Acupuncture clinics close too often. I want to put an end to it. The major reason I went into marketing is because I wanted to know how to rescue bankrupt businesses… and marketing definitely can save clinics from closing.

Just about any business can be rescued with good marketing - as long as each sale adds to profits. (Some companies lose money on each sale - so more sales would drive them into bankruptcy even faster.)

Acupuncture is a service business. This is just about the most simple form of business there is. You don’t have to produce or deliver products (except perhaps for herbs), arrange transportation, or coordinate the efforts of multiple people. There are no projects to manage or deals to be made. People come to you, you treat them, they pay you, they leave. You pay your bills each month from what patients pay you, and whatever left over is profit.

Clinics fail only when there’s not enough left over to even pay the bills. To succeed, all you need are enough patients so there will be something left over.

It really is that simple.

If you look at any book on business plans, you’ll see all kinds of different sections to include. There’s really only four parts that matter, in my opinion:

1. The executive summary that explains what the business is. This isn’t for you, it’s for whoever needs to understand what’s going on.
2. The start up budget to know what initial expenses will be – how much do you need to start.
3. A cash flow budget that shows where the money is coming and going, and make sure you always have enough money in the bank to pay your bills. You also need this to have an idea of how you’ll stay in business until you reach your breakeven point when starting out.
4. A marketing plan that shows how you’re going to get more sales (patients).

If you have ways to get all the patients you need, the rest of the business plan doesn’t really matter. The income from treating your patients will solve any problems you have with the other three. If you’re on the border with profitability, you will need to watch your cash flow.

So, if you believe you’re going to have to close your clinic, talk to me. I can help. I can also put you in touch with SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives - a program through the Small Business Administration). I’m not the only one interested in helping you - every single person I’ve met who is involved in OM practice building is that kind of person. There are some truly great people in this profession - and I’m honored to know them.

If you know anybody in danger of closing their doors, please put them in touch with me. Sooner, rather than later. In case you’re wondering, I’m doing this for free. There’s no money in this for me.

I don’t want another clinic to close, ever. Thanks for listening.