National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues - News Feeds

Daily business updates

• Longevity leads to respect for ancient medical practice
  Forget the next new thing: One study shows people value what's older.
  
• Ross Clark to practice owners: Open your books to associates and team members
  Lead your practice with its future ownership in mind.
  
• Q&A: Hospital design that puts proof to work for veterinarians
  Wayne Usiak, AIA, explains