How To Make $10,000 a Month From Dentist's

33 replies
A question was recently asked by a member of my UK mastermind group. How to get $10,000 a month from Dentists?

The problem was, how could they sell to dentists and build a $10,000 a month consultancy as he being involved in off-line marketing this was about providing, marketing, SMS marketing, websites etc etc.

I fell that obviously each market requires a diffrerent approach and as I have sold to dentists I helped them with a solution.

I had a story I told the group that helped them to understand the market they were looking to sell into. Before you start to develop your products or services for your vertical market you need to understand the market.

In fact, I would say you need to understand the person in the market that you're selling to. Once you understand that person your job is made simple.

Let me explain;

Many years ago I was attending and Dan Kennedy super conference in Florida. I arrived at the hotel shortly after midnight and because of the time difference from London to Florida I wasn't tired, it was nearly midnight in Florida but daytime UK

I decided to hit the bar and have some alcohol to help me to sleep. I pulled up at the bar and asked the bartender for a large Jack Daniels I quickly drank it and ordered another, it had an immediate soothing effect on me.

I looked around the large bar and saw a gentleman sitting alone. I nodded in his direction he nodded back. I love meeting new people and walked across to introduce myself. He Invited me to sit down and I explained that I was at the super conference that was happening in the Hotel.

He mentioned that he was a dentist and he himself was attending a conference. He looked kind of tired and I mentioned it, he said it was tough going that this was the last day and he would be glad to be going home.

I asked him what his conference was about and he said "Dentists Business Marketing". He told me who was leading the conference and who some of the speakers were but to be trueful I cant remember who any of them were (but judging by this guys demenour they couldn't have been that great).

We sat there and spoke for about an hour, I mainly just listened while he spoke. Once he got going he was like a volcano erupting. I learnt so much about dentists that early morning that it stayed with me forever. In fact, I use the same system when looking to sell into a vertical market. It has helped me understand exactly who I am selling to every time.

While speaking to this guy it became apparent to me that he hated what he did. It looked like he was pretty much burnt out although he was young being would looked like his late 30s. As the Jack's started flowing he told me how he hated every day being mapped out, he knew what he was doing weeks in advance and lived every day by a diary. I remember him mentioning that the majority of his peers felt the same way and I felt really sad for them.

We discussed the suicide rate among dentists closely followed by the divorce rates. It looked like the spark that would once be within this human being was gone. I thought the least I could do was to listen and let him get it off his chest. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all doom and gloom, we had a few laughs along the way but I learned so much.

So back to my mastermind group, what did I discover from my brief encounter with a dentist that would help my colleague get to his goal?

Apart from seeming sad and looking for some excitement I would say that dentists are very analytical and probably deep thinkers.

If you are looking to present the business solution to a dentist it would need to be presented in a very logical and professional manner.

My group member was trying to use the same marketing process he had used on construction companies with a few minor tweaks. This had little to no effect on the dentists the reason to me was quite clear, construction company owners do a lot of selling to potential clients, they need to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic and as such are great buyers.

The dentist on the other hand is not an impulse buyer but nonetheless needs a logical presentation in great detail delivered with enthusiasm.

I believe the most important part of selling to dentist is that we're selling marketing systems that will allow the financial freedom in order for them to leave their humdrum life and not live by a diary. I have tested this and it works for me.

With dentists I find that when I go into great detail with my business problem solution presentation, and show them that this will free them up for them to enjoy pursuits outside of the practice it works really well.

So to sum up when you're looking to get into a vertical market try to find a typical person that you would be selling to. Take them to lunch or preferably dinner have a few drinks to lubricate them and ask them about their lives. Once you know their hopes dreams and aspirations you will be in a better position to offer a solution in their business lives.

I hope this has been of use to you.

Kind regards

Edward Green
#$10 #$10000 #dentist #make #month #offline article
  • Profile picture of the author rushindo
    Great post Edward. I enjoyed it. Please share more of what you learned about dentists and their desires, wants, and needs.

    Brandon
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    • Profile picture of the author Edward Green
      Originally Posted by rushindo View Post

      Great post Edward. I enjoyed it. Please share more of what you learned about dentists and their desires, wants, and needs.

