Balancing the In and the On

As an orthodontist, your days are likely filled with clinical care, exams, and putting out fires. Getting caught up in the day-to-day grind of running your practice is easy. However, to ensure long-term success and growth, it's essential to balance working IN your business and working ON your business.

 
Working IN your business refers to the day-to-day operations that keep your practice running smoothly.
 
This includes:
  1. Patient Care
  2. Workday flow 
  3. ClinChecks 
  4. Overseeing clinical procedures
Working ON your business involves strategic planning, marketing, and business development.
 
This might include:
  1. Developing team members
  2. Enhancing patient experience
  3. Exploring growth opportunities (e.g., expanding your practice, acquiring another practice)
  4. Investing in team building and communication  
  5. Team Meetings and Lunch and Learns
Why is it important to balance both?
  1. Improved Efficiency: When you work ON your business, you can implement strategies that streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.
  2. Enhanced Patient Experience: Investing in your business can create a more positive and memorable patient and team experience.
  3. Sustainable Growth: Focusing on both the in and the on aspects of your business ensures that your practice is well-positioned for long-term growth and success.
How can you allocate time for both?
  1. Delegate Tasks: Outsource or delegate tasks that others can handle, freeing up your time to focus on strategic planning.
  2. Prioritize Strategic Time: Set aside specific blocks of time to focus on the big picture of your business. Plan this time well in advance, ideally six months to a year ahead, to ensure consistent strategic focus.
  3. Utilize Technology: Leverage tools like Asana to automate tasks and streamline processes, saving time and effort. 
By prioritizing both working IN and ON your orthodontic practice, you can create a more efficient, profitable, and fulfilling practice!
 
Remember, the journey to success is a marathon, not a sprint. By investing in both the operational and strategic aspects of your practice, you'll be well-equipped to achieve your long-term goals.