Everyone has to eat

I know, I know. You're very busy, lots to do and patients - and staff - waiting.

I always recommend to all clients to make it a point to get out at least once a week and have lunch with someone related to your practice. Referring physicians, physicians you would like to refer to you, key business leaders and others with influence are all potential lunch guests. Lunch need not be overly expensive - depending upon where you live, a mid-level restaurant with fast service will do nicely.

Forbes magazine has an article this week titled, "The Art of the Business Lunch". Much of it is obvious in retrospect, but some of the little things can make a business lunch smoother. One is to order easy to eat foods, another is to avoid alchohol (as a physician, that's a ready excuse), and another is to make sure that the bill comes to you. An interesting read, and one you should share with your practice manager, who can also be a strong advocate for your practice.

If you invite someone out, send them a short thank you note - handwritten, if possible - to thank them for their time and/or ideas and insights. These kinds of meetings are hard to quantify for a return, but many guests will introduce you to others who may become important to your practice. Some pharma and medical device reps, by the way, are known and have good reputations in the community - they are the ones who can help you (and will pick up the tab!).