      Brandon
      Hi Brandon, I am glad you enjoyed the post you are welcome. The dentist in the UK and the dentist in the USA are slightly different animals. The UK dentist tends to be more guarded and not a risk taker, whereas the US dentist is more entrepreneurial.

      The US dentist tends to be more business minded, this is probably due to the fact that the UK still has the NHS (free treatment) and as such dentists have a fair portion of their business handed to them.

      I try never to approach a prospect at their place of business if I can help it. Obviously, where possible, I am looking to brand myself as the expert in their niche so they come to me.

      Try to find the prospects where they feel most relaxed. It might be that you attend one of their association gatherings. You would be surprised at how well you would be received as an expert marketer for dentists at one of their gatherings, especially in the bar afterwards. They are totally off-guard and you will pick up some great prospects.

      The similarity between dentists as I see it is that they have a really boring repetitive job and they need a little bit of excitement. Make sure you paint the freedom picture for them, find out what they want to do in their spare time. Don't use what they are doing in their spare time now as leverage use the dream. When you go in with a complete solution showing them how it will free them up you should be golden.

      Edward
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  • Profile picture of the author Cay78
    Interesting approach! I currently work with a couple dentists and from what I gathered, as you stated, is that they are extremely busy! Most of the time I don't even talk to the dentist, I speak with the office manager. I think I will use your advice and tweak my pitch to be more tailored to having more freedom, etc and to let me handle getting you more business!

    Thanks for the share!
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  • Profile picture of the author Preeti
    Great post Edward, this stuff really works--take the time to really learn about a segment's pain points and present marketing to solve those problems.

    The great thing? You only have to do the leg work once and can apply it over and over again to prospects. It's also another way to specialize and present yourself as an "authority marketer in the ____ niche".
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  • Profile picture of the author mrtall74
    Thanks for the great perspective. I'm just missing a small part. By hiring our online marketing services how will it give them more time and freedom?
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    • Profile picture of the author Edward Green
      Originally Posted by mrtall74 View Post

      Thanks for the great perspective. I'm just missing a small part. By hiring our online marketing services how will it give them more time and freedom?

      That is for you and them to perceive but it will form part of your presentation. Think in terms of help THEM and not so much the business.

      It might be your Dentists are avid Golfers, Or they like to travel or indeed continue studying to become a REAL Doctor. They might even want to hire out a couple of rooms within the practice to completely free them up. Think whay YOU can do to help THEM personally through business systems but I make sure they understand I am doing this for them.

      The point is to find a common denominator among your ideal prospect within the niche. This is where your work should be concentrated.

      You see, not everyone is greedy and wants to be number one in their industry, drive a Lamborghini and be the talk of the town. Some people want to cruise successfully but easily through life in financial security.

      I find most UK dentists are in this category, if I started talking about being the biggest dental practice in the UK through aggressive marketing etc I am sure they guy would switch off half way through a presentation. You can sell growth but first you need to start working with them.

      As said in the initial post you need to find out what they have in common, what is the pain point, agitate it, empathise, offer a carefully crafted solution and the close should take care of itself.

      Ed
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  • Profile picture of the author SkyeFWP
    Edward,

    Great post and very timely as I'm close to meeting with a cosmetic dentist (mine actually) to discuss his marketing needs.

    One aspect you've clarified but that's still unclear to me is how to free up their time. As you mentioned we need to find out why they want more time and what they would use it for.

    My question is, is the goal to increase income so they can hire someone else "in practice" if they wish so they can be hands-off?

    If so am I right in concluding that the goal is still the same, generate more income (in this example) but that you present it in a way that suits their desires?

    Cheers buddy

    S
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    • Profile picture of the author Edward Green
      Originally Posted by SkyeFWP View Post

      Edward,

      Great post and very timely as I'm close to meeting with a cosmetic dentist (mine actually) to discuss his marketing needs.

      One aspect you've clarified but that's still unclear to me is how to free up their time. As you mentioned we need to find out why they want more time and what they would use it for.

