home    contact us    privacy statement    site map        Accountants   Architects   Book   E-Verify Information   HR Resources   Index of articles   Practice Managers   Vendors   Veterinary Technicians   Web-based job searches Following is a list of articles written by Mark Opperman, CVPM, Sheila Roe Grosdidier, RVT, PHR and Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM. These articles have been published by Veterinary Economics, Vetlearn.com and DVM360.com and we hope you find them useful! If the article title is underlined, it is a link to the full article TITLE SECTION ISSUE PAGE 5 ways to welcome new veterinary team members The best greeting you can extend is a thorough training and orientation program. The more time you spend on these crucial inductory steps, the more likely your new hire is to stick around—and flourish. Veterinary Economics Online May 2012 NA ProSal Total Compensation Statement: An Interactive Worksheet This handy interactive worksheet lists possible costs associated with employing an associate doctor. The resulting number is the associate's total compensation rate, which shouldn't exceed 25 percent. If it does, you're paying the associate out of your pocket and reducing your return on investment. Veterinary Economics Online Dec 2011 NA Make Equine Practice Ownership Pay The Four Tier compensation formula accounts for equine veterinary partners' unique contributions to the practice. Veterinary Economics Online Nov 2011 NA Five Ways to Make Your Veterinary Practice's Door Swing The slower economy may have offered an unplanned vacation for your front entrance. Use these tips to get clients back on your appointment schedule—and into your hospital. Veterinary Economics Online Oct 2011 NA Don't Abdicate Your Ownership Responsibilities Case Report: How did we hire this person. VetLearn Online Aug 2011 NA Q&A: Research before you build a veterinary practice How can I determine how many veterinary practices can thrive in a certain city? Veterinary Economics Online July 2011 NA How Non-Confrontation Became a Lawsuit A practice owner hired a second associate, but when the first associate found out that the second was making $20,000 more than she was, things got complicated. Practice Management Online NA Can We Talk? Lack of communication between team members can lead to disappointment Practice Management Online NA The Art of Fair Compensation Paying your associates a flat salary may be convenient, but is it always fair? Practice Management Online NA Over the Counter: The Client Perspective Successful businesses "take the pulse" of their clients to discover potential problems before they become crises. Your practice should be no different. Practice Management Online NA Are You Dr. "Non"? Many veterinarians are non-confrontational, but ignoring a problem will not make it go away. Practice Management Online NA Pre-employment screening protects your practice and your clients Don't put your veterinary practice at risk. Find out about job applicants before they turn into team members. Managing Smart March 2011 44-48 Why Associates Won't Buy Practices - and What you can do about it Associates are turning away from traditional practice ownership in greater numbers. Can the industry bring veterinary ownership back to life? Cover Story/Special Report: Ownership January 2011 21-24 How to Survive a Partnership Harmonious practice partnerships aren't made in heaven. They take hard work and forethought. Follow this advice to avoid disaster. Managing Smart December 2010 26-28 3 Ways To Stay Profitable While Being Charitable With so many worthy causes reaching out for help, it's easy to give away services. Managing Smart November 2010 33-35 Caught on camera: 5 profit-sucking mistakes veterinary clinics make Video cameras reveal what really goes on—and wrong—in your exam room. Managing Smart October 2010 30-33 Healthcare Reform New healthcare regulations mean buzzwords and big changes for veterinary practice owners. Here's a sneak peek at what's in store. Cover Story September 2010 15-17 The Top 6 Hiring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Keep your veterinary practice running smoothly by avoiding these costly hiring blunders. Managing Smart July 2010 31-36 Making Ownership Pay The Four Tier compensation formula accounts for partners' unique contributions to the practice. Managing Smart June 2010 50-54 Online Networking - It Works Build relationships to build your veterinary practice through the new social media. Managing Smart May 2010 26-28 10 Answers to Your HR Questions Test your knowledge of human resources policies and tweak your procedures to keep out of the doghouse. Personnel Solutions April 2010 40-42 Squashing ProSal Myths Debunk 9 reasons why ProSal won't work—and learn how this mix of base salary and production percentage can work for your associates. Managing Smart March 2010 46-50 5 Essentials for Your Practice Web Site Potential clients