What if I told you that the secret to transforming your practice and your life could be summed up in two words that sound almost too simple to work? Forty years ago, I sat in a seminar and heard something that changed everything for me – not a complex system or revolutionary technique, but the most profound practice management secret of all. And here's the twist that took me decades to fully understand: the most selfish thing you can do is actually be of service to others.

Let me paint you a picture. I walked into my practice one day thinking it was just another ordinary day, only to discover my entire team had orchestrated a surprise 70th birthday party that brought me to tears. Or take the time I was on vacation in Patagonia when a desperate patient called, and my decision to help them from the other side of the world created a moment of gratitude that transformed both our lives. These aren't just feel-good stories I'm sharing – they're the inevitable results of a philosophy that challenged everything I thought I knew about success.

In this episode, I'll share why I believe resentment comes from expecting people to behave in ways they never agreed to, and how I discovered that the fastest way out of a bad mood isn't to focus on yourself – it's to find someone to help. In our profession where clinical expertise meets human connection, this approach doesn't just feel good; it becomes the foundation of a thriving practice where making people feel cared for naturally leads to business success.

Whether you're struggling with difficult patients, team dynamics, or just want to feel better about your daily interactions, I'm offering you a refreshingly simple yet radical approach that you can start implementing immediately. No special training required – just the decision to be nice and trust that the positive energy you put out will find its way back to you in ways you never imagined. After four decades in practice, this is the one thing I wish I could tell every practitioner starting out.

Mentioned in this episode:

Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

Learn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!

TPNP Course Midroll

What if the secret to building a million-dollar service business wasn't hidden in some complex MBA textbook, but sitting right there in your local restaurant guide?

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into a revolutionary business philosophy that's transforming industries from healthcare to consulting: the Zagat Method. Originally designed to rate restaurants on three simple criteria - Food, Decor, and Service - this framework reveals why 90% of service businesses are leaving money on the table by obsessing over their "product" while completely ignoring the customer experience.

Here's the shocking truth: Your customers aren't just buying your service - they're buying how you make them FEEL about buying your service. And most businesses are failing spectacularly at this.

✅ The "Dental School Paradox" - Why professional training programs teach you everything except how to actually run a profitable business, and how this applies to lawyers, consultants, coaches, and virtually every service provider

✅ The "First Impression Multiplier" - How the first 30 seconds of customer contact can determine whether someone becomes a $50 client or a $5,000 client (and why most businesses blow this opportunity)

✅ The "Hospitality Hack" - The simple mindset shift that transforms price-sensitive customers into premium clients who happily pay more and refer their friends

✅ The "Three Touchpoint Strategy" - How to audit your business like a mystery restaurant critic and identify the hidden friction points that are costing you thousands in lost revenue

This isn't just theory. We'll explore how one dental practice used these principles to attract patients who were "happy to pay for exceptional care" and built a referral engine that eliminated their need for traditional marketing. But here's what makes this episode truly valuable - these same principles work whether you're running a law firm, consulting practice, coaching business, or any service where trust and relationships matter.

In an age where AI and automation are commoditizing technical skills, the businesses that thrive will be those that master the human elements - the "decor" and "service" that no algorithm can replicate. This episode gives you a practical framework for becoming irreplaceable in your market.

If you've ever wondered why some businesses charge premium prices while others compete on cost, why some professionals have waiting lists while others struggle to find clients, or why some companies grow through referrals while others burn through marketing budgets - this episode has your answers.

Tune in to discover how a simple restaurant rating system can become your blueprint for building a business that customers love, competitors can't copy, and that pays you what you're actually worth.

Mentioned in this episode:

Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

Learn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!

TPNP Course Midroll