Apple, founded by Steve Jobs in 1976, is now the world’s most valuable company, with a market capitalization of $2.9 trillion and $54 billion in cash reserves. But in 1997, Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy. Jobs’ strategic overhaul turned it around, offering lessons for chiropractic and healthcare practices.
In a 1997 interview, Jobs shared a key insight: “If you do the right things on the top line, the bottom line will follow.” He emphasized that a clear strategy, passionate people, and a strong culture drive quality products, marketing, and operations—ultimately boosting profitability. For chiropractors, this means focusing on vision and values to achieve sustainable success.
The Top Line: Your Practice’s Foundation
Your “top line” is your practice’s vision, values, purpose, and the team that embraces them. When these are aligned, marketing, procedures, patient outcomes, and profits follow naturally.
Top-to-Bottom Framework:
- Top Line: Vision, values, purpose, mission
- Almost Top Line: A team aligned with these principles
- Middle Line: Policies and procedures
- Almost Bottom Line: Patient outcomes
- Bottom Line: Net income
Focusing on the top line creates a “vision-driven” practice, much like Jobs’ approach at Apple.
Insights from a Chiropractic Leader
A seasoned chiropractor recently shared a video on social media, responding to a colleague concerned about high practice expenses. He identified the biggest cost: an “under-trained” team. His solution? Hiring passionate individuals and training them not just in chiropractic techniques but in the practice’s “why”—its purpose, mission, and vision. Team members who didn’t fully align were let go. The result? A thriving practice.
When I commented that his success stemmed from his own clear “why,” he agreed: “It all starts from the inside out. If the doctor has a big WHY and can teach it, the team will follow.”
Sustaining Your Vision
Keeping your practice’s values alive requires ongoing effort. It begins with your example as the leader and continues through consistent team coaching. In our MBA program, we explore proven strategies to maintain this focus, from vision to execution.
Apple’s Core Value and Your Practice
In 1997, Jobs defined Apple’s core value: “We believe people with passion can change the world for the better.” This resonates with top healthcare practices, where passion for patient care drives impact.
Does your practice reflect this passion? A clear vision, a dedicated team, and consistent coaching can transform your chiropractic business, just as Jobs transformed Apple.
Stay Goal Driven.
Ed
