January 2009

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Today's Economic Opportunities

Despite what we hear and read
about the economic instability,
there has never been a better time
to maximize the potential in your practice.

The analogy I recently heard Tony Robbins give about today’s economic environment was fascinating. He spoke of the winter season we’re currently in. This particular winter comes approximately once every 80 years. This winter will be the best or the worst financial season of our lives.

There are those that will look out the window and decide that it’s just too cold to go outside. They’ll wrap up in a blanket and settle down in front of the fire, determined to wait out the storm.

There are those that will bundle up in the same coat, boots, hat and gloves they’ve always worn, and they’ll head out – treating the winter in the same way they always have. But this winter is different. The way they’ve dealt with winter in the past may no longer be effective, especially if what they were doing wasn’t even working all that well prior to the storm.

Then, there are those that will look out the window – and be filled with excitement about the gorgeous snow they see falling. They’ll get out their snowboard or ski’s, and head out for the best time of their lives. They will respond differently to this winter climate than they have in the past, they will watch for emerging opportunities and make solid decisions based on the environment they see around them.

We Are at Choice

The times we find ourselves in are different than they were just a short while ago. We can curl up waiting for the harsh reality to pass us by, we can proceed about our business pretending everything is the same as it always was, or we can look for opportunities to maximize what we do.

Now, more than ever before, it’s important to take the time to analyze what you’ve been doing and use that information, along with knowledge of current market trends, to create a strong plan for the future. Having a well thought out strategic plan gives you a strong foundation that will enable you to not only survive, but to thrive in the times we find ourselves in.

Review of 2008 and Goals for 2009

To help you build your plan, click here for the document Review of 2008 and Goals for 2009. This tool will help you feel gratitude for all the great things that have happened over the last year. Additionally, it will allow you to take a good look at what worked well, and what didn’t work so well. Then, based on that information, and keeping in mind the market reality, you will be well equipped to set your goals and determine where you want to focus your energy in the New Year.

Points to Ponder:

• Are you going to curl up and wait for the harsh reality to pass by, proceed about your business pretending everything is the same as it always was, or look for opportunities to maximize what you do?
  
  
• What will you do in 2009 to optimize the potential in your practice?
  
  
• Have you taken the time to acknowledge all the great things that have happened over the last year?
  
  
• Do you have a clearly formulated strategic plan?
  
  
• Select your top goal that you are absolutely committed to achieving, and focus your energy on it over this next year.
  

The world’s best athletes work with a coach that encourages them to be their best. Although they were good, probably great athletes prior to hiring their coach, they knew the focus a coach brings would help them maximize their potential… allowing them to win the gold.

In order to kick-start your New Year, consider getting a coach to fully engage your team, gain increased accountability, and optimize your practice. Give us a call… we’d love to talk with you!

There are profound opportunities just waiting for you –
 what are you going to do in 2009?

About the Author

CoraMarie Clark, BSDH MBA is recognized as a highly effective dental practice strategist. She works with dentists that want to optimize their potential both personally and professionally. Her collaborative approach has helped teams develop dynamic competitive strategies and achieve high impact sustainable results.

If you would like to explore the possibility of having CoraMarie work with your Dental Practice or speak for your Association or Group, contact us today.

CoraMarie Clark
phone 403.686.6136
email coramarie@strategix-ltd.com
web strategix-ltd.com

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