Don't mention Christmas

Say what, you mentioning Christmas now?

Yes, I am. It is an important discussion to have as Christmas is rapidly approaching and many of you are asking me about shutting over the festive period, whether you should do it or not.

The answer is, that it is your choice. If you are new in practice, then maybe a little thought needs to go into that answer but in general I think it is a great time to down tools and stop. Enjoy the break and prepare for the next year.

This year’s Christmas falls on a Saturday and News years day the following Saturday, therefore the natural and easy break is Friday 24th – Monday 3rd. This gives a clean week off.
For those who want 2 weeks, my best advice would be to consider the Wednesday-to-Wednesday option. This allows for opening on a week and more flexibility to patients. It is also a great way to reset your capacity, condensing the week into a few days you will really see your potential. So, consider Wednesday 22nd to Wednesday 5th.

The other key things to be thinking about and planning are:

1.       Your Annual Meeting.
Discussing and evaluating how the year went and planning for the year to come.

2.       Your marketing for Christmas.
How to keep the new patient flow and how to let your patients know your holiday period.

3.       Your New Year marketing and sales.
Plan your offers and marketing for the new year ahead of your holiday, or you will regret working through.

4.       Your Christmas patient appreciation.
This is a really good time to give back and thank your patients, whether that be a formal event or just hot chocolate and mice pies one day.

Simple steps and planning but essential to make the festive period one of rest for you too!

With love

Tom