Building a Pharmacy Brand: Lessons Learned So You Don’t Have To – Part 2

Hi there! Welcome back. In the first part of this series, I shared some key lessons from my journey in building Georgiolani Pharmacy. As promised, here's part two, with more insights I've gained along the way. These are the tools that have helped us continue to grow and evolve as a business. Here’s more of what I’ve learned so far:

1. Invest in Good Technology and Software

One of the lessons I’ve learned is that cheap can end up being expensive. It’s tempting to save money on software and systems when you’re just starting out, but cutting corners here can cost you more in the long run. You need systems that are accurate, user-friendly, and provide you with the data you need to run your business effectively.

Investing in high-quality pharmacy management software has allowed us to streamline operations, manage inventory efficiently, and ensure that all our financial and prescription data is accurate and accessible. Having the right systems in place also helps us generate reports, which is essential for tracking performance and making informed business decisions.

We learned this the hard way after initially opting for a budget inventory management and POS system. The data loss and error correction far outweighed the initial savings. Now, we prioritise software that integrates seamlessly with our workflow, provides real-time data, and scales with our growth.

2. Get Feedback from Clients

One of the best ways to improve your business is by getting feedback directly from the people who use your products and services. We ask our clients to review their experience with us, and this has been instrumental in helping us identify what we’re doing well and where we need to improve.

We partnered with a company called Tappi, which has made collecting reviews easy and efficient. Every month, Tappi compiles a report showing us our strengths and areas of improvement. This continuous feedback loop allows us to stay connected with our clients' needs and ensures we’re always working to enhance our services.

Don’t just guess what your clients want—ask them, listen to them, and let their feedback guide your improvements.

3. Marketing – Let Your Audience Get to Know You

In today’s digital age, marketing isn’t just about promoting products; it’s about building a connection with your audience. Through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, you can share your story, your brand values, and the services you provide. This helps create a loyal customer base that feels personally connected to your business.

When I started Georgiolani Pharmacy, I hadn’t realised the importance of showing potential clients who we are beyond the products. I’ve just started doing so recently. Let your audience get to know you and your brand, and they’ll be more likely to trust and support your business.

4. Network with Industry Professionals

No business exists in isolation. Networking with people in your industry is crucial, not only to keep up with the latest trends and innovations but also to receive valuable advice. Some of the best advice I’ve received came from conversations with fellow pharmacists and business owners who had faced similar challenges.

Building relationships with peers in the pharmacy industry can open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities you may not have encountered otherwise. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and don’t shy away from connecting with other business owners. The insights you gain can be game-changing for your business.

5. Be Patient – Good Things Take Time

There’s no such thing as overnight success. We often hear about businesses that seem to blow up overnight, and it's easy to get discouraged when your business doesn't skyrocket immediately. The truth is, most of these "overnight successes" are the result of years of hard work. As Jeff Bezos wisely said, “All overnight success takes about 10 years.”

Building a successful pharmacy business takes time, dedication, and constant adaptation. The most important thing is to remain patient, stay focused, and continue putting in the work.?

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in the right technology, staying patient, gathering feedback from clients, actively marketing your business, and networking are all essential elements in building a successful pharmacy chain or any other business. I hope these lessons help you navigate your own entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s continue to learn from each other and elevate our industry together.

If you have any thoughts or questions or would like me to share more on this topic, feel free to drop a comment or message me directly—I’d love to connect!