Apr. 4-10
OPERATIONS With so much uncertainty this year, it’s been hard to plan effectively. That makes a Q1 review important: Did you hit your sales and/or patient acquisition targets? Are you on track for the year? Is cash flow sufficient to handle all your obligations? If not, it’s time to make adjustments to your marketing, your approach, your in-store activities, and your cash management projections.
OUTREACH The pandemic made community outreach difficult. Draw up a schedule to get back in touch with local nursing homes and spend a few hours fixing glasses, changing nose pads, and just spending time with people who also happen to be great market prospects.
Apr. 11-17
MARKETING Consider a “mother-daughter” social media contest for the week of Mother’s Day (May 9). Best photo of a mother and daughter in their glasses wins an eyewear makeover.
FINANCES Interest rates are near historic lows. Do some market research and then set a time to see your banker to discuss ways you can best take advantage of the situation, as well as ways to better use idle cash and improve cash flows.
Apr. 18-24
INVENTORY Take the time to review your contact lens price list. Ensure your EHR table matches your online store, and review competitor prices.
BRANDING Add a line at the bottom of all store correspondence that says: “Shop and support local companies … by shopping locally you save on emissions and help the local economy.”
Apr. 25-31
MANAGEMENT If your typical response to handling day-to-day affairs is, “Let me take care of this,” then try this experiment: For the next two weeks free up two hours a day just to manage. Delegate some admin work, drop less important meetings and spend the extra time giving more guidance to your team. You may find the extra productivity far outweighs your “lost” hours.
SIGNS Create signs identifying “Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas” for your boards and cases. Cover all the key price ranges.