Foursquare: A Practice-Patient Relationship Builder
By Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Most of you know April 15 is tax day. But how many of you know the next day, April 16, is Foursquare Day? Foursquare, for the uninitiated, is a social network that enables people in your network to share their location and receive notifications as others “check into” local stores, a favorite restaurant, even your office.
You may think the idea of your patients knowing where you go may not be for you. However, 8 million people use and enjoy the service and probably some of them are your patients. I’ve found participation foursquare to be a great relationship-builder with patients. Let’s say I’ve checked in at a local restaurant that some of my patients also visit. That commonality gives another point of conversation, and reinforces that I am part of the community, enhancing the image of my practice. It also creates new connections with other entrepreneurial people which lead to business-to-business relationships.
I’ve found that foursquare is good for business and my practice is making the most of this new relationship-building tool by offering Foursquare Day specials. Anyone who “checks in” at my practice on April 16th and purchases a pair of eyeglasses will receive a second pair of eyeglasses of equal or lesser value free.
Are you ready to let go of your reservations and give this new way of connecting to your patients a try? Foursquare Day is the perfect day for “testing the waters.” For those ready to take the plunge, what are your plans? What new promotions will you plan around all that “checking in?” What are some of your concerns?
