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You are here: Home1 / Pharmacy Growth Strategies

Tag Archive for: Pharmacy Growth Strategies

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5 Programs Your Independent Pharmacy Can’t Afford to Ignore

May 17, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Growth Strategies/by pdsmarketing

 

5 Programs Your Independent Pharmacy Can't Afford to IgnoreAs an independent pharmacy owner, you have the ability to implement programs and services more easily than chain pharmacies. Often times, one of the hardest parts of expanding your services is figuring out what programs are a good fit for your pharmacy. After all, with numerous options available, how do you choose what’s right for pharmacy?
Before you decide to implement a new program, it’s important to understand the wants and needs of your patients. Determine what services other pharmacies in your area are offering and what they are not offering Talk to your patients, understand their needs, and decide what niches might help meet those needs.Do you need some help figuring out what programs and services to offer? We’ve put together a list of five programs your independent pharmacy can’t afford to ignore if you want to grow your pharmacy.

Free Children’s Vitamin Program

Offering a free children’s vitamin program is a great way to support the health and well-being of the children in your community. At home and at school, children often come in contact with an abundance of germs and bacteria. When children get  the right amount of vitamins and minerals on a  daily basis, it  boost their immune system and helps  their little bodies fight potential illnesses. If you’re worried that giving away free vitamins will cost you more than it’s worth, don’t be– a free vitamin program gives you a great opportunity to earn patient trust and loyalty.  Customers will keep coming  back to your pharmacy to fill prescriptions, buy retail merchandise and refer friends and family.

Delivery Services

Depending on where your pharmacy is located, you may find that patients can’t always make it into your store during regular hours. They  might not have access to transportation or time to get to your store before or after work, which makes a delivery service very appealing. Home delivery doesn’t mean putting medications in a box and shipping them. It means someone on your team takes the time to hand-deliver medications to a patient’s home, work, senior living facility, etc. When you set up a  delivery service program, you can assign specific delivery hours and distances your team can travel. For example, you can choose to deliver within a five-mile radius during week days. Setting up home delivery parameters ensures that you can accommodate patients who want to take advantage of this convenient service and that you  always have enough employees in your pharmacy during your busiest times.

Immunizations

Pharmacies across the country are beginning to add immunizations to their list of services. Offering various vaccines shows that you value the health and wellness of your patients and that you are willing to go an extra mile to make their life better. Offering the most common vaccinations such as flu shots, shingles, Gardasil®, Hepatitis B, and travel vaccines will help save your patients a trip to their primary care physician and once again, will help you build trust and long term connections with your customer base.

Medication Adherence Programs

One of the most difficult things for patients is remembering to take their medications consistently. Medication Adherence programs make it easy for patients to remember to fill their prescriptions on time as they fill all of the prescriptions in a single order. Successful Medication Adherence programs involve identifying patients who need help with compliance, and developing plans that will make it easier for them to consistently take their medications on a regular basis.

Diabetes Management Programs

For patients living with diabetes, maintaining health is often overwhelming and confusing. Diabetes management empowers your patients to take control of their diabetes and gives them the tools they need to manage it effectively. Some of the different services you can offer include education on blood glucose meters and nutrition as well as offering classes that cover different aspects of living with diabetes.Loooking for more ways to compete with national chain pharmacies? Download our free eBook, 3 Innovative Ways to Compete in the Pharmacy Market

 

https://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ProgramsPharmacyCantAffordToIgnore.jpg 125 600 pdsmarketing http://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PDS-logo.svg pdsmarketing2015-05-17 08:17:092018-04-16 14:02:495 Programs Your Independent Pharmacy Can’t Afford to Ignore
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How to Determine a Pharmacy Technician Salary

May 16, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Staff Development/by pdsmarketing

 

PharmacyTechnicianSalaryYou’re a trained and experienced pharmacist that made thejump to run your ownpharmacy – congratulations! Running a business is hard work and overseeing an independent pharmacy is no exceptionAs you may have already figured out, business ownership is a whole different animal with a lot of new responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is hiring great people.

