I will be publishing the results of my second annual practice performance survey tomorrow and wanted to lead off with some surprisingly good news on the general economy.

According to an article on page B3 of the New York Times, February 6, 2010 edition, a global recovery in the manufacturing sector has started and appears to be

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In Wednesday’s blog post, I quoted internet marketing guru John Jantsch on his definition of a Silver Bullet.

“Find what’s working and do more of it. In fact, focus every fiber of your business being on that.” Click here to read.

I agree with John to a point.

In fact, after thinking about it, I think there is an even better Silver Bullet. In reality, it’s the starting point for every successful business, large and small.

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Years ago I was trading ideas with a well-known optometric consultant who made an interesting observation. 

He said, "One of the toughest things about consulting with optometrists is

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Hopefully, the end of 2009 will put the great recession to rest.

The year ended on a high note for the US economy, with the fourth quarter up 5.7%.  That is the most growth in six years.

But, unemployment remains high at around 10% and analysts worry — they always do — that the recovery may not be sustainable.

I am anxious to hear how January started for your practice. And, what your outlook is for the rest of 2010.

As always, I remain optimistic about the US economy in general and the eyecare profession in particular.

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Have you ever had the experience of telling your staff how, when or where to do something, only to have the instructions misunderstood or totally ignored?

Of course! We all have. 

Use The Mirror Technique To Be Heard

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Assuming that you are a working owner who is actively involved in the day-to-day management of your eyecare practice, I think you need to meet with every staff member at least once a week.

That may sound like a lot. But it’s not. That’s particularly true for newer employees who need your guidance and feedback.

The exception might be if you have ten or more employees. In that case, you can delegate some of the meetings to a full time office manager. 

But, for the typical practice with one to nine non-OD staff members, I think meeting once a week is about right.

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Dear Jerry,

I love the blog. But, I don't like having to sign in with a username and password each time I want to read your blog. What gives?

From Several Doctors

Dear Readers,

I do understand and regret any inconvenience related to having to sign up for drhayesblog.com. 

I decided to password protect drhayesblog.com for no other reason than to protect your confidentiality. That allows us

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It’s a mistake to name your practice one thing and call it another.

This happens a surprising amount. It’s like the kid whose real name is James, but everybody calls him Buddy.

If the name on your exterior sign, front door, letterhead and business card all read River City Eye Center, your receptionist should not answer the phone “Thank you for calling Dr. Hayes’ office”.

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The lack of a consistent look and feel is perhaps the single biggest mistake made by ODs who design their own educational and advertising pieces.

By that, I mean all your printed materials should have

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If you don’t have a professional looking logo for your practice, you need one. A logo is the visual anchor that holds all your marketing, advertising and communications pieces together. 

Think Starbucks, IBM or Nike. Just the thought of any of those logos instantly brings to mind

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