Julie Duck

Years ago, I heard a gentleman on television mispronounce the word economics as "econo-mix."

Like most people, I've flubbed a few words in my life. Today, I recalled this funny slip-up and thought that the term econo-mix would fit in nicely with all of the change going on in the marketplace, particularly with a focus on how a chiropractic practice can keep chugging along despite the economic struggles all around us.

Econo-mix, right now more than ever, means taking a hybrid approach to what your practice offers in terms of services and goods, rather than one or the other. To stay competitive in this market, you must find your niche and become the go-to guy for what your patients need.

For example, why should patients shop the aisles at Target or Wal-Mart for a topical analgesic and a generic set of exercise bands when they could purchase higher-quality products through your practice at a reasonable price? Included with the patient's purchase (the value added) would be your expert guidance on how to use the products to help them feel better and obtain wellness.

Same with nutritional supplements. How many times have you seen people staring in awe at the wall of vitamins at the local Whole Foods Market? They have an idea of what they might need to take, but they are not sure. If you offer nutritional testing, quality supplements, and personalized attention, you can have your patients in awe of you and all that you offer.

Now, you don't need to offer the whole products enchilada to stay in the black during these troubling times … just mix your offerings to suit both your patient niche and your patients' needs. Right now, a little econo-mix can take you much farther than a $5 gallon of gas ever could.

Julie T. Duck