will first go to the Web when deciding whether to bring their pets to your practice. Special Technology February 2010 38-41 A Tale of Two Values Concerned about the price tag attached to your services? You should be worrying about the perception of value you're presenting to clients. Managing Smart January 2010 38-41 Service Calls Inspect your customer service and then fix it with these 5 strategies to build yourself a solid foundation of clients. Managing Smart December 2009 32-34 Good fees, bad fees Not all fees are created equal—as any client will tell you. To avoid invoices that aggravate, take a look at the service codes below to see which charges you should keep, toss, or modify. Managing Smart November 2009 38-40 Unearth your veterinary practice's financial problems Buried beneath that pile of paperwork may lie a more profitable practice. Here's how to uncover it. Managing Smart October 2009 36-38 Sharpen up your veterinary team with employee upscaling You need more pointed hiring and firing. This job market is the right time to let your dull underperformers go and hire sharp overachievers in their place. Personnel Solutions September 2009 26-29 5 ways a veterinary practice manager can help Catch yourself a manager. There's more revenue and fewer management headaches in it for you. Personnel Solutions August 2009 12-15 Red Flags Rule: Are you ready? The government will start enforcing its identity theft prevention program Aug. 1, 2009. Use this guide to protect yoru clients—and stay in the clear with the FTC. Managing Smart July 2009 26-28 What Your Clients REALLY Think They may smile and nod while visiting your practice, but what really goes on in your clients' minds? Managing Smart June 2009 42-45 Know When Your Manager is Toast Don't get burned by a bad manager. You're the practice owner, and that means you need to keep a finger on the pulse of everything that's happening at your practice. Managing Smart May 2009 52-58 The Next Wave A new generation of veterinarians is riding into town. Ever wonder what they're thinking about the challenges that await them? Here's some insight. Managing Smart April 2009 30-32 Inventory Intervention Face it—you've got a problem with inventory. For help, turn to our nine-step program to cope with overstock, expiration dates, and even theft. Managing Smart March 2009 40-47 A Clockwork Practice Does the daily grind cause important tasks to fall by the wayside? Follow these tips to put the gears back in motion. Office Efficiency February 2009 33-36 The 9 Powers of Superboss You can become your team's favorite veterinary her by cultivating these nine traits. Managing Smart January 2009 36-43 Where's Dr. Wanda? Finding a great associate takes hard work, focus, and patience. Here's how to pick your ideal candidate out of a crowd. Cover Story December 2008 18-24 How to Make Your Associates Hate You Follow these five easy steps to become the most disliked person at your practice! Cover Story November 2008 24-30 Turning Frowners Into Fans Simple questions for dissatisfied clients can turn your lousy customer serivce numbers into success. Managing Smart October 2008 38-42 Mark Your Calendars Feeling a little uninformed about your practice finances? A regular peek at daily, monthly and annual reports can change all that. Managing Smart September 2008 39-42 Low-Cost Benefits, Big-time Payoffs People make your practice a success, so take care of your team members - and earn a profit too. Managing Smart July 2008 44-48 Getting Through to the Boss Sure, practice managers oversee team members. But to be truly effective, the also need to have the ear of the owner. Managing Smart June 2008 54-61 Who's in Control? A self-serving team member may be pulling the strings at your practice, cutting fragile lines of communication, and controlling the team with fear. Why are you letting it happen? Ownership Issues May 2008 53-59 Don't Let Bad Internet Reviews Bite Are online ratings services your friend or foe? Here's how to make them work for you. Client Relations April 2008 42-46 Footprints = Profits Is two- and four-legged traffic light on your doorstep? Are new faces rare in your waiting room? Attract new clients with these easy-to-implement, practical techniques. Practice Growth March 2008 54-60 The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook Hurricanes. Embezzlers. Lawsuits. There are many perils to owning a veterinary practice. But if you put the proper safeguards in place, you can stay out of trouble. Ownership Issues February 2008 28-35 Say Goodbye to Bad Eggs You show consistency as a boss and respect for your top employees when you terminate someone who needs to go. Cover Story January 2008 37-41 Get It In Writing Squash misunderstandings with written contracts and reports that show what associates are earning and how it's calculated. Associate Management November 2007 42-44 Smile! You're On Clinic Camera Videotaping in the exam room may make