Yesterday I took my kids to the Miami Seaquarium, and while there I discovered a major flaw in the way most chiropractors think about one of the most powerful chiropractic marketing methods available to them. While strolling from one salt water tank display to the next, I came across a tank with, what was to me, a very interesting and eye-opening explanation next to it. I don't remember what the heck was in the tank, but I'll never forget what was next to it. This little plaque on the wall explained the relationship between a host and a parasite. I'm assuming that whatever was in the tank was a parasitic organism living off some type of host, also in the tank. Now, please keep in mind that some chiropractic marketing gurus talk about joint ventures with other local businesses in your area - an incredibly powerful chiropractic marketing method - as a host/parasite relationship. The host being the business owner who you're approaching for an endorsement (with a loyal list of customers, clients, members, etc.), and you, the parasite, feeding off of the goodwill and endorsement the business owner gives you to his or her list. Frankly, I'll even confess, I may have even taught it this way at one point or another. However, after reading the definition displayed on that little plaque at the Seaquarium, of what a parasite really is, I'll never explain this chiropractic marketing method that way again. See if you can pick out the major flaw in creating joint ventures when you approach them based on the definition of what a parasite really is. Here's the definition: PARASITE: an organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host. And, according to the American Heritage dictionary, here's another definition: One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return. Hopefully, the flaw is quite obvious to you. You see, when most chiropractors approach other business owners or operators about doing a joint venture, they approach them with the mindset and attitude of, "what can this person do for me". Their whole entire approach to this powerful chiropractic marketing method is, "let me see how many other businesses I can get to endorse my business and help me make more money." They have absolutely no concern for the owner's business or enhanced success through the joint venture. And, it's because of that exact parasitic mindset, that most chiropractors either struggle to get joint ventures, or never end up getting any at all. Meanwhile, there's no more powerful chiropractic marketing or practice-building method in existence than the joint venture. When done right, with consistency, joint ventures can grow your chiropractic practice quicker and larger than anything else out there... and do it with zero advertising expense. But, the first step to reaping the rewards of joint ventures, is leaving behind the mindset of a parasite. In other words, forget the idea of what other business owners and operators can do for you. Instead, think about what you can do for them FIRST. The absolute best way to create and nurture very profitable joint ventures, is to seek out non- competitive business owners and approach them to see how you can help THEM build their businesses and make more money. Start by doing something of value for them. Don't ask for anything in return. Give value first. Help them first. Make them more money first. Then, when it comes time for you to talk with them about endorsing you and your chiropractic practice to their customers, patients, clients, etc., it will be a very simple and quick conversation. In essence, the key to using this chiropractic marketing method and creating solid, profitable joint ventures - that lead to a whole heck of a lot of new patients and $$ - is to NOT approach business owners from the perspective of setting up a business relationship. Instead, reach out and see how you can start a relationship with them based on you adding value to their lives and businesses. When you do, you won't even know what to do with all of the joint venture opportunities you have to choose from. When that happens, you'll watch your practice grow by leaps and bounds.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Todd Brown
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