Are Meet and Greets Worth the Effort?

Episode OverviewIn this episode, the hosts discuss the value of hosting meet-and-greet events in a Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatric practice. They explore whether these events are worth the time and effort, how to structure them effectively, and how they contribute to long-term patient relationships and practice growth.Key Themes & Takeaways1. Purpose of Meet and GreetsMeet-and-greets are designed to:* Build trust with prospective families* Explain the DPC model clearly* Answer common questions about membership, pricing, and access* Allow families to assess personality fit before committingThe hosts emphasize that in DPC pediatrics, relationship-building is central — and these events help establish that foundation early.2. Are They Worth the Effort?The hosts acknowledge:* They require time, preparation, and emotional energy* Attendance can be unpredictable* Not every attendee converts to a memberHowever, they conclude that:* Even small groups can be impactful* Conversions often happen later, not immediately* The trust built can lead to strong long-term membersThey view meet-and-greets as a long-game relationship strategy rather than a short-term sales tool.3. Setting ExpectationsImportant considerations include:* Being clear about what DPC is (and isn’t)* Addressing misconceptions about insurance* Explaining communication access (texting, same-day visits, etc.)* Clarifying pricing and membership structureTransparency reduces friction and builds confidence.4. Format & Structure TipsThe hosts discuss:* Hosting events in-office or virtually* Keeping groups small and conversational* Allowing plenty of time for Q&A* Avoiding a hard “sales pitch” toneThey stress authenticity — families are evaluating personality and philosophy as much as logistics.5. Relationship Over RevenueA recurring theme is that DPC is relational.Meet-and-greets:* Attract families who align with the practice model* Filter out families who may not be a good fit* Strengthen word-of-mouth referralsThe goal is not volume, but alignment and trust.Overall MessageMeet-and-greets are absolutely worth the effort in a DPC pediatric practice — not because they guarantee immediate sign-ups, but because they build credibility, clarify expectations, and foster strong patient-physician relationships.They are an investment in community-building and long-term practice stability. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com