
  
  
  

  About the Expert

  
  

  Katherine Eitel, creator of The Lioness Principle, is an international speaker, author, and experienced communications coach specializing in non-scripted, extraordinary communications for dental/discretionary healthcare and service-based business creating greater profitability and personal joy.
  

  With over 25 years experience as chairside assistant, treatment coordinator, marketing director, and small business / practice management coach, Katherine's revolutionary communications training programs have helped hundreds of practices and small businesses throw out their old, tired scripts and access instinctive greatness improving marketing results, organizational systems, client service and verbal skills, and bottom line.
  

  She's a nationally-renowned speaker, recipient of the coveted "Spotlight-on-Speaking" award from the Speaking Consulting Network as well as a published author in the new book, Powerful Practice. Featured in Dental Practice Report and Dental Lab Entrepreneur magazines, Katherine is a monthly columnist for Insurance Solutions and Modern Hygienist Magazine.
  

  Katherine's remarkable client results are not only recognized by the healthcare and service industries, but also by her peers as evidenced by her Transformational Training Workshops which are sell-outs for educators, consultants, and trainers nationwide. Katherine is President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants (2007-2008), Board Member of Speaking Consulting Network and active member of National Speakers Association.
  

  Let me disclose that I not only interviewed Katherine, I have been a client of hers because of her warmth, her smart approach, and most of all, what you hear in this interview...common sense that applies to the bottom line. That's why we share her interview here, and in the complete video seminar on the GOLD Practice Network. It is must listening!
  

  Sincerely,
  

  Dr. John Buzza
  

  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now
  

  PS You can find the complete interview, plus over 27 Expert training series for you and your Team , check out:
  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: How to Control Your Flow of Customers With Internet Marketing
Guest Expert: Dan Bobrow of American Dental Marketing Company, has the unique ability to offer his clients a sophisticated, yet highly cost-effective “mix” of new patient acquisition and retention vehicles. By working exclusively with dental professionals, and the unique challenges they face, ADM has developed a suite of services unmatched in their ability to offer dentists an affordable means for rapid practice growth.

"If you know what the Web can do for you, you will understand and possibly control the flow of customers now and increasing in the future." Dan Bobrow

• Download Dan Bobrow's audio interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/ce476608-a6c7-4b4d-802c-690d3e86d017/bobrowpart2.mp3
• Download the Presentation to see Examples of What Dan shares for you and your Team here
  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/pdf/dentalinternetmarketing.pdf
• On the Internet? Please visit How to Control Your Flow of Customers With Internet Marketing for the special interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/MLciZgdsZ02

What You Will Learn

The 3 Keys to Web -Based Marketing
In this audio interview, Daniel Bobrow , President of American Dental Marketing presents:

• The 3 keys to successful Web-Based Marketing
• Ways in which American Dental Marketing assists referral clients to implement and maintain service to ensure client satisfaction.

Daniel explains in great detail the 3 keys to a successful site:

• Attracting the visitor
• Generate the lead
• Convert the lead

About the Expert

Daniel A. Bobrow is President of The American Dental Marketing Company, a health care consultancy based in Chicago, IL., serving clients nationwide and around the world. He is also president of Daniel Bobrow Associates, which performs research and implements marketing and management programs for clients outside of the dental profession.

• He is a Member in good standing of both the Speaking and Consulting Network and the Academy of Dental Management Consultants.
• Mr. Bobrow holds various Certifications ranging from Insurance to Wilderness First Aid, a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The University of Illinois, and Masters of Business Administration Degrees (MBAs) in finance and marketing from The University of Chicago and The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, respectively.
• He is author of The State of The Art In Dentistry Marketing.
• Mr. Bobrow has a passion for rock and ice climbing, alpine mountaineering and, since 2000, Adventure Racing (see resume below). His mountaineering and racing exploits have been chronicled by Windy City Sports, Private Clubs, Red Book, Vertical Jones, The Chicago Tribune, and other publications.
• By soliciting pledges and corporate sponsorship, he has used many of these climbs as vehicles to raise both awareness and funds for a number of philanthropic organizations.
• Daniel Bobrow is the executive Director of Climb For A Cause, a non-profit Foundation that seeks to encourage adventure travel as a means of supporting dental and oral health education and treatment initiatives in developing countries and domestically where the need is most acute.Climb For A Cause combines the breathtaking beauty of the mountains with the desire to make a positive difference in peoples' lives.