everyone nervous at first. But strong communication skills get clients on board with the best care. And this tool can help. Client Relations September 2007 49-52 A Team That Saves The Day Even if your practice doesn't need to be rescued, wouldn't it be nice to have these three management angels in your corner? Managing Smart July 2007 56-60 Dust Off Your Employee Manual Does your team manual look like an ancient relic? Get it up to date with the latest labor laws and team policies. Managing Smart June 2007 51-54 Spread the News A simple letter is all you needs to help keep your clients up to date on the pet food recall. Special Report May 2007 40-41 Stepping Up It's a natural progression to move from associate to practice owner, but you need to know what you're getting into. (And sellers, you need to make sure your buyer is positioned for success) Associate Know-How April 2007 49-52 Give Your Team a Cut By offering quarterly bonuses based on employee performance, you give your team a strong incentive to succeed—and help your practice thrive. Managing Smart March 2007 49-53 Make 'em Stick Use these 15 ideas to bond team members to your hospital — and keep your practice from peeling apart. Managing Smart February 2007 50-55 10 Tips to Boost Profitability You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. So why not implement some of these ideas—and give the bottom line a boost? Managing Smart January 2007 48 Delegate and Double Check Grit your teeth and make the handoff. Offer up the responsibility that goes with the work. And build in both accountability and meaningful rewards. Managing Smart December 2006 38 Three Strikes - You're Out! No one likes to fire people. But if you don't get rid of that problem employee, you're putting the good ones at risk. Take this approach to make this necessary evil as painless as possible. Personnel Solutions November 2006 48 Ready Set Grow! You're stoked about offering your clients new services and products. But your team's response is underwhelming. Here's how to get started and get your team onboard. Managing Smart October 2006 46 Wanted: Able Associate, Must Love Dogs It's tougher than ever to get a strong new associate. But these strategies can help your practice stand out. Managing Smart September 2006 60 When to Go Out on a Limb You don't have to avoid accounts receivable altogether—just be smart about when to offer credit and who you offer it to. Practice Finances July 2006 54 Map the Path to Better Care When you, your team, and your clients are reading from the same set of directions, you make it to your end goal — better pet care — with fewer detours. Cover Story July 2006 36 Sweeten the Deal Make sure your benefits stack up well against the other options team members could find in your area — and give employees more reasons to stick around. Personnel Solutions June 2006 80 Show Bad Clients the Door Difficult clients do your practice more harm than good by damaging team morale and causing conflict. Figure out who they are, and let them go. Cover Story May 2006 36 Stop Asking Your Clients to Make Medical Decisions Your clients didn't go to veterinary school. You did. So why ask your clients, who have no training or expertise, to make medical decisions about the care of their pets? Hot Button April 2006 80 Pay Partners Fairly Paying equally doesn't always make sense in a partnership, especially when doctors aren't contributing in the same ways. A tiered-compensation system can account for these variances. Ownership Issues March 2006 48 Salary vs. Production The best of both worlds, the ProSal compensation formula pays associates on a percentage of production and guarantees a base salary. Find out why this method's a top choice for associates—and why you'll like it, too. Cover Story February 2006 28 5-Star Service Use hotels' secrets to make your team's service the gold standard for veterinary practice. Cover Story January 2006 33 Bridge the Gap for New Grads Looking for a new associate? Find out what they're looking for, and help them cross intot he world of daily practice. Managing Smart December 2005 24 The Devil's in the Details Use these five quick fixes to resolve little problems that stymie clients, stump staff members, and limit your practice's potential. Managing Smart November 2005 33 When to Control Practice Growth Believe it or not, bigger is not always better. Here's a look at when you might need to regulate the growth of your practice and how to decide on the right approach for you. Managing Smart September 2005 50 Control Your Time in the Exam Room Letting your schedule run amok harms you, your practice, patients, and team. So reclaim your time—and enjoy more peaceful workdays. Managing Smart July 2005 44 The 10 Most Common Hiring Mistakes You don't need the headaches and hassles that come with a bad hire, right? So take these steps, and find that new person who fits your team perfectly. Managing Smart June 2005 60 