Our Story of Change

My name is Noel Elliott and my wife Stacy and I first opened our current practice in Mackay 6 years ago from the bottom floor of our home and things were slow. I can remember being out in the back yard digging holes and planting about 3-4 hundred trees between patients. Stacy would call out the back door, “Quick get changed we’ve got a new patient filling out the forms”. I’d quickly down tools, have a hurried shower, and make the transition from gardener to doctor of chiropractic. I’m sure those first few new patients wondered what I’d been doing to make myself look so exhausted. It certainly wasn’t from seeing patients.

Over the next 5 years the clinic slowly grew despite having no real systems in place. The clinic gradually got busier and although we weren’t setting the world on fire we could see that every month and year we were seeing more patients. We were just happy in the knowledge that as long as we were still growing we would eventually get to were we wanted to be even though this may take years. However, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my high turnover of new patients. Patients were coming in constantly complaining of symptoms and leaving as soon as they felt better. I knew there was much room for improvement and felt compelled to change not only for the good of my practice but also because my patients deserved better.

We were operating with a PVA of 11 and I had come to the admission that this meant I was running a pain clinic. At this point I became very excited and realised that I had an abundance of new patients already in my practice. I didn’t need to go to the shopping centre and hunt for new patients. I needed help with those already in my practice. So I joined Powerful Practices in June 2001.

John Hinwood and Powerful Practices helped me fill the void in my practice by giving me the policies, structure and procedures necessary to encourage patients to embrace a chiropractic wellness lifestyle thus developing a wellness practice.

Some of the changes were scary, but I’d made the decision to put trust in experienced hands and, “just do it”.
When John told me that other chiropractors had doubled their practice in just 3 months by implementing periodic re-examinations of every patient I set myself the goal to do just that. True to his word it took me 3 months and one week. I was ecstatic.

A major change for me was to start placing patients on realistic schedules of care and to tell them up front at the report how many visits they would need for their initial intensive care.

One of my patients, John, had been coming in for years. He was what we’d call a “will ring” patient. A lot of our practice was “will ring”. The patients managed their own care. I had created my own symptom-based practice.

I told John that we needed to place him on a schedule of regular visits and stop letting his symptoms dictate his care. Now John is back out to fortnightly visits, however, now he comes in asymptomatic and is much happier.

Both, my CA and myself were scared that people wouldn’t like coming in more often for longer periods of time and that this would in turn result in more drop outs and less referrals. What happened? Less drop outs and many, many more referrals. People just like John appreciated that chiropractic could take their health and life to a higher level than just temporary pain relief.

Another major change was to install our own x-ray unit in January 2002. I had been procrastinating for years about this issue. John helped me to stop stuffing around and “just do it”. The patients love the convenience and the income stays with the practice.

Let me share some stats with you to help illustrate the dramatic increase in our growth. In the quarter January through March of 2001 our collections were up 37% on the figures for the same quarter in 2000. We were slowing growing. Then we joined PP in June of 2001 and the collections for the same quarter in 2002 were up another 160%. We had exploded our practice.

These changes have had huge ramifications in our personal lives also. We have a 6-year-old and a 2-½ year old so living in half a house was no longer fun. Stacy jokingly pointed out a dream house listed in the real estate guide and I said, “lets have a look”; well she immediately picked up the phone. We both fell in love with it and after much deliberation we now have our own a resort style home. Upon joining PP I made a list of goals I wanted to achieve. At that time I would not have even dared to put such a home on my long-term goals let alone my short-term list.

In January of this year we moved out of our space above the clinic and into our dream home. The impossible became possible because of the impact that Powerful Practices had made in our lives.

In the past month we have employed two new CA’s and now have two CA’s on each shift. I know this will help take our practice to the next level, as the patient flow is dramatically smoother. Powerful Practices helped make finding the right person much easier. We followed John and Judy’s procedures in the e-books, which guided us through the process. We received 250 applications and this information helped us find the right CA’s for us.

There were many other things that we changed, but in the end the biggest challenge was simply to overcome our fears and trust the tried and proven methods we were taught.

I know that it is possible for anyone to duplicate our success and I hope reading my experience prompts you to seek the same assistance.

Words do not express the debt of gratitude we owe to John and Judy Hindwood for the positive impact they have had on our practice and lives.

