We are consumers at heart. When decisions have to be made there is almost always serious consideration given to all of the possibilities that will result from each option in the decision. I'll give a few examples.
The last time you purchased a television, how much time did you spend trying to find the "perfect" T.V. set for you and your family. We decide by comparing the way they look, the way they sound, the way they will fit into the space we have set aside. Each of these things is an important ingredient in finding that perfect set.
How about a car? Most people who are going to buy a car will spend many weeks getting ready to buy. They will do research either online or in magazines and other information sources. They may travel to a variety of dealerships in order to find the perfect relationship with the perfect car salesman who is giving them the "best deal" that they can.
Both of these, and many other major decisions that we make on a fairly regular basis are things that we spend an enormous amount of time trying to figure out. That time spent can be referred to as being the best "consumer" that you can. Important and expensive decisions deserve that kind of time, right?
So, how many people put that same level of consumerism into their visits to their regular physician? Most people are completely opposite in their approach to their medical care. We go to the doctor that one person recommended and take the doctor's word for it on almost everything that they say. If there is a test recommended, or two or three just to "make sure" we will go along because they are the doctor. Right? Well, who is to say that every recommendation made by a doctor is, or should be THE way that things go?
When there is an important, and particularly an expensive decision to be made with regard to our medical care that is a situation that is worthy of our "consumerism" roots. Why not apply all of the tactics we use as consumers of major electronics or automobiles, to the recommendations made by the doctor for the sake of our health? Isn't the personal health of an individual the MOST important thing that we can look after?
The next time there is a medical decision to be made, be a Consumer! Ask the questions, get more opinions, and be 100% sure that this doctor and recommdation is THE best when it comes to your care under those curcumstances. An attitude of consumerism when visiting the care professionals we are involved with will do many things, including drive everyone's cost for care down and make for more competetive situation for the doctors offices, Try it, you may just like the outcome...
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
19th Hole Networking
Networking is one of those things that we all must do to some degree to grow our business. There are many ways to effectively network within the business community, and each of us must find the best way for us. In order to create a little something new, Scott Jarvis at West Bank and I came up with a different way to network.
It is called 19th Hole Networking, and it is intended for those of us who "have to network and love to golf". Yes, that's right, we get together twice a month on the driving range of local Des Moines Metro golf courses to improve our network as well as our golf game. The whole concept seems to have caught on this summer since we are getting around 20-25 people in attendance each time we go out. If you are not a golfer, don't worry. There is usually a professional teacher on hand to help with the rudiments of the game or give some tips to those of us who go out often. Either way, don't let golf be the barrier that keeps you from visiting our group. Many times, we will leave the range and at least one forsome will then venture out onto the golf course. It is a relaxing and different way to engage in that necessary and usually useful activity we all call "networking".
On the networking side, we are looking for individuals who want to add value to those they are in contact with on a regular basis. Although business has been placed because of connections made on the practice tee this summer, we encourage those in attendance to be on the lookout for ways to assist others they meet. I believe, as do most of us who attend these events, that looking to help those we are connected with is the most important priority.
If that description sounds like you, I invite you to join us for the next few events. We will be at Willow Creek in West Des Moines on Thursday, August 14th from 12:00-1:00 PM, and then at TCI on Thursday September 4th in the same time frame. Don't go jumping to any conclusions and assume that we always meet on Thursdays. It just happens that these two events both needed to be on the Thursday of the week where they met. In fact, I usually try to vary the day of the week because of the standing commitments that many folks have on a particular day of the week. Any questions, please feel free to post a comment. I'm sure you won't be the first one who has the question, and you may be helping out someone by getting the question answered.
See you on the links!
Matt
It is called 19th Hole Networking, and it is intended for those of us who "have to network and love to golf". Yes, that's right, we get together twice a month on the driving range of local Des Moines Metro golf courses to improve our network as well as our golf game. The whole concept seems to have caught on this summer since we are getting around 20-25 people in attendance each time we go out. If you are not a golfer, don't worry. There is usually a professional teacher on hand to help with the rudiments of the game or give some tips to those of us who go out often. Either way, don't let golf be the barrier that keeps you from visiting our group. Many times, we will leave the range and at least one forsome will then venture out onto the golf course. It is a relaxing and different way to engage in that necessary and usually useful activity we all call "networking".
On the networking side, we are looking for individuals who want to add value to those they are in contact with on a regular basis. Although business has been placed because of connections made on the practice tee this summer, we encourage those in attendance to be on the lookout for ways to assist others they meet. I believe, as do most of us who attend these events, that looking to help those we are connected with is the most important priority.
If that description sounds like you, I invite you to join us for the next few events. We will be at Willow Creek in West Des Moines on Thursday, August 14th from 12:00-1:00 PM, and then at TCI on Thursday September 4th in the same time frame. Don't go jumping to any conclusions and assume that we always meet on Thursdays. It just happens that these two events both needed to be on the Thursday of the week where they met. In fact, I usually try to vary the day of the week because of the standing commitments that many folks have on a particular day of the week. Any questions, please feel free to post a comment. I'm sure you won't be the first one who has the question, and you may be helping out someone by getting the question answered.
See you on the links!
Matt
Monday, August 4, 2008
And away we go...
So I decided to enter the blogosphere, and I'm not really sure what to expect. It's a fascinating concept that we can all exchange information/thoughts/beliefs without actually having met each other before. I'm sure my "expectations" will be in a constant state of flux so my ability to be flexible and "go with the flow" will hopefully come in handy.
I know a number of insightful and intelligent people who have been blogging for a long time now. They have all encouraged me to come on into the water, and so here I am. I will certainly lean on their comfort and expertise in the "blogosphere", and I hope to become that kind of a resource for those who would follow me.
I know a number of insightful and intelligent people who have been blogging for a long time now. They have all encouraged me to come on into the water, and so here I am. I will certainly lean on their comfort and expertise in the "blogosphere", and I hope to become that kind of a resource for those who would follow me.
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