Cultivate a Welcoming Practice Two new patients, two ovariohysterectomies—and two very different client experiences. Use these strategies to make sure your practice is the one delivering a great surgery experience. Client Relations April 2005 52 Zeroing in On Your Goals Feel like you're going round and round and getting nowhere? Use this planning exercise to plot a course that heads straight for your dreams. Managing Smart March 2005 44 Wake Up to the Reality of Internet Pharmacies They're here to stay. And the sites that target consumers are making heavy-duty media buys. Are you often doing enough to explain why clients should buy medications from you? Industry Issues February 2005 42 Focus on associates What Are You Worth? Follow this step-by-step gide to figure your current value to your practice. Then adopt four key strategies to make sure you're worth your weight in gold. Cover Story December 2004 25 10 Steps to a Smoother Running Practice No matter who's handling management duties for your practice, knowing and applying these strategies is a must. Managing Smart October 2004 34 10 Ways to Keep Clients Coming Back Within three minutes of arriving at your practice, a client has formed an opinion about the quality of the care she and her pet will receive. What messages are you sending? Managing Smart September 2004 68 10 Ways to Earn Team Members' Respect Without team members' support, even the best medical skills won't get you far. Follow this path to win them over. Personnel Relations July 2004 42 Take the High Road Communication roadblocks forced this practice down a dead-end street. Luckily, a well-timed U-turn sent them in the right direction. Do you need to dump some baggage to move forward? Managing Smart June 2004 52 Are You the Doctor Clients Will Not See? If so, transform yourself into the doctor that clients fight to see by getting more feedback, focusing on communication, and changing your strategy. Cover Story May 2004 26 Would You Hire You? When the leader falls short, the team does, too. So let's say the most critical leadership position in the practice is open—and you're one candidate. How do you stack up against this list of criteria? Leadership Strategies April 2004 54 Help Team Members Reach the Next Level Show dolphins learn to jump higher and higher because the trainers keep raising the goal. Here's how you can use virtually the same approach to keep your team members happy and engaged. Managing Smart March 2004 44 Offer Stellar Services to Keep Clients Happy The lifetime economic value of a client can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Are you doing all you can to keep pet owners coming back? Client Relations February 2004 50 Don't Hide from Product Sales The products your clients use directly affect your patients' health—and your bottom line. Practice Finances January 2004 44 Hire the Best Fit Written by Sheila Grosdidier, BS RVT Your mission: Find an employee who fits your practice culture and will stick around. (Here's a clue: It may not be the person with the best resume.) Personnel Solutions December 2003 30 Face the Facts: Teams Want More Surveys show that staff members want you to say thank you more often, delegate more, and offer more benefits. Here's why you should. Managing Smart November 2003 52 Who's Sabotaging Your Practice? Could it be you? Avoid these common mistakes—and sidestep the potential damage to your practice and your future. Managing Smart October 2003 50 Business Slow? Try These 10 Recover Tips About 74 percent of practitioners expect to see an increase in gross revenue this year. So if business is slow in your practice, what gives? (Hint: It's probably not the economy!) Use these strategies to find the cause and get your practice back in full swing. Managing Smart September 2003 65 Stumped by Clients' Questions? Don't mumble and bumble when clients query your fees, your policies, or your approach. Use these responses to prepare—before you're in the hot seat. Client Relations July 2003 52 Don't Be a Bully, or a Doormat It's not easy to strike a balance between raging bull and meek-as-a-mouse. But doing so is vital to your relationships with clients and co-workers. Are you assertive enough? Personal Growth June 2003 62 Get to Yes in the Exam Room Ready to build closer relationships with clients—and encourage more pet owners to opt for the highest level of care? Avoid these exam-room communication roadblocks and improve compliance. Client Relations May 2003 64 Show Your Schedule Who's In Charge Don't let an unorganized schedule get the best of you. Learn to maximize your open hours, work less, and produce more. Really! Managing Smart April 2003 62 Is Your Boss Unbearable? Can't stand the practice owner? Before you dust off your resume, decide whether these tips could salvage your relationship. Associate Know-How February 2003 65 Focus on the Source of Personnel Problems Do you ever feel like nailing the door shut