Have you made your New Year’s resolutions?
Looking toward the New Year is a first step to securing the long-term success of your pharmacy business. The conclusion of the year is the perfect time to pause and reflect on both the accomplishments and the challenges your pharmacy encountered during the last 12 months.
Whether you’re looking to expand into telepharmacy or you want to adopt new patient care services, we’ve compiled some everyday ways you can work toward those goals—and grow your pharmacy in the future.
Use these tips to keep your pharmacy moving forward into 2017.
Keep your budget in check
To stay financially sound into the New Year and beyond, it’s essential to adhere to a budget.
Following a strict financial plan will help you manage your pharmacy’s costs, project your profits and learn what’s realistic for the future.
For example, if you’re interested in implementing a new business venture, like a pharmacy delivery service, it’ll most likely require extra funding. Sticking to a budget can help you afford to offer the service.
Maintain your social media
In today’s digital world, having a social media presence is crucial. To stand out against your competitors, and keep the attention of your technologically savvy patients, you must have a social media following.
Be sure to dedicate time during the New Year to updating and improving your pharmacy’s presence on Facebook and Twitter.
You could also create a blog to expand your social media reach and bolster your pharmacy’s reputation as an expert in health care.
Examine your employees
Your employees are your most valuable assets. They’re key to the success of your business. So, be sure to take a look at your pharmacy team as the year draws to an end.
Do you need to make new hires in 2017? How will you work to retain good pharmacy employees? Ask yourself these questions to determine if you need to make changes within your staff.
Grow your patient base or script count
Maintaining a steady patient base is what keeps your pharmacy in business. And, although you may have many loyal patients, finding new prospective customers can be a struggle for any small business.
Dedicate 2017 to acquiring a larger patient base or higher script count. You can do this by offering incentives to current patients to refer their friends and family to your pharmacy.
Or, step up your marketing efforts. Use direct mail to target potential patients in your area and use email marketing to increase the number of patients you serve.
Commit to productivity
Developing a productive mindset will keep your business moving forward into the New Year.
During the colder fall and winter months, it’s easy to slip into less than constructive habits, like eating unhealthily or cutting out your daily exercise routine. Strive to adapt productive habits in 2017 to better manage your time and make the most of your busy schedule.
Set goals for your pharmacy
As the New Year quickly approaches, it’s time to start looking forward to what your business can achieve in 2017.
No matter what your pharmacy is looking to accomplish in the New Year, it’s vital to set clear goals. It’s also a good idea to keep your pharmacy team in-the-loop, so they can help you to achieve your pharmacy’s goals.
Help with industry issues
When looking at the future of your pharmacy, you need to look nationally—not just locally. Consider what you can do to promote independent community pharmacy as a whole. What issues can you champion? What legislation can you support?
Is gaining provider status important to you? What about combatting DIR fees? Talk to your legislators and support national pharmacy organizations that can help with the issues that matter to you.
Take a look at these 10 marketing resolutions your pharmacy should consider trying for the New Year.
