1 SET SMART GOALS

In the words of Peter Drucker, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it”. Consider what you want your practice to look like at the end of 2017. Then, set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) goals that will serve as a benchmark for success. My advice: Focus on fewer goals (prioritize, and break down large goals into concrete actions.) Take 60 minutes.

2 OVERCOME THE ‘EXECUTION GAP’

The “execution gap” is the lapse between your strategies and execution. Strategies are ideas jotted on paper. Execution is where many practices falter. Set up a meeting calendar with relevant members of your team to periodically review progress on the goals outlined in No. 1. Take 15 minutes.

3 RE-TRAIN STAFF

Are there specific areas where staff continues to struggle or make mistakes? Spend time retraining employees who under perform in certain areas. (I won’t put a time frame on this one, because staff training should never end!)

4 USE VISUAL AIDS

For tasks that lend themselves to visual aids, such as checklists, use these tools as reminders to complete important tasks. Without establishing systems for accountability, staff will often abandon new initiatives in favor of the “way we’ve always done things.” Take 30 minutes.

5 REVIEW FINANCIAL BENCHMARKS

Reaching business goals often requires a financial investment, such as more staff, new technology or more marketing. Review financials with your CPA or financial advisor to determine how much to allocate toward your goals. Take 30 minutes.

6 WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Complexity and inefficiency are the enemies of progress. Many practices do not achieve their goals for the simple reason that they lack time. To overcome this obstacle, create efficient systems that reward you with additional time to focus on high-level goals. Take 60 minutes to observe the processes in your practice.

7 ALIGN MARKETING WITH GOALS

Are your marketing messages aligned with your goals? If your goal is to improve customer service, to double sunglass sales or to build a specialty contact lens practice, represent that in your marketing mix. Spend 60 minutes creating a marketing calendar that aligns with your goals.

8 REVISIT THE SOFT SKILLS

Provide exceptional, patient-centric service that builds the connection and trust to make reaching your goals more likely. Remember, consumers prefer doing business with businesses they know, like and trust. You and your staff control that. Spend 30 minutes at a staff meeting reviewing these soft skills. Continue to reinforce the importance at future meetings. OM

DR. VARGO serves as Prima Eye Group’s vice president of Optometric Consulting. A published author and speaker with more than 15 years clinical experience, he is now a full-time consultant advising O.D.s in all areas of practice management and optometric office operations. To comment on this article, visit tinyurl.com/OMcomment .