As a medical biller, communication is KEY.
One of the fastest, most effective and easiest way to do this is via email.
ESPECIALLY when networking your business.
Just be aware of your audience.
Email, as a version of communication, doesn't or SHOULDN'T provide you with a platform to "say things" that you wouldn't normally say while IN FRONT of the person.
ALWAYS remain professional in ALL of your communication.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Referrals in Medical Billing - The Naked Truth
Medical Billing is a highly rewarding field.
ONCE you get some clients.
The challenge is getting to speak with private practice owners to market yourself and your company.
The BEST form of contact is an introduction or a referral. DON'T BE AFRAID to ask for one.
One true test of a brand is if one person recommends it to another. Referrals. Do you ask your clients and customers for referrals? Personally? How do you follow up on referrals? Do you ask your clients for their success stories and compliments along with permission to share them? These are far more believable than any slogan. What are you doing to capture this information? These opportunities are available each time you talk with a client.
Ask YOUR family, friends, business associates to keep their ears and eyes open. For more information on referral generating, visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com and click on Medical Billing Business Start Up Manual.
ONCE you get some clients.
The challenge is getting to speak with private practice owners to market yourself and your company.
The BEST form of contact is an introduction or a referral. DON'T BE AFRAID to ask for one.
One true test of a brand is if one person recommends it to another. Referrals. Do you ask your clients and customers for referrals? Personally? How do you follow up on referrals? Do you ask your clients for their success stories and compliments along with permission to share them? These are far more believable than any slogan. What are you doing to capture this information? These opportunities are available each time you talk with a client.
Ask YOUR family, friends, business associates to keep their ears and eyes open. For more information on referral generating, visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com and click on Medical Billing Business Start Up Manual.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Blueprint for Marketing Your Services
A Blueprint For Marketing Services
It's been our experience that successfully marketing services hinges on the relationships-of-trust that are developed well before the prospective client has an actual need. While on the surface this may appear deceptively straightforward, implementing a business development process for nurturing and growing these important new business relationships is anything but simplistic.
When marketing services, new clients need to be continually identified and added to the pipeline. Unfortunately, the reality is that far too many firms lack a straightforward, simple-to-execute business development process that is easy to implement and execute.
The bottom line is that marketing services doesn't need to be some overly cumbersome process, and you don't need to reinvent the wheel each time you want to generate new clients. The solution is having a business development methodology in place. One that doesn't take an enormous amount of time to put into practice. A marketing system that can be used like the gas pedal on your car, to generate as many (or as few) new clients as you have the internal capabilities to absorb.
It's been our experience that successfully marketing services hinges on the relationships-of-trust that are developed well before the prospective client has an actual need. While on the surface this may appear deceptively straightforward, implementing a business development process for nurturing and growing these important new business relationships is anything but simplistic.
When marketing services, new clients need to be continually identified and added to the pipeline. Unfortunately, the reality is that far too many firms lack a straightforward, simple-to-execute business development process that is easy to implement and execute.
The bottom line is that marketing services doesn't need to be some overly cumbersome process, and you don't need to reinvent the wheel each time you want to generate new clients. The solution is having a business development methodology in place. One that doesn't take an enormous amount of time to put into practice. A marketing system that can be used like the gas pedal on your car, to generate as many (or as few) new clients as you have the internal capabilities to absorb.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Networking - Watch Your Word-of-Mouth
I found this article at the Entrepreneur site at http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingideas.
The article is written by Ivan Misner; the creator of the networking group known as BNI (Business Networking International).
This gentleman is widely respected as an expert networker.
In most professions, networking is necessary - in my profession as a Medical Biller, it is an absolute MUST.
The trick is to get your name and your capabilities out in the marketplace.
Making certain that the message remains positive and clear is another challenge altogether!
Word-of-mouth marketing is always working; it just may not be working in your favor.
By Ivan Misner | July 26, 2007
By Ivan Misner
"Watch Your Word-of-Mouth"
You may be thinking: Since I'm not asking anybody to refer me, word-of-mouth marketing isn't something I need to concern myself with. If I provide good products or services and my customer service is up to par, I'll naturally get more customers by word-of-mouth. Why bother with plans and strategies? Why spend all that extra effort on getting referrals? I'm getting word-of-mouth every day, and it's not costing me any time or effort.
Yes, you're getting word-of-mouth every day. It just may not be the good kind. The message you're sending may be unclear or too vague. It may even be negative.
"Negative?" you may be asking. "But I have plenty of satisfied customers."