Dr Noel Elliott, Mackay, Queensland, Australia

I never knew how much I still had to learn about communicating Chiropractic, business skills and personal development until I was introduced to the Powerful Practices team. So many times I found myself saying, "I wish I knew that way back when …" I'm simply overjoyed that I know it now. All the information that I've gained from you is applicable to my work and my private life right now and I know that in the future it will continue to make the journey so much easier and enhance the wonderful experience of life. The fantastic information and one on one coaching have shown me how to shape my life into just what I want it to be. Thanks for the experience, I will continue to flourish.
Dr Linda Tarran, Sydney, NSW, Australia

If you think education's expensive.... try experience. Having been in practice 12 years and working with Powerful Practices for 16 months, we have found a greater clarity of purpose, stream-lined systems, increased practice volume, and have greater profits. The Powerful-Practices Books, Videos and Audios has everything a chiropractor needs to create, fine-tune or grow a practice.
Dr Brian Kelly, President, Australian Spinal Research Foundation and President, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland, New Zealand.

I have had the great pleasure of being associated with the Powerful Practices organisation for the past three years and with John and Judy Hinwood for several years prior. Over the time that I have been involved with Powerful Practices , I have found the Hinwoods and their team to be exceptionally supportive, encouraging and stimulating. I have found the information that they have delivered, both practical and theoretical, to be nothing short of invaluable in the day to day running of my practice.

I have found the support and encouragement that they have given my team to be exceptional. I came to John and Judy Hinwood and Powerful Practices in June, 1993 with a veritable truck load of challenges in my practice and personal life and I asked them to handle them. And so they did. Three years later I can honestly say that without the aid of Powerful Practices , I do not think that I would be sitting here in my successful practice today writing this letter. Thankyou, John and Judy Hinwood. Thank you Powerful Practices . Dr Michael Schwager, Warners Bay, New South Wales, Australia

AFTER 17 YEARS - WHERE AM I GOING?

Somewhere between how I thought it was going to be, and how it really is...I discovered that I didn't really enjoy where I was. My life certainly had all of the trappings of success and my practice was flowing along... The statistics, however, showed more of an ebb than a flow. Coddled by a large volume of new patients, I was drifting into the pattern of providing symptomatic treatments, and had found myself with an emergency room practice.

Stress? High turnover of patients. Low patient visit average, cancellations/altered appointments rate approaching 30% of volume. Staff close to boiling. There was stress! My introduction to POWERFUL PRACTICES was at Foundations, a one day workshop, on Saturday 7th May '94. My reaction was predictable. Denial. None of that stuff was gonna help me. My practice was different. My patients wouldn't buy that stuff. People in my area only want a quick fix. I can't change at this point in my life. What if patients drop out...?

I joined POWERFUL PRACTICES as a member on 15 June '94. Not because my statistics had turned around. A 36% practice increase could be a seasonal fluctuation and a 50% reduction in cancellations/altered appointments might be coincidence The biggest difference is that my perception of why and how I do what I do... has changed. I joined because I like who I am again.

Dr Peter Pedersen, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

We have known Drs John Hinwood and Judy Hinwood since 1989. We attended the first seminars that they presented, We found the information, the philosophy that was presented to be relevant, useful and in fact extremely valuable. We took what we learned in those early seminars and applied it to our clinic.

In later years when Powerful Practices was formed, we did not join as we felt comfortable with where we were in our clinic. We continued to put into action the brilliance we already had on hand. We did recommend to many Chiropractors the benefits of being involved with Powerful Practices .

When our clinic situation was ready for change and growth, we joined Powerful Practices . We attended the seminars. Some of the basic gems that we received years before were still there. And so they should be. It was wonderful to be able to take our new staff to experience this also. However, each seminar, did provide something that made the experience not only worthwhile, but, very easy to recommend.

Some of the 'things' we have gained includes - system ideas - practical how to do it, problem solving, brain storming, encouragement, new ideas. Many times we can be so close to ourselves, our partners and our 'problems', that we have difficulty in identifying - 'what now'.

Judy's ability to listen, to ask, to direct, to challenge, with unconditional acceptance of others, is nothing short of powerful.

John's passion for chiropractic and helping others is magnetic, contagious, desirable. He has a dynamic style as a presenter, and we believe that this comes from the fact that he has a message, a powerful desire to share that message, and an extraordinary ability to get that message across accurately, and perfectly tailored to his audience.

It is our honour and our privilege to know and to recommend John Hinwood and Judy Hinwood to you in any project that they may decide to take on. Their personal power is such that should they decide to select any project, you can be guaranteed that they will have addressed the situation thoroughly, with passion, and with a determination that they will succeed.

Dr Neal Rennie, Chiropractor & Judith Atkins, Clinic Administrator, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I am fortunate in having had the pleasure of having been involved with Drs John and Judy Hinwood as a member of Powerful Practices . Since I became a member and found John and Judy's enthusiasm and zest for life and chiropractic infectious. I found that they were extremely giving of themselves to help in which ever way possible. They helped me on both a professional and personal level in setting new and high standards for my clinic and myself.

