Let’s begin with a “legal disclaimer.” Nothing I say in this blog should be construed as valid dating advice!

At 59 years of age and almost 25 years of marriage under my belt, I am the last person you should ask about whether to swipe left or right on anyone’s profile. That being said, there are commonalities between the dating world and the marketing world that are hard to ignore.

Think about it—from what I recall about being in the dating world, one of the first things we need to consider is what we might find attractive in a potential partner. Are we attracted to people who are adventurous, active, people who love to travel? Would you like to go to comedy clubs or live music with a partner?

Understanding what interests us in other people can help us to zero in on the pool of people we find most attractive. It sounds a bit like finding your “target market” in the marketing world!

As you look to build your ideal practice, you have to understand the nature of the work you enjoy doing. Do you have an interest in sleep apnea? Are implants and full-mouth restorative areas that get you most excited? Perhaps you are more content keeping your practice confined to “bread and butter” areas of work? Also, do you have an interest in working with kids? With seniors? What is the patient base you are most interested in serving?

When you identify your target market, you then need to work on making yourself attractive to them. Just like dating, it is not a one-way street! Sure, it is important to know what appeals to you. But you, also, have to appeal to them.

So how do you get the attention of your market, so they want that “first date”? Just as important, how do you maintain it so you can keep “dating”?

Cultivating the right visual image is important. What image do you believe will appeal to your market? What do the visuals you want to use convey about you…your team…the level of care you want to provide? How will you convey that image online? Through social media?

Most importantly, how is it reinforced when a patient visits your office—the big date! This is vital because it helps move to the next phase…the development of a relationship.

For most of us, the goal of dating is to find that partner we connect with, one that we can build something special with. We want that date to grow into a bona fide relationship! So, we need to show them the image we have constructed is real…it is substantive…it is who you are.

Marketing is the same. Marketing is more than just the advertising that brings patients through your door. It is about communicating. In the world of dentistry, it is about conveying how you truly care.

You need to show your patients you care for them as people…that you are authentic…the real deal. Marketing is a constant effort to not only attract patients, it is also about how you keep them. It can never feel forced. Like a date, it won’t take a patient long to figure out if you are not being authentic. So do not try to be something you are not!

Sometimes in dating, we do need to seek advice. Well, getting advice from marketing experts would also be a smart decision. You can never be expected to know it all. So, work with people who can really help you.

Marketing and dating can both be stressful too! The constant wondering if your strategies are working…if they are attracting the right “dates”…that can weigh on you. So always check on how you are doing on both fronts and adapt where necessary.

Most importantly, have fun! Just like “fun” people seem to have no trouble finding a date, a fun office can be appealing to patients. Let your patients see that side of you and then have fun watching your relationship develop.