This is part two of Priya’s blog Pharmacy Business Partnerships! Here’s what you need to know…..
If you have not read part one, please read first:
Pharmacy Business Partnerships! Here’s what you to need to know….
So, let’s begin!
I know my partner, where to now?
When forming a business partnership -- just like a marriage -- there are certain key steps to take at the beginning that will help in the transition if your professional relationship should end.
As a pharmacist, you are qualified and well trained to help the community with their health needs and I think you do a fantastic job at it! Being the most accessible healthcare professionals in Australia, you are taking care of the needs of patients’ day in and day out. So, when you become a business owner, how do you learn the business side of things?
Your pharmacy social media profiles should be thought of as part of the team. Not only are they communication channels but also think of them as staff members too. Every day they wear the pharmacy uniform proudly, promote your services and welcomes new patients, so they need attention. If you leave them to their own devices for a long time, they will become stale and won’t attract patients to your pharmacy. Remember! A disengaged team member is always risky for any business.
That is one mistake pharmacies often make with their social media, they don’t make it a part of their pharmacy. To beat social media algorithms and push through the white noise, you must be engaging and consistent. Therefore, leaving your profiles alone for long periods of time is detrimental to your online presence. Your profiles will become lost against the millions of other profiles and brands trying to gain your patient’s attention.
I think the last time I was in Sydney was a very long time ago. From having spent most of my life in Perth, I feel Sydney is a very busy and noisy place in comparison. A far change from my home where I wake up listening to the birds. Anyway, I came to Pharmacy Connect this year to meet new people, build relationships, look for opportunities for my clients, and of course to learn.
One thing that really stood out for me this year and became apparent is pharmacy is really at a cross roads. I believe pharmacy is on the cusp of a new wave of community-based pharmacies that are more health focussed than ever before and less retail focussed. The worth of a pharmacist at present is being played out on a pricing battlefront and a turf war being pharmacy, corporates and GP’s. Let us look at some of the facts that were spoken about at the conference. 17% of pharmacies are operating at a loss. GP’s earnings are on average 3 times higher than pharmacists. The public don’t view pharmacists as primary healthcare providers. Unfortunately, they are viewed as retailers.
