This week in Tulsa, I introduced our new marketing concept for increasing referral marketing. The strategy is called The Patient Zero Strategy.
Patient Zero is an epidemiology term. It is the first person in a epidemic. They infect people near them and the epidemic branches in out in an unpredictable growth that pulls in people from all over. Basically, this is a study in connectivity. Connectivity is the basis for understanding referral marketing. In this application, Patient Zero connects you to a growing and unpredictable group of people, spreading your Circle of Influence. That is... if you are using a proper marketing strategy.
So, who is your Patient Zero and how do you find them? It’s a tough question. Patient Zero can be almost anyone. The best way to account for touching Patient Zero is to try to touch everybody AS IF they are Patient Zero. That way you leave no stones unturned. So, in your search for Patient Zero, you treat everyone as if they are your best source of referrals.
So, what does that mean? It means a commitment to educating Patient Zero at every possible opportunity. It means touching Patient Zero often and without fail. It means not quitting on the commitment to reaching out to your database. It means putting something in the homes of satisfied patients. I will be posting a full presentation in video about the Patient Zero strategy in my blog in the coming weeks. Until I do that, begin to ask yourself where you might be missing opportunities with Patient Zero.
Here are few prompts:
Are you using video in your reception are to educate Patient Zero? The more Patient Zero knows, the more they will be able to tell family and friends.
Are you emailing Patient Zero? It is the most inexpensive way and the most trackable way to contact all potential Patient Zeroes out there. Are you doing it every month? If no, why not?
More details are coming on Patient Zero. Do you know who this person is for you? If you are interested in In-Office DVDs or email marketing that can help you reach all your potential Patient Zeroes, please contact me at donald@dogstarmedia.com.
