When conversing with hundreds of chiropractors at business growth seminars I’ve spoken at over the past couple of years, it is apparent that many have been scammed by practice management consultants. The typical issue that I hear most often is that these „gurus“ do not do what is promised and their marketing is very „black-hat“ or deceptive. Truthfully, I don’t have respect for people that need to mislead chiropractors or students to get them to join their agency. These guys typically are very good salesman but make empty promises in order to collect that several thousand dollar payday.

Hey, I’m not saying don’t spend a lot on a consultant! When you spend a good deal of money on someone with experience and acumen that surpasses your own, and that person gets your business working at whole new heights, then that money is absolutely worth it. But this just isn’t the case with pretty much any of these consultants. They don’t live up to the amount of money they’re being paid, and chiropractors are suffering. These groups try to scare you into utilizing their services, only to leave you with nothing in return. It’s fraudulent, and it’s got to stop.

There are several things that you should look for when choosing a solid chiropractic consultant or practice management group. First, make sure that they have a specialty. Too many times I see these guys that have the „best“ solutions for everything. What I mean is this. You would never go to a gynecologist to have a brain tumor removed, right? Similarly, you would never go to a practice management group that is primarily known for in-office patient retention for help with internet marketing. You know what they say. If they’re usually the jack of all trades, they’re typically the master of none. Seek out specialists in different areas of your practice that you need to kick into high gear.

You also need to find someone who has a true track record of satisfied consumers. You need to be able to read testimonials and meet people that have been helped by this group. If you can’t find these things, you’re probably reading scripted testimonials and seeing videos of actors playing „satisfied chiropractors“. Don’t be one of the DC’s that gets the wool pulled over their eyes. Find the real-deal.

Start by doing an extensive Google search to get the real stats on these consultants. If you’re looking for a chiropractic consulting coach who specializes in the only viable marketing strategy today of Web 2.0 and Social media marketing, you might want to search for „social media chiropractic marketing“ and this very specific search might yield results that are actually of use to you.

Lastly, it’s important to find a consultant that knows the most innovative marketing strategies. If they’re stuck in the past, there’s no way they can send your chiropractic practice successfully into the future. When it comes to your practice and making it more successful, the biggest issue is new patients. When you improve your marketing and get new patients walking through your door, your whole business will be transformed. This can only happen when you use innovative techniques, and if a practice management group claims to know it all, they most likely don’t know this. Times are changing and consultant groups are not changing with them. Web 2.0 and Social Media marketing strategies have changed the face of business, and you’re going to sink if you don’t change too.

Ninety-five percent of chiropractic businesses don’t know a thing about the power of Web 2.0, and the 5% that do are singing its praises. In fact, they’re the only ones that are truly thriving right now, even in these hard times. When you choose to tap into the power of Web 2.0, you’re putting yourself in the elite.

You will only find one consultant that specializes in this type of marketing who speaks worldwide to businesses about successful integration of social media. Truthfully, you could be the best chiropractor in the world but if you don’t know how to market and massively spread your message in the new era, it doesn’t matter.