Embracing Change: Navigating Entrepreneurship and Cultivating Meaningful Relationships
Wow! What a whirlwind the last few years have been. We in the dental industry have endured so many changes. Some good and some not so good. What have we learned? I know that I have learned that the only thing I can depend on is change. We have to be adaptable and willing to shift our perspective and pivot to accommodate the changes. These changes may be on our work front, on our personal life or our spiritual life. The one constant is that we are constantly navigating how we react to the change. We can find a way to be positive and make the most of these opportunities, but how? The biggest factors in my success has been my ability to make connections with people that are meaningful and lasting. These relationships have bridged the gap for me many times and they can bridge the gap for you!
For me, the best way to navigate the changes has been to become my own boss. I have embarked on my own consulting journey. I am grateful for all of my lessons in life, some good and some challenging, but they have all led me to positive growth. To become an entrepreneur was a scary thing, to walk away from a paycheck and to depend solely on myself and my hustle was a challenge. Honestly, the thought of it was way more intimidating than just doing it. In my mind (this is where we need to be aware) I was focusing on all of the unknowns, all of the problems and or things that seemed unsurmountable. But, AND the reality is way less scary than the thoughts in my mind. Once I had my mind set, I began to craft my business plan and was able to start accomplishing tasks on my list. I used AI to help me better understand how to start my own business and was able to quickly move forward. All of this was the logistics piece, it was simple. The next step was the challenging one.
The next step was finding my clients. YIKES, how do you do that? In reality, we are all salespeople. We have to “sell” our services and the best way to do that is having someone that you have worked with before give you a referral. I reached out to my prior clients, I asked for referrals, I asked for google reviews and I asked for their support. Guess what, I got it!
These prior relationships were built on a foundation of mutual respect, friendship and integrity. I did what I said I would. I called them back, I helped when I didn’t have to and we became friends and business relationships. Those relationships went beyond the job, we text and call and I even still Marco Polo with a prior client. Bottom line, we connected as humans before we went to work. That human connection wasn’t lost just because we stopped working together. It makes me think of my Grandma Pearl. She knew literally everyone. She had friends from every phase of her life. She could talk with the gal at the grocery store and walk out being friends with her. Here is what I learned from her. She was very “present” when she was talking with people. She focused on them and wasn’t doing other things. Grandma Pearl showed up with “energy and enthusiasm” in the conversation. She wasn’t quick to answer and she shared the same energy as the person that she was talking to. She always “acknowledged” the person and allowed them to share their thoughts, whether they were the same as hers. Grandma Pearl would show “respect”. Respect is huge to me. You have to give it to receive it. Last up for Grandma Pearl was that she would “listen”. She listened to hear, not to respond. This is something that I have had to work on. To listen and ask questions. Find out more. When you can connect on this deep of a level, you make connections that last. These connections lead to relationships and relationships lead to opportunities.
In my life I can never have too many friends. I truly love to connect with people and know that these relationships are the most important. They last, they bring opportunities and they make each day better than the one before! If you are faced with changes that seem scary and overwhelming, take some time to plan out your strategy. Take the time to talk to your friends and acquaintances and see what opportunities are out there. Find your niche and build your tribe. Then take the LEAP to your future!
About Callie Ward and Dash Dental Consulting
Many dentists today struggle with balancing a great patient experience with running a successful practice. Miscommunications between team, doctor, and patients can breakdown the relationships leaders work so hard to build.
The reality is, losing sight of the connection between leadership and communication often shows up as low case acceptance, no-show appointments, and declining practice performance. If left unattended, frustration sets in, team turnover occurs, and patients may go elsewhere.
With over 30+ years in dentistry, I understand how difficult it can be to harmonize patient care with the business side of the practice. As the founder of DASH Dental Consulting, my passion for relationship driven results combined with proven methods and guidance propel practices to unlock deeper levels of fulfillment and success.
I am committed to providing the level of authenticity and care you deserve, so you can enjoy your day, thrive with your team, and deliver an unparalleled patient experience.