Hiring is one of your most important tasks as a pharmacy owner, but finding the right talent for your team may be easier said than done. You may need to be patient while searching for qualified pharmacy technicians who will make running your business more fluid and manageable. Because top pharmacy technicians are so important to running a successful pharmacy they are in high demand. The projected growth rate for pharmacy positions is expected to increase by 20% from 2012 to 2022, resulting in 70,000 new jobs. This has to do with the to rising numbers of people (including young adults) diagnosed with chronic diseases and the constant innovation of new pharmaceutical drugs.

A pharmacy technician is not the sole dispenser of medications like a pharmacist. Technicians typically assist in measuring, mixing, counting and labeling dosages of medications. Also, pharmacy technicians usually don’t advise patients about their medications

If you are in search of top-notch, detail-oriented pharmacy technician you will want to offer a competitive salary and other non-monetary benefits. Here is a deeper look at how to determine the appropriate pharmacy technician salary.

Average Pharmacy Technician Salary

The average annual pharmacy technician salary in the United States is $29,320 (source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics). Salaries range from $20,600 on the low end to $43,200 on the high end. Formal pharmacy-specific education is not a requirement for the pharmacy technician position. The salary range for your employees will factor in experience, geographic location and healthcare category.

Compared to similar positions in related fields, pharmacy technicians earn slightly more than a certified nursing assistant ($26,000), veterinary assistant ($25,000), or medical assistant ($30,700). On the other end of the spectrum, a pharmacy technician’s salary is lower than health care positions such as; dental hygienist ($71,500), ultrasound technician ($67,100), or pharmacist ($116,500).

Geographic Location

Pharmacy technician salaries will also vary in different parts of the country. The highest paying states are primarily located on the west coast while the highest employment levels are in the midwest and on the east coast. Eight of the top ten cities paying the highest average technician salaries are in California. Salaries range from $41,00 to $48,000. Smaller towns and states like Washington and Alaska have high demand and also pay some of the highest average pharmacy technician salaries.

Finding the best people for your pharmacy is invaluable to being a successful business owner. Attracting the right people by offering a good salary and comfortable work environment can be key to your success. Paying a little more than the average salary to hire a top-quality recruit with a wealth of experience is worth an extra dollar because hiring the right candidate is a smart business investment that will produce a high ROI.

Do you have an effective hiring strategy in place? Just like all other processes in your business, the hiring and training of new talent requires an effective action plan. Take a look at our free ebook, The Pharmacy Owner’s Guide to an Exceptionally Effective Implementation to help you develop effective strategies for all aspects of your pharmacy.

https://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/PharmacyTechnicianSalary.jpg 125 600 pdsmarketing http://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PDS-logo.svg pdsmarketing2015-05-16 08:17:082018-04-16 14:05:12How to Determine a Pharmacy Technician Salary
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Tips for Reducing Stress in Your Pharmacy

May 15, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Growth Strategies/by pdsmarketing

 

Tips for Reducing Stress in Your Independent PharmacyOwning a pharmacy can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be stressful. Although tension is present in virtually every career, that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce it. Some of the factors that impact the amount of stress in a pharmacy environment include: prescription volume, patient population, management style, automation efficiency, store layout, daily distractions and more.
Failing to manage the stress in your pharmacy environment can have a negative impact on patient safety, personal health, and the overall success of your pharmacy. As you already know, too much stress can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, high blood pressure and even obesity. If left unresolved for too long, it can also cause employee burnout.As a pharmacy owner, what should you do to reduce stress and avoid burnout for yourself and your team? Encourage your team to stay on top of their own well being and focus on those actions that you can take to help your team get through challenging and difficult times.

Communicate with your team

When you feel overwhelmed your natural reaction may be to withdraw from your team. However, the best thing you can do is to engage with your team if you notice that they are at their wits end. Regularly communicate with your employees and figure out how you can help remedy their concerns. Maybe they’re overwhelmed because another team member is out of town resulting in a heavier workload. Or maybe they are in need of additional training, but haven’t reached out to let you know. Leading your pharmacy through a stressful period requires clear and effective communication. Refrain from negativity, anger or placing blame. Work with your team to identify issues and figure out ways to resolve them together.

