Friends in Floss: What's Your Story?

"Friends in Floss will be a periodic segment in Beyond The Prophy's Blog that will feature hygienists and other professionals who think outside of the box and who hope to impact and empower others. Enjoy!" - Jasmin

I've seen the statement "Great brands are like great stories" - I don't agree.  Great brands ARE great stories.

Let's talk about one of my personal favorites, Under Armour...

Personally, I have always been into fitness and not so much into the brand of fitness clothing. I've owned different types and styles of sneakers, t-shirts, workout pants, etc. - but Under Armour has changed my viewpoint.

A quick stroll through the lobby at the UA headquarters leaves their story tattooed in one's mind.

Everything about UA represents the power and strength of the human body.  They don't have One or two Brand ambassadors; they don't even stick with one or two genres of sports.  They have representations of titan-like athletes from all genres of sports and fitness, heck, they even have a ballerina. They don't stop there, the idea of teamwork oozes through the corridors.  Their cafeteria? Only the best choices to provide healthy fuel to the body.  Everything about the Under Armour facilities is done with intention - telling their "story".

How UA resonates with me?

I don't know if they intended their "story" to impress a stay- at-home mom dental hygienist, but it has!  When I wear UA garments I feel like this titan, athletic mom of three!  Like "no thank you cookies and goldfish crackers - I'm wearing my UA gear today, I'll take some quinoa oatmeal & a green smoothie!”
That's the impression Under Armor has tattooed on my heart & brain...

So how in the world does this relate to the profession of dental hygiene?

Day after day we see patients sitting in our seat for 30-60 minutes at a time.  We might see these patients 2-4 times a year.  Whichever way you toss it, we start to build relationships with these people. We listen to their stories, we share our stories.  Strong connections are made and a lot of times, you feel like you have friends that are coming in to see you...

So what is your brand of healthcare provider?  Is your brand all about talking up your family updates or venting about politics?  Do you simply end each conversation with - you need to brush and floss more? Or do you make most of the appointment about the health of a unique individual? Celebrating the good & advocating oral wellness?  I'm not saying one shouldn't talk about anything other than health, but remember a brand is a story that evokes a feeling.  So what's your story?

Maybe, just maybe, UA needs to make a line of scrubs!

Would you like to learn read more from Christie? Check her out at Your Smiling Hygienist.