Who Are You Learning From Nowadays!

Who Are You Learning From?

"What Really Makes Me MAD!"

by Dr. Jason Tirado
(Originally written in 2007)

You know what really makes me MAD?

When I see someone acting like a bigshot with no substance behind them, asking you to pay them handsomely to teach you something that they themselves have NEVER done.

Let me explain...

I recently received a fax advertisement announcing a very expensive MUA workshop that claims to certify you in two weekends promising to build your practice, get more MD referrals, get more patients, and so on,(and you had to bring in two patients of your own).

Now most of that is fine...

Here's the part that gets my goat...

I happen to know that the person teaching this workshop hasn't had a practice much less an MUA practice in over 15 years!!! And has absolutely NO present day experience with talking to his own patients about the MUA procedure! In fact some of these so called MUA gurus don't even teach the class!! They hire someone else.

It just makes me ill.

There are many of these self proclaimed "gurus" out there. True, some have indeed performed the procedure, written books, taught many classes and lectured (That's not hard to do either.) But how many of their own MUA cases do they actually do day in and day out and every month presently? Do they really have an MUA practice? How much money are they making actually comes from doing MUA's? And are they working their tail off, or have they really created a great lifestyle for themselves from developing an MUA practice or is the great lifestyle created from giving courses and people taking their class?

Now, I know it's hard to tell sometimes who to trust and follow. Some of these 'gurus' talk a great talk using excellent stories, and persuasion tactics. How do you know who is the REAL deal, and who's "full of it"?

Asking a few questions will help you. Here are five questions you should ask before investing heavily in anyone's products, programs, coaching, or workshops:

1. Have they DONE what they are teaching?

There are some people out there who are good "reporters" - that is, who collect information and share it - who you can learn from. There is certainly a place for these people and these folks are good if you're doing baseline research on the topic. But if you are really looking to learn the systems and strategies that can change your life and practice, and how to apply them successfully, quickly, safely to your patients and be paid for your services from insurance companies, then you absolutely want to make sure you learn from someone who has done exactly that. This guarantees a much higher success rate on your end.

2. Are they STILL in practice or are they just teaching?

It's no secret that anyone can make a lot more money TEACHING what they know than just doing what they know. Many "gurus" enjoyed success in the 80's and 90's and have been riding those coat-tails for years, teaching how they did it over and over. Just because someone had success two decades ago in practice at one time doesn't mean they know the best and easiest way to do that TODAY. Things have changed dramatically and insurance reimbursement and technique is different today. It's crucial you learn from someone who is still "in the trenches", continually learning and keeping up to date with the fastest and easiest ways to do what you want to learn.

3. Are they doing it SUCCESSFULLY?

This may seem like a given, but it amazes me how many people invest money in learning from people who aren't that successful in what they do. Make sure to sniff around and truly make sure that this person not only does what they say they can teach you, but that they are outrageously good at it.

I routinely encourage doctors to pass by my office and see how a million dollar operation works and continues to work with me there or with me not there while I'm on the road teaching. Why? Because I want my doctors to duplicate a proven model that works. And because I want them to be successful treating their patients and in their practice as well.

4. Will they show you PROOF that what they teach actually works?

If your prospective mentor won't share numbers with you, or claims it's not your business, or it's illegal, or talk to you about insurance reimbursement or provide you with copies of their own, move on. It's likely they are not walking their talk. I'm open with my numbers because I want people to know I'm the real deal!

For example, I have shared actual payments (with names and id numbers blacked out of course to avoid HIPPA problems) at all of my seminars. Why? I feel anyone who is about to invest several thousand dollars to learn from me, and change their practice, deserves to see proof that I do what I teach and what I'm teaching actually works.

5. Are they doing it in a MANNER that suits what you want for you and your business?

This isn't talked about often, but you want to learn from a mentor who also works in a manner that fits your business vision. For example, one client shared that she chose to learn from me instead of another MUA teacher "mentor" solely because she knew I had an MUA practice of my own, and loved my business approach. She admittedly works 16-hour days and hasn't taken a vacation in years. (Apparently my relaxed and fun work-style was a lot more appealing to her.)

Another example: I'm sure you've seen some "gurus" out there whose marketing methods are questionable and/or simply obnoxious, and that may not fit your style. They telemarket you at your office until you simply just hang up on them. If you want your business to be ethical, easy, and fun, then look for a mentor who is running his/her business that exact same way.

Once You Find Your Mentor, Stick With 'Em!

Once you choose the mentor and business model that's right for you, STOP paying attention to anyone else for awhile!

Why?

The #1 enemy of any chiropractor is DISTRACTION. It's easy to jump around and get excited about the next big thing every few weeks, but your easiest road to success is to choose ONE mentor/model and commit to follow them for at least six months. I guarantee you'll move ahead a lot faster and more easily!


Get Paid What You're Worth

Dr. Jason Tirado
www.drtirado.com