Watch for road blocks

Inevitably there will be situations that become roadblocks in your pharmacy workflow. Even though you may not be working with patients every day, it’s important that you help your staff recognize potential issues before they occur. Some roadblocks may include insurance issues, problems with physicians, or patients that don’t completely understand their medications. It’s important that you work with your team to find solutions that will help them remain productive and provide patients with a positive customer experience.

Remain calm and positive

This may sound like a given, but remember that stress and anxiety are contagious. If you appear to be stressed out or overwhelmed, your staff will feel it too. Force yourself to speak in a normal tone, slow down your rhythm, and always remember to smile. It may seem counterproductive to “fake it,” but as a leader, your team looks to you for guidance. If you need to, step away from the situation for a moment and come back when you are in a positive mental state.

Prioritize tasks

There’s more to prioritizing than determining which prescriptions need to be filled first. You know all too well that at any given moment, there are a number of different things that need to get done in your pharmacy each day. All of the little things add up quickly, and you and your team may be tempted to tackle the small, less important tasks to “get them out of the way.” However, when things get tough, prioritize which tasks are the most important, and attack those first. Not only will you get your highest priorities out of the way, but you’ll also reduce your stress levels in the process.Regardless of whether you are new to pharmacy ownership or a seasoned veteran, stress will always play a role in your pharmacy. Knowing how to deal effectively with the stress can make all the difference in how your team responds to situations and how your pharmacy operates.Looking for ways to set goals and implement new programs without all of the stress? Download our free eBook,

https://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/TipsForReducingStress.jpg 125 600 pdsmarketing http://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PDS-logo.svg pdsmarketing2015-05-15 08:17:072018-04-16 14:09:07Tips for Reducing Stress in Your Pharmacy
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7 Best Practices for a Dynamic Pharmacy Leader

May 14, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Staff Development/by pdsmarketing

 

7 Best Practices for a Dynamic Pharmacy Leader

Being a pharmacy owner isn’t easy. From keeping up with industry regulations and new technology to managing a team of people, there are always multiple things going on at the same time. If there’s one thing that you’ve learned during your time as a pharmacy owner, it’s that being a dynamic pharmacy leader isn’t just an option – it’s a requirement.Becoming a more dynamic pharmacy leader takes time and effort, but with dedication, determination, and taking it one day at a time, you’ll watch your leadership skills and your pharmacy soar to new heights.

Wondering how to become a more dynamic leader in your pharmacy? Here are seven best practices to follow.

1. Define your Leadership Style

Leadership means different things to different people. For some, leadership means making things better; for others, leadership is a guiding force that provides tools to achieve great results. It’s okay if your definition isn’t the same as someone else’s, but it should always be centered around one thing: helping others. Knowing this will help you make better decisions when it comes to managing employees and providing great customer service.

2. Learn to manage others and yourself effectively and efficiently

Textbooks provide us with complex definitions of management. They seek to divide management into five main functions: planning, organization, staffing, direction, and control. In real-life situations, it’s difficult to stick to this division because there are so many different facets of management.

Learning how to delegate is a key factor in successful business management. Delegation is more than just transferring your work to someone else. It’s the process of ensuring that the division of labor is clear, everyone is held accountable and everyone is aware that the company’s success depends exclusively on how each person performs his or her job.

While delegating responsibility and giving your team an opportunity to be the best in what they do is an essential element of management, self-management is also important. Remember to hold yourself accountable in your decision-making, whether good or bad, because your team looks up to you as their leader and their role model.

3. Dress for success

Regardless of whether you’re behind the counter or on the store floor, how you dress has a direct impact on how you feel about your job and how others perceive you . Dressing professionally in the workplace can help drive your performance through confidence, high self-esteem, and recognition. When you dress well, you’re confident, and when you’re confident, your performance improves.

4. Embrace change and make progress

Change is a part of any industry, and pharmacy is no exception. In order to thrive, it’s essential that you’re able to embrace change. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and ask questions like “why?””what if?” Remember, you should always keep in mind that your vision will rarely be achieved immediately. Progress takes time, and you must be persistent to prevail.

5. Commit to continuous self-development

ou spent many years in school to become a pharmacist, and it’s easy to want to leavethe books and education behind you. However, as a pharmacy leader, it’s important that you reject the temptation to stop learning. Attend conferences, go to training sessions, and read up on the latest industry news. Commit yourself to learning and embracing knowledge in as many ways as you can.

