Have an Incredible Business Idea!
A lot of viewers on SBTV.com ask me: “Susan, what do you think would be a good business idea?” The answer to that question really depends on each individual – their interests, skills, passions, etc.
But today I’m going out on a limb to share what I believe to be an incredible business idea.
Recently I had an appointment to have a dental check-up and my teeth cleaned. I know you are supposed to do that every six months or so, but I think it had been a year or more since I'd been to see the dentist. Sure I've been busy – at least that's the excuse I used. But let's face it who really "likes" going to the dentist.
Nothing against my dentist by the way: He's a great guy. I've been going to him since 1986. He always takes time to ask about what I've been up to and we often wind up talking about all sorts of business issues. In addition to his dental practice, he's also an entrepreneur with several interesting businesses. And like most of us entrepreneurs, he typically has more ideas percolating in his head.
Okay so back to the dentist visit and my incredible business idea. As I was in the process of having my teeth cleaned, I thought, "Why doesn't a dentist offer pedicures and/or foot massages to his patients. Think about it. Wouldn't it be a much more pleasant experience if while you were sitting there with your mouth pried open, your feet were being pampered with reflexology. It might get patients in the office on a more regular basis.
My assistant once worked as a massage therapist for a spa that partnered with an auto detailing company. Drop your car off for detailing and get a massage, facial or mani/pedi while you wait. Sure beats sitting in a beat-up waiting area reading last year's Time magazine.
Think about those long hours waiting in the doctor's office. A chair massage could be an inspired way to calm anxious and frustrated patients. Of course, most doctors don't value our time so this one is probably out of the question.
Okay airline executives – listen up. You want to off-set rising fuel costs? Offer services on the flight that we can purchase. For example, how about having someone who could shine shoes? Hand or foot massage anyone? Foreign language lessons?
I could go on and on with these value-added propositions. What do you think? Any other incredible business ideas you'd like to share?
Tory Johnson
Been There, Done That
Career Changer
College Chatter
Comeback Mom
Fulltime Freelancer
Guest Gabber
Gutsy New Grad
Image Architect
Magic Hands
Multitasking Madre
Outside the Box
Planet Mom
Stephen Viscusi
Strategic Job Hopper
The Wellness Woman
Vivacious Vicki
Off the Shelf
Jobs Alert
Layoff Tracker
Workplace Buzz
Guest Corner
Comments (7)
Diane
I will check out your site. Your business sounds interesting. I'm always looking for good stories to write about women entrepreneurs.
If you'd like to share you story with me, you can email me at SWS@sbtv.com. Or visit my web site at www.sbtv.com
— Posted by Small Business Susan | August 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Comment Permalink
Hi Susan
My name is Debbie and I would like to say that I think your idea is great. I work for a Dental Office and everyday I see patients experience stress when walking into the office. I would love to figure out to start a business to market this to doctor's and their offices. I live in the Midwest and people here are so leary of any change or to try new ideas. But I believe this would be a great way to bring the patient coming back regularly and sharing with other a more relaxed experience they had. I would love to hear from you. My email is kipanddebbie@alliancecom.net.
Best Wishes
Debbie
— Posted by dtuschen | August 19, 2008 5:31 PM | Comment Permalink
Hello Susan,
My name is Debbie and I work in a Dental Office so how interesting your idea is to me. I have been trying to come up with an idea to for a small business to generate more income. I to think that would be a great idea to help relax patients while in the chair. All patients young and old have some fear of the dentist. I would love any more advice or help your would have as to how I could make this idea become a reality.
Thank you
— Posted by Anonymous | August 19, 2008 5:05 PM | Comment Permalink
I totally agree with you. I had this fantastic dentist who charged an arm and a leg, but when you entered the office, they served coffee and sodas, (yes that sugar-filled, terrible for the teeth substance) and offered to let you sleep through the whole dental experience as long as you had a driver. If you wanted to sleep through it, they covered you tightly with a warm blanket, which makes you feel safe and secure, (you never know what might happen if you are asleep with easy access to your button down blouse). Basically, you went off to la-la land cozy and comfy...they even offered lip balm so your lips didn't crack while they were working on your mouth. When you woke up, you were happy, the dental work was done and you felt truly pampered.
When I had to down-size due to cost, I went to a few good dentists, but it just wasn't the same. I told the first how anxious I got when I went to the dentist and she told me if I called my old dentist and found out what they used to make me "sleepy and happy" that she would gladly call in a prescription, but the warm blanket wasn't there and every time I dozed off, she would wake me because she was afraid I would go into a coma, I guess, and she kept wiping off the lip gloss/balm so my lips would crack.
Now, I am at a different dentist, (I tried to go back to the first one, but couldn't get in for months...I wonder why). The office is extremely pleasant, the cleaning went beautifully, the dentist really seems to know his stuff and offers the "sleepy pill," too. There is just that extra pampering missing. Manicurist/pedicurists, massage therapists...go for it! This is a great idea! I would love to go to the dentist if I knew that I was going to get something special, something pampering, something relaxing while I was there. Dentists, listen up! You could have much more loyal and regular patients if you offered these services.
— Posted by Denny | August 16, 2008 5:28 AM | Comment Permalink
Perhaps a mini massage prior to your dental appointment would work. But, once the dentist is busy in your mouth, I think she would view anyone working at the other end as a distraction and potential liability. And, I for one, want my dentist 100% focused while I'm in her chair!
— Posted by Ellen Hart | August 13, 2008 1:28 PM | Comment Permalink
Home based business!! Stay at home & earn extra cash. No products to purchase or sell. Just word of mouth. The online travel business. Everyone books travel, hotels car rentals, sporting/concert events & soo much more.Receive 60% of the travel commissions, even get commission on your own travel.Receive your own website too. Just call me at 1-800-925-3827.
— Posted by Cindi Sparks | August 11, 2008 10:14 AM | Comment Permalink
Susan, In these difficult times thinking outside of the box, as they say is one of the best ways to increase business for all.
The Beauty Professionals will greatly benefit when they align themselves with other personal service providers as you stated so well!
I, as a women entrepreneur, created Client Keeper for the Beauty Professionals, just for those individuals who think outside the box and want to cater to their clients, not necessarily in a salon or spa. When the client is yours, such as the case with a small dentist practice working with a massage therapist, then the Client Keeper software will help communicate for them, with the client!
We have been pestered by dentists, doctors, life coaches and business coaches to open up Client Keeper for those professionals as well. They cannot find a cost effective way to keep you coming to your appointments every six months??? So, keep dreaming up ways to cross market over various professional and create success. Oh, Client Keeper is at www.cksystemz.com - check it out!
— Posted by Diane Dutton | August 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Comment Permalink