to stem the flow of outgoing team members? A better solution: Investigate your practice culture. Personnel Solutions January 2003 26 Need Better Answers? You don't want to flub the response to a tough question from a team member, but what should you say? Here's help! Cover Story December 2002 14 Five High-Tech Tools That Improve Efficiency The right technology could improve your team's efficiency and boost productivity. Are these "most useful" tools at work in your practice? Technology Trends October 2002 65 Fire Up Your Client Service You've seen clients light up when you compliment their pets or spend a little extra time with them in the exam room. Now it may be time to consider more innovative strategies to ignite pet owners' interest. Client Relations September 2002 54 Show Employees the Total Value of Their Compensation A one paragraph practice management recommendation. Practice Management Q & A July 2002 15 Tap Your Team's Power With Goal Setting Wish staff members showed more spark when you suggest a new program or propose a new practice goal? Set SMART goals and prepare to be electrified by your teams' accomplishments. Team Building June 2002 40 Let Your Manager Drive, But Give Her A Map There's no point in hiring a manager if you don't hand over some responsibility with the title. So let your manager keep the practice on the road—while you chart the course—and ease your management headaches. Managing Smart May 2002 52 Steer Your Practice In The Right Direction Frustrated with your team? You may need to provide more guidance or stronger leadership. As the practice owner, it's your job to lead your team so you can achieve your vision for the practice. Practice Leadership April 2002 54 Plan Ahead To Minimize The Damage of Disaster In minutes, a death, a natural disaster, or some other unforeseen event could wreak havoc in your practice. But what you do before the crisis strikes may determine whether the practice is damaged—or destroyed. So use this advice to prepare. Managing Smart March 2002 68 Give Them The Ax If an employee isn't working out, it's probably time to take positive action and sever his or her employment. Use these steps to make the tough cuts. CE Credit February 2002 66 Keep Your Team In Place Once you develop strong staff members, you need to focus on keeping them. Here's how to make team members want to stay at your practice. Personnel Solutions January 2002 58 Getting Out of Practice It's critical that you decide on an exit strategy early. If you don't, you may find that instead of owning the practice, it owns you. So consider these options—and plan to enjoy your future. CE Credit December 2001 25 Offer Five-Star Service Bump your practice from good to excellent with a few simple steps that are guaranteed to bring you ringing success. Client Relations November 2001 46 Don't Leave Fees to Chance If you set fees using a haphazard, luck-of-the-draw approach, you're gambling with practice income and profitability. Improve your odds for success by using these proven fee-setting strategies. CE Credit October 2001 36 Worried Your Fees Are High? Well, They're not. In fact, most of you should be thinking that your fees are too low. So stop feeling guilty, and start working to increase clients' perception of value. Practice Finances September 2001 44 Luring Great Associates You know they're out there—topnotch associates ready to join a practice like yours. So why aren't they biting? Put out the right bait—and watch out! Team Building August 2001 74 Keep Your Finger on the Pulse As your practice grows, it's easy to fall out of touch with team members and the problems they face. The solution: Make time to talk so you see warning signs before your practice suffers damage. CE Credit July 2001 68 When To Cut An Associate Even when great associates are in short supply, you need every doctor to perform well. Use these tips to set the stage for a solid working relationship—and to decide when you've seen enough. CE Credit June 2001 36 Equip Your Team For Success To boost your team members' productivity, you must give them critical tools for success by offering regular training, fair compensation, and more. Personnel Solutions May 2001 56 Don't Let Revenue Escape Without proper controls, as much as 20 percent of your revenue may sneak out your front door. Learn how two simple forms can help you capture more money. CE Credit April 2001 42 Tighten Up Inventory Costs The word inventory doesn't have to send you and your team members running for cover. Learn to face your fears and make your inventory contribute to practice profitability. Practice Finances March 2001 58 10 Money Making Ideas In the ever-changing landscape of equine practice, you need innovative strategies to stick in clients' minds. Try these 10 tips to improve client communication and service - and boost practice revenue. Managing Smart February 2001 8 8 Ways to Drive Your Team Crazy If you find any of your