6. Practice in a disciplined manner

When you’re disciplined, you will reduce the potential for error. Often times, it’s tempting to skip over steps that feel unnecessary or time-consuming. However, doing this could result in an error or harm. Being disciplined means adhering to every step of the process and understanding that these processes are put in place for a reason.

One of the biggest challenges you will face is getting your entire team to adhere to every step of a process. Often times, a step in the process will be skipped, but despite this, the end goal is still met. This leads to your team feeling as though the step is unnecessary, and they will continue to skip that step in the future. It’s important to recognize this before it becomes a bigger issue. Set a good example for your team by explaining why certain steps are important and making sure that you lead by example. Do your best not to pass bad habits on to your employees, and always be disciplined by following each step of the process.

7. Learn to communicate effectively

In order to effectively communicate with other people, it’s important that we listen first and speak second. Some ways to show that you’re listening include nonverbal cues such as nodding, avoiding interrupting, and asking open-ended questions. The key to communication is making sure that both parties understand the message. In order for communication to be effective, it needs to be received the way it was intended.

As a pharmacy leader, you have a responsibility to contribute to the evolution and advancement of the profession. The seven best practices outlined above help support this goal and will allow you to grow into the best pharmacy leader you can be.

Ready to learn more about how you can grow your pharmacy and become a more dynamic pharmacy leader? Learn more and register for the PDS 2016 Together Toward Tomorrow Conference.
Save My Seat For PDS 2016

 

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5 Key Traits of Successful Pharmacy Entrepreneurs

May 13, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Growth Strategies/by pdsmarketing

 

5 Key Traits of Successful Pharmacy EntrepreneursThe world’s most popular entrepreneurs like Donald Trump and Steve Jobs intrigue everyone, however, there’s a common misconception that being a successful entrepreneur means being very well-known and highly acclaimed. You don’t have to be Sir Richard Branson or Mark Zuckerberg or change the course of history to be a successful entrepreneur. You also don’t have to be Type A personality, an overachiever, a workaholic or even an extrovert, to run a successful pharmacy business. Successful entrepreneurs come from all backgrounds and walks of life, and many of them are just like you.

Whether you’re the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company or the owner of an independent pharmacy, successful entrepreneurs have several common traits. These include:

Passion

Many successful pharmacy entrepreneurs are passionate about evolving the community pharmacy industry and this is what fuels them to succeed. Entrepreneurship is not a path for someone who is just interested in going through the motions, it’s a career path for people who strive to improve the lives of others regardless of the roadblocks that lie ahead.

Fearlessness

On a scale from “avoids risk” to “risk taker,” entrepreneurs tend to fall closer to the latter. Being fearless means being bold and making decisions even if they’re scary. It means being comfortable with the idea that failure is a possibility, but holding back is not an option.

Adaptability

The pharmacyindustry is ever-changing, and the most successful pharmacy entrepreneurs and their teams are able to quickly adapt to these changes. Things may even evolve from the time you think about implementing a new program to the time it’s actually in place. Sometimes, unforeseen issues arise and a change in course is needed.

For example, you decide to start a travel vaccination program, your team is trained and as you get ready to launch several key employees leave. You no longer have the resources you need but instead of giving up on the program, you assemble a new team and prepare for the launch. As a successful entrepreneur, you know that in order to achieve something bigger you have to overcome obstacles and remain fluid.

Vision

One of the defining traits of successful entrepreneurship is the ability to see an opportunity and turn ideas into action. The most successful pharmacy entrepreneurs have a curiosity that cannot be contained. They are constantly on the lookout for new programs that can benefit their community and will help their business grow. They are constantly creating ways to make things better, and they effectively communicate their vision to their staff, customers, and their community.

Self-Discipline

Being a successful entrepreneur doesn’t mean staying at your pharmacy until all hours of the night or working during your vacations. The most successful entrepreneurs know that you need to spend more time your business instead of in it. It’s important that you have the self-discipline to step away from working behind the counter and to focus on the tasks that need to be done such as; hiring new employees, setting up new processes, and building a positive culture.During your journey as a pharmacy entrepreneur, you’re going to make mistakes, and there may be times when you want to give up. What sets the most successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest is fearlessness, self-discipline, adaptability, vision, and passion. If you don’t already embody these characteristics, it’s okay. Not all entrepreneurs do, and you can still be successful. The most important thing is to use your strengths to your advantage and always strive to be a better person, owner, and entrepreneur.

