Business

We all know that the women’s health industry has changed throughout the years. For Nancy Gunderson, this change is a good thing. Celebrating her 40th anniversary in the industry, Nancy has had years of experience and has great expertise when it comes to mastectomy fitting. Though many aspects of women’s health have changed over the years, the importance of making personal connections with customers and helping them feel good about themselves is a value that Nancy has carried with her

By: Nikki Jensen and Kayla Mahler What a quarter! Our lives have drastically changed since the beginning of March. For the majority of Essentially Women members, our businesses either closed, converted to appointment-only business while using drop ship or curbside pickup services, or became busier than ever on the pharmacy or DME-side of the business. Many of you have spent countless hours researching, navigating and applying for various government programs meant for small businesses, including

By: Miriam Lieber, Lieber Consulting This article was originally featured in the 2nd Quarter 2020 issue of Essential Advantage. In these unusual times, life for Essentially Women is nothing short of challenging. As essential service providers, most of you work directly with customers. During a conversation with a boutique owner, she mentioned that she is carefully evaluating every single expense. In addition, we discussed how she can hone her business practices, ensuring she is operationally

By Cassi Price, Manager of Marketing Strategy, VGM Forbin This article was first featured in "VGM Playbook: Technology and the Patient Care Continuum" “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” – Fred DeVito It’s safe to say that we’ve all been personally challenged and changed by the pandemic of 2020. When this is all said and done, you’ll ask yourself—did your business rise to the challenge and adapt technology to accommodate

Question: What are your COVID-19 pre-screening questions? Answer: Consider the following: Have all guests’ temperature taken (must be under 100.4) Have all guests wear a mask. Have all guests use hand sanitizer immediately after entering your business. Ensure all of the below screening questions be asked before the guest enters the building. All questions must be answered ‘NO’ in order to pass. Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness

The COVID-19 environment makes getting your American Board for Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABCOP) or Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) mastectomy fitting certifications more complicated. Not only have in-person mastectomy training classes been cancelled or postponed, but the supervised hours that both require complicates getting your CFm or CMF. Pre-Certification Courses Always make sure to check ABCOP and BOC’s websites as well as manufacturer

By: Miriam Lieber, Lieber Consulting, LLC This article was first featured in the 1st Quarter 2020 issue of Essential Advantage.  Minimum metrics and productivity - When I was asked to explore one of these two topics for this Essential Advantage article, I quickly realized that the two topics go hand in hand. You need metrics to measure productivity. As discussed during my recent sessions at EW’s Focus Conference in Tampa, employee productivity is dependent upon expectations and goals. Expectations

From the CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility Please refer to the manufacturer for their recommendations for sanitization.   Best Option: Launder  According to the CDC, soft surfaces should be laundered, if possible, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water settings and dry items completely.   Second Best Option: Disinfect  If you cannot launder the item, disinfect with an EPA-registered

Each one of our Essentially Women members are in a different stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on your state, county or even city, you may have different timelines for reopening your business. In the new COVID-19 world, what does this look like? Health experts have indicated that there could also be a resurgence of the virus in the fall and winter. As you move to reopen your business, it may help to walk through what each of your employees encounters each day and how you typically handle

Essentially Women members are beginning to open back up after the COVID-19 shutdown. As everyone navigates the new normal, one of the biggest discussions lately in the Essentially Women member community has been about consent forms. Many members have decided to have their customers sign a consent or liability release form indicating that the patient/customer understands the symptoms of COVID-19 and they release any liability from the business for any unintentional exposure or harm due to COVID-19. Do