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VNN Members Interviewed for Article on Social Media
I was pleased to see two of our VNN members in the latest edition of AAHA Trends Magazine. The article, Making Connections, interviewed Brian Hurley, DVM, CVJ and Brenda Tassava, CVPM, CVJ about social media and its impact on their practices.
For those of you who don't know, Dr. Hurley practices in Gardner, MA and provides a column to his local newspaper. He is also a regular blogger and his material appears throughout his website and social media network. Brenda is a local colleague of mine here in Indianapolis and she is the practice manager at the well-known, Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center. She too maintains a veterinary blog and uses it throughout her social network. You might also know Brenda from her recent book publication, Social Media for Veterinary Professionals.
To me, the biggest take-home message from the short article was that social media can have an impact on your bottom line! Without giving away too many of the article's details, all of the practices featured (there were 4) expressed increased visits to their practice websites and/or a higher number of web-based referrals actually walking in through their front door. And, this is not just subjective...they have actual numbers to prove the effect!
I have said it before and will continue to repeat it...social media is like word of mouth marketing's extremely powerful and influential big brother!
Now, I am really preaching to the choir, because all of you VNN members "get" the need for social media marketing. But, here's a new question for you...what is your true goal with social media? Why are you doing it?
Don't just jump into Twitter or Facebook because everyone else has. You need an overall plan and even measurable goals for your efforts. Like Dr. Hurley mentions in his interview, "Being involved in social media helps us live up to our motto 'Come join our family. A lifetime relationship'". By engaging clients and potential clients online, Dr. Hurley's practice has driven many to their website, nearly tripling the unique monthly visits in just over a year. And you can be certain that some of those visits are from pet owners looking for a veterinary hospital to call home!
In her book, Brenda Tassava mentions that one of her goals for social media is also the attraction of new clients. Through her engagement online as well as her well-trained and educated staff, Brenda has seen their new client numbers that cite the Internet as the referral source jump more than two fold in the last 3 years.
Dr. Hurley says that VNN resources have helped to make his social media efforts easier. From day one, VNN has endeavored to help you understand media and to facilitate your work with either local traditional media or with the fast-paced, interactive "new" media. You just need to let us know how we can help!
The key lesson here is that you need to have a plan and you need to insure that everyone in your hospital is aware of the plan and strives to adhere to it in their online communications. The reward is obvious...your practice will grow as others fade and are forgotten. Let VNN help you meet those goals!
If you would like to view the AAHA Trends article, please email us for a copy. Likewise, Brenda's book, Social Media for Veterinary Professionals, is available at Amazon.
On a quick personal note, I know that most of our communications comes through me and my email addresses, but Dr. Jim is always available for a chat or consultation at your convenience. As our founder, president and news director, he is working hard on VNN's future and constantly adapting our mission so that we are prepared to help you.
Dr. Jim will be speaking to Texas A&M faculty and staff on Monday, April 25th and teaching media to the TVMA on Tuesday. | 
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