Want to learn more about pharmacy ownership and standing out from the crowd? Download our free eBook, 3 Innovative Ways to Compete in the Pharmacy Market

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3 Ways to Increase Cash Business for Your Independent Pharmacy

May 12, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Profits and ROI/by pdsmarketing

 

3 Ways to Increase Cash Business for Your Independent PharmacyPositive cash flow is the key to running a successful pharmacy. Understanding your cash flow is key to knowing where your revenue is coming from and where it’s going. As a pharmacist, you may not have a financial background and the accounting jargon may be a little confusing until you learn how to review your financial statements. Learning to read financial statements will help you find opportunities to increase profitability and identify the gaps that could hurt your pharmacy. Once you know where to look for additional revenue sources and find hidden risks you will have better control over your financials.

Here is a breakdown of three core financial reports that will help you squeeze more cash out of your pharmacy business.

1. Understand your Profit & Loss Statements

Profit and Loss statements (also referred to as a P&L, income statement, or revenue statement) give you a snapshot of the net income of your business. That’s done by subtracting all of your expenses from the total revenue you bring in. The complexity of these statements varies by business. While a single pharmacy might have a straightforward and simple statement, an owner with multiple pharmacy locations may have an extremely complex statement. P&L statements can be generated to track income and expenses over any period of time. Most commonly, they are produced monthly, quarterly, and annually. A P&L statement allows you the opportunity to review your net income which is essential for making sound business decisions. You will also need a P&L statement if you plan to apply for a small business loan. Knowing these terms and understanding the insights they provide can help you operate a more profitable pharmacy. Read your P&L statement regularly for signs that you are on the right track or for warnings that you might need to make some adjustments. Compare and contrast your most recent statements with past statements for a better picture of your current standings and to help make informed decisions in the future.

2. Perform Trend Analysis

How much do you know about your sales trends right now? You probably wish you knew more about your sales and patients’ buying habits. The more you know, the more effectively you can manage your pharmacy. Performing sales trend analysis can give you valuable insight into the inner-workings of your pharmacy. Use your data to make informed decisions, like when to raise or lower prices on your products or to understand how your pharmacy has performed in a certain time frame. A correctly performed trend analysis gives you an idea about where to make necessary adjustments, so your whole business stays on track. Start with a year-to-year comparison of the last three years, using your end-of-year P&L statements and balance sheets. The year-over-year comparison will highlight if there are any areas of concern. Then start conducting a trend analysis on a quarter-by-quarter basis to fine-tune your financial forecast.

You can use trend analysis to help improve your business by:

  • providing evidence to inform your decision-making
  • identifying areas where your business is underperforming
  • identifying areas where your business is performing well so you can duplicate the success

3. Budget Variance Report

How do you gauge the month to month health and budgets of your pharmacy? The answer is a Budget Variance Report. Variances are the difference between budgeted amounts and actual income or expenses. Use variance reports to make necessary changes in financial forecasts and monitor the performance of your pharmacy. Variance explanations might prompt an owner to put stronger financial controls in place or to reallocate resources. For example, some pharmacy owners might exceed budgeted amounts for marketing expenses because they feel the added spending will lead to a favorable variance in income.

By studying these financial reports, you’ll be able to understand the financial health of your pharmacy. When you understand the numbers, you’ll be able to adjust and create additional cash where it didn’t exist before. If finances aren’t your strong suite, then you’ll need to hire an accountant to analyze and explain the data to you. t’s worth putting in the time to understand or paying someone to help you understand.