      My question is, is the goal to increase income so they can hire someone else "in practice" if they wish so they can be hands-off?

      If so am I right in concluding that the goal is still the same, generate more income (in this example) but that you present it in a way that suits their desires?

      Cheers buddy

      S
      The Goal ALWAYS is to find the pain or hot button of the prospect. Never purely think they want more money or success.

      You are right in thinking they might want to be more hands off the dental tools but might enjoy another area of the practice. Try to find out more about THEM in your meeting.

      I would usually try to be a little early and engage them in some chit chat. Ask about their family, leisure time activities, aspirations, wants etc. Don't be afraid to get a little personal.

      When you have asked them to open up just Listen, dont speak but take note of what is being said, look them in the eyes, dont go vacant thinking of your next question, show them you really care.

      They will pave the way if you allow them to.

      Ed
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  • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
    Great post and so true. It is often times hard to sell someone something unless you know what keeps them up at night, which is what was happening to this guy.

    What keeps IM'ers up and spending lots of money?

    That endless quest for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
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    • Profile picture of the author Edward Green
      Originally Posted by mrmatt View Post

      Great post and so true. It is often times hard to sell someone something unless you know what keeps them up at night, which is what was happening to this guy.

      What keeps IM'ers up and spending lots of money?

      That endless quest for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
      The game has changed during the economic downturn. Peoples priorities are different from just a couple of years ago.

      It is time to start connecting with them personally and finding out what really makes them tick.

      The social media marketers are understanding this when connecting with their "Friends/Clients"and slowly showing the answers they want to hear.

      If you want to build a real offline business helping others then you need to go very deep into the target prospects mind before you start offering solutions. People nowadays want the life as well as the success where as before they would be happy just with the success and money and maybe buy the life later on.

      The economy has slowed a little and the prospect has time to evaluate a business proposal properly now. Do your homework and you will not only win some business but maybe a long term friend that will continue doing business with you for a very long time..

      The prospects aren't going to buy from just anyone that dont wanna dance a little with them first.
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  • Profile picture of the author Big Gee
    I missed the part where I can make 10,000/ a month Do you have more info on that part. I understand what you outlined, but are you making this from 1 dentist or mutliple dentist and is there more to what you've already talked about ?
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  • Profile picture of the author Innovator3
    Great post. So true about dentists. Having worked with dentists for over a year with a product that helps to build their online presence and automate communication reminders to their patients, I know what their pain points are.

    Dentists, like most physicians, are not business people. They just want to work with patients and give the insurance and financial and marketing tasks to other staff members. And this is also why more than 70% of doctors are embezzled from.

    And then nowadays their online reputation is more important than ever before. A lot of them want to be ranked on google local pages, have to be "social" with FB and social media... and a lot of times they either don't know how to do it or don't want to mess with technologies to make it happen.

    They want it automated. This is a good market to get involved in if you know what you're doing. Unfortunately I'm not the best at marketing and hesitate to make promises since it's difficult to track results (I've considered working in this niche).

    Hope this helps some of you in other related industries.
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  • Profile picture of the author Cali16
    Originally Posted by Edward Green View Post

    Apart from seeming sad and looking for some excitement I would say that dentists are very analytical and probably deep thinkers.
    I'm going to play devil's advocate here... You spent some time late at night talking to one burnt out dentist who was tired (after being away from home at a boring conference) and who had had a few drinks, and from that you have concluded that he is representative of all dentists? That doesn't sound very logical to me...

    While there may be some very broad generalities that apply to most dentists, physicians, etc. (e.g. they are well above average in intelligence), to assume they are "all" this or that, and approaching them from that cookie-cutter assumption, will likely cost you many potential clients.

    I've spent over 15 years working in a healthcare niche and, in addition to personally knowing (from grad school and in the field) many people in my own specific profession I've also worked with a variety of other healthcare professionals. I can tell you from many years of experience that there isn't a "personality" type that fits everyone (or even most everyone) in any given profession.

    A better approach, IMO, would be to pay close attention when you are talking to a prospective client, set aside any preconceived assumptions you may have about people in that person's profession, listen more than you talk, watch for the subtle clues as to how that person thinks, and use that information to determine the best way to help that particular person with his or her marketing.