While you have lots of satisfied customers, they're not the ones doing the most talking. You may have 100 satisfied customers for every one customer who leaves your shop less than happy, but guess who talks loudest and longest? It's that demanding, unreasonable customer who thinks you're a lousy tailor because you wouldn't take care of her snarling, yapping cairn terrier while she went next door to the bakery ("Don't go to that tailor; he was so rude to me."). Or the customer who came in on the one day of the entire year you had to close early for an emergency ("That store? Why, it's never open.").
Negative word-of-mouth has legs. A study conducted in Texas revealed that the average dissatisfied customer gripes to 11 people about his experience, and these 11 in turn each tell five others. That's 66 or more horror stories about one unhappy trip to your store. Ask yourself if your average happy customer makes sure 66 people hear about your great service. Of course not. Would business be easier if they did? Of course, but they don't.
Also, passing on the gripe from a single dissatisfied customer to the next 55 takes some time, which means that the negative word-of-mouth feedback is "out there" a lot longer.
What's the lesson here? Good customer service is important because it reduces negative word-of-mouth. But by itself, good customer service won't generate enough positive word-of-mouth to build your business. So it's up to you as the business owner to ensure the positive counters the negative.
Even if you discount the occasional disgruntled ex-customer, your word-of-mouth may be so vague as to be useless: "Good tailor, eh? What does he do besides alterations? Does he do reweaving? You don't know?" Or it may be misleading: "Well, he has a full lineup of men's clothing, but I don't know whether he does custom tailoring or alterations. It may all be ready-to-wear."
Positive word-of-mouth that's inaccurate or aimed at the wrong target market may hurt your business as much as negative word-of-mouth. Suppose somebody gets the idea that you're in the trucking business when you're actually selling trucks. The aggravation of straightening out an honest misunderstanding may leave enough of a sour taste in the prospect's mouth to cost you future business and referrals.
The same is true if your business focus is on high quality but your source promotes you as a low-cost provider. It's important that your marketing message be conveyed accurately and realistically.
How do you keep up with the demands of running your business and making sure the word gets out about how wonderful your business is? Start small with your family and friends. It's amazing what a good word by a spouse or relative can do for your business in the right place and time. Branch out to your friends or members of organizations to which you belong. With family and friends, the key is ensuring they have up-to-date information and a thorough understanding of your company. Don't forget the vendors who provide products or services to your business. Remember that the IT consultant who helps with your server every other week will visit (and talk with) many clients in between.
Word-of-mouth is always working; it just may be working against you. If you don't have a strategic plan, then you're not in control of what's being said about you. And if you don't have a way to measure the results of your word-of-mouth marketing, then you have no idea if it's really working.
The article is written by Ivan Misner; the creator of the networking group known as BNI (Business Networking International).
This gentleman is widely respected as an expert networker.
In most professions, networking is necessary - in my profession as a Medical Biller, it is an absolute MUST.
The trick is to get your name and your capabilities out in the marketplace.
Making certain that the message remains positive and clear is another challenge altogether!
Word-of-mouth marketing is always working; it just may not be working in your favor.
By Ivan Misner | July 26, 2007
By Ivan Misner
"Watch Your Word-of-Mouth"
You may be thinking: Since I'm not asking anybody to refer me, word-of-mouth marketing isn't something I need to concern myself with. If I provide good products or services and my customer service is up to par, I'll naturally get more customers by word-of-mouth. Why bother with plans and strategies? Why spend all that extra effort on getting referrals? I'm getting word-of-mouth every day, and it's not costing me any time or effort.
Yes, you're getting word-of-mouth every day. It just may not be the good kind. The message you're sending may be unclear or too vague. It may even be negative.
"Negative?" you may be asking. "But I have plenty of satisfied customers."
While you have lots of satisfied customers, they're not the ones doing the most talking. You may have 100 satisfied customers for every one customer who leaves your shop less than happy, but guess who talks loudest and longest? It's that demanding, unreasonable customer who thinks you're a lousy tailor because you wouldn't take care of her snarling, yapping cairn terrier while she went next door to the bakery ("Don't go to that tailor; he was so rude to me."). Or the customer who came in on the one day of the entire year you had to close early for an emergency ("That store? Why, it's never open.").
Negative word-of-mouth has legs. A study conducted in Texas revealed that the average dissatisfied customer gripes to 11 people about his experience, and these 11 in turn each tell five others. That's 66 or more horror stories about one unhappy trip to your store. Ask yourself if your average happy customer makes sure 66 people hear about your great service. Of course not. Would business be easier if they did? Of course, but they don't.
