VMP 258: How To Launch A New Practice Location With Michael Shirley

Today, I'm thrilled to bring you some amazing insights from a recent episode featuring Michael Shirley, the owner of Family Pet Health veterinary hospital.

Let me tell you, Michael's veterinary practice knows how to make a grand opening unforgettable. They managed to attract a whopping 350-450 people to their grand opening event, despite the challenges of parking and logistics. But it wasn't just a celebration of their new location - it was a showcase of their unique approach to veterinary care. They took participants on a guided tour, where they got to learn about different aspects of the practice, from radiology to surgery and recovery. And get this, they even used a stuffed animal dog to simulate real-life scenarios, like a pregnant dog needing surgery. How cool is that?

One of the biggest takeaways from Michael's experience is the power of special events in engaging clients. At the grand opening, they handed out passport books to participants, who had to collect stamps from different stations to enter a contest for free vaccines for life. This clever strategy not only created excitement, but also allowed Family Pet Health to collect valuable contact information for future marketing campaigns. And let me tell you, Michael knows a thing or two about marketing. He used social media to generate buzz leading up to the event, creating authentic videos with his cell phone to showcase the unique features of their new building. They even ran video ads on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, which received a high click-through rate thanks to their engaging content.

But that's not all. Michael also shares his insights on controlling the message about his new vet hospital and addressing concerns about potential price increases. He emphasizes the importance of charging what they're worth and providing a higher-end experience. And let's not forget about community engagement - Family Pet Health has a large garage space that can be rented out for events, from dog training classes to wedding and baby showers. By offering this space at a low cost, they not only give back to the community, but also attract potential clients who may already have dogs and need a veterinarian.

I hope you found these insights as valuable as I did. If you want to connect with Michael, you can find him on LinkedIn or Facebook, where he's always active. And don't forget to check out the Veterinary Leadership Book Club, a Facebook group with over 3000 veterinary professionals, where they read and discuss books related to veterinary practice. A big thank you to our sponsors, the International Veterinary Dentistry Institute, Veterinary Dentistry.net, Used Vet Equipment, and New Vet Equipment. Without their support, we wouldn't be able to bring you these amazing episodes. So, share this podcast with others who could benefit from the content, and let's keep learning and growing together in the veterinary industry.