Looking for ways to increase profits and stand out in the pharmacy industry? Download our free eBook, 3 Innovative Ways to Compete in the Pharmacy Market

 

https://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IncreaseCashBusiness.jpg 125 600 pdsmarketing http://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PDS-logo.svg pdsmarketing2015-05-12 08:17:082018-04-16 14:17:103 Ways to Increase Cash Business for Your Independent Pharmacy
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6 Steps to Starting a Pharmacy Immunization Program

May 9, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Growth Strategies/by pdsmarketing

6 Steps to Starting a Pharmacy Immunization ProgramExpanding into a new niche or offering a new program is a great way to differentiate yourself from national chain pharmacies in your area, increase sales, and ultimately grow your pharmacy business. Both chain and independent pharmacies all over the country are adding immunizations to their list of services, however running a successful program goes far beyond simply putting vaccinations on the menu. One of the biggest reasons independent pharmacy owners don’t already have an immunization program in place is a lack of time and commitment to get started.

If this sounds familiar, here are six important steps every pharmacy owner should consider before starting a successful immunization program.

1. Determine if there’s a need

One of the first steps you should take before implementing any new program in your pharmacy is to determine if there’s a need for immunizations in your community. People of all age groups need immunizations, and people are always looking for a more convenient way to get their vaccines.

It’s important that you spend time doing research to see what other pharmacies in your area offer. Talk to your customers, and find out where they get their immunizations now. Talk to them about the possibility of offering immunization services in your pharmacy, and ask them about their opinions, what else they’d like to see, and when.

2. Know your state’s policy

Every state has regulations in regards to vaccinations pharmacists can deliver. Before you start an immunization program, be sure to check with your state’s board of pharmacy to see what vaccinations your pharmacy may administer and if there are any limitations.

3. Get certified

Proper training and certification are essential to a successful pharmacy immunization program. In order to get your pharmacy immunization license, any pharmacist who will be giving immunizations will need to attend training courses. These are often provided by a local school of pharmacy or by your state’s pharmacy association. Many of the training courses require a valid CPR card in order to complete certification, so consider taking a CPR class through the American Red Cross.

4. Market your program

Once your immunization program is in place, it’s time to start marketing your new program! Post signs throughout your store, tell your customers about it when they pick up their prescriptions, post on social media, notify local news outlets, and more. Consider calling local businesses such as churches, schools, banks, and fitness centers that might benefit from your new immunization program.

5. Administer the vaccine

So you can reach as many people as possible, consider expanding your immunization services to the off-site clinics. Remember those local businesses you called when marketing your program? Consider asking them about setting up an off-site clinic at their business. Off-site clinics offer a convenient and accessible way for people to get their vaccines. Besides, they’re great for reaching out to more people in your community.

6. Partner with other providers

 

One of the best ways to improve your community’s health and to increase immunization rates is to partner with other healthcare professionals and groups. The team approach is a great way to promote the importance of vaccinations, plus it offers an opportunity to connect with other healthcare providers and potential customers.

Specialty Pharmacist

 

Thinking about implementing a new program in your pharmacy but not sure where to start? Download our free eBook, The Pharmacy Owner’s Guide to Exceptionally Effective Implementation and get the nuts and bolts of a successful program launch!

 

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Questions to Ask Before Implementing a New Pharmacy Program

May 8, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Growth Strategies/by pdsmarketing

 

Questions to Ask Before Implementing a New Pharmacy ProgramWhen you started your pharmacy, you worked hard to lay the foundation for your business, and at times, that meant putting some ideas on the backburner. Instead, you focused on what was important at the moment, all while keeping a mental note of the programs you hoped to some day implement. There comes a time when you need to make decisions about the growth of your pharmacy. Sometimes, that means deciding what new programs to implement and when to do it. However, with all of the different factors to consider, knowing where to start may seem impossible.

If you think that it’s time to grow your list of services, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you get started:

How will this benefit my customers and community?

If you want your new program or service to be successful, you need to think about your customers and your community first. Identify your main customer base and think about all of the different programs and services that those customers would benefit from. Think about the same thing from your community’s perspective. Ask yourself:

  • What types of services is your community lacking?
  • What programs would your customers benefit from?
  • What would make my pharmacy better for my customers?

Think about all of the ways your customers and community will benefit from your new program. For example, if you’re thinking about implementing an off-site vaccination clinic, some of the benefits are that you’re making getting vaccinations convenient and accessible for your community. No matter how beneficial a new program may be for you, it’s important that you think about how it can and will benefit your current and potential customers.

Does this new program align with my goals?