Also, passing on the gripe from a single dissatisfied customer to the next 55 takes some time, which means that the negative word-of-mouth feedback is "out there" a lot longer.
What's the lesson here? Good customer service is important because it reduces negative word-of-mouth. But by itself, good customer service won't generate enough positive word-of-mouth to build your business. So it's up to you as the business owner to ensure the positive counters the negative.
Even if you discount the occasional disgruntled ex-customer, your word-of-mouth may be so vague as to be useless: "Good tailor, eh? What does he do besides alterations? Does he do reweaving? You don't know?" Or it may be misleading: "Well, he has a full lineup of men's clothing, but I don't know whether he does custom tailoring or alterations. It may all be ready-to-wear."
Positive word-of-mouth that's inaccurate or aimed at the wrong target market may hurt your business as much as negative word-of-mouth. Suppose somebody gets the idea that you're in the trucking business when you're actually selling trucks. The aggravation of straightening out an honest misunderstanding may leave enough of a sour taste in the prospect's mouth to cost you future business and referrals.
The same is true if your business focus is on high quality but your source promotes you as a low-cost provider. It's important that your marketing message be conveyed accurately and realistically.
How do you keep up with the demands of running your business and making sure the word gets out about how wonderful your business is? Start small with your family and friends. It's amazing what a good word by a spouse or relative can do for your business in the right place and time. Branch out to your friends or members of organizations to which you belong. With family and friends, the key is ensuring they have up-to-date information and a thorough understanding of your company. Don't forget the vendors who provide products or services to your business. Remember that the IT consultant who helps with your server every other week will visit (and talk with) many clients in between.
Word-of-mouth is always working; it just may be working against you. If you don't have a strategic plan, then you're not in control of what's being said about you. And if you don't have a way to measure the results of your word-of-mouth marketing, then you have no idea if it's really working.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Top 10 Do's and Don'ts for an Effective Business Referral Network!
I found this networking piece at www.webyodel.com/tips/effective_referrals.htm
This is a great top ten list to refer to concerning the DO'S and DON'T'S on networking!
Every business, particularly small, entrepreneurial or professional businesses, must have a powerful referral network. It is very unlikely (and terribly expensive) to "advertise your way to success." Without substancial capital, it can't be done. It is far more effective, and more fun, to create an effective network that increases your client base, supports your business, and makes you money.
Unfortunately, most professionals confuse effective networking with passing out business cards and schmoozing. They are NOT the same. Below are 10 tips for creating a network that will help you build your business.
1. DO: Be visible and well-liked! Know lots of people and be sure they know you.
2. DON'T: Inappropriately use acquaintances or membership lists to build your practice. People hate being put on the spot!
3. DO: Join and contribute to worthwhile groups and causes. You have to "put in" before you can "take out." Be known as a generous person with a lot to give.
4. DON'T: Grab the spotlight or Chair every committee. Don't turn down positions of leadership or responsibility, but don't be pushy either. Let people discover you!
5. DO: Show up! Whatever your current circle of friends and relationships, this week go someplace else! Continue to add new circles of influence and expand the range of your interests and involvements. Keep growing the circle!
6. DON'T: Expect colleagues with similar expertise to be referral sources. They have their own businesses and are unlikely to share clients with you. Be realistic.
7. DO: Reach beyond your profession for business connections. Look to business owners, salespeople, educators, and managers. Anyone who connects with many people and who does not compete with you is a potential partner.
8. DON'T: Rush into business relationships. Have lunch, get acquainted, but never push a business card or brochure on anyone. Conveniently "forget" collateral at the office, and send a thoughtful follow-up note with the material a couple days later.
9. DO: Make sure your business connections run both ways. Referring clients must make business sense to both sides. Make sure your work provides increased income, more convenience, better outcomes, or other benefits for your referral sources. This is only fair.
10. DON'T: Panic or try to rush. Most successful practices only need 3-10 great referral sources. Select and cultivate them wisely and patiently. It pays huge dividends!
As a Professional Medical Biller, I am constantly looking for ways to expand my sphere of influence, which offers opportunities to talk about my business to more and more people - whether they relate to my industry or not.
You should do the same. An excellent resource which teaches you the basics in networking is The Medical Business Start Up Manual which can be purchased and immediately downloaded at www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com.
This is a great top ten list to refer to concerning the DO'S and DON'T'S on networking!
Every business, particularly small, entrepreneurial or professional businesses, must have a powerful referral network. It is very unlikely (and terribly expensive) to "advertise your way to success." Without substancial capital, it can't be done. It is far more effective, and more fun, to create an effective network that increases your client base, supports your business, and makes you money.
