5 Daily Habits to Improve Your Pharmacy: A Recipe for Success
You don’t have to have hours of free time every day to improve your pharmacy; you can adopt these simple five daily habits and get started today.
Running an independent pharmacy can sometimes feel like juggling while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. It’s a balancing act that requires precision, patience, and a touch of creativity. But fear not, pharmacy owners! Incorporating these five daily habits into your routine can help transform your business from good to great.
Let’s dive into these habits and discover how they can significantly improve your pharmacy’s success.
1. Make a Plan: Set Must-Do Goals for the Day
Starting your day without a plan is like embarking on a road trip without a map. Sure, you might eventually get somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you intended. By setting clear, must-do goals every morning, you establish a roadmap for your day. These goals could range from sending your order before 6 pm to chatting with an employee, reviewing a compound formula, or reading DiversifyRx’s post of the day.
I love the act of crossing off a list. It’s how I get my dopamine hits. It’s amazing how addicting getting sh*t done can become. You will start to LOVE these little wins every day, and you can build up to bigger tasks as you develop new habits. You can improve your pharmacy by creating small daily wins.
Why it works:
Having a plan helps prioritize tasks, reduces procrastination, and increases productivity. It’s also a great way to keep track of long-term projects by breaking them into manageable daily tasks.
Tip:
Jot down your goals each morning in a planner, notebook, or digital tool. Make it a ritual—maybe with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, whatever works for you—to kickstart your day with purpose and direction.
2. Recognize One Employee for Something Good
Your employees are the backbone of your pharmacy. A little recognition can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment. Each day, take a moment to acknowledge one employee for something they did well. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; even a simple “thank you” or “great job” can make a difference.
You will need your employees’ help to improve your pharmacy. You can’t do it alone. Creating a strong and positive team culture is one of the most critical tasks for any pharmacy owner.
I like to buy employee recognition kits from Baudville, Etsy, or Amazon. Have these on hand to make this task easier and more likely that you will complete it.
Why it works:
Recognizing employees enhances job satisfaction and motivates them to maintain high performance. It also cultivates a culture of appreciation, which can lead to better teamwork and customer service.
Tip:
Make this a part of your daily routine. You could set a reminder to ensure you don’t forget. Consider creating a “Wall of Fame” where you can post daily recognitions for everyone to see.
3. Review Your Daily Order Before It Is Sent
In the fast-paced world of pharmacy, it’s easy to let ordering become a routine task. However, taking the time to review your daily order before it’s sent out can lead to significant savings and efficiency. Aim to order less than what you dispensed that day. This practice helps maintain optimal inventory levels and increase your cash flow (yay!!)
It’s easy to get into bad habits—just hitting submit is so easy. A pharmacy’s inventory is the largest drain on cash flow. Keeping it tight helps keep your pharmacy open and more cash in the bank. Ensuring that you order just a little less than you dispense each day will keep your inventory down and make inventory management more manageable.
Why it works:
It’s easier to make small, daily adjustments than it is to try and do huge returns. It ensures that your cash flow is managed effectively, freeing up resources so you can continue to improve your pharmacy.
Tip:
If your schedule is too tight, delegate this task to a trusted employee. Use inventory management software to track dispensed items and adjust orders accordingly. Make it a game to see how close you can get to the ideal order amount each day.
4. Send a Handwritten Thank You Card to a Select Patient
In an era dominated by digital communication, a handwritten thank you card can be a breath of fresh air. Each day, select a patient who has made a notable impact on your pharmacy – whether through their loyalty, influence, or even a simple positive interaction – and send them a thank you card.
I require a daily thank you card from each of my employees for every shift they work. You won’t believe the positive impact it will have on the satisfaction of your patients and employees.
Why it works:
This small gesture shows your patients that they are valued and appreciated. It builds strong relationships and encourages loyalty. Moreover, a personalized note can make your pharmacy stand out in a patient’s mind, fostering positive word-of-mouth.
Tip:
Keep a stash of thank you cards and stamps in your office. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to write a heartfelt message. Over time, you’ll notice how this simple act of kindness strengthens your patient community.
5. Make a Small Change Every Day
The concept of continuous improvement can seem daunting, but breaking it down into small, daily changes makes it achievable and sustainable. Aim to improve by 1% every day. This could mean reorganizing a shelf, tweaking a process, or updating a display.
Why it works:
Small changes accumulate over time, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall operations. It keeps the momentum going and fosters an environment of innovation and adaptability.
Tip:
At the end of each day, reflect on what you can improve. Encourage your team to share ideas and suggestions. Keep a log of the changes made and track their impact over time. It can be easy to forget how far you have come!
Consistency Equals Success
You surely don’t have to use my list of daily habits. I do highly encourage you to come up with your own list you can use. Doing the small things great over and over is how you build a successful pharmacy that will withstand the test of time.
If 5 daily habits seem too daunting, then pick a lower number. This is about bragging rights. It’s about getting stuff done and improving your pharmacy.