By working with charities like Himalayan Dental Relief, Childrens Dental Care International, the Spinal Cord Injury Association, Operation Smile, and Friends of The I.D.F., we have been successful in making a positive and noticeable difference in the lives of countless needy children and deserving adults.

You know how the Internet is affecting all businesses in need of new appointments. This interview is chock full of nuggets you can apply to your business right now, helping you get appointments from the Internet, and even getting more help from your Internet marketing efforts. It is time to stop thinking the Internet may be important, and realize there are two kinds of dentists; those who want the Internet not to affect their business, and those who are profiting from the impact the Internet is having on our patients' lives..

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS This entire interview, and much more are available right now , check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: How to Convert Leads into Appointments
Guest Expert: Dan Bobrow of American Dental Marketing Company, gives answers to you about your web site. Does it:

• Automatically Convert Website Visitors Into Qualified Prospective Patients?
• Cause Prospective Patients To Call or Email Me When They Are Ready To Appoint?
• Answer All Those Time-Consuming, Annoying, and Energy-Draining Questions From "tire-kickers?

"Even if you have the best web presence, even if you have handled how to attract and impress visitors, what happens when they get to your web site? You should be converting them to appointments and it's not that hard. " Dan Bobrow

• Download the interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/02f1f454-2f40-4dd9-a67e-a1a24fdc163e/bobrowpart1.mp3
• Download Dan's Poweproint Slides (PDF) to see Examples
  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/pdf/bobrow-americandentalco.pdf

• On the Internet? Please visit How to Convert Leads into Appointments for the special interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/aqdsGKFqObfs

What You Will Learn

He touches upon many elements that are important to understand in Web-Based Marketing, such as:

• Natural Search vs. Pay per Click
• "Tire Kickers" and how you convert them,
• The many different options and products to use in a successful Follow up Campaign.

About the Expert

Daniel A. Bobrow is President of The American Dental Marketing Company, a health care consultancy based in Chicago, IL., serving clients nationwide and around the world. He is also president of Daniel Bobrow Associates, which performs research and implements marketing and management programs for clients outside of the dental profession.

• He is a Member in good standing of both the Speaking and Consulting Network and the Academy of Dental Management Consultants.
• Mr. Bobrow holds various Certifications ranging from Insurance to Wilderness First Aid, a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The University of Illinois, and Masters of Business Administration Degrees (MBAs) in finance and marketing from The University of Chicago and The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, respectively.
• He is author of The State of The Art In Dentistry Marketing.
• Mr. Bobrow has a passion for rock and ice climbing, alpine mountaineering and, since 2000, Adventure Racing (see resume below). His mountaineering and racing exploits have been chronicled by Windy City Sports, Private Clubs, Red Book, Vertical Jones, The Chicago Tribune, and other publications.
• By soliciting pledges and corporate sponsorship, he has used many of these climbs as vehicles to raise both awareness and funds for a number of philanthropic organizations.
• Daniel Bobrow is the executive Director of Climb For A Cause, a non-profit Foundation that seeks to encourage adventure travel as a means of supporting dental and oral health education and treatment initiatives in developing countries and domestically where the need is most acute.Climb For A Cause combines the breathtaking beauty of the mountains with the desire to make a positive difference in peoples' lives.

By working with charities like Himalayan Dental Relief, Childrens Dental Care International, the Spinal Cord Injury Association, Operation Smile, and Friends of The I.D.F., we have been successful in making a positive and noticeable difference in the lives of countless needy children and deserving adults.

Let's face it, most of us are confused by what a web site should do; Dan Bobrow not only shows you, he helps you understand the process. It's just like someone trying to schedule an appointment -- without the phone. It is amazing how many dentists lose money because they ignore the web site, or do not think about marketing and conversion, trusting their web site to a pretty design that does not fulfill its primary function.

As a fellow dentist, let me tell you; your web site should convert. Period...everything else is just commentary. Enjoy the interview!

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS This entire interview, and much more are available right now , check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Your marketing initiatives should work in any ecomony!

• Are you supercharging your marketing for maximum impact?
• Are you spending money and not getting any new clients?
• Would you like to know 5 Goals for your Marketing?

