John Frostad, MS ('97), LAc
Interviewed Winter 2002
How is natural medicine accepted in your region?
I think at this point everyone knows what acupuncture is. I think the next step is to educate the public on what we can do for them. Demographically, here in Milton, it is a bit different. But we are seeing competition pop up. In 5 years we've doubled the practitioner population.
What do you find to be the most interesting aspect of practicing?
I'm kind of diverse in my activities. I am the president of the AAW organization and I teach at 2 locations. I'm consolidating my efforts into the practice because that's where the money is.
The medicine itself is interesting to me. It hasn't lost it's intrigue for me. When you see dramatic changes in people you just get excited. This is what it's really all about.
What are your overall marketing strategies?
It's really growing a lot. I came to acupuncture with a business background. Our strategy has changed a lot. We've realized we have got to focus more on our existing client base. The old marketing theory of spending 5 times more on getting new clients as on retaining your current clients just hit home. In focusing on servicing our current clients it helps us to keep those clients coming back and to grow our practice via word of mouth. We need to brand acupuncture so that when someone mentions acupuncture they think of us. The word association strategy is key to obtaining clients as well as developing a referral network with other doctors in the area.
What's next for you? Where would you like to place your energies?
I'm keeping my options open. I'm staying open to what's out there. I'm the kind of person that enjoys whatever job I do. I've learned from every job and used it to carry me to the next step. But I don't want to give up practicing and don't want to move out of this geographical area.
What CEUs or speakers would you be interested in?
Business seminars are needed. Because we are not required to have CEUs, we are not under the gun. But I would like to see topics such as Chinese herbs and new acupuncture techniques.
Speaker names vs. topics draw the people. Alex Tibieri from California, John Chen from California (Lotus Herbs), Jeromy Ross (very popular and local) and Ann Bensky.
A keynote speaker not related to natural health, maybe a motivational speaker or update on the politics of our industries.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of healing?
I do a lot of acupuncture-associated activities because it's such a passion of mine. Although I am giving up presidency of the AAW, I will be running the office and working on the web site, etc. Other than that, I read a lot and travel some with my wife. When I'm working 80-90 hours a week I am just happy to get a nap here and there.
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