Referrals don’t happen by accident. They’re cultivated through consistent conversations, intentional systems, and genuine community connections. Dr. Lona and Dr. Rachel Hovey discuss why referral growth is still one of the most underutilized and effective practice-building strategies, despite the attention given to newer marketing tactics. They share practical systems for cultivating patient referrals, building meaningful community partnerships, training teams to recognize referral opportunities, and creating consistent follow-up processes that keep practices visible and top of mind. Rather than treating referrals as something that simply happens, this episode encourages practice owners to intentionally build a referral culture that extends from the adjusting table into the community, creating sustainable growth rooted in trust and genuine relationships.
Episode Highlights
01:29 – Discover why relationships still create stronger long-term practice growth than the latest marketing trends.
02:23 – Learn to spot the everyday patient comments that can become real referral opportunities.
04:23 – A more natural approach to networking that removes the pressure to promote yourself.
06:11 – Inside Dr. Rachel’s simple system for keeping community connections organized and active.
07:30 – Defining your ideal patient can point you toward better networking opportunities.
09:15 – Strong referral partnerships often begin long before anyone exchanges a referral.
11:13 – See how the right local partnerships can make your practice a trusted community resource.
13:07 – Simple ways to thank referral partners and strengthen those relationships over time.
15:33 – Reframing the referral conversation so it feels helpful rather than uncomfortable.
17:40 – Table talk, whiteboards, and repeated education may be quietly driving your best referrals.
19:23 – Three practical steps for strengthening referral systems inside the practice and throughout the community.
20:29 – Adding the right service can improve patient care while strengthening your practice. Dr. Eric welcomes the expertise of Dr. Dan RuitenBeek from Success Partner Shockwave Centers of America to discuss how regenerative shockwave therapy, staff training, and implementation support help chiropractors expand treatment options, retain more patients, and create new revenue opportunities.
Resources Mentioned
For more information about Shockwave please visit: https://www.shockwavecenters.com/
To schedule a Strategy Session with Dr Lona: https://go.oncehub.com/DrLonaBuildPodcast
To schedule a Strategy Session with Dr Bobby: https://go.oncehub.com/DrBobbyBuildPodcast
Learn more about the Remarkable CEO Podcast: https://theremarkablepractice.com/podcast/
Tweetable Quotes
[Tweet “Your patients really can become the arms and legs out in the community. — Dr. Lona]