John and Judy are always willing to pass their wealth of experience to communicate chiropractic and success principles and they do this effectively and with passion. They are one of the most dedicated and focussed couple I know and are truly an inspiration.

The Powerful Practices program that John and Judy have set up is sensational and is exactly what every chiropractor needs. They have created a system and a pattern for practice and chiropractic success. The program has made a great impact on me personally and on my practice. The program has helped me systemise my practice with effective procedures and helped me to really communicate Chiropractic and thus I can highly recommend Drs John and Judy Hinwood and the Powerful Practices program.

Dr Anthony Memmolo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

When I joined in December 1993, Powerful Practices didn't provide me with all "THE ANSWERS" and Oh Boy! was that ever a let down at first. Having made a financial commitment however I elected to heed the advice I was given and together with John and Judy I formulated "THE QUESTIONS"! Now I know exactly what I want from practice and from my Powerful Practices coaching. Powerful Practices has guided and assisted me to discover my own solutions and chart a course toward successful practice - as I define it. I also have the security of immediate help and advice when the going gets tough. The total support service keeps me on track and off the seminar high - return to mediocre roller coaster. For me P.P. has not been the magic potion that doubled my practice overnight - then left me exhausted and wondering "How do I maintain this?" I have experienced sustained, excellent growth in practice and in other facets of my life, that continue to steadily accelerate. The excitement comes not only from seeing practice growth but also personal growth. I now have the competence and the confidence to stay several steps ahead of my practice growth. I embrace not chase the expansion - that is truly invigorating. Dr Natessa Pope, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Mid winter several years ago, I was sitting in my practice in Hornsby, in rented rooms, not liking where I was going with my practice and my life. The reason for this was the recession, the government, the weather - whatever. I had always dreamed of setting up the ideal practice on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, or northern New South Wales or in the West - anywhere except where I was. I took stock of my practice after 9 1/2 years and was not happy with the picture - it was reflecting my discontent.

A brochure appeared on my desk advertising a free seminar with John and Judy Hinwood, so I thought why not go along, the price is right and I've got nothing to lose - and, as they say, the rest is history.

At that seminar, John talked about where you are and where you want to be in practice - he showed us the way to work towards that BETTER state. I was very impressed and joined up with Powerful Practices and from that time on, I have never looked back. I got myself back on track and in focus. Needless to say, the practice began to climb back to the figures I was doing a few years ago.

About the same time I noticed the sale of a freehold building in what I believed, would the ideal location for a clinic, so I started negotiations to purchase the building.

As part of the clinic evaluation John and Judy came out, looked at the new building, looked at the plans, suggested various amendments and then helped get my finances in order and create a budget for the new practice. With help from our coaches at Powerful Practices , we were able to focus on the new while still maintaining the old.

On Christmas Day, 1993, we moved into the new clinic.

In January, we had our best month in years for new patient visits and since then, have gone from strength to strength, so if you've been in practice for some years and need a new direction in life, or if you are just starting out; then start out in the right direction. Talk to the experts, talk to Powerful Practices and ask them how they can assist you, or - talk to me, I will vouch for them.

I thank John and Judy, the team at Powerful Practices - my chiropractic coaches, for helping me make one of my dreams come true and for that, I am sincerely grateful.

Dr Geoff Irvine, Asquith Family Chiropractic, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Decreased Stress, Decreased Overheads, Increased Patient Numbers ... the Perfect Match.

I would like to tell you how Drs John and Judy Hinwood at Powerful Practices have helped me change things for the better in my professional and private life.

Having been in practice for approximately 10 years I had built my Chiropractic practice up to a level where I was seeing the number of patients per week that I wished to see but it was taking an inordinate amount of energy to maintain this level. Over time this 'stress' was starting to have an effect on my health and total well being. Regular chiropractic adjustments and 'healthy living' had allowed me to continue but the realisation that something was about to give made me look for an alternative to the way I practiced. As with most things if you put the questions out there you will receive the answer. Along came Powerful Practices . With personal, one to one coaching and a complete range of products to implement the strategies needed, Powerful Practices made the difference. I have not looked back since.

I highly recommend any Chiropractor, for that matter, any health care provider, to seriously consider making Powerful Practices part of their practice team. From the 1st year graduate (why try to re-invent the wheel by yourself) to the experienced (keeping you on track and honing your life/practice skills) having a personal coach will make your life more enjoyable and rewarding!

