While I was in Seattle, I visited a liquor store that used Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. I’d heard about it before, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. I scanned in, grabbed what I wanted, and walked straight out. No queues, no staff searching for barcodes, no awkward waiting around.
What really struck me, though, was how safe it felt. Everyone inside the store had scanned in, so the chances of people wandering in to cause trouble or steal something were drastically reduced. The atmosphere felt calmer, cleaner, and more controlled.
And all of this got me thinking. There are some powerful lessons here for podiatrists.
1. Convenience Builds Trust
That simple, seamless experience reminded me how much people value ease. Your patients feel the same way. Online bookings that work, pre-filled digital forms, fast payment options; these small things build immediate trust and make your clinic stand out.
Convenience isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s expected.
2. Systems Can Improve Safety
Just Walk Out technology naturally filters out the wrong crowd. In podiatry, we often deal with people entering the clinic who are stressed, in pain, or uncertain. A well-designed check-in system, clear processes, and good clinic flow can make your environment feel calmer and safer for both patients and staff.
Safety isn’t just about locks on the door; it’s about reducing stress points in the environment.
3. The Team Can Focus on People, Not Processes
Because checkout is automated, staff in that Seattle store weren’t stuck behind a counter; they were free to help, restock, and engage. In your clinic, automation through reminders, payments, follow-ups, and AI-driven admin allows your team to focus on what matters: building relationships and improving patient outcomes.
4. Innovation Signals Leadership
Walking into a tech-driven store feels modern. Patients notice the same thing when a podiatry clinic embraces innovation. It sends a message: we’re ahead of the curve, and we care about your experience.
My takeaway? That Seattle store reminded me that when you remove friction, improve safety, and embrace innovative systems, you don’t just create a clinic that works better, you create a clinic people genuinely enjoy visiting.
If reading this makes you realise your clinic could run smoother, feel safer, or feel more modern for both patients and staff, reach out. This is precisely the kind of transformation I help podiatrists create.
Below is a link to my online calendar. You can schedule a free 30-minute Zoom call with me to discuss any aspect of podiatry. You may have business questions or need career advice; regardless, I’m here to help where I can.
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