About Me

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Who is Mariam Zinn? Mariam Has been working with Seniors scene 1986, started as a nursing assistant in a convalescent center as a high school student, from there Mariam Has had the opportunity to expand her education and training thru UW Nursing continuing education, Everett Community College: Medical Assistant and E.M.T. courses and Washington State DSHS curriculum. Currently she’s a direct care provider, she owns P.A.T.H.S. Adult Family Home & Respite and is a licensed and Registered Residential care provider, is a MA, NAC, Certified in Geriatrics, Residential administration, Dementia & Diabetes, she is a former register counselor and Emergence medical technique, has volunteered at the American Red Cross, has clinical experience in family practice, infectious disease and Geriatrics.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Remember your grandmother saying, “you get more flies with honey than with vinegar”. She was right

It is so simplistic some in our industry miss the benefits of Networking within our profession. They somehow think that collaboration equals a lack of revenue, when time and time again it has proven to be just the opposite.

There is not a competition if we are truly looking out for the well-being of our clients.
There is the best fit situation for each client (this may or may not be our services; however if we network, we can still be a part of the solution) this in turns helps the client and their loved ones. “Remember this is a fearful time in their lives, both client and family for different reasons."

Positive public image: I would much rather the public think of our industry as helpers, and say they were so nice, they helped me find whatever services were needed.
The opposite expression of that is when families feel there is not a match, but rather they are being sold snake oil and the representative circle like vultures over potential revenue.

Personally I like being a family’s liaison, being a part of the solution and creating a positive outcome whenever I can. “I use 5 simple steps”

I realize that when a family calls me for my services as an Eldercare consultant or they call my Adult Family Home looking for placement. I know this family is in need of direction.
When I am at capacity or not I take my time during the conversation, I gather the information and I ask the important questions

(Step one) give them the time they deserve, chances are this took a lot of courage and it’s difficult for a multitude of reason.
(Step two) be most helpful, never send out blind leads it only makes you lose credibility and leave consumer frustrated. I ask them if they have the appropriate documentation for placement I have a little check list for this I keep by my desk. If they don’t have it I make them the recommendation and the source how to obtain items needed. i.e. Eldercare attorney or Geriatric psychologist etc..
(Step three) I explain the process, and gather their information needed, I ask their permission to assist them and ask if I may give out their phone number to someone I think may be able to help.
(Step 4)Then I get on the phone and I NETWORK. This is so easy and it builds a three way positive outcome. I call and say this is Mariam from PATHS, I heard from a family today and I think your services are a good match, I let them know to expect a call within 24 hours, so here is the information I have permission to share.
Step 5) depending on the situation and dynamics of how fast someone needs services I give 1-4 days before I call back to see what progress has happened both the family and the company I made referral to.

I truly like hearing that they found the right match for their loved ones at the same time I just build in a future client by word of mouth by both the family and the company I referred to. Often the same client will need my services in the future as their needs increase (I do heavy care) Dementia, Alzheimer’s, medically frail, Palliative and Hospice. Plus I just build relationships with fellow professionals .This is my scenario of a win- win- win situation. I wish this was practiced more, If we stay with what we do best, we will always do our best and our clients benefits from this. We can build great reputations and in turn get more clients in long run.
Please never speak unkindly of other types of services, SIMPLY EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES. Please if you have a negative opinion JUST DON’T REFER, DO NOT MAKE AN EXAMPLE or experience with someone simply do not open your mouth, do not create a negative stereo types by putting others down.

If we keep in mind we all do something very well, we all have a special population we serve or a phase in their lives that we are most effective at helping with. If we stay with what we do best, we will always do our best and our clients benefits from this.

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