Pharmacy Marketing Quarterly - 2011 - Fall Issue 1 | Page 28

What Works For Me

What Works For Me

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS STARTS WITH ONE GREAT

IDEA

Sometimes all you need is one great idea to get you moving forward . Check out these ideas from pharmacy marketers and owners on how they create a great marketing experience and grow their business .
“ Cold calling can seem overwhelming at times , but without it , your business will never grow to its full potential . There are two things I tell myself : first , always be persistent , follow-up and take notes . I have visited some offices three or four times before they have called in . Second , keep things simple and specific . Wouldn ’ t it be wonderful if we could whisk right in and chat with the physician every time we stopped into an office ? Unfortunately most often that is not the case and we are forced to leave our information with reception . If you can get their attention with one compound you always have an opportunity to share more services with them down the line once the relationship is established .”
- Lauren Onsa , Clinical Compound Pharmacy
“ I always try to practice active listening so that I can remember at least one thing about somebody that I meet , sometimes I might not be able to recall their name , however if I can remember something about that person that makes them special . For instance when was the last time you ran into a business associate , or a business you frequent and somebody said something like ‘ Hello sir welcome back , how is that project at work going we were talking about last time you were in ?’”
- Jonathan Carlier , Texas Star Pharmacy
“ We started a Travel Immunizations & Health Clinic in our pharmacy . Our first stop for marketing was to make travel themed posters detailing our services and dropping them off at travel agencies . The agents were thrilled to have a dedicated resource where they could refer clients .”
- Timothy Davis , Beaver Health Mart Pharmacy
“ Research , research , research . Did I mention research ? What works for me is knowing every detail of a practice before I call or visit the them for the first time . Start with Google to make sure that they are a reputable business . Read reviews and make sure they are clean with the law . Go to their Web site and learn as much as you can about their practice . Look at the ‘ Staff ’ tab to determine the point-person . Try to visit their personal Facebook page and LinkedIn profile because you might have more in common with them than you ’ d expect . People do business with people that they like and relate to . Be prepared and confident on your first interaction and the pre-planning that you did will pay off .”
- Kyle Lloyd , Abrams Royal Pharmacy
Have a tip to share on what works for you ? Email us today at editor @ PMQuarterly . com .