• Download the interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/cfd01b7c-1669-4334-9c84-67f39a670c1f/TomNelson1_snippet.mp3
• Check out the interview, "Advertising is an Investment, Not an Expense" , with Tom Nelson
  http://www.autobodynews.com/images/CurrentIssue/Aug%2009/sw_0809_web%209.pdf

• On the Internet? Please visit The 5 Marketing Goals Any Dentist Should Have With Tom Nelson for the audio interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/oT9R3FMrNRa

What You Will Learn

The best minds, the best ideas-strategies that will help you create your own GOLD Practice. Here at MyDentalChannel, we are fortunate to be able to share with you one of marketing's true experts, Tom Nelson of Xenon Marketing. It's our job to bring you proven practices ...and these work, because we are successfully putting these principles and programs into action in our own practice every day.

So when we tell you that Tom Nelson's interview is a must listen, it is because Tom, and Xenon Marketing, have personally guided our practice through uncharted waters with measured success.

What you are about to listen to is a special, short excerpt from the GOLD Practice Network Expert Series that we've picked for you. This interview gives you insights, ideas, and the proven marketing strategies shared by marketing expert Tom Nelson and MyDentalChannel's host, Dr. John Buzza. You get to eavesdrop on their discussion about how easy it is to create a proven, easy to implement system for YOUR marketing success.

Many of you are challenged by the economy, and likely making the common mistake of cutting out marketing and advertising -- which cuts out the new appointments you will get. This "fear-driven" business approach is your opportunity, as those who are smart know that now is a buying opportunity in media, if you apply what Tom Nelson shares with you.

I know the economy is hard, yet having been a dentist for over 20 years, I've seen this before...as you have. And if this is your first down economy, it won't be your last if you fight the good battle, focus on marketing, and most importantly, don't let the newspapers define your destiny.

Don't predict the future, invent it...talk to you next week.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS This entire interview, and much more are available right now , check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: Increase Your Efficiency By Improving Your Emergency Management Systems
MyDentalChannel Expert: Lois Banta of Banta Consulting

• Are your team roles clearly defined?
• Does your team know who is responsible for certain duties?
• Is anyone taking ownership of the office procedures?
• Are you matching personalities with positions for the maximum impact on your clients?

• Download the Lois Banta interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/9fc49d5d-04b3-47ab-8dbe-05c1acca2332/Banta-emergencymanagement.mp3
• Check out Lois Banta's Build Your Practice Presentation
  http://www.bantaconsulting.com/assets/docs/Build%20Your%20Practice%20%20%20Handout.pdf

• On the Internet? Please visit Increase Your Efficiency By Improving Your Emergency Management Systems for the interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/vAuHJwJQew5NF

What You Will Learn

Do you have written systems for practice management in your office?  Are you consistently frustrated by your numbers?  Do you know what numbers to track in your practice?  Does your dental team know and share in your goals?  These are questions that must be answered to insure a happier, more profitable practice.  You will learn how to monitor your practice effectively through proven systems, streamlined scheduling, effective communications and internal marketing strategies

About the Expert

From terrified dental patient to popular international speaker and dental consultant, Lois Banta, CEO of Banta Consulting, Inc., has been involved in dentistry for more than 30 years. With extraordinary insight into the dynamics that make a practice successful, Lois delivers her message with enthusiasm and heartfelt conviction.

Beginning as a dental receptionist and quickly working her way up the administrative ladder, Lois discovered secrets that make a practice successful. Always the innovator, Lois developed a successful method to schedule for optimum production, developed techniques to resolve outstanding insurance claims (The Insurance Detective), and structured financial policies to make the practice healthy and profitable.

Lois Banta’s SCI approach (See, Commit, and Implement) has allowed her to take practices from mediocrity to excellence.  Her no-nonsense approach and tenacity have earned this 5 ft. tall dynamo the apt reputation, “Ten Feet Tall & Bullet Proof.”   As a staff trainer and team builder, Lois has an effective way of teaching the entire dental staff how to move in the same direction, while doing their individual tasks.  Her recipe for success is for practices of all sizes and her program a “must have” for dentists who are committed to reaching their potential. 

