Its Not Just About Business Owners

Guest Contributor: Chris Barrow
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In our dental mastermind groups (The Breathe Business Club) we took advice from our clients last year and opened the doors to their business managers this year.

That was a radical departure from the usual "Owners and working spouses only" rule that has prevailed for the last 7 years.

But the clients have evolved (all of them dentists) and their marketplace has evolved, to embrace a far more serious approach to the business end of things.

So whereas before, they were happy to do their own book-keeping and administration, they now have to cope with the demands of:

1. Sophisticated financial modelling and pricing;

2. Robust marketing systems;

3. Excellent customer service skills;

4. Non-clinical operational controls and

5. Team-building

What historically was the preserve of the typical lone ranger, has now become the responsibility of people with different skill-sets.

In January we allowed business managers to attend our quarterly two-day meetings - and the effect was immediate and very welcome.

Our new guests added to the debate from the "grass roots" perspective - and, to the relief of the clients, often took the lions share of the "fieldwork" back home with them after the event.

Looking forward, we are considering either some special workshops for business managers throughout the year, or even a business managers mastermind group in addition.

By serving the needs of our clients, we are expanding the income generating opportunities in our core business.