Unfortunately, most professionals confuse effective networking with passing out business cards and schmoozing. They are NOT the same. Below are 10 tips for creating a network that will help you build your business.
1. DO: Be visible and well-liked! Know lots of people and be sure they know you.
2. DON'T: Inappropriately use acquaintances or membership lists to build your practice. People hate being put on the spot!
3. DO: Join and contribute to worthwhile groups and causes. You have to "put in" before you can "take out." Be known as a generous person with a lot to give.
4. DON'T: Grab the spotlight or Chair every committee. Don't turn down positions of leadership or responsibility, but don't be pushy either. Let people discover you!
5. DO: Show up! Whatever your current circle of friends and relationships, this week go someplace else! Continue to add new circles of influence and expand the range of your interests and involvements. Keep growing the circle!
6. DON'T: Expect colleagues with similar expertise to be referral sources. They have their own businesses and are unlikely to share clients with you. Be realistic.
7. DO: Reach beyond your profession for business connections. Look to business owners, salespeople, educators, and managers. Anyone who connects with many people and who does not compete with you is a potential partner.
8. DON'T: Rush into business relationships. Have lunch, get acquainted, but never push a business card or brochure on anyone. Conveniently "forget" collateral at the office, and send a thoughtful follow-up note with the material a couple days later.
9. DO: Make sure your business connections run both ways. Referring clients must make business sense to both sides. Make sure your work provides increased income, more convenience, better outcomes, or other benefits for your referral sources. This is only fair.
10. DON'T: Panic or try to rush. Most successful practices only need 3-10 great referral sources. Select and cultivate them wisely and patiently. It pays huge dividends!
As a Professional Medical Biller, I am constantly looking for ways to expand my sphere of influence, which offers opportunities to talk about my business to more and more people - whether they relate to my industry or not.
You should do the same. An excellent resource which teaches you the basics in networking is The Medical Business Start Up Manual which can be purchased and immediately downloaded at www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Medical Billing - Who Do You Know? And Who Do They Know?
One thing that I've learned as a Professional Medical Biller is that networking is so very important.
It can be quite challenging to attempt to get appointments with private practice owners by simply cold calling.
It is important to either stay (or become more) involved in your community to meet as many people as possible, so that you can talk up your business. Be open minded! Deciding NOT to business network with someone COMPLETELY different than your profession could be a poor decision.
Instead of thinking that an owner of a sprinkler company OR a CFO of a large company couldn't possibly have anything to do with the medical billing business...
Well, technically, you're probably right! BUT....perhaps THEY have a first cousin who happens to be a doctor or other private practice owner... MAYBE they became rather friendly with a sprinkler client who happens to be a top neuro-surgeon.
The point? NEVER JUDGE YOUR AUDIENCE.
The choice is yours to either stay a million steps from ONE dollar OR to get yourself ONE step away from a million dollars!!!
You never know!
It can be quite challenging to attempt to get appointments with private practice owners by simply cold calling.
It is important to either stay (or become more) involved in your community to meet as many people as possible, so that you can talk up your business. Be open minded! Deciding NOT to business network with someone COMPLETELY different than your profession could be a poor decision.
Instead of thinking that an owner of a sprinkler company OR a CFO of a large company couldn't possibly have anything to do with the medical billing business...
Well, technically, you're probably right! BUT....perhaps THEY have a first cousin who happens to be a doctor or other private practice owner... MAYBE they became rather friendly with a sprinkler client who happens to be a top neuro-surgeon.
The point? NEVER JUDGE YOUR AUDIENCE.
The choice is yours to either stay a million steps from ONE dollar OR to get yourself ONE step away from a million dollars!!!
You never know!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Think you're a good networker? Make sure you're not making 1 of these 3 big blunders!
I found this article published by Ivan Misner.
He gives great networking tips on what NOT to do - or networking faux pas...
As a professional Medical Biller, it is iimportant to network - but for many, to LEARN HOW to network.
For more about this article, visit www.entrepreneur.com
Ivan Misner: Networking
Networking Faux Pas
Think you're a good networker? Make sure you're not making 1 of these 3 big blunders.
By Ivan Misner | March 28, 2007
Recent Articles
By Ivan Misner
Speed Networking and Beyond
Why Introverts Can Be Great Networkers
Debunking the Six Degrees of Separation
Networking Faux Pas
The Key to Networking
See all articles »
After two decades of running the world’s largest networking organization, I've certainly seen a lot of networking faux pas. I’ve put together a few of the most glaring blunders in networking etiquette I’ve seen over the years that you should avoid.