Through Banta Consulting, Lois provides her expertise to dental practices, both large and small, across the country and internationally.  And as a highly sought after speaker on the American Dental Association circuit and other popular venues, Lois' seminars are a must for every member of the dental team. Lois also has written monthly columns for Dental Practice Reports, AGD Journal and has been a featured writer and Australian Dental Journal plus other numerous journals.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS This interview, and many more are available right now , check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: How to Find the Right Employees for Your Practice
MyDentalChannel Expert: Kathy Asted of Asted Consulting

We really want our dental teams to work flawlessly with each; however, that isn't always the case. The key is to have detailed job descriptions so expectations are documented.

In this interesting interview we discuss:

• The biggest asset in your office is your staff, but the number 1 stressor for Dentists.
• Why you must have a personnel policy specific to dentistry and incorporates your state laws.
• How to effectively hire your next team member.

• Download the Kathy Asted interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/dfbc462c-2211-4f46-8dd5-fdd3df18dff0/Asted-1-humanresources.mp3
• Read and download Kathy Asted's insightful look, Continuing Education - Who Pays?
  http://www.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/pmkt/pdf/02_continuing_ed.pdf

• On the Internet? Please visit How to Find the Right Employees for Your Practice for the interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/2JhEXRIRAQq

What You Will Learn

In Jim Collins' book, From Good to Great, Kathy quotes:

"To become a great company you first must get the right people on your bus and secondly you must get those people on the right seats."

She shows you how proper procedures and documentation cannot only become the lifeblood of your practice, it's essential to helping your employees figure out what to do with their job, and how to do it.

The key that Kathy focuses on is your job descriptions, because they can't find out what to do unless you tell them. Simple, yet do you do this for your practice? And can you improve?

About the Expert

Kathy Asted started her career in dentistry over 20 years ago by managing a family owned dental office. This experience provides a focus, depth and special insight of practice ownership to her work as a dental management consultant.  With a BA in Business Administration from Gustavus Adolphus College, Kathy has both training and experience in all areas of business as well as dental practice management, including hiring of associates and staff; contract negotiations; accounts receivable monitoring; insurance tracking; and expanded scheduling.   Additionally she controlled accounts payable, has experience in using several dental software programs, and negotiated the sale of a practice.

Kathy is president of Asted Consulting Associates, LLC located in Andover Minnesota, (just north of Minneapolis).  She enjoys Scuba Diving and Snorkeling with her husband Paul as well as reading and Playing Bridge.   

Kathy has been a member of the Speaking Consulting Network, is currently active in Business Network International and is a member of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants.  Kathy is a Certified HR Compliance Consultant and Certified Integrated Performance Management (IPM) Consultant with Bent Ericksen and Associates.  IPM is a tool which is used for hiring, team building, leadership development and motivators.  She has also completed Transformational Training and is a Certified Trainer.  Kathy has a philosophy of bringing education and enthusiasm for dentistry to her clients and their teams, while improving their overall practice success.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS This human resources-centric interview, and many more are available right now , check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: Beyond Interest Rates: The Truth About Dental Financing
MyDentalChannel Expert: Sina Mansouri of Matsco

• When you look at finance, do you focus solely on the lowest interest rate? (Common mistake!)
• Are you willing to risk your personal assets to finance your business, and if so, why?
• Have you researched the alternatives?

• Download Sina Mansouri's interview here:
  http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/6f7be7d7-b5db-44ed-b80c-6ef39af194ad/SinaAfredi-2-interestrates.mp3
• Download Matsco's Powerpoint Slides (PDF) for resources and additional references from the interview
  http://www.mydentalchannel.com/pdf/matsco_final-2.pdf

• On the Internet? Please visit Beyond Interest Rates; The Truth About Dental Financing for the informative interview
  http://www.screencast.com/t/Wt24CIRNZ95S

What You Will Learn

Sina simplifies the financing process including:

• Why interest rates are where most begin, and it's not as important as you may think'
• Criteria that various financial institutions use to measure your loan capability;
• Interesting insights from an experienced professional in the financing business for many years.

About the Expert

Sina has more than 20 years of experience in banking and financial services.  With extensive expertise in, dental, veterinary and SBA lending, Sina has been in construction and commercial real estate financing since 1986.  Since joining Matsco in 1997, Sina has focused on the dental, veterinary and most recently served as National Commercial Real Estate Manager and Colorado Regional Manager.  She speaks regularly at national and regional dental and veterinary meetings and schools, and has published articles in trade publications and on Matsco’s website.  Sina received her BA degree in Management from Saint Mary’s College and attended University of Nebraska in Omaha.