little idiosyncrasies on this list, you could be tying your team in knots and damaging efficiency and morale. Mend your ways—before you push your team members past the breaking point. Cover Story January 2001 33 Clean Up Your Language The words you say affect clients' perception of value, so toss these negative words in the trash, pick up some positive ones, and watch the value of your services grow. Communication Strategies December 2000 25 Reach For The Stars The sky's the limit when it comes to the success of your practice. And just five traits separate average from excellent. So take action—and watch your practice shine. Managing Smart November 2000 42 Be An Efficiency Expert Streamlining your practice workflow helps you serve more clients—and strengthens the bottom line. So grab a pen and develop a plan to maximize your team's efforts. Managing Smart October 2000 52 Your Computer's A Gold Mine Your computer system can help you improve client service, boost revenue, control inventory, and save time. Use these eight strategies to tap the mother lode. Managing Smart September 2000 50 Refine Your Revenue Balance You'll be better prepared to face competition for product sales and prescription revenue in the future if you focus on the value of your professional training and experience today. Practice Finances August 2000 68 Are You Losing Clients? If clients stream out of your practice faster than they flow in, you could be out of a job soon. Here's how to evaluate your client retention—and draw new pet owners. Managing Smart July 2000 52 Managers Earn Their Pay Think you can't afford a manager? Think again! A good manager can hold back expense, help the practice earn more revenue, and improve your quality of life. CE Credit May 2000 42 Make Your ACT Soar Marrying business and veterinary medicine is challenging, but it doesn't require magic. Apply these methods, and you'll watch your ACT rise while you practice better medicine. CE Credit April 2000 42 Draft A Winning Contract When you're considering your first associate position, don't overlook the importance of a well-drafted contract. Look for these features before you sign on the dotted line. Job-Hunting Guide March 2000 89 Is Your Practice Healthy? If your hospital earned a modest profit last year, don't assume it's thriving. Monitor these key financial indicators and compare your clinic performance with industry statistics. CE Credit February 2000 62 Leap Management Hurdles Besides keeping pace with medical advances, you must overcome such obstacles as personnel problems and a lack of business knowledge. Here's how to stay in the race. Managing Smart January 2000 46 Are You Ready for the Dotcoms? They've been selling treats, and leashes online. Now they're bringing medical advice from the Internet into your exam room. Our experts help you respond effectively. Cover Story January 2000 37 Try These Ten Resolutions Don't start the new millennium with the same old work habits. Adopting these ideas can help you please clients, improve efficiency, and enhance your quality of life. Managing Smart December 1999 50 Do You Rely On Products? Retail sales make up more than a fourth of income at most practices. But your expertise is medicine, not sales. Learn to emphasize professional services rather than products. Marketing Savvy November 1999 50 Boost Vaccine Compliance Clients know yearly vaccinations help protect their pets. But some new owners may skip important boosters. Teaching clients the value of vaccines ensures healthy pets—and profits. Vaccination Protocol SE - Fall 1999 49 Divide Pay Among Partners If you co-own a veterinary practice, splitting compensation equally may not be fair. To avoid conflicts, use a three-tier formula that bases pay on production and ownership. Practice Finances September 1999 52 Do You Need A Manager? Finding time to practice medicine can be challenging if you handle all management tasks. Hiring a manager will lighten your load and let you generate more medical revenue Personnel Solutions August 1999 70 Watch The Bottom Line As an associate, your responsibilities include helping the practice remain profitable. Encourage the owner to adopt open-book management so you can monitor hospital revenue. Associate Know-How July 1999 60 Collect Overdue Accounts Even small accounts receivable can cause big headaches for your hospital. Learn how to set practice policies that help you reduce bad debt and collect past-due balances. Practice Finances June 1999 60 "I Can't Pay For Treatment" When a client pleads for your help but faces financial limitations, what should you do? Learn how to separate money from emotions and reach a mutual agreement. Associate Know-How June 1999 64 Chasing The Paper Trail Are you reviewing the right figures to keep your practice's finances on track? Learn key business indicators you should monitor to identify problems and growth opportunities. Practice Finances May 1999 52 Boost