Allied Healthcare Promotions Tip #2: Don't Wast Anyone's Time

Healthcare practices are very busy, and you might be resented if you contribute to making patients wait to see their practitioner. It’s fine to show up unannounced; sometimes you can visit more places in less time this way. But if you don’t have an appointment, you must be willing to leave something behind, ask graciously for a call-back number, or try to find out when would be a good time to return. If your contact has time to talk, don’t stick around for more than a friendly hello and 15-20 second summary of why you are there this time. Bring a newsletter or brochure with you, maybe some pens or tape measures, and ask if he or she has any questions or feedback. If you want, see if there might be a better time to come back and give a more thorough presentation. If you can get in and out in less than 1 minute, more power to you. In the unlikely event that your contact isn’t busy, chewing the fat a little while won’t hurt at all.