Get Out and Connect with Your Community

Summer brings farmers markets, parades, festivals, and run/walks—perfect opportunities for your chiropractic or healthcare practice to engage with your community. Community events are a powerful way to build relationships through networking, a form of relationship marketing.

As Ivan Misner, founder of Business Networking International, says in The World’s Best Known Marketing Secret  “You have to be visible in the community… It’s called networking. You have to work at it.” But with the right attitude, it’s fun, not just work.

Why Community Engagement Matters

Whether your practice is established or new, staying active in your community is crucial. Markets evolve, and without consistent marketing, your practice’s momentum can quietly fade, leading to unexpected drops in patient numbers. For newer practices or those needing a boost, community involvement is even more essential.

How to Engage

• Join Local Events: Participate in festivals, car shows, or races. For example, one clinic sponsors the “Cheesehead Chase,” providing T-shirts to patients who join, creating a visible group of “ChiroHealth Cruisers.”
• Set Up Booths: Offer consultations, screenings, or giveaways like pens, and greet people with friendliness.
• Wear Your Brand: Sport clinic polo shirts and share your “Get to Know Me” attitude.
• Plan with Your Team: Discuss upcoming events, schedule participation, and practice positive marketing attitudes (downloadable resource linked in original).

Build Trust Through Familiarity

People choose businesses they know, like, and trust. Break out of your routine, as Misner notes, and connect face-to-face. Community engagement makes your practice familiar and approachable, fostering lasting patient relationships.

Stay Goal-Driven

Get out there, have fun, and keep your practice thriving by staying active in your community!

Ed

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Community Engagement Guide for Chiropractic Practices

Why Engage with Your Community?

• Build Relationships: Networking at local events fosters trust and familiarity, encouraging patient loyalty.
• Stay Competitive: Consistent marketing prevents gradual declines in patient numbers, especially in evolving markets.
• Boost New Practices: Community involvement is critical for new or struggling practices to gain traction.

How to Get Involved

1. Identify Local Events:
   1. Farmers markets, festivals, parades, or charity runs (e.g., “Cheesehead Chase”). Check your town’s calendar for events like Olive Festival or Pioneer Days.
   2. Participate Actively:
      1. Set up booths for consultations, screenings, or giveaways (e.g., branded pens).
      2. Offer incentives, like clinic T-shirts for event participants.
   3. Be Visible:
      1. Wear branded apparel (polo shirts or T-shirts).
      2. Share business cards and a friendly, approachable attitude.
   4. Plan with Your Team:
      1. Discuss upcoming events at team meetings.
      2. Schedule participation and practice positive marketing attitudes (resource: 8 Marketing Attitudes).
   5. Follow Up:
      1. Track event outcomes and plan for future involvement.

Key Quote
“You have to be visible in the community… It’s called networking.” — Ivan Misner, The World’s Best Known Marketing Secret

Action Steps

• Research local events for the next 3 months.
• Assign team roles for event participation.
• Order branded materials (T-shirts, pens, etc.).
• Stay goal-driven and make networking fun!