Faux Pas #1: Not responding quickly to referral partners
This one really troubles me. I can't imagine getting a call from a networking partner and not responding immediately, but unfortunately, this seems to happen with some regularity. Not long ago, someone I know had a referral to give a gentleman in his networking group. He called the associate and left a message at his office as soon as he knew the referral was viable. A day went by without a return call, so he called again, saying it was important to connect.
He was finally able to speak to his networking associate at their next meeting. He asked him why he didn't return his call and the associate said, "If I knew you had a referral for me, I would've called you back immediately." He still gave the referral at the meeting, and, to no one's surprise, the person referred ended up working with another vendor because no one got back to him in a timely manner.
Treating each of your networking partners as one of your best clients is critical. Return phone calls from them immediately, as it speaks to your credibility and reliability as a professional.
There are countless examples of people receiving referrals at networking groups and then contacting the referral a few days later. The old phrase, "If you snooze, you lose," is apropos here. If the referral knows you had her name and number on Monday and took your time calling, that sends a negative message about your business.
Faux Pas #2:Confusing networking with direct selling
One of my company's directors struck up a conversation with a woman business owner at a networking function. When the business owner asked our director what she did, she said she helps owners build their businesses through networking and referrals. The business owner smiled and said, "I’m really good at networking. I’ve been doing it for a long, long time."
Curious, our director asked her, "So what’s your secret?" She stood up straight and said, "Well, a friend and I enter a room together. We imagine drawing a line down the middle. She takes the left side; I take the right side. We agree to meet at a certain time to see who collected the most cards. The loser buys the other one lunch."
The director curiously inquired, "So what do you do with all those cards?" Again, proudly, the business owner said, "I enter them into my distribution list and begin to send them information about my services. Since I have all their information, they’re all good prospects, right?"
This is a classic example of an entrepreneur not understanding that networking isn't about simply gathering contact information and following up on it later. That's nothing more than glorified cold calling. It gives me the chills. I used to teach cold calling techniques to business people. And I did it enough to know that I didn’t want to ever do it again. I've devoted my entire professional life to teaching the business community that there's a better way to build long-term business.
Faux Pas #3: Abusing the relationship
There are many ways I’ve seen networking partners abuse relationships, but the following story is one of the most glaring examples.
A woman I know was invited to attend a 50th birthday party of an associate who used to belong to a networking group in which she also participated. They once had a long-term working relationship, and, out of respect, she decided to attend. When she got to the door, she looked through the window and noticed people were arranged in a semicircle, listening to a presenter in front of an easel board. When she stepped in, it was very obvious the partygoers were being recruited for a business opportunity. As resentful as the woman felt, she and other mutual friends found it difficult to remove themselves from the "birthday party," despite the fact that the only refreshment being served was the company’s diet shake!
Never mislead your networking partners. For that matter, never mislead anyone. Trust is everything when you're talking about relationship networking. Inviting people to a "birthday party" that turns out to be a business opportunity pitch isn't being honest with the very people with whom you want to build a trusting relationship.
All these faux pas directly relate to good people skills. The prevailing theme of all three is to treat your referral partners and potential referral partners with professionalism and care. Use networking opportunities to meet people and begin the process of developing a genuine relationship and treat your referral partner like you would a top client. Lastly, always network in a way that builds credibility and trust--be candid in telling your referral partners what you need and what you’re asking of them. Do these things and you’ll avoid some serious mistakes in relationship networking.
He gives great networking tips on what NOT to do - or networking faux pas...
As a professional Medical Biller, it is iimportant to network - but for many, to LEARN HOW to network.
For more about this article, visit www.entrepreneur.com
Ivan Misner: Networking
Networking Faux Pas
Think you're a good networker? Make sure you're not making 1 of these 3 big blunders.
By Ivan Misner | March 28, 2007
Recent Articles
By Ivan Misner
Speed Networking and Beyond
Why Introverts Can Be Great Networkers
Debunking the Six Degrees of Separation
Networking Faux Pas
The Key to Networking
See all articles »
After two decades of running the world’s largest networking organization, I've certainly seen a lot of networking faux pas. I’ve put together a few of the most glaring blunders in networking etiquette I’ve seen over the years that you should avoid.
Faux Pas #1: Not responding quickly to referral partners
This one really troubles me. I can't imagine getting a call from a networking partner and not responding immediately, but unfortunately, this seems to happen with some regularity. Not long ago, someone I know had a referral to give a gentleman in his networking group. He called the associate and left a message at his office as soon as he knew the referral was viable. A day went by without a return call, so he called again, saying it was important to connect.
