Laurie's Blogs.

 

21
Apr 2014

BE something to look forward to!

I was listening to a video of an online course I’ve been taking, High Performance Academy by Brendon Burchard, and he was describing a list of things that make people excited and enthusiastic about life.  One thing on his list was having things / events to look forward to.   He described how planning events can work to enhance joy in life, and strengthen your marriage or family.  But why not take that further?  Why not make your rehab service something to look forward to (for your client and their dog)? 

I know for myself, I look forward to courses, conferences and symposia. There are many clients that I look forward to visiting with when they come in, and there are so many of dogs that I enjoy working with as well.  So, if I find that I look forward to my patients and clients, why wouldn’t they look forward to seeing me as well?  And, I know that there are clients that do, and many of them tell me that their dog starts to whine or bark in excitement when they turn onto a certain road on their way to the clinic, or when they pull up to the front door.  My question to you, is ‘How can you foster feeling for your clients and their dog(s)?’ 

Some ideas I’ve had to make your rehab sessions and ‘event’ to look forward to include the following:

  • Have treats available for both owners & dogs (not the same treats of course).
  • Make a fuss over the owner and their dog.  Firstly, try to genuinely find things that are likeable about each person and each dog.  I honestly believe that every person is interesting… you just have to figure out where, why, or how.  And if a person is bringing their dog for rehab / physio… then there must be something loveable about that dog (at least in the owners eyes)!
  • Remember things about your clients and ask questions!  What do they do for a living?  Where do they work?  What did they do last weekend?  How did that big date go?  Learn how to have a conversation with your clients!
  • Give the dog some extra petting or affection at the beginning or end of the appointment.  Win the dog over… on the dog’s terms!
  • Point out the positives and provide encouragement.  When people have had a surgery on their dog or their dog has suffered an injury, they’re scared and worried.  You’re job is to make the feel at ease that you have a plan and that things are progressing normally.  Now, obviously if you need to tell the client that they have to work harder, return to their regular veterinarian, or further restrict their dog, then you need to do it… but how can you do it in such a way as to be likeable yet influential?

Well these are some of my ideas… but I’d love to hear from you!  Do you have strategies that have intentionally or unintentionally made your service an time for clients and pets to look forward to?  Drop me a line to pass along your thoughts!

Until next time… Cheers!

Laurie



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