Q: Dr. M, Things are going very well. I can't be more pleased for the work that I have done. I am between 50-60 visits a week solid. Good quality too. I am really getting into those cash plans as insurance is a crazy game at times. Anyways, I am writing to you in great concern. I know that I have mentioned this before to you, but now the time is coming near to winter. I have done some great screenings in the mall, at the flea markets, etc... But now, winter has set in as the weather is changing and they won't let us screen anymore in the mall here until January. As far as the flea goes, no more as they were outside and the weather is cold. What is my next step for the winter? Man, am I stressed about it or what!! I shouldn't be as I have been doing well and all, but I am. You see people say rely on the internal referral etcc.... That's great, but it only gets you so far. If you get one or two great, but from my experiences as of recent, most of the people have been coming in cold as I am new in practice and in this area. I don't know if shmoozing with these lawyers is my bag especially if most of them are already buddied up. Do you have a solution? Let me know what you think. A: When it gets cold .. people stay inside. Decide where people hang out and thatžs where you create a new marketing program. It is about time to stimulate the workshops. use your word program to create overheads and make them transparencies in any Kinkožs. Purchase an inexpensive projector and you have all the material you need. Survey your patients .. ask them where they work and the kind of work they do. Ask them their position at work and if they feel their ergonomic programs would benefit their fellow employees. On the same survey mention the workshops you can provide .. wellness .. safety .. ergonomics .. prevent carpal tunnel .. stress management .. fitness over 50 and others. One on one ask them where they go to church and if they belong to any civic group .. such as Optimists .. Lionžs Club .. Garden Clubs etc. Create a Menu of Programs packet and give them out so these patients can review it with their immediate supervisors or the program chairpeople. This will take time to get going .. but the going to get it starts now. You possibly can find some material for your workshops and menus on my webpage under Practice Tips and within the Smart Start Book Have a Great Day Dr. M