He was finally able to speak to his networking associate at their next meeting. He asked him why he didn't return his call and the associate said, "If I knew you had a referral for me, I would've called you back immediately." He still gave the referral at the meeting, and, to no one's surprise, the person referred ended up working with another vendor because no one got back to him in a timely manner.
Treating each of your networking partners as one of your best clients is critical. Return phone calls from them immediately, as it speaks to your credibility and reliability as a professional.
There are countless examples of people receiving referrals at networking groups and then contacting the referral a few days later. The old phrase, "If you snooze, you lose," is apropos here. If the referral knows you had her name and number on Monday and took your time calling, that sends a negative message about your business.
Faux Pas #2:Confusing networking with direct selling
One of my company's directors struck up a conversation with a woman business owner at a networking function. When the business owner asked our director what she did, she said she helps owners build their businesses through networking and referrals. The business owner smiled and said, "I’m really good at networking. I’ve been doing it for a long, long time."
Curious, our director asked her, "So what’s your secret?" She stood up straight and said, "Well, a friend and I enter a room together. We imagine drawing a line down the middle. She takes the left side; I take the right side. We agree to meet at a certain time to see who collected the most cards. The loser buys the other one lunch."
The director curiously inquired, "So what do you do with all those cards?" Again, proudly, the business owner said, "I enter them into my distribution list and begin to send them information about my services. Since I have all their information, they’re all good prospects, right?"
This is a classic example of an entrepreneur not understanding that networking isn't about simply gathering contact information and following up on it later. That's nothing more than glorified cold calling. It gives me the chills. I used to teach cold calling techniques to business people. And I did it enough to know that I didn’t want to ever do it again. I've devoted my entire professional life to teaching the business community that there's a better way to build long-term business.
Faux Pas #3: Abusing the relationship
There are many ways I’ve seen networking partners abuse relationships, but the following story is one of the most glaring examples.
A woman I know was invited to attend a 50th birthday party of an associate who used to belong to a networking group in which she also participated. They once had a long-term working relationship, and, out of respect, she decided to attend. When she got to the door, she looked through the window and noticed people were arranged in a semicircle, listening to a presenter in front of an easel board. When she stepped in, it was very obvious the partygoers were being recruited for a business opportunity. As resentful as the woman felt, she and other mutual friends found it difficult to remove themselves from the "birthday party," despite the fact that the only refreshment being served was the company’s diet shake!
Never mislead your networking partners. For that matter, never mislead anyone. Trust is everything when you're talking about relationship networking. Inviting people to a "birthday party" that turns out to be a business opportunity pitch isn't being honest with the very people with whom you want to build a trusting relationship.
All these faux pas directly relate to good people skills. The prevailing theme of all three is to treat your referral partners and potential referral partners with professionalism and care. Use networking opportunities to meet people and begin the process of developing a genuine relationship and treat your referral partner like you would a top client. Lastly, always network in a way that builds credibility and trust--be candid in telling your referral partners what you need and what you’re asking of them. Do these things and you’ll avoid some serious mistakes in relationship networking.
Friday, July 13, 2007
How Networking Can Make You Feel "NAKED"
When I began my business as a professional medical biller, I realized quickly that networking was very much a necessity! This made me incredibly nervous. If asked to speak to prospects about the services that I offered, I was dead-on in every appointment! Prospecting over the phone was also a strength of mine. A skill that I found challenging was standing up and speaking about my business in front of a networking group. There are many networking groups out there - I happen to be a member of a few; BNI, a Professional Services Networking Group AND a Women's Success Netoworking Group.
Upon joining, I would spend 10 minutes or so each week before my meetings writing out what I planned on highlighting about my business during my networking meeting. This helped me tremendously. It forced me to refer to an index card instead of glancing around at all of the staring eyes in the room. Basically, it made me LESS nervous, feeling LESS "Naked".
If you are learning how to network your Medical Billing Firm, I recommend that you speak with or at least visit some expert sites. I found THE BEST resources to be;
www.BNI.com
www.koolse.com
www.medicalbillingfoundation.com
www.directmatches.com
www.gobignetwork.com
These are just a few and you can search for more...
Upon joining, I would spend 10 minutes or so each week before my meetings writing out what I planned on highlighting about my business during my networking meeting. This helped me tremendously. It forced me to refer to an index card instead of glancing around at all of the staring eyes in the room. Basically, it made me LESS nervous, feeling LESS "Naked".
