Medicine Talk

Contributing Author Article Database
We are happy to announce a very exciting opportunity to you. Medicine Talk has created an article section on the site where you can now publish original articles as a contributing author of Medicine Talk! This feature offers a number of advantages to you and to our larger community:

• increase your exposure to the public and members of Medicine Talk
• enrich the body of Naturopathic literature
• gain the opportunity to have your article reprinted by other websites and organizations
• publish your original research for the general public
• free marketing opportunity
• potential to have your article turned into a Medicine Talk presentation
• have your Web site come up higher in seach engine results through greater Internet exposure
• feel confident that your work is being published in an ethical, credible and research-based resource. Medicine Talk is in no way funded by companies that have financial gain from the information published
• for more information, visit the Contributing Author section of MedicineTalk.org

New - Find an ND Database
A free online directory to help patients find Naturopathic Doctors in their area.

• This service makes it easy for people to find you.
• Register for free.
• The directory is open to the public, no membership required to view listings.
• List your address, phone, email, Web site, a picture, area of specialty, and a description of your practice. Only for accredited Naturopathic Doctors!
• Easy to register -- click "Add Entry" in the right-side menu at Medincine Talk ND Corner..

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Web Design by TC

A new resource for our Naturopathic Community - Web Design by TC is a freelance web design company with over 5 years experience helping Naturopathic Doctors plan, design and maintain web sites. Specializing in affordable web design with an emphasis on quality and customer service, this company understands that each business is unique - especially small business. The owner of Web Design by TC, Twila Camp, says "The work you do isn't a job, it's your livelihood. That's why I personalize my services to match your needs". Visit Web Design by TC site to learn about Twila's education, view the services she offers, and explore her portfolio. Feel free to contact her with any questions.

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Building a Referral Network

When we talk about building a referral network, many folks immediately think about the Business Networking groups who love to meet at 5 AM. While that is definitely one way to begin to build a referral network, we have some other strategies for you to consider. First, remember that a referral network only works if you are referring people back to the folks you are asking for referrals from. With that in mind, it is worth 30 minutes to an hour of your time to make a list of the folks you would like to add to your network.

As the folks in your referral network will reflect back on you, here are some general guidelines for who to include:

• people who are ND friendly
• people who offer exceptional service
• people who will refer back to you
• people who enjoy a good reputation in the community
• people who are trustworthy and reliable

Who should you include? The idea is to be able to offer resources to your patients, and there are a number of professionals that you will rely on over the years to come. Some suggestions for folks to include:

• MDs/DOs who serve as primary care doctors
• Specialists such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, pediatrician, oncologist, dermatologist, rheumatologist
• Nutritionist
• Dietician
• Massage therapist
• Acupunturist
• Colon Hydrotherapist
• Chiropractic Doctor
• Nurse Practitioner
• Dentist
• Veterinarian
• Co-op and Healthfood store owner
• Environmentally friendly cleaner - duct, carpet, clothes, etc.
• Healthy restaurants, butchers, etc.

How do you find folks to build into your network?

• Ask local NDs - One very good place to start is to ask your fellow, local NDs who they use. You will find a number of people who are already working with the ND community. You will need to be sure that there are reasons for these already existing networked professionals to refer to you in addition to the NDs they are already referring to. In order to find that out, ask the NDs if there are areas they prefer not to work in and see if any of those areas are within your purview. Or, if you already have a specialty, then focus on that specialty when contacting these networked professionals.
• Do some internet research - You can pretty easily and quickly generate a list of area healthcare providers who have a holistic slant to their practice and this is good list to start with.
• Attend area health fairs and walk around to meet and greet other professionals.
• Ask people you already know and are networked with.
• Ask your patients, friends and family.

How do you build and maintain this network?

• Set up lunch - You will need some face and interaction time with these folks. You will want to meet them, but you also need to take the time to let them get to know you a bit. If they already subscribe to a holisitc approach to health, they will probably be familiar with the ND profession, but they will not know you or realize when and why to refer to you. Every once in awhile, every 4 months or so, go out for lunch again.
• Literature and Marketing - Provide your professional brochures and business cards, IN A HOLDER, for them to place on their counter or office table. This will provide a valuable resource with which they can refer people to you. If you do not provide the holder, your materials will end up in a spot that may or may not ensure folks will see them. Ask for their literature and display it likewise in your space. Resource for holders.
• Introduce yourself to their office staff.
• Actually refer clients to them, and give the provider a call to let them know you have referred someone, include a case summary, one page with the reason you are referring.
• When someone has referred to you, thank them for the referral and send them notes for their chart.
• Put them on your web site and if they have one, ask to be placed on theirs.
• Consider working with your state association to create an ND friendly practitioner database that new NDs moving into the area can access as a member benefit.

This can be a rewarding and rich experience, one that is mutually beneficial for the practitioners, but more importantly, it is something that really supports your patients in their healing journey.

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Next Issue:

• Local Media Part 2: Getting Yourself on TV
• Podcasting
• Live Seminar Schedule for 2010
• School affiliations announced

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Legislation in FL

Yes, it is that time again - and you can help. Friends, family, students, professionals - all who are interested in seeing the state of Florida open up can help. From simply joining for as little as $10 as a supporting member of the FNPA (Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association) to making larger cash donations, we can make this dream come true. It is an excellent playing field right now and we have HIGH hopes. Help as you can, spread the word, let's make this happen.

To become a member, follow this link: FNPA Member
To make a donation, follow this link: Donate

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Spread the Word

Let your classmates and colleagues know about Business Naturally. We can help one another build strong, vibrant and thriving practices. Collectively we can provide resources to one another that will bring Naturopathic Medicine and Naturopathic Doctors leaps and bounds closer to being in every person's home...we can become all that our forefathers and mothers dreamed we would become ...together.

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