Since the mid-2000s, the entrepreneurial world has become enamored with the concept of business incubators and accelerators. Both these programs provide similar services over the course of a few months, including mentorship, access to capital, education, and networking, all in the spirit of marching entrepreneurs through their first awkward steps. The main difference between the two is the stage of the company. Incubators are for early start-ups and accelerators are for “adolescent” companies.
It’s a fascinating concept that doesn’t perfectly apply to dentistry. You can’t afford to take months away from your practice and move to another city. But let’s imagine if you could . . .
You’d be surrounded by fellow entrepreneurial dentists. You’d have lectures from leading practice management experts and be able to speak with them one-on-one. You’d have access to vendors who have tailored solutions to your problems. Imagine having all of that time to think strategically about your business and plan its growth. When you finally returned to your practice, you’d have a clear vision of where you and your team were headed and a detailed plan on how to get there.
Well, that’s what we’re aiming for with DE’s Principles of Practice Management Conference, July 18–19 in Norfolk, Virginia (principlesofpracticemgmt.com). It’s like an accelerated accelerator. Our attendees get that clear vision and detailed playbook in only two days. Check out our feature in this issue to get a glimpse of what you missed last year and what we’ve got planned in July.
Whether you’re starting out, well established and looking to grow, or just feel like you’ve stalled, the PPM conference (p. 16) can be the incubator and accelerator your practice needs. The entrepreneurial world makes great use of programs that concentrate business resources into one place. You can too.
Cheers,
Chris Salierno, DDS
