I want to let you in on a little-known secret to referral network success.

Almost no one does what I’m about to share with you.

If you’ve been following along, this is the last and final episode of the 10 Key Drivers of Exponential Referral Network Growth series. (If you missed it, you can check it out here.)

Key Driver #10 is a Customer Advisory Board.

The Customer Advisory Board isn’t an original idea.

In fact, I “borrowed” the idea from another successful practice and they likely got the idea from someone else.

Why? Because it works.

The Customer Advisory Board driver is a gem, not only because it works, but also because almost no one does this.

This is the Key Growth Driver practices blow off more than any other.

In case you didn’t catch that, let me say it a different way…

Your competitors aren’t doing this for any number of reasons:

• They don’t have time
• They don’t see the value
• They’re too busy

Chances are, you may have had similar thoughts.

Which is why…

Starting a Customer Advisory Board is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition and boost referral volume.

If you’re ready to start your own Customer Advisory Panel, here are the most frequently asked questions:

What exactly is a Customer Advisory Board?

A group of referring doctors who meet with their specialty provider to share best practices a few times a year.

What does a Customer Advisory Board do?

• Share best practices, offer feedback, and test new ideas
• Provide valuable competitive and market insights
• Give an insider’s perspective of the referral process and patient experience
• Serve as ambassadors to the greater referral community

Who should be on the Advisory Board?

The Advisory Board should be a good mix of referring and non-referring doctors who have influence or an understanding of the market.

How often should a Customer Advisory Board meet?

Two to four times per year.

I’m ready to host an Advisory Board meeting, how can I get started?

It’s pretty simple:

• Set a date, time, and location
• Send an invitation to those you would like to attend
• Follow up with attendees before the event
• Host the event

What should we talk about?

An Advisory Board Meeting doesn’t require a formal agenda but do prepare a list of questions to ask or topics to discuss.

Open with a welcome message and overview of any new updates, changes, or technologies.

Once the conversation gets started, ask questions or present topics you would like to gather feedback on.

Some of the greatest ideas of how to better serve your customers come out of these discussions.

How does an Advisory Board bring value to our practice, patients, and referring doctors?

Allows you to build trust and rapport with your referral network

• Offers real world feedback about what’s working and how your program can be improved
• Provides insight into market trends and competitive activity
• Demonstrates a commitment to referral partners and their patients
• Positions your practice as a valued partner in the shared care of referred patients

If you’re looking to…

• Set yourself apart
• Strengthen referral relationships
• Do something in your market that competitors are not
• Grow referrals

Develop a Customer Advisory Panel.

If you have questions about how to get started with your Advisory Board, contact us today.