Are you prepared for the unexpected? Many years ago, the Ohio Dental Association came up with a "survival kit" to help spouses whose dentist spouses had passed away (many times suddenly). They found most had no idea what was involved, who was involved, where the money was, and it created quite a mess. When my brother passed away at the age of 41, I had a spouse and two young children and imagined what a financial (and emotional) mess it would be if something unexpected happened to me. So, at the ripe old age of 30, I had an attorney prepare my: Last Will and Testament Revocable … [Read more...]
More Secrets to Wealth
Wealth is 80% psychology and 20% mechanics. (You can read more about it here.) Keith Cunningham does a great job going over 7 wealth strategies and I would like to share. Pay Yourself First: The oldest and most proven point to wealth creation (that would include investing). Discipline: Not wanting it all at once, saving, planning. Life Style vs. Wealth Creation: Living a little less expensive lifestyle in order to accumulate wealth. Focus & Freedom: Making powerful habits when it comes to money, focusing on the importance of wealth. Financial Competence: Have some … [Read more...]
Video Testimonials
Having a patient give you a video testimonial for your website or YouTube page can do wonders for your business. It’s a proven fact that people will stop and look at videos much more than read text (ask Facebook). Many businesses think that it will take too long and that expensive equipment is needed to make a “professional” quality video. Wrong! If your patient has 1 minute and someone in your office has a cell phone (LOL), you are ready to go. Ask your satisfied patient if they would give you a favor and do a quick 30 second to 1 minute video telling about their positive experience … [Read more...]
Accomplishing Your Goals
“If your WHY is big enough, you will figure out the HOW” We have all been there. You want to make some type of a “move” in your life. You think and dream about it. You picture yourself there. Then you get so bogged down in trying to figure out “how.” All the steps, how much money it will take, the consequences, etc. and soon, what happens? Not only do you not take some small steps, you take no action at all! If you stop and think about it, in the end, you probably didn’t have a strong enough “why.” If you did, you would have figured out the “how!” People do amazing things when their … [Read more...]
The Stock Market
Many of you shudder when the words “Stock Market” are uttered and many of you have no clue how it works or why it works. I will not attempt to educate you on the subject in this small space. There are only a few keys words or phrases that you need to know to become a success in the stock market over time. The Stock market is your friend and, like a good friend, if you become familiar with it, stay with it and pay attention to it. It will make you happy. Diversify - Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t be flopping in and out of the market - ride the roller coaster. Adjust … [Read more...]
Your 2017 Goals Follow Up
I hope that 2017 has started out with a bang! How are those resolutions coming? January 15th was the big day that stats show people break their resolutions and go back to their old ways, forget about any progress for the year. I spent one full day with a great group of coaches goal planning and then another evening with a group of friends sharing goals and ideas for 2017. IT HELPS. Previously I discussed preparing for 2017. How did it go? Did you make some audacious goals for 2017? Did you write them down? Did you declare them to family and friends? Did you post … [Read more...]
Your Wealth Report Card
Keeping track of your wealth is your report card One of the questions on my Practice Management final at the dental school is, “What is your report card after graduation?” The answer is: your net worth worksheet. While money and assets are not the sole determinates of your life’s success, for this exercise pretend money is EVERYTHING! Zig Ziglar used to say money is like oxygen - “You really aren’t aware of it until you don’t have any.” Filling out a net worth document should be something you do at least once a year (twice if you are really into it). You should also involve your … [Read more...]
Your 2017 Goals
Planning for your 2017 yet? I have two yearly planning meetings with two separate groups and one planned for my dental office. These are not only helpful by hearing other people’s ideas and goals, but publicly stating yours. You are now held accountable by others to achieve your goals. In this sense, peer pressure is an excellent motivational tool. Imagine you showing up next year (or mid-year) and having none of your goals accomplished. One of these groups I am new to and I hear they are pretty rough. LOL. However, it is around these types of people that you grow and become … [Read more...]
When the Going Gets Tough
No matter what type of achiever you are, there are times when life is going to try to knock you down. I doesn't matter whether it’s in business, health, or relationships. The difference between success and failure in our lives is determined by how we look and deal with these times - it shapes our destiny. Do we see them as yet another roadblock in our life’s journey that cannot be overcome? When these times come, it is easy and natural to get down and we all get a “pass” to be sad or frustrated for a time, but pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get going again. When you realize the … [Read more...]
Are you a Leader in Your Business?
What makes a great leader in business? Many times it seems people complain about their business (I’m in that group too!), but when I realize that it is not the business that needs a shot in the arm, it is I that needs it, I go back and review what makes a great leader in business (and in life). Many times I have failed to “sharpen the saw” in these areas! I suggest that you review these five points and ask yourself, Am I on top of my game? You might soon realize that it isn’t your employees, your clients or vendors that need improvement. Passionate Communication: To inspire others, you … [Read more...]