As an innovative independent community pharmacy owner, you’re likely always looking for new ways to improve your pharmacy.
Maybe you want to spice up your front end, or make your inventory procedures more efficient. When you’re looking to make any change, it helps to know where to turn for products, ideas, research and advice to transform your idea into a reality.
We’ve identified five ways you can find your pharmacy’s next big idea, and sources you can turn to for support to make sure your new idea is a success.
1. Looking for new front-end products? Ask patients.
If you want to refresh your front end with the latest products that’ll sell, go directly to the users.
Patients ultimately select products, so be sure to ask them what brands they use, or if they would like you to stock certain product lines. They might be able to suggest a new product or popular brand that your local competitors aren’t stocking, which can give your front end a competitive edge.
2. Looking for new specialties and services? Consult physicians.
Consult with area physicians about services and specialties they most see a need for.
For example, local physicians who are diagnosing patients with diabetes might need a place to refer their patients to for diabetes counseling and footwear. Your pharmacy can help fill that need by specializing in diabetes care and offering those related specialty products and services.
Or, perhaps you’ll discover that an area physician wants to provide fewer flu shots due to the inconvenient storage requirements and time-consuming nature of vaccinations. You could offer your pharmacy’s flu shot program to that physician’s patients as an alternative.
These conversations can generate referrals and new, revenue-generating ideas for your pharmacy.
3. Looking for business advice? Seek small business leaders.
Whether you’re looking for tips on how to stay profitable, or advice about creating a business plan, small business experts have valuable advice to offer.
Check out the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) website to read the latest advice, tips and blog posts about how to plan, prepare and manage your small business. Or, visit your local chapter of SCORE, the nation’s largest network of free, expert business mentors. Connect with a mentor who can advise you on how to grow your business and overcome challenges, or take advantage of the free and discounted services from SCORE partners.
4. Looking for innovative pharmacy solutions? Attend conferences.
If you’re interested in the latest pharmacy solutions in marketing, technology and more, attend a conference. You’ll learn about the latest industry developments directly from the experts and network with likeminded professionals.
One upcoming conference is the Next! 2016 PBA Health Conference & Business Seminar put on by PBA Health, a pharmacy services organization based in Kansas City, Mo. This three-day event features informative continuing education (CE) sessions where industry experts will share insights about pharmacy marketing on a budget, specialty pharmacy legislation affecting pharmacies today and much more. The conference also includes a tradeshow where you can talk directly to vendors about innovative pharmacy solutions.
The conference takes place June 24-26 in Kansas City, Mo. Register to attend, book your hotel room and learn more at pbahealthconference.com.
5. Looking for advice and news about the independent pharmacy industry? Subscribe to a publication.
If you’re looking for tips on marketing, business advice, industry news, front-end ideas and more pharmacy-specific information, subscribe to an industry publication, such as Elements magazine.
Elements is focused on the business of independent community pharmacy, so all of the information is tailored to pharmacy, and relevant to your business.
Or, get the latest information about innovative pharmacy business products, solutions and advice delivered directly to your email inbox by subscribing to the Elements e-newsletter.
Both are free and full of fresh ideas, advice and tips for your pharmacy business.
If you’re looking for more ideas to update your pharmacy, check out these tips from our pharmacy innovation series.