In the end, you must match the best financing to your financial capabilities, your assets, and how much you can put down on the new business or acquisition. Just like real estate, you have to be careful and here, you need to put more down, and manage cash flow. This interview will really help you focus and get what you need.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS Sina's entire interview, and many more are available right now , check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

Subject: Thanks for sharing your time with us and enjoy your Thanksgiving
Your Host: Dr. John Buzza.

MyDentalChannel began 2 years ago as a dream by myself, Dr. John Buzza, and the team at DentalPOND. The goal was, and is, simple:

Show dentists how to improve their practice and increase their profits through tested, proven systems for dental practices...and keep you connected to the leading Experts and voices you need to learn from.

It has been my pleasure to serve you this year with some insights, ideas, and most importantly, useful information you can apply to your Practice today.

And from all of us at MyDentalChannel, we wish you and your family, and the work family at your Practice, a wonderful Thanksgiving. We hope you remember that importance of family, tradition, and your Teams at this important holiday.

Enjoy the days and we'll see you in December....

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS The GOLD Digital Study Group will have this entire interview and many more, check out: http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

One of My Dental Channel experts, Joan Garbo, has shared a simple but effective game to implement in your dental practice that will keep your team in the right frame of mind for the entire week!

The attitude of gratitude determines your altitude! This life-working principle is the foundation for success for individuals and groups/organizations alike.

How does one get a whole group of employees focused on gratitude, especially on Monday morning when not everyone is thrilled to be at work?

Here's one thing to do that will help people get everyone in the right frame of mind before you see patients:

Get a Post-It Notes flip chart at any office supply store. (This particular kind is great because each sheet has the same post-it note gum on the back and it doesn't leave marks on walls or tear wall paper.)

Before you end your morning huddle, have everyone write down on the flip chart something for which they are grateful.

Once someone has written down "family", for instance, that cannot be repeated for the entire week; and if you want to make it really interesting, don't allow repeat items for the whole month!

This will have people being more observant of what IS working in their lives rather than what is NOT working.

Even when life doesn't seem to be going as you would have planned and you seem burdened with problems, you can still find something for which to be grateful...even if it's "I have a job and can provide income to support my family" and "I'm on the right side of the grass...I still have opportunities to prosper!"

The idea for the whole project is to "keep the ac cent' on the right sy lab' le" (as my mother used to say!)

And this will translate to your patients, who will reciprocate for the gratitude shown them by your Team.

Being grateful is just good business.

Sincerely,
Dr. John Buzza
http://www.mydentalchannel.com

Subject: Dental Teams "Hiking Miles for Smiles" - Climb for a Cause
Guest: Bob Spiel of Spiel Consulting.

Summary: In times like these, giving and creating unique opportunities for dentists and their Teams to have fun while raising funds is unique in and of itself.

Yet when you discover the heart and history of Climb for a Cause, you come away inspired and impressed by the Team assembled to create real change. I found out about Climb for a Cause from several close friends of MyDentalChannel, including Member Faculty like Dan Bobrow and Bob Spiel. .

Check out Climb for a Cause and help if you can, or even join in...it truly is a unique Team of people : (the following is from their web site, http://climbforacause.org)

1. We are a non-profit Foundation that combines the breathtaking beauty of the mountains with the desire to make a positive difference in peoples' lives. Since 1998, we have been making positive and meaningful differences in the lives of needy children and deserving adults around the world.

2. Climb For A Cause offers individuals and organizations a unique opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to "giving back"--that is, to share the fruits of their success with those less fortunate.

   Please visit ClimbForACause.org here, or on Facebook

3. Download the Climb for a Cause PDF here:
   http://content.screencast.com/users/MyDentalChannel/folders/MyDentalChannel/media/18e956e5-4d62-4321-bc5a-f100112dbd2b/leadership-dentalpractice-bobspiel-2.mp3
   

About Climb for a Cause (members of MyDentalChannel Faculty as well)

Bob Spiel is a Boardmember for Climb for a Cause, and owner of “Spiel Consulting”.

Robert Spiel, MBA, founded Spiel Consulting (www.SpielConsulting.com) to leverage his passion for working closely with dental professionals, guiding them toward peak performance and prosperity. He has 25 years' experience in transformational leadership, combined with solid financial expertise. A member of the Speaking Consulting Network, he is available to speak nationwide. You may contact Spiel via e-mail at bob(at)spielconsulting.com.

