Jameson Files Episode 129 - Dr. Todd Christy Discusses Social Media Success

https://youtu.be/Obe6Ta0tBHA

Below, we’ve put together a compilation of some of the key points discussed in Episode 129. To enjoy the full conversation between our very own Carrie Webber and Dr. Todd Christy, you can watch on YouTube or listen to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify.

Introducing Dr. Todd Christy—Social Media Champion

Carrie Webber:

You know, I have followed your journey and you have been such a fun presence on social media for your dental practices over the years. So I appreciate the chance to pick your brain because we at Jameson do a lot in the marketing realm as you know, and we’re firm believers in making the most of the channels and resources that we have available to us in our businesses, dental practices not excluded. But first I would love to have you share with our audience a little of your dental journey and how you started into industry and how you got where you are today in your practicing life?

Dr. Todd Christy:

Well, I know it's surprising for me, graduating 25 years ago from University of Detroit and moving out to a small town. I grew up in a big city outside of Detroit and moved down to this small town with two stop lights, got my dental license on a Tuesday, bought the practice on a Friday, and got married two weeks later. So it was always busy. But through the 25 years, acquiring four other practices, merging them into our original—the office I'm sitting in now, which is our main operatory facility here in Berrien Springs. 

And then, seven years ago this September, my partner Eric and I bought another practice. Then he wanted to sell the building. And so we bought one in town and now have two locations. Recently we merged again and brought another dentist in, so we now have three dentists within the Berrien Dental ranks. 

And it's fabulous to work in a group practice. I never thought I'd get into that, but it really is great to have those assets and other team members. So each of us in a group practice has their own kind of specialty areas that we cover. And for me, I have been honed in on social media and team training, which I learned a lot from working with you and the team there at Jameson. The social media is something that I really enjoy and am always trying to do better.

Carrie Webber:

You know, when I look at your social media channels and your content that you post, you have this great combination that I love. It's a combination of education and of fun that I believe represents your personality and, more than likely, your practice personality. When you really started getting serious about your social media as an arm of communication for outreach to your community, what were (and what continue to be) your primary goals of what you hope to accomplish through your efforts?

Dr. Christy’s Primary Social Media Goals

Personality and Brand

Dr. Todd Christy:

Well, I think you're right. We try to have a blend of not only the clinical side, but also really connecting with our patients. I've learned over the last few years the importance of looking at what the culture is of our practice. Actually, in the last few weeks we hired new team members. And I said, “Please go stalk us on Facebook or Instagram, or look at the website, because I want you to understand what the culture is here at our office.” Anyway, when we went too far with clinical stuff, it got a little bit too boring. because one thing about social media that I've learned is, it's social, and people want to be able to respond to something.

And even now after 10 plus years that we've been on, before I post anything and hit send, I always just read it to somebody else to make sure it sounds right, so it's still on brand. Even though my name's on the sign, I still want to make sure we're sticking to what our core is and what our culture is. And that's a big thing for me as to what I focus on.