121: Developing An Internal Referral System Strategy

What are you doing to generate internal referrals? If you haven’t really thought about internal referrals or the system you are using isn’t working as expected, you’re in luck! This week I am talking on the topic of internal referral systems. I'll be completely transparent with you, in the past I’ve primarily focused on external marketing or cold marketing, if you will. Sure, we’ve had regular referrals from patients, but unrelated to any internal referral system strategy we may or may not have.  As a practice owner I decided it was time to create a strategy for internal referrals. Some of what I learned was surprising, like the cost to acquire a patient from an internal referral or from another patient is so much less than traditional marketing efforts. On today’s episode I’ll be discussing the benefits of internal referrals systems, some of the reasons we disregard setting them up, and some steps to set up referral systems for success in your practice.   In this episode, you’ll hear: The benefits of setting up an internal referral system strategy How overcoming the trust barrier through internal referrals can improve client rapport Some reasons why dental practice owners, like myself, may be ignoring or disregarding internal referrals Variations of rewards for patients who refer you to their friends and families Pondering the question, “How do you ask for referrals from your patients?” Some thoughts on how to craft language that doesn't sound salesy or pushy   Resources mentioned in this episode: Business of Dentistry Voices of Dentistry 2020   Connect with Russell: Dr. Russell Kirk Podcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/businessofdentistrypodcast/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/businessofdentistry/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/businessdentist LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-dentistry/   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com