You may have heard the old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” And if you want to present yourself as the provider of a business or service, you must do it correctly to be effective. When becoming a chiropractor, you need to seek out potential clients for chiropractic care, and make no mistake, you’re selling yourself just as much as your ability.
So, if you are a student intern seeking chiropractic patients to meet your clinical requirements, or a new doctor opening a practice, exchanging business cards with others is an important part of new business development. Whether you’re giving cards or receiving them, you must handle this interaction in a way that shows you recognize the importance of relationship building, and proper business card etiquette is a key factor in that.
Here are some things to consider when using business cards as a promotional tool. If done correctly, you might just find that success is in the cards.
1. Always have an ample supply
The person you see in the mirror each morning isn’t just a chiropractic intern or a licensed practitioner – that person is also your marketing director. Business development is a major part of becoming a chiropractor, so it’s crucial to have business cards with you at all times to market yourself accordingly. And not just for networking events, but also at the grocery store and the big-box retail store.
Wherever there are people, there may be a need for your services, so be prepared by taking them everywhere you go. Business cards can’t help you build a following when they’re on the counter at home.
2. Presentation is everything
Your business card is an announcement of you and your services, and it represents you whenever you are not present. Make sure your card offers a clean presentation with current contact information. If something changes, print new cards and trash the old ones.
In addition, always keep cards in a holder to preserve their appearance. Cards that are bent, dirty, or otherwise damaged offer an unprofessional appearance. A clean, well-maintained card announces to all who receive it that you have pride in yourself and what you do.
3. Be selective with cards
Always be selective about where you use business cards, and try to distribute them only to those who you feel may actually want your services. You can find out in just a few minutes of conversation if a person, or someone they know, may need your help. Again, your card announces you, so make it count!
Tacking them to a corkboard in a local business is not in your best interest. Whenever possible, hand a card to someone in person. That way you can introduce yourself, share what you do and answer any questions they may have. Becoming a chiropractor is about building relationships, and a business card supplemented by an interpersonal connection is far more powerful than a card displayed on a restaurant bulletin board.
4. Offering your card
When the time comes to pass a business card on to someone, make yourself memorable. First and foremost, your card should be accompanied by a warm smile. Hold the card on the corner so as not to block any of the details, and present it to the recipient.
Give them a moment to review it, and then ask if they are familiar with your location. If not, simply offer a quick summary of directions – “I’m across the street from the car dealership and right next door to the new seafood restaurant.” Now, they have your address and a visual point of reference for where to find you. Having just that extra bit of interaction may be enough to ensure that your card won’t end up in the bottom of a handbag or gathering dust in a drawer.
5. Mind your manners
Business cards can be very effective but remember to use proper etiquette. You never want to be too pushy with your card. Business cards are usually exchanged at the start or the end of a meeting, so keep that in mind as well. If you’ve not been asked for a card by someone, you may ask for theirs, and they will likely reciprocate.
If there is a particular method of contact you prefer, you may stress that to the recipient of the card, but be both considerate and professional. Also, avoid making a request for a business card in a group. Instead, wait until the group disperses, then talk individually with the person you want to contact. There’s still no substitute for that one-on-one interaction with someone.
6. Stay organized
Becoming a chiropractor that is successful requires that you get your name out in the public. Business cards are great tools, but they aren’t magic. Keep a log of where and with whom you exchanged cards. Note the date and the reason for the event and keep it on file with each card you receive. That way you can follow up with those individuals via email or send them some information about your profession and the services you provide.
Becoming a Chiropractor at CUKC
At Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), students in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program receive business cards when they become chiropractic interns at the Cleveland University-Kansas City Chiropractic Health Center. Located in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kan., the Chiropractic Health Center experiences 30,000 patient visits each year. Educational opportunities such as the Success Strategies program provide CUKC students and graduates the skills and services they need to succeed in the real world of private practice.
Get more information about the CUKC from the Office of Admissions today. For detailed career information about chiropractic, download the FREE ebook Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession now, or connect with an advisor today!
