Why, oh why, has it taken me close to two weeks to muck up the thoughts and inspiration to write again? It seems like it'd be such an easy task, doesn't it? Almost as though with the initiation of the blog, the content should somehow arrive (or float? or drill?) both freely and whimsically through my conscience and onto "paper". But, the only thing weighing in on my conscience - aside from the daily musings with insurance companies about claims - is the fact that I've started a blog and now must keep up with it, lest it become drenched with cobwebs! That's right... I'm thinking about having thoughts on the blog. Thoughts ^2. And should I have a random topic to discuss, I put it on a pedestal only to swat it away either for lack of professional value or for lack of amusement. To say it puts me in "a pickle" on some days is an understatement. It downright puts me in a sandwich.
That's right. I just threw it out there..."Blogging Ain't Easy." And perhaps that's why so many healthcare professionals or offices don't embark on the journey in the first place. Because who is interested in the deepest of technical banter other than colleagues and such? Or worse, who wants to be an initiator and then a quitter? Why do I feel like this will come back and bite me where it hurts? But, truly, the main reasons I feel that healthcare professionals don't engage in blogging (or other types of social media) are: 1) the lack of knowledge - the internet is a big, bad world and sometimes it's hard to focus on or find the appropriate avenues of social media marketing; 2) the inability to effectively track ROI (return on investment) - sure, we can evaluate media impressions, but there's no hard and fast rule to gaining patients consistently and solely through social media; 3) the fear of not seeming professional - this may have some merit to it depending on the depth of "outreach" or contact, though the world is ever a-changing and to "keep up with the times" means to cater to patients and potential patients through a medium they're savvy in; 4) the insecurity with writing candid, descriptive, technical or friendly copy. I understand the reasoning, truly, and for the most part, agree with some of the skepticism. But, as far as a business decisions go, it's always key to weigh the pros and cons for your individual practice.
The fact of the matter is that patients are using the internet more than ever, not only to connect with friends and family, but also to gather information about procedures and to learn more about doctors/get reviews. The flipside is that with the information being so transparent and abundant on this big, bad thing called the internet (I know...I should stop making it sound like it's 1996!), patients can sometimes feel lost. Also, healthcare professionals are at "risk" of having negative information circling about their work/practice. Sometimes disgruntled patients speak louder than content or ecstatic ones, which can seem problematic to professionals. But, the key here is to make the most out of both positive and negative comments (both are constructive criticisms) in order to better one's work, practice and procedures.
You can choose not to go into the water because you think it's too cold...but, then again, you'd never know what you were missing out on until you embarked on the journey!
Thanks for reading and keep smiling!!
- LH
Smiles Northridge
www.smilesnorthridge.com