All of the most successful businesses and business owners set goals, so if you haven’t already set goals for your pharmacy, now is the time to start. Setting goals for your pharmacy gives you direction for the future of your pharmacy, but it also helps give you the motivation to see that vision come to life. Goals help you focus your resources, manage your time, and they give you a plan of action for moving forward.

Before you implement a new program in your pharmacy, such as bedside delivery or an immunization program, ask yourself, “Does this program align with my pharmacy’s goals?” Remember: goals change over time, so even if a program doesn’t align with your goals right now, it may fit in with your goals in the future.

What is my strategy?

Trying to implement a new program without a strategy in place is like driving a car without a destination in mind. Sure, you’ll get somewhere, but you’ll never get where you want to go. You can’t move ahead if you don’t have a direction in mind. Before taking on this new endeavor, think about the big picture and the end goal. Some questions to ask yourself are:

  • How does this program fit in with your goals?
  • Who is your target audience, and who are you trying to reach?
  • What steps do you need to take to get this program up and running?
  • What training is involved?
  • How will I market this program?

It’s a lot to think about, but having a solid implementation strategy in place before getting started will save you a lot of headache in the future.

What do I need to do to help my team prepare?

Implementing a new program means enlisting the help of your team. After all, they’re the ones working day in and day out to make things happen. If your team isn’t prepared for the implementation of a new program, there’s almost no way that it will be successful. It’s not only important that you get your team on board with all of the ideas you have for your pharmacy but that you also provide your team with the training they need to be successful. Take the time to sit down with your team and let them ask you any questions they have. You may not have all of the answers right away, and that’s okay. Write down their questions, figure out the answers, and then meet again to continue the discussion. Your team will appreciate that you took the time to think about their needs, and they’ll be better prepared for when you start the implementation process.

Thinking about implementing a new program in your pharmacy but need some direction on how to move forward? Download our free eBook, The Pharmacy Owner’s Guide to an Exceptionally Effective Implementation

 

https://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/shutterstock_89518078.jpg 125 600 pdsmarketing http://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PDS-logo.svg pdsmarketing2015-05-08 08:17:052018-04-16 14:21:04Questions to Ask Before Implementing a New Pharmacy Program
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10 Ways to Engage with Your Pharmacy Team

May 6, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Staff Development/by pdsmarketing

 

10 Ways to Engage With Your Pharmacy TeamTeam members, staff, employees—whatever you refer to your pharmacy staff as, it’s important to realize they are your most important asset when it comes to longevity and success. Treating them with respect, empowering them with decision-making, and building a culture of happiness are just a few of the ways you can engage with your team and show them you care. Below are ten ways you can take team building to a new level. Follow these tips and your team will not only thank you, but they will reward you with loyalty, increased customer happiness, and higher productivity.

Be There

When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships. Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks, and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too.You can be serious about your work without taking yourself soseriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. “Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges.

Choose Your Attitude

Choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, “What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective as a leader?”

Get to Know Your Team

Here is a simple exercise that will help everybody feel at ease. Go around the group and have everyone say two true statements about themselves and one false. The rest of the group has to guess which one is false. If participants find it hard to think on the spot, give them index cards and let them write it down. Then, toss the cards into the middle of the circle, so you have to guess who the person is and what is false. You may be surprised. You can learn some crazy things about each other!

Offer Educational Assistance

Whether it be a pharmacy college course or free online webinar, encourage your employees to continuously improve their skill set.

Create Your Own “Club Med”

Set aside a quiet space or unused office in a pharmacy where employees can take their break, nap or otherwise re-center themselves. Spruce up the area with a nice coat of paint, leadership books, the latest copy of America’s Pharmacist, board games, team photos, and customer feedback.

Create a Teaching Pharmacy

Share your knowledge as a business owner and pharmacy professional and help them acquire more marketable skills. Tap into your team’s knowledge and have them teach as well.

Look After Their Families

Show your appreciation for employees by involving their families in their work life and work-related social activities. From family movie nights to “bring your child (or pet) to work days,” these activities can go a long way to making good on your commitment to, and appreciation of, your employees and those who support them.

Offer Memberships and Discounts to Local Businesses

Whether it’s a gym membership, access to  season tickets or movie tickets, these can help promote employee well-being as well as leverage relationships with other local businesses.

