On Tuesday I had a trip down memory lane, presenting a half-day workshop on “Growing your dental practice – an action plan” at The Hilton Watford.
Back in the mid-90’s I delivered the first ever Dental Business School workshops in the same room – what fun we had.
This time – I ask a few simple questions of the 50 delegates:
- “Who has a written business plan?” – 6
- “Who has a written mission statement?” – 3
- “Who keeps regular and accurate financial monitoring systems?” – 6
- “Who invests 5% of sales in marketing?” – 0
- “Who takes more than 8 weeks vacation a year?” – 4
- “Who monitors associate profitability?” – 2
- “Who has a clear exit strategy?” – 0
and it went on in much the same way.
Lovely people – don’t get me wrong.
Clearly there is much future work for business coaches and consultants.
Yet again – during the breaks and after the show I am approached by those who have existing practices and want help and those who are considering future ownership and are blatantly clueless as to what running a dental business will involve.
When, when, when are dental students, graduates and trainees going to be given some basic business skills training?
And by whom?
