You Need to Advertise
You may question whether media access is a true benefit to ones business or a threat. As I opened my first Urgent Care Center I had my reservations about advertising. It was obvious that I would receive opposition from the medical community in regard to independent practice, and I actually viewed advertising as putting myself under the microscope.
I slowed into what I consider the major advertisement arenas, such as TV and radio ads, until I got a feel for my surroundings and how others viewed my practice. I started off with a few advertisements in the local papers and of course in the phone books. This alone boosted my business significantly. After receiving referrals from other physicians in the area and hospitals, I felt it safe to come out of hiding.
It really has been an uphill climb doing this myself. I have come a very long way and continue to expand every day. If anyone reading this needs advice they can email me at crnp1@verizon.net. I always wished that someone could have been there just to ask questions of "How..."? Maybe someday I will travel the country and teach those interested in their own business. It is very rewarding and actually helps our profession to grow in leaps and bounds.
The major advertising, such as TV commercials and radio ads, are invaluable. But you must have the phone book ads as well. People hear or see the major ads and may not need the services for days or weeks later. This is where the phone book or a Web site comes in. "I heard about it on the radio or TV first and then found you on the Web or in phone book." I can't tell you how many people make that comment.
If you have a small budget, always have the phone book ads and Web site first, then work in the extras. I get most of my business from the phone book and then word of mouth. However, once you start on to TV and radio as your budget permits, you will see an explosion of business. Yes, it is like those A1 commercials "Ya, it's that important"!
Another bit of advice is don't get to excited and try to grow too big too quick. Many have fallen hard this way. You have to have the income to support the practice and cover the nuts and bolts before expansion.
Other media opportunities are local infomercials such as the one I did under "Ask the Professional." They interviewed me and asked what a nurse practitioner was and what we could do.
Check out my ads for yourself. They are professionally done and cost less than you think.
I really hope to catapult NPs to the top of their game and profession by posting information such as this. I am a big advocate of supporting our profession in any way that I can. So do your part, and get involved. Get the word out in flyers and presentations, and introduce yourself to local physician offices and through advertisement. We are in an exciting time of growth in this profession. There are so many changes daily from state to state, and I am proud to be a small part of that change.
Good luck and God Bless!