The Value of Demographic Factors in Opening a Successful Practice: Part VII, Magnet Communities
After you have made your calculations of the eight essential chiropractic demographic factors and have determined the geographical barriers that may block your practice, it is time to determine whether or not the community (be it a small town, suburban, or a portion of an urban center) is a high-potential site. After doing all this work to find your dream location, there is one more consideration for you to focus on: is the community you have in mind a magnet community?
A magnet community is one that provides goods and services that a substantial number of people need or desire. Typically, a magnet community is a county seat. People are drawn to the county seat of government to transact necessary business. As a result, major retail outlets such as a Wal-Mart, KMart, or Target stores are located close by. Retail malls containing smaller shops are often located adjacent to these larger stores. Along with elementary and secondary schools, there are trade schools, colleges and universities in the community. Cultural opportunities such as theatre, cinemas, orchestras, and libraries are attracted to these educational centers. Often houses of worship are located throughout the community.
However, the biggest single factor that makes a magnet community is the presence of a modern hospital. Patients are attracted to this community and they will become your patients as well.
Use the Chiromap program in the Office of Alumni and Career Services or see http://locusmap.com/ to order studies. For information, our e-mail address is: info@locusmap.com or call (800) 743-6676.