Show you take your employees’ wellness seriously

Losing just one employee, frequent sick days or a prolonged illness can be frustrating and a draining on resources as a lean pharmacy. Examples: create a wellness program (physical, mental and even fiscal), extend the lunch hour once a week to allow employees to take a “30-minute power walk,” or offer prizes for quitting smoking.

Offering your teams a specially designed program and rewarding them with a fun, inspiring culture works wonders when it comes to running a successful pharmacy. Your team’s happiness will translate into happier customers, less employee turnover, and increased productivity. Talking about how these programs will make your pharmacy team perform like a finely tuned machine and implementing them are two different things. Download this free ebook, A Pharmacy Owner’s Guide to an Exceptionally Effective Implementation – it will help you put into practice the team building strategies mentioned above!

 

https://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/shutterstock_257801245.jpg 125 600 pdsmarketing http://www.pharmacyowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PDS-logo.svg pdsmarketing2015-05-06 08:17:062018-04-16 14:22:4010 Ways to Engage with Your Pharmacy Team
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6 Signs Your Delivery Service Needs a Check-Up

April 16, 2015/0 Comments/in All, Pharmacy Growth Strategies/by pdsmarketing

 

bigstock-Medical-assistance-concept-35346794As a business owner, you know that every dollar in additional revenue does not mean an extra dollar to spend. If you want to pad your pockets, you have to reduce your expenses.

Here at PDS, we strive to bring you more ways to cut costs and put more in your pocket so you can use your hard-earned money on things that matter.

One of the areas we have seen ignored time and time again has been those pharmacies who have initiated a home delivery service in their store.

If you have a home delivery service, awesome! Implementing a delivery service is a great way to:

  • Differentiate yourself from other local options.
  • Service a greater population than what is in your immediate area.
  • Get you into accounts that you otherwise would be blocked from, such as LTC, RCF & medical offices.

But just like any program, maintenance and continuous improvement is key. If you set up a delivery service in your store, read on for the tell-tale signs that your service needs a checkup.

  1. Late or inconsistent deliveries. If your deliveries are infringing on normal store hours, or if your delivery driver constantly returns closer to closing time, you may need to take a closer look at the delivery route you laid out. You could be unnecessarily taxing your driver by providing an inefficient route.
  2. Confusing delivery logs. Do you get a headache just thinking about trying to find a paper log? Many pharmacies even find themselves struggling with improper signatures. Obtaining a new signature, not to mention the constant hassle of going through paper logs to file and organize in your system, can lead to major inconveniences for your driver or the customer.
  3. Customer Dissatisfaction. Your employees are your most valuable asset – and delivery drivers serve on the front lines of customer service. They are the face of your business. If you are constantly hearing about poor performance or attitude, you may want to re-evaluate your driver choice and provide the proper training. There are many resources available to you that you can use to train your team to be rockstars at customer service.
  4. Driver ambiguity. Have you checked how much you’re paying to fill up the gas tank on your delivery vehicle? If you find that the mileage on your delivery van is inconsistent with your designated delivery routes, you may want to take a closer look at where your driver is going. Tracking your drivers is key to creating a streamlined and profitable delivery service. Read on for more on how you can optimize your tracking and routes.
  5. Multiple deliveries to the same patient or address. This happens more than you may think and is due to confusing delivery logs, an inadequate structure to store that data or a clearly developed delivery policy.
  6. Erratic payment process. If you do not establish a set payment structure for deliveries (i.e., not requiring patients to have a credit card on file or pay before delivery), you are creating the perfect storm of confusion and liability. Establish the rules upon delivery and you will have smoother, more efficient transactions.

Do any of these tell-tale signs fit your current delivery service? Not to worry, we’re here to help you turn your home delivery service from headache to profit!

We recently hosted a free webinar with Walt Brooks, President of RxTrax on 5 ways to increase profits & expand your delivery service. On the webinar, Walt guided listeners through how to make a home delivery system into an efficient and profitable machine  – whether you have an existing service or looking to start one.

Now you can watch the replay!

On the call, Walt introduced a revolutionary system that anyone who is in the home delivery service should look into. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and watch the free replay!

Watch the replay here!

 

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