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L.O.V.E.

How to grow the right attitude to make your job a career

BY TAMI HAGEMEYER, ABOC

Is it possible to love your optical career? The answer is yes! Here’s how to build a fulfilling and gratifying career, and, yes, how to love it, too.

LEARN IT

What are the latest frames and frame styles? Observing people in the media or simply on the street can give you some insight to the newest styles. Read about frame fashions. And, read as much as you can. Always think outside the box.

The frames we display need to be fashionable, comfortable, and dependable. Experienced opticians will know the styles that have a reputation of being all three.

Providing some higher-end frames is always a good idea. They bring exclusivity to the practice, allow for an optimal frame selection experience, and give patients a sense of excitement.

All of these factors impact the patent’s decision to return to your practice.

Some patients will remark they want cheap frames. The correct term should be “less expensive” or “value.” Making that differentiation is important.

Having a diverse frame offering is a great way to retain patients and attract referrals.

OPTIMISM IS CONTAGIOUS

Being optimistic is important to every successful professional and practice. When relating to patients, optimism adds a sense of security and confidence. Both are imperative when building trust.

That can, in turn, translate to the patient spending more time with us, which of course aids in forging a confident, long-term relationship.

VOICE YOUR OPINION

Patients want the latest trends, or sometimes, a particular style they have seen. It’s an art to please patients. Combine trying to be accommodating by showing them styles they request, while adding in different styles, too. The goal: getting them to think beyond their comfort zone.

When asked for your opinion, be honest. It’s OK to be frank: If the frame doesn’t fit, tell them why and how it may not be the best choice.

With your help, they will choose the perfect frame, one that both looks fashion-forward and feels comfortable.

ENERGIZE YOURSELF

An optical career can be fun! Surrounded by a diversity of individuals makes every day unique. Share your passion and feel the enthusiasm; your excitement will be infectious. Every individual who comes into contact with you will feel it.

A change in energy can also change the dynamics within the entire office—and with every professional within the workplace. Added vitality within the day-to-day atmosphere of an office can be refreshing and even transformational. Try it!

When positive changes are made within an office, it is also beneficial to patients. Adding confidence and energy will achieve the most important goal…maintaining and growing patient loyalty.

Tami Hagemeyer, ABOC since 1992, works for Premier Vision Group, Bowling Green, OH, and speaks at local schools.

New Dispenser is an insert to the August 2014 issue of Eyecare Business, a monthly magazine published by PentaVision LLC. For more information, contact Stephanie De Long at Stephanie.Delong@PentaVisionMedia.com.