The other day, I was tooling around on the web looking for some good business resources for us. Us, being The Optical Vision Site- we need to be 'Linked In' and connected in the whole social media genre. Got to thinking- the exact same resources for us, are the exact same small business resources for any small business owner and entrepreneur. … [Read more...]
New Year Resolutions
December 23, 2008 by Leave a Comment
OK, it is almost that time of year again when we are supposed to make our New Year resolutions. This year I am going to take the personal resolutions and see how they apply to my business as well. So for me it is the same old list really: Eat better, exercise more, lose weight Be more productive with my time, less TV, … [Read more...]
Women in Optical – Success Stories
December 19, 2008 by Leave a Comment
I was sorting through my old copies of optical trade magazines last night, trying to clean up my office for the coming year. I could not bring myself to throw away the July 21, 2008 edition of Vision Monday as it is the Success Stories Optical's Most Influential Women. I can't believe it is the sixth year of this already and it is just as exciting, … [Read more...]
Goal Setting for 2009
December 10, 2008 by Leave a Comment
I just came back from Ecuador and had the opportunity to travel with a 19 yr old. One night she pulled out her list of goals to share with us. To tell you the truth, it was impressive. She carries this list with her and checks off her accomplishments as she goes. How many 19 year olds even know what they want to do? How many people in general even … [Read more...]
Who’s Your Competition?
December 10, 2008 by 1 Comment
I was speaking with my mother yesterday about her eyes. She needs a new eye exam and having lost so much money in the stock market is very concerned financially. After some discussion, she decided to go to her OD (who she totally adores) and get her lenses at Costco. I hate to encourage that, but knowing her and her OD, he will give her a break and … [Read more...]
Joe the Eyecare Professional and His Taxes
November 14, 2008 by Leave a Comment
How will the new administration affect Joe the Eyecare Professional and his Taxes? The last presidential debate before the election centered on Joe the Plumber and the question of the new taxation threatening the small business that nets $250,000 and up. Now that we know that the country has elected Barack Obama should the independent … [Read more...]
Retail Math for the Optical Retailer- Learn to Grow Your Businesss
November 11, 2008 by Leave a Comment
True Story: Many years ago, I called an optometrist to ask if I could talk to him about his retail business. He very smartly informed me that he did not retail, he dispensed, and he did not sell. OK- but when you are in the business of selling products for a profit, by definition you are a retailer. As much as these might be a nasty words, retail, … [Read more...]
Optical Buying Habits for Increased Profitability
November 10, 2008 by Leave a Comment
Had an appointment at a busy, established office. As I was showing frames, both buyers were trying on each frame and remarking how it didn't look good on them, and finally one of the buyers said, "I can't buy today, my face is too fat!" True Story ! You may laugh, and say that doesn't ever happen, believe it or not, similar type of scenarios occur … [Read more...]
HIPAA Resources for the Optical Professional
November 6, 2008 by Leave a Comment
What is HIPAA? The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website, Title I of HIPAA protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs. Title II of HIPAA, known as … [Read more...]
Preventing Identity Theft-Keys to Prevention
November 6, 2008 by Leave a Comment
When my friend Donna told me about her first Identity Theft problems year ago (she's had two!), was sorry for her, but the problem keep going on and on. It makes me very nervous, especially in the last year the following has happened to me! I was one of the people that ID was taken from Country Wide Mortgage At work, ADP (payroll … [Read more...]
Top 14 Ways to Increase Business by Word of Mouth
October 30, 2008 by Leave a Comment
In these crazy times of merging, retailing, managed care and consumer disloyalty, the best and most cost efficient way an office can increase their business and continually remain profitable is by implementing a word of mouth advertising and marketing program. The key is to motivate buyers (your patients) into talking positively about you so … [Read more...]
The High Cost of Frame Returns
October 30, 2008 by Leave a Comment
Being Able to Return Product is a given in the optical industry. It is the bane of every manufacturer's existence, leading to increased costs- which ultimately you and the consumer pay for. Not only are you paying the cost in the higher price of frames, but you pay again by returning product. As most frame reps will attest, the #1 Question they … [Read more...]
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