If you are learning how to network your Medical Billing Firm, I recommend that you speak with or at least visit some expert sites. I found THE BEST resources to be;
www.BNI.com
www.koolse.com
www.medicalbillingfoundation.com
www.directmatches.com
www.gobignetwork.com
These are just a few and you can search for more...
Monday, July 9, 2007
Naked Networking - Women Work Wonders!
This small blurb comes from the site www.networkingwww.com which is a women-based networking group and consulting service. They speak about the importance of networking - the benefits, the risks and of course, the rewards. The "WWW" stands for Women Work Wonders. Put it all together and you get Networking Women Work Wonders. Granted, their contact information is from overseas, but I found this little blurb had no international boundries in it's message. Take a look at their site for yourself!
Naked Networking: We all know networking has brought great successes to business – that’s why we do it
For those new to networking or not enjoying events. These are the skills for meeting strangers & it can be fun! If you are in business it is paramount to make sure you are the best networker you can be.
Stand and Deliver: Sounds easy? Often it doesn't work like that. Presenting our business can create not only a good or bad impression but maximises the opportunities for your business. From the one minute stand up to the full script doesn't it make sense to be as dynamic as you can be? There are techniques and strategies to best present your business and get your message across and reduce those uncomfortable feelings and dreaded thoughts - You can even enjoy the experience.
Naked Networking: We all know networking has brought great successes to business – that’s why we do it
For those new to networking or not enjoying events. These are the skills for meeting strangers & it can be fun! If you are in business it is paramount to make sure you are the best networker you can be.
Stand and Deliver: Sounds easy? Often it doesn't work like that. Presenting our business can create not only a good or bad impression but maximises the opportunities for your business. From the one minute stand up to the full script doesn't it make sense to be as dynamic as you can be? There are techniques and strategies to best present your business and get your message across and reduce those uncomfortable feelings and dreaded thoughts - You can even enjoy the experience.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
(Naked) Networking - Medical Billing
Networking is an essential skill for most business people, but especially for entrepreneurs. The strong association between the entrepreneur as a person and his or her business demands that entrepreneurs get out into the world and create and maintain business relationships. Here are some tips and resources to help you improve your networking skills and extend your reach.
Sponsored Links
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Business NetworkingRead the free e-book that explains why cold calling doesn't work!www.nevercoldcall.com
Free Business NetworkingSign Up Now, And Get Connected To Over 400 Professional Networks!www.Konnects.com
WHAT IS NEEDED??
1.) A Pocket Full of Business Cards
Timely and consistent follow-up is the key to successful marketing. Meeting someone once is rarely enough to bring you business -- repeated contacts are what do the trick. You always want to follow up with prospective customers, of course, but you should also follow up with potential referral sources.
2.) The Importance of Being Memorable
Have you ever attended a networking event, collected a bunch of business cards, and when you go through them the next day, you can't remember who many of them are? Well, you certainly don't want to be one of those that other people can't remember, do you? Here are five tips on how to make yourself memorable when meeting other people.
3.)Giving First: A Personal Experience
In this fourth excerpt from the newly updated Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Bob Burg shares his personal experience of The Law of Successful Giving and Successful Receiving in action.
To learn more about networking as a Medical Biller, visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com. This group of successful medical billers, offers their best and worst networking expriences, along with tips and advise!
Sponsored Links
Millionaire EntrepreneursWe Will Create 100 in Five Years Why Can't This Be You? Start Today.www.attainhigherwealth.com
Business NetworkingRead the free e-book that explains why cold calling doesn't work!www.nevercoldcall.com
Free Business NetworkingSign Up Now, And Get Connected To Over 400 Professional Networks!www.Konnects.com
WHAT IS NEEDED??
1.) A Pocket Full of Business Cards
Timely and consistent follow-up is the key to successful marketing. Meeting someone once is rarely enough to bring you business -- repeated contacts are what do the trick. You always want to follow up with prospective customers, of course, but you should also follow up with potential referral sources.
2.) The Importance of Being Memorable
Have you ever attended a networking event, collected a bunch of business cards, and when you go through them the next day, you can't remember who many of them are? Well, you certainly don't want to be one of those that other people can't remember, do you? Here are five tips on how to make yourself memorable when meeting other people.
3.)Giving First: A Personal Experience
In this fourth excerpt from the newly updated Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Bob Burg shares his personal experience of The Law of Successful Giving and Successful Receiving in action.
To learn more about networking as a Medical Biller, visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com. This group of successful medical billers, offers their best and worst networking expriences, along with tips and advise!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Naked Networking - An Actual Book??
Wow - an actual reference guide to Naked Networking!
Now, WE coined this phrase as a Medical Billing term and necessary task.
