Why REAL Demographers Matter

Most people don't see the connection between the release of the 2010 Census Data and the change that they Federal Government made in what information they collected. And trying to stay out of the tall weeds of techno-speak, I thought it might be a good idea to let you know what is happening.

The amount of data collected from each intake by the Census Bureau was far less than normal. Information on population, household size, and such was not changed. But when it comes to home values, household income, and much more, vendors are having to use OTHER sources of information. For the first time, we are going to be relying more heavily upon the American Community Survey (ACS) for data and adding the Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) to our inputs.

What this means is that if you have someone who does not know the difference between the data, the sample sizes, regional variations, and implications for projections are going to get some really screwy results. This will be especially true when looking for demographic trend-lines.

Yeah, I hear it every day, "But I can get demographic data from the web for free. Why should I pay for it?"

It is certainly true that you can get data from the web for nothing. But when it comes to interpreting that data accurately, you are putting your key practice decisions at risk unless you are dealing with a demographer who knows what the changes MEAN. The challenge that we in the industry are facing has to do with sample sizes and statistical reliability on very LOCAL data. But do not worry. We are going to take the care and the caution you have come to expect in order to deliver to you a demographic report that will tell you what you need to know. After all, our standard is to give you the same advise WE would want if it were OUR money at risk.

The Dangers of Vague

I am not sure why it happens so often that well-educated, thoughtful professionals will come to me, asking for advise on what region of the U.S. will be best for them to consider setting up practice. Don't get me wrong! Our JOB is to help doctors in their decision making. But what is troubling is how often they will come to use with NO thought regarding their preferences.

"I can go ANYWHERE! Just show me a place with serious demand and a chance to get into profitable practice and I will GO for it!!"

Right.

In EVERY CASE I will mention a location and they will respond, "Well, I really don't want to go THERE!!!!"

I sometimes think that what they want me to do is to read their mind and tell them what they already know they want. But as my psychic abilities have been greatly limited recently, it isn't going to happen.

If you want to get the best results on advise on where to put a practice, you have to be specific in some degree. Either you have to know what you want in terms of a particular type of practice area (in terms of the demographic character of the population, weather, region of the U.S., proximity to the in-laws, etc.) or in terms of the type of practice you want that can be defined by some specific population.

It may sound odd to SOME folks, but we have found that the more specific you can be in telling us just exactly what you want, the better we can be in telling you where to go.

Once again, I plead with you to use our little program called "Where to Put a Practice, Part I" to get started. It is free. Go to the following link for more information: www.DoctorDemographics.com and to Speeches by Scott McDonald.

Kansas City, Kansas - Serious Opportunities

Kansas City, KS sits across the River from Kansas City, MO. It has had a rough history of steel works that have closed down. It is a Rustybelt Community long given up for dead. Well, it isn't going to be dead for long.

Google has announced that it is setting up a new headquarters in little. Blue Collar, Kansas City, KS. General Motors is still the largest, private employer in town and it is not soon that the City will shake off the "lower than average Median Income" image that has plagued it. Still, the new Village West development with more than 110 businesses, lots of new housing, and some strong local employment is making such a rapid recovery that it has caught the eye of demographers and business planners from all over.

When we see a community that is willing to keep taxes low, and welcomes major employers, we have to say that it is a good indication of future success. We believe that many existing practices will get a shot in the arm and we also believe that there is room for new potential start-ups in the next two years.

It is worth checking out.