Physician leaders should bring your data when pitching expenditures to partners

Written and Reviewed by Reed Tinsley | March 25, 2006

How to Persuade Your Group: Using Data to Secure Major Financial Commitments

If you want the doctors in your group to make a major financial commitment next year, bring data when you make your pitch.

Passionate opinion drives most shareholder meetings (annual or otherwise). However, as we all know, you'll face stiff resistance when battling that opinion. Switching the debate to; clarity of argument supported through data; provides your best chance to sway skeptics' opinions.

Gathering that data and preparing the presentation for the meeting becomes the challenge of the leader doctor and top manager. Usually, there's a problem or challenge the group must address -- sometimes, hopefully, an opportunity. Don't begin discussing the issue at the meeting; the leaders should come into the meeting with a proposed solution or plan for what action the group ought to take.

And once the discussion starts, don't stop until you address these five objectives:

1. Create a plan for the group's next step.

2. Identify resources for learning about the situation

3. Squarely address the need for time and money.

4. Agree on how you'll measure success or failure

5. Assign responsibilities and accountability.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

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