I will be interested to learn more about this publication and how we can wrap it's concept back into our Medical Billing Industry.
Take a look:
Naked Networking is part of a series of books written by Howard Barefoot in collaboration with other writers.
Naked Networking was written by Joel Virtue and Jean Peterson with Howard Barefoot, MBA.
Naked Networking is part of the Naked Business series. The Naked Business series is designed to help businesses succeed by asking the tough questions that many businesses fail to ask. The goal is to invite introspection, because that is often the first thing business owners fail to do when they are neck deep in running a business.
Naked Networking is part workbook, part helpful insights into how business owners can best utilize the power of networking on behalf of their business. The book leads business owners through a series of questions designed to help them analyze their own networking practices. Throughout the book, readers will find useful information and helpful hints.
Naked Networking is meant to be a quick read, not a comprehensive guide to networking. The book is packed with a lot of information and questions purposefully designed to produce results. Business owners will walk away with ways to see results when they network.
Naked Networking will be available for sale soon.
To learn more about this illustration and MORE, visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com
Now, WE coined this phrase as a Medical Billing term and necessary task.
I will be interested to learn more about this publication and how we can wrap it's concept back into our Medical Billing Industry.
Take a look:
Naked Networking is part of a series of books written by Howard Barefoot in collaboration with other writers.
Naked Networking was written by Joel Virtue and Jean Peterson with Howard Barefoot, MBA.
Naked Networking is part of the Naked Business series. The Naked Business series is designed to help businesses succeed by asking the tough questions that many businesses fail to ask. The goal is to invite introspection, because that is often the first thing business owners fail to do when they are neck deep in running a business.
Naked Networking is part workbook, part helpful insights into how business owners can best utilize the power of networking on behalf of their business. The book leads business owners through a series of questions designed to help them analyze their own networking practices. Throughout the book, readers will find useful information and helpful hints.
Naked Networking is meant to be a quick read, not a comprehensive guide to networking. The book is packed with a lot of information and questions purposefully designed to produce results. Business owners will walk away with ways to see results when they network.
Naked Networking will be available for sale soon.
To learn more about this illustration and MORE, visit www.MedicalBillingFoundation.com
Friday, June 29, 2007
Medical Billing - Naked Networking
IT WORKS, IT WORKS, IT WORKS! I practiced this method at my son's audiologist appointment yesterday. NOW, this audiologist happens to be an "employee" at an offsite location owned and opperated by a hospital HOWEVER, the audiologist gave me a referral to her own physical therapist! The PT is a single practitioner MORE THAN LIKELY doing her own billing. PERFECT referral for me!! Ask... and ye shall receive!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
As a Medical Billing Professional, getting in front of practice owners and health care professionals is the biggest hurdle that I face in this rewarding industry! I have spent countless hours on the phones, smiling and dialing - basically cold calling - until I could not take another "We're all set with that" type of rejection. No matter how much my heart was in it, my dialing smile would ultimately fade! As a biller, I KNEW that I would make an immediate, positive impact to a practice owner's processes, cash flow, and back-logged medical claims, BUT getting to see the decision maker to PROVE my point was a discouraging reality! SO, I vented my feelings of defeat with a medical billing coleague. She was experiencing similar agravations and between the two of us, we decided to run a test. We know that networking is so important in getting your name and abilities out there in the health care market. BUT, in both of our personal and previous professional life-styles, we seldom had the opportunity to socialize, network or rub elbows with healthcare professionals and practice owners! Why couldn't we make various doctor's appointments for ourselves and our family members to get the chance to sit LIVE with our own doctors and providers? As a matter of fact, I knew that there were exams and tests that I was due or OVERdue for, so off I went; making doctors appointments with my primary care physician, chiropractor, allergist, dermatologist, OB-gyn, audiologist, physical therapist, surgeon, etc. I also made appointments with my various children's healthcare providers. This was my ONE shot to sit down with these healthcare professionals to sell my capabilities and MYSELF! I was totally determined to earn billing clients, so this was a perfect way to speak with the doctors that have cared for me and my family. What did I coin this??? "Naked Networking"! Next time that you find yourself in front of your own doctor - most likely in your "all-in-all" - take the risk! ASK THE QUESTION, "How do you manage running this practice, managing the staff that you have, AND filing your medical claims ON TIME?" I promise you that you WILL be pleasantly suprised with their response! BUT, no matter what their answer, TELL THEM WHAT YOU DO and ask for a more appropriate appointment to sit with him or her. You will "high-five" yourself all the way home! Get in all the "Naked Networking" that you can!
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