During the school year, my daughter and I walk to school nearly every day. Last year the town’s hardware store closed- couldn’t compete with Home Depot. The spot sold quickly, and rumors started to fly- what was going into the space? (not much news in Cranbury, NJ) We were put out of our misery when the paper ran an article about the new home/gift store that was coming to town.
Once we knew what was going in, we eagerly awaited the store’s opening. As we peered through the windows, we watched the renovation progress. One day a new sign replaced the hardware sign- the name of the store was displayed in elegant letters. On Cranbury Day, the new owners set up outside the empty store, greeting passers-by, handing out a brochure that previewed the merchandise and included coupons to use once the store opened the following month.
For the next month we watched as merchandise slowly showed up on the shelves. The parade of parents walking to school discussed the progress weekly- wondering how on earth the store was going to make the opening date. Friday before the grand opening, the display windows were still empty and the floor was still piled with boxes. We checked the announcement on the door, expecting to see a new date posted- maybe they’d open a week late.
When Monday rolled around, we were surprised to see the store open on time. The window displays were complete, the flower beds outside full of pansies, and the proprieters were busy greeting their new neighbors and customers. Patina Home was open and ready for business.
Think about your practice as a store- are you open for business? Who will your clients be? Do people know what you have to offer? How do people know how and when to reach you? Where will you meet clients? Do you have business systems in place- intake processes, standard forms, timekeeping and billing, filing protocols, backup plans, etc.? Imagine that your practice will be overflowing in two months, is there anything you should be doing to get ready? Make sure you’re completely open for business, logistically and mentally- and then get that “open” sign out and help your clients find you!