• Daniel Bobrow is the executive Director of Climb For A Cause, a non-profit Foundation that seeks to encourage adventure travel as a means of supporting dental and oral health education and treatment initiatives in developing countries and domestically where the need is most acute.Climb For A Cause combines the breathtaking beauty of the mountains with the desire to make a positive difference in peoples' lives.\
• By working with charities like Himalayan Dental Relief, Childrens Dental Care International, the Spinal Cord Injury Association, Operation Smile, and Friends of The I.D.F., we have been successful in making a positive and noticeable difference in the lives of countless needy children and deserving adults.

Leadership is displayed in good acts, as they say on Climb for a Cause, "Doing Well while Doing Good". Please help them if you can, and check out their site for more information.

It's not just the clinical skills, it's the Giving skills...part of what we teach every day at MyDentalChannel. Because it doesn't matter if you think different, and act the same.

These folks are giving, enjoying, and helping each year. Actions speak louder than words! Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Dr. John Buzza

http://www.mydentalchannel.com/now

PS Did you know you can get complete interviews with Dan Bobrow on Internet marketing, and Bob Spiel on leadership, at no cost , check out: http://www.goldpracticenetwork.com

From Dr. John Buzza

As a dentist who began his first social media network (private) in 2008, The Gold Practice Network (which is now open at no cost), something inspired me today that I just have to share some insights, truths, and even a few lies about social media and your dental practice....

As I started the soft landing from my summer vacation, I began catching up on some articles. and this one caught my eye.

Is Social Media a Fad? from Dental Economics

The article gives a good, introductory overview of social media, and as both a practicing dentist AND practicing social media entrepreneur, I really like what it shares...just wanted to add a few ideas:

There is 1 essential secret that I have learned, that will help you manage this whole world of social medai and take only 10 minutes a week (not a day, who has that?)

(and I'm not trying to get all Yoda on you, but the "there's no try, only do" really applies here!). Here it goes:

1. Once a week I go to my blog (because most dentists don't need to hear from me daily right?); I can choose any day of the week, and for me it's most often Monday mornings,(except for today when I'm coming back to reality after vacation...so I'm smiling!)

2. I write about what matters, what's fun, and what inspires me, like the Dental Economics article, and hit SAVE, and magically it appears.on my blog...and on Twitter...and Facebook...and the Gold Practice Network (my business social network for dental professionals,

At the same time, it is being sent out to my email subscriber lists developed over 2 years, all formatted and ready to go! Just like what you are reading right now!)

I don't go ANYWHERE online to do this except my blog...and the whole thing is sooo easy to set up, just be careful of what you don't know.....

If you have a blog and want to do this, we use http://friendfeed.com, again at no cost...if not, let me know and I can get a video done showing you all how to set it up.

3. Now here's the real secret of social media; it is what people are doing...and whether it's Facebook, Twitter, or every other odd name in the book, it doesn't matter. They are connecting and they enjoy it.

The world is moving away from TV's and computers as the only way to reach the Internet; these traditional models are based on people watching, or searching.

Now folks are on their mobile phones, getting emails, social media updates, and on the move. These are communication devices, not work-driven computers, and people are using them to connect via voice, text, internet, twitter, you name it!

One thing I can guarantee you, you and your Team can automate most of it, and when you learn how easy it is, with discretion and integrity, to contact your existing patients and get them to refer others, it becomes so obvious...

Families keep in touch, people reach out, and if you are not there, some smart dentist in your area will be...

Just remember...beyond all those names, it's about people connecting, and looking for answers, at a local level. It is not about computers, it's about people.

And it's happening right now...why let it pass you by when so many others are avoiding it because they do not want to change, in a changing market. .

They call it "personal media" for a reason. It's the personality, voice, and style of your practice that should be conveyed, and not in a salesy manner. It doesn't have to be weird, it has to be you, your Team, and can be done in minutes a week. (better with more though!)

More on this next week...until later, give yourself 5 minutes, free of attitude, to at least explore social media like Facebook and Twitter...

And if you are on them right now, like me, get off! We all need time limits so we can blend the best of both worlds ;-)

In friendship,

Dr. John Buzza

PS Thanks to Dental Economics for the article, and inspiration, and thanks to the community at the Gold Practice Network for sharing their expertise and insights so generously! If you are interested, please join us and share your thoughts!