Boarding Profits Some doctors consider boarding a necessary evil, but it can be a profit center. To bond clients and maximize revenue, offer special services that pamper pets and ease owners' minds. Practice Builder April 1999 56 Choosing Your First Practice If you want to practice high-quality medicine, choose your first hospital carefully. The medical style you emulate there will form the model for your entire veterinary career. Associate Know-How March 1999 92 Celebrate Dental Month Many clients still don't understand the importance of dental care for pets. Help them join the parade by developing a target-marketing program that gets results. Client Relations February 1999 40 Create Effective Reminders Dr. Smith knew he wasn't maximizing his computer's reminder system. But he was shocked when consultants estimated missing reminders could generate $116,000. Business Makeover February 1999 44 Reviews Help Staff Excel How can you encourage employees to strive for peak performance? Reward their efforts with a review that offers new challenges and gives them management input. Personnel Solutions December 1998 36 Is Your Price Tag Fair? Most practice owners don't follow a formal fee strategy. Get advice as management consultants give one hospital a fee makeover that's fair to both the practice and clients. Business Makeover December 1998 32 Control Inventory Costs Is an extensive stockpile of drugs and supplies tying up a big chunk of your capital? Learn how instituting a simple inventory system can save your practice money and time. Managing Smart November 1998 56 Plug Your Revenue Leaks Follow one practice owner through a business makeover and learn how to increase income by monitoring average sales per client, discounts, and client retention rates. Business Makeover November 1998 48 Paying Associates Fairly Many practice owners offer associates a production percentage or salary, but these options may not work best. Trying a combination can motivate associates and reward owners. Associate Know-How October 1998 62 Lure Top-Notch Associates Finding a high-quality associate can prove challenging. Create a job description, recruit skilled candidates, and conduct an effective interview to hook the perfect catch. Associate Know-How September 1998 52 Should Associates Manage? Associates who take on management duties find rewards: job satisfaction, valuable experience, and more money. Learn how to decide whether practice management is right for you. Associate Know-How August 1998 42 Handing Over The Reins There's more to a buy-in than numbers. Even a carefully calculated transition can fail without proper personnel. Learn how to ensure your partner's management success. Associate Know-How July 1998 42 Send Patients Home Happy When you discharge patients, clients leave with a lasting impression of your surgical services. Discover how to give take-home instructions that ensure pets' safety and return visits. Client Relations June 1998 50 Score Your Employees Become an Olympic judge and rank each staff member from 1 to 10. This tells you who needs to leave and who deserves a raise. Good personnel make management easy. Leadership Development May 1998 90 Rally Your Business Team You're trained in animal health, not business health. So draft a team of management experts to keep your business in top condition and help you achieve financial success. Leadership Development April 1998 107 Divorce Can Split A Practice When your business partner is your spouse, divorce can mean disaster. To safeguard your practice, understand your options and make informed decisions. Practice Finances April 1998 86 Plan Your Groundbreaking Before jumping into practice ownership, know yourself and your goals. Meet experienced doctors and consultants who share the headaches and rewards of opening a clinic. Start-Up Success April 1998 70 Ring Up Your Retail Sales Would you believe that building a few shelves can increase your practice's profit $20,000? Create a retails sales area and add a valuable profit center to your hospital. Marketing Savvy March 1998 68 Profit Centers That Deliver If you want to increase practice income, adding a profit center may be the answer. But before you take the plunge, learn how to predict which services will earn the most. Marketing Savvy February 1998 55 Stay Busy All Year Long Are you worried about the slow months ahead? Here's how you can develop a targeted marketing campaign that will help keep your practice busy all year long. Marketing Savvy January 1998 60 Will Vaccine Income Drop? New protocols urge cat vaccinations every three years. Competitive pricing and clients' perception of vaccines as commodities are reducing this income. How should you react? Cover Story January 1998 32 Avoid Risky Career Moves As a new associate, your first job will determine your career path. Before accepting any position, interview the employer and make sure it's the right professional move. Associate