    I do agree that it's very important to find their "pain", but again, each professional's pain is going to be different - sweeping generalizations can easily backfire.
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  • Profile picture of the author londoncoffee
    My Dentist is a very happy person. She has a practice with about 3 others and plenty of clients fill the surgery every day. She makes about £200,000 pa. I did ask her if she'd like a better website - responsive, mobile-friendly; even an app! No luck. Guess she just couldn't afford £500. I guess times are hard!
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    • Profile picture of the author rushindo
      Originally Posted by londoncoffee View Post

      My Dentist is a very happy person. She has a practice with about 3 others and plenty of clients fill the surgery every day. She makes about £200,000 pa. I did ask her if she'd like a better website - responsive, mobile-friendly; even an app! No luck. Guess she just couldn't afford £500. I guess times are hard!
      I doubt should could not afford it. She probably didn't want it or didn't see a need for it. Looks like all you did was ask her if she'd like what you offered, without showing her why she SHOULD want it.

      She didn't see the value. Doesn't mean she could not afford it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Edward Green
      Originally Posted by londoncoffee View Post

      My Dentist is a very happy person. She has a practice with about 3 others and plenty of clients fill the surgery every day. She makes about £200,000 pa. I did ask her if she'd like a better website - responsive, mobile-friendly; even an app! No luck. Guess she just couldn't afford £500. I guess times are hard!
      You will find the the UK dentist or other UK professional wont jump on your offering as the Offline sales contingent would have you believe I would also think the US professional is the same.

      If you cant find a reason for them to buy they wont it's as simple as that. The days of Gordon Gecko have gone and wont be back for 10 years or if ever. These people are happy just coasting along.
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  • Profile picture of the author HappyGayleen
    One thing you can offer a dentist is sms reminder service so they don't have to have their staff call everyone.
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  • Profile picture of the author HappyGayleen
    One thing you can offer a dentist is sms reminder service so they don't have to have their staff call everyone. That frees time up that can be used for something else.
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  • Profile picture of the author markpocock
    I have a dentist client. Been writing copy and advising him
    for 3 years. His problem is getting more clients as he has
    a lot of competition. So we've tested different approaches.
    Some work. Some don't.

    At the moment I'm writing newspaper print ads to
    sell tooth implant appointments.
    This is working.

    His biggest marketing gripe is this:
    The "dentist marketing gurus" in the uK and US
    promise to teach dentists how to market. Instead of
    actually doing the marketing for them. He wants a
    marketing person to do all the marketing for him. And not
    have to learn how to do it himself.



    My dentist client has been telling me for ages
    to speak to other dentists.
    So I pitched another dentist locally.
    This asshole wanted me to write an ad... pay for
    the newspaper ad myself....And IF it generated X amount
    of clients... he'd pay me.

    Funnily enough, I declined his offer


    warmly

    Mark
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    • Profile picture of the author midasman09
      Banned
      After selling MANY dentists in my sales career I felt compelled to add my comments here.

      I learned LONG AGO that....there's 2 ways to Sell Dentists;

      1) Meet them IN-PERSON....either before they arrive in the morn....before they go to lunch....just before they go back to "work" after lunch....just before they go home.

      The "stuff" I've sold to Dentists is "Advertising" programs. I go to the dentist's office at a time I think he's Free from working on patients.... THRUST my Sample INTO his hands....quickly tell him HOW it can bring him MORE PATIENTS....what the cost is for him to participate and....at the FIRST indication he likes it....I ASSUME THE SALE by whipping out an Order Form....start filling in HIS name, address etc. If he DOESN'T STOP ME...I finish writing the Order....hand it to him and ask him to, "Just OK it here and I'll give you a copy for your records!"

      2) Go to the Office Mgr....show her what you're doing and why the dentist should participate....hand her a Sample of your program and ask her to give it to the dentist when he's free. I've sold untold numbers of dentists by having their Office Mgrs hand them a "Sample" of my program.

      PS....I have...waited in the dentist's parking lot...either before or after his regular office hours....got out of my car and "Intercepted" him either on his way TO or Getting Out Of...his car.

