WOmEn In BUsInEss

When Business Thrives: Women in local businesses talk about starting and growing their client base

All the local business women profiled in this section have kept their businesses thriving through the past few years of economic turmoil. How did they do it?

Dr. Kelli Slate, whose dental office is located in the heart of Lakewood, says she focuses on customer care.

Dr. Kelli Slate emphasizes continuing education. “Each year, my staff and I attend three or four dental conferences nationwide. We believe strongly in keeping current with the latest trends in dentistry.” Dr. Slate’s office is also keeping apace with the latest patient comfort.

“My patients tell me they come back because they appreciate the quality of their care, and the comfort techniques we use,” Dr. Slate says. She knows that a visit to the dentist can be stressful. “We take time to explain everything in advance,” Dr. Slate says. “And that sets the patient’s mind at ease.”

“We just acquired 3D Multimedia video glasses that provide a positive distraction for patients. Being able to watch a movie in glasses gives patients the ability to relax and be entertained while the dentist performs her work.”

Realtor Nancy Johnson sees her role as facilitator for her clients, who need help navigating today’s unusual real estate market. “It is an exciting, crazy time in real estate,” she says. “We have record low inventories, but challenges with mortgages and appraisals.” Johnson says, when it comes to customer service, she makes it about helping her clients achieve their goals.

“There is no substitute for sitting at someone’s kitchen table or office, and having a good discussion to get the best results,” Johnson says. “No matter how busy we get, we make time for personal service, open communication and honest and knowledgeable advice.”

Taking time to identify what’s working well contributes to the success at Roundtree Landscaping, which has been going strong for 29 years. Roundtree’s owner, Johnette Taylor, says, “When things are busy and the business is thriving, it’s time to look at what’s working so you can make sure to replicate it. Ask yourself, what did you do to get there? Are you still doing it?”

And most important, Taylor says, “Don’t take your foot off the gas pedal!”

Referrals are another great way to generate new business.

Dr. Debbie Schirico at Total Hearing Care says she gets referrals not only from past and present patients, but from medical specialists in the area. “Audiologists as well as those that wear hearing instruments refer to us,” Dr. Schirico says. Over the 26 years she has been in business, she has built a strong reputation.

“Patients tell me all the time, they can just see I love what I do.” That’s because they pick up on Dr. Schirico’s passion for making sure each patient gets the best possible care and improved quality of life from better hearing. “I love helping people hear, and enjoy their life to the fullest,” Dr. Schirico says. “Our clients return because of the quality of care and attention to detail to assure their satisfaction and success. And our follow-up care after the sale is second to none.”

Dallas City Center Realtors’ Kevin Caskey attributes the busi- ness’s success to the dynamic, well-trained women working at his company. “They make the experience for the client exceptional, so they come back again and again,” Caskey says. “Loyalty is something that’s hard to gain in many industries, but especially in real estate. Our agents do an exceptional job, and they gain that loyalty.”

Jill Carpenter of Coldwell Banker also made the switch from corporate life. She remembers her first experience buying a home with an inexperienced Realtor. “After you go through an experience like that, you realize how important it is that people have someone in their court.” She enjoys applying her expertise helping her clients, especially first-time buyers. “What’s important is not just how something looks. You have to maintain it, just like taking care of your car. It’s the most money anybody spends on anything. I love selling, I love people, and I provide a needed service that means something.”

All these business owners know that without their customers and clients, their businesses wouldn’t exist. Over time they have learned to tackle issues head-on and they focus on solving the problems their customers are struggling with. ■

Source: attractclientswithease.com: Grow Your Business by Caterina Rando

In 1992, Amy Adams brought her Masters degree and her love of children to White Rock North School. Her parents, Mary and John Adams, founded the school in 1964 and Amy attended this unique school, just as her own four children did, through the 6th grade. Amy, a 1987 Lake Highlands High School graduate returned from Baylor and brought with her a unique philosophy of education that values the importance of being a child. “I believe kids should work hard and play hard, but our students are de nitely embracing a progressive education environment. All students, Kindergarten and older have tablets they use daily, blog with their teachers and de nitely love their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) time! On the ip side, the students work and harvest food from the school’s Outdoor Learning Center that the school chef then prepares for their meals!

“At White Rock North, we believe it is possible to balance working hard for an education with time to breathe.”