If you are the only podiatrist for 50 miles around your office, this discussion can still help you maximize your patient load. You can still be a success if you follow a simple plan. Practice Evaluation Start by taking a hard look at your practice. Identifying your personal strengths and weaknesses is the first step in defining your practice goals. After you go through a period of introspection, you can identify your target population or niche you would like to explore.
Niche marketing is the key to success in an overcrowded area.
Ask yourself what kind of patients you want to see, starting with a look at your current patient population. This can be done by computerized spreadsheet from your database or by questionnaire. Age, sex, length of travel to office, referral base, types of pathology, workgroups, i.e., American Airline, Lockheed Martin, etc., types of insurance, etc. Identify your area demographics. This can be obtained from the local chamber of commerce, small business association, and insurance regulatory board.