      "Belly-To-Belly" has ALWAYS been the best "Marketing Tool" for me. That's why I've been able to SELL so many dentists and why I will continue to sell MANY dentists!

      Don Alm...."Belly-To-Belly" kinda sales guy (Whoops...this reminds me my Doc tells me I SHOULD lose some weight)
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  • Profile picture of the author IMShift
    Is it really possible to sell to dentists in the UK? Most dentists in the UK are NHS so get a steady stream of patients handed to them and have more patients than they know what to do with. Therefore there is little or no need for them to market/advertise. I never see dentists advertising in my local paper or other mediums which tells me they simply don't need to.

    Correct me if I'm wrong?
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    • Profile picture of the author zimbizee
      Originally Posted by EnglishGiant View Post

      Is it really possible to sell to dentists in the UK? Most dentists in the UK are NHS so get a steady stream of patients handed to them and have more patients than they know what to do with. Therefore there is little or no need for them to market/advertise. I never see dentists advertising in my local paper or other mediums which tells me they simply don't need to.

      Correct me if I'm wrong?
      I think your probably right!

      I have seen many dentists in the UK that have never had a website or any marketing done and still have a very busy practice. Due to NHS patients.
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      • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
        Depends upon the Dental Practice. (To the UK people above)

        A Dentist that deals with NHS doesn't need to do any more than stick a banner outside and an Ad in the paper to get a queue forming round the block.

        Easy £70k a year.

        However, those are not the type that you would target. You would target the American style type that is springing up now with their awful straight, white teeth and fresh breath.

        And this type need to compete and market themselves for customers, more so as more of them spring up in the same area.

        Dan
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        • Profile picture of the author IMShift
          Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

          Depends upon the Dental Practice. (To the UK people above)

          A Dentist that deals with NHS doesn't need to do any more than stick a banner outside and an Ad in the paper to get a queue forming round the block.

          Easy £70k a year.

          However, those are not the type that you would target. You would target the American style type that is springing up now with their awful straight, white teeth and fresh breath.

          And this type need to compete and market themselves for customers, more so as more of them spring up in the same area.

          Dan
          Dan (jimbo13), thanks for your insight.

          Certainly all the dentists in my local area deal with NHS. Why would someone want to go with a non NHS dentist as it would be more expensive? My only guess would be if the patient has private health insurance and claims back the dental treatment cost?
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    Everything boils down to two things:
    1. People pursue pleasure
    2. People want to avoid pain

    It takes you asking questions and opening them up to have them define what their pleasures/pains are, how they define them.

    Then tailor your presentation to reflect their definitions and help them.

    These are the most basic building blocks that will apply everywhere, every person, every time.
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    That was a bit risky what if it had been a gay bar?

    I looked around the large bar and saw a gentleman sitting alone. I nodded in his direction he nodded back. I love meeting new people and walked across to introduce myself. He Invited me to sit down and I explained that I was at the super conference that was happening in the Hotel.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Lafuddy
    Ed,

    Thanks so much for taking the time to post this. The angle of helping the client to gain more personal time is one that needs to be explored. A great way to set yourself
    apart from other marketers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rodger Hood
    hi Edward, a great thread here!

    Pls keep sharing such informational stuff!
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  • Profile picture of the author dnjoseph1
    Thank you Edward for this post. The information you shared allowed me to see everyday life from the perspective of a dentist. I was able to recently enter into a partnership with a dentist to help him market his practice.

    Some things to take away:

    1. This dentist was VERY analytical! He had several questions about not not websites and marketing, but technologies such as "the cloud", past and current trends, and just the market as a whole. Without confident answers to his questions, we don't get to work together.

    2. These guys are very competitive. Although on the quieter side, they know who their top competitors are. Thy also know they need to make steps to gain market share. Theyre just too busy to do it! It gets put off to "later" and "next month". Change your approach when it comes to them, and you'll be surprised about how far it gets you!

    I hope this helps someone.
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  • Profile picture of the author jarod b
    I want to hit the thank you button on here, but I don't know where it is. This really is useful information.

    Thanks man.
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