Dr Thom McDonell, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

PS I fractured my ankle while walking in the garden, at home, 3 months after starting with Powerful Practices . Thanks to John my convalescent period was stress free. Now 6 months later the practice is less stressful and ironically practice overheads have decreased significantly and patient numbers have increased.

Congratulations to John and Judy Hinwood on the Excellerated Practice Package.

I would like to thank you both for all the nurturing you gave me during my 18 months with Powerful Practice. You have taken my team and I and the office out of the roaring '70's and '80's to the new millenium.

A key word that readily springs to mind is INTEGRITY and all that I have learned has been with integrity.

Thank you for your kindness when needed and for forthright confrontation.

With everlasting respect and thanks,

Dr Athol Morris, Reservoir, Melbourne, Australia

Powerful Practices was the gateway to a more self realised and rewarding form of daily practice. The practical tools enabled every member of my staff to function with more clarity of action and purpose. Personally I am thrilled with the removal of unnecessary daily practice stress and I know that the guidance I received from John and Judy Hinwood was instrumental in allowing me to claim that practice has never been as smooth as now. I recommend their material for any Chiropractic Clinic open to improvement. William A Econe DC, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

To Whom It May Concern

Thanks to Powerful Practices (John and Judy Hinwood) we have gone from a low volume, high stress, multi-clinic situation, to a low stress, high volume single clinic.

My name is Scott Stephens and I practice in Outback Queensland, Australia. I came to Australia in 1988 after graduating from Palmer College in Davenport Iowa, my hometown. I started off as an associate in a coastal town. But this did not last long. I went Outback to look for a town with no chiropractors, and found a town called Clermont. There where five other neighboring small towns with no chiropractors, so I decided to set up satellite clinics in three of them. I was travelling about 600 miles per week. I did this for three years and thought I was doing great. I was seeing upwards of 200 to 220 patients per week on a very good week (average 165) not too bad for a corn farmer. The problems were the long hours, how tiring and stressful it was working in this way.

Fortunately I saw an advertisement for a seminar called "Powerful Practices " (P.P.). It was a practice management seminar, which I knew they couldn’t teach me anything at because I had it "all figured out". But I went because it was in Sydney - I hadn’t been there yet, and I needed a break due to the volume of patients I was seeing!

Well I can say it changed my life. My bubble burst, and my mind was changed about this practice management seminar. Someone who has had over twenty years experience was telling me the way it could be. They themselves had practiced in small agriculture and mining towns. The thing that impressed me the most was that everything I was hearing was in integrity with my beliefs. The systems they were talking about, the paper work, the scripts (so everyone got the same experience and chiropractic message), all of the information was so easy to use and implement I was surprised I hadn’t thought of it myself.

Reality hit. My PVA (patient visit average) was about 5. I found out that this meant that patients did not understand what chiropractic was all about. One Saturday morning I saw 13 new patients, and not one of them heard the chiropractic message, or had a physical and x-ray. Just not enough time to do all that stuff. I realized that I sucked at getting the message across. P.P. had the answers that I didn’t know I needed. So I signed on the dotted line. John came up from Brisbane and did an in-office evaluation. He watched me for awhile with my so-called regular patients, and a few new patients. His first comment was a punch in the stomach and said to wake up. And I did.

Following the P.P. systems, my office team and I started to have regular meetings, we started to train together as a team. After two months of training and studying the P.P. materials we were going to make some major changes. After the first month of implementing the changes our income doubled, the PVA’s started to go up, and my stress levels started to go down. And we had only implemented about 20% of the systems and materials.

The most important lessons we learned from the Hinwoods and their team at P.P. included the implementation of systems to streamline and make consistent the experience patients had when they received care in our office. Now our patients were receiving the same message about chiropractic and started to understand that they were there to correct their spine and not just symptomatic relief. My Chiropractic Assistants received a great deal of training and support, and found that the systems implemented made their jobs less stressful and much more efficient.

After our four years with P.P. we now have an associate, own our office and four other commercial shops, seeing 400+ patients per week (and still growing) with a PVA of 40 +. My associate and I only work about 25 hours per week each, our stress levels are very low. We have goals of 600+ patient visits per week and a PVA over 60. I used to think that this was impossible, but with educated patients and the right systems it is going to be easy.

I’m the first to admit that a change is difficult and scary, but if you want to move forward you must get out of your comfort zone. You can struggle yourself and make a lot of mistakes along the way, or get advice and guidance from someone who has been there. And from personal experience I have found this minimizes painful and costly lessons.

Dr. Scott A Stephens, Emerald, Queensland, Australia

stephens@maxspeed.net.au

PS. Please feel free to contact me if you need any more information on P.P..