Branching Out
INTERVIEW
FEATURE
INTERVIEW WITH DR. AMANDA BLEDSOE
TAC
I attended Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City. After spending 11 years as an associate, I opened my own practice, "Bledsoe Chiropractic" in December of 2017 in Conway, Arkansas.
Having my own practice has been a wonderful experience. The big challenge right away was starting from scratch with new patients, and finding steady sources of revenue. Early on and to this day, a key driver for lead generation and revenue was the Foot Levelers Kiosk and custom orthotics.
My practice grew quickly. Some of the other contributing growth factors are patient results, marketing, and networking in the community.
My love for Chiropractic seems to grow every day. One of my ultimate goals for patients is to make Chiropractic care not just effective for all, but affordable. I love spending time with my two children, Audrey and Hunter. As a family, we love to be in the outdoors and see the country in our RV!
In an interview with TAC, Dr. Bledsoe talks about her past, and what enables her to be an immediate success while branching out in her own practice.
TAC: How did you become interested in a profession in Chiropractic?
AB: When I was 14, I was diagnosed with slight scoliosis of the spine. At the time, it was recommended that I go see a chiropractor, but I didn’t end up seeing one until I was 18. I was afraid, to be honest. After experiencing firsthand how powerful Chiropractic care was coupled with the fact that I always wanted to work in healthcare, it became the perfect career path for me. I missed out on critical experiences between the ages of 14 and 18, so I decided I want to help others who were afraid - like I was - discover how amazing Chiropractic is.
TAC: What helps you stand out as a chiropractor in your community, versus others in your area?
AB: One of the things that helps me stand out is our “Giving Hope Through Healing” program. My ultimate goal is to make Chiropractic not just effective for all, but affordable. It’s amazing what giving patients Hope will do. Three weeks after going into practice on my own, I purchased the Foot Levelers Kiosk. So in the community, I’ve become a bit of a foot or orthotics specialist. Before opening, I also met with a marketing firm. I’ve been very aggressive with marketing campaigns. So I think that has really helped getting the word out.
What are some of the benefits of working as an associate?
AB: You really get to know the ins and outs of how a practice runs, how to talk to patients, pay bills, market your practice, etc.
TAC: How is being an associate different than being an owner?
AB: As an associate, there is still a built-in safety net to some degree. As an owner, it’s all on you. Being an owner is liberating in a lot of ways. At the end of the day, the final decision is your call. Being an associate is a fantastic opportunity to learn how you want to do things and what to change in your own practice.
TAC: How do you deal with the transition between being an associate to being an owner, in the same area, in an ethical manner?
Ultimately, I was prepared to risk it all to be on my own. I focused on marketing myself through various marketing channels. Prior to opening my new practice, I met with a marketing firm. The marketing firm tested the market to see what people were drawn to. We also looked at analytics and what brought people in the door, and were able to allocate resources to focus on those channels. Another thing I found is that social media is very powerful and a great way to reach new patients. I created a lot of videos talking about my services and how I can help. Facebook, in particular, allowed me to put ads on autopilot. When I have a patient come in, I always ask them to post reviews on Facebook and Google. This is INVALUABLE! I also focused on areas that made me stand out. One of them was my hair, which I incorporated into my logo. I also did a lot of networking. I joined Business Networking International, which helped me make a lot of connections and allowed me to bounce ideas off other business owners.
TAC: Who do you rely on when you get insecure in a decision?
How do you maintain the confidence to move forward when things get tight/ difficult?
AB: I rely on my faith. When things get difficult, I stay positive. Tough situations and decisions always have a way of working themselves out.
TAC: What is your patient population like? Is it back pain, family?
AB: I have a family practice. There is a special place in my heart when it comes to spreading Chiropractic care to families, especially since I experienced the power of the field at a young age. I’m very proud to offer several different adjustment techniques for families. I see a lot of pregnant women and newborns.
TAC: What types of techniques do you use and why?
AB: Diversified, Thompson Drop Table, Instrument Adjusting, Custom Orthotics. Why? I get great results!
TAC: How has your practice been able to grow so quickly?
AB: Social media, marketing, connecting with patients, great results, online reviews, networking, revenue.
TAC: Where do you see the future of your clinic going?
AB: That’s a great question. I want to continue growing, both personally and professionally. I want to continue to find more ways to give back to my community.
TAC: Any final words for any of our readers that may be considering stepping out on their own?
• Set goals
• Spend time and resources on marketing
• Find steady sources of revenue. For me, it was the Foot Levelers Kiosk and custom orthotics that really got me going and continue to be a major source of revenue and great patient results.
• Network. Put yourself out there in the community
• Keep learning. Whether it’s a new product or technique, never stop learning.
TAC: What topics do you teach about?
AB: I really like talking about marketing. I’ve also done talks in the community about Foot Levelers custom orthotics and pillows.
TAC: Where can readers catch up with you in the future?
AB: Follow me on social media! You can find me on Facebook (@ BledsoeChiro).
You may contact Amanda Bledsoe at [email protected].