Know-How December 1997 48 Audit Your Accountant An accountant should diagnose your practice finances, not perform routine bookkeeping. If you're not using an accountant properly, how do you know if your practice is sick or healthy? Practice Finances November 1997 38 Enhance Your Profitability Does income slip out your surgery doors each time you operate? Do you lose profit when filling a prescription? Your pharmacy and operating rooms can become profit centers. Here's how. Managing Smart October 1997 52 Need A Mystery Shopper? So you want to keep tabs on the competition and your practice's image and services? Make this simple quality-control report card work for your hospital. Marketing Savvy September 1997 64 Ways To Impress Clients How do you attract clients to you hospital and keep them coming back? Exceed their expectations with special touches that show you care about them and their pets. Client Relations August 1997 36 Navigating Your Future At a recent gathering, leaders charted where the profession is heading. Learn how you can weather the technology tide and client currents, and sail for smoother waters. Cover Story July 1997 31 Build Powerful Impressions A customized presentation folder, the '90's version of a hospital brochure, could be the marketing solution to enhance your image, gain new clients, and boost your bottom line. Marketing Savvy June 1997 36 Firing A Problem Employee When you hesitate to fire one bad employee, your business and staff pay the price. Learn how a discipline policy can help you coach or fire an employee. Personnel Solutions May 1997 34 Identify Your Niche Is your practice a Marriott hotel or Motel 6? It's a matter of image and service. To succeed, identify your niche and give clients more than they expect. Marketing Savvy April 1997 50 Thriving Amid The Big Boys Think an independent hospital can't survive once a pet superstore or corporate practice moves in the neighborhood? Successful doctors don't panic—they turn threat into an opportunity. Cover Story April 1997 34 Trap Your Practice Profits How can you make your hospital more profitable? Trap the 20 percent of your total income that you give away every year. Practice Finances March 1997 56 Hiring Standout Employees There's more to hiring a standout employee than just stumbling on the right person. Your dedication to quality will make all the difference. Cover Story February 1997 39 Associate Pay: Combine Security With Incentive Should you pay associates a salary or a percentage based on their production? Some practice owners achieve a profitable balance by using the ProSal formula. Here' show it can work for you. Associate Know-How January 1997 48 What You Need To Know About Medical Records Last fall, four consultants met to discuss the importance of keeping accurate medical records. As technology advances, they predict the profession will face a new era of record-keeping procedures—and potential legal risks. Cover Story February 1996 38 Evaluating Associates: Going Beyond The Form Do you dread reviewing your staff doctors? Here's how to assess their performance objectively by using computer reports and other tools in addition to the evaluation form. Associate Know-How February 1996 62 A Formula For Calculating Partner Pay To compensate partners for their investment and the work they do, the author outlines a three-tier compensation formula. Here's how to establish an equitable pay arrangement for a variety of ownership situations. Cover Story June 1995 33 Tired of Clients Calling for Information? Turn Them Into Appointments Answering clients' questions about their pets may seem routine and tiresome, but when a caller's on the line, a pet's life may be on the line as well. Here's how to convince callers to get immediate pet care—from you. Client Relations June 1995 40 Are You Throwing Your Employees To The Wolves? Employee training may seem overwhelming, but the alternative—poor client service, missed charges, and an unhappy staff—is a lot more painful. The author offers a phase-in program for consistent and thorough training. Personnel Solutions April 1994 44 The Anatomy Of A Healthy Practice The systems that propel your practice bear a striking resemblance to the systems that propel the human body. And just as a body is subject to injury and disease, so too is your practice. To help you ensure a healthy future for your hospital, the author offers an anatomy lesson in veterinary practice management. Cover Story May 1993 30 Boost Your Earnings Through Goal Planning To take your practice to new heights, you need to set specific goals—and then work toward them. Here's how. Cover Story September 1992 46 Making Peace With Unhappy Clients Clients who are upset or disappointed when they leave your clinic may not be back. But you can turn their frowns into smiles—and regain their loyalty to your practice. Here's how. Client Relations August 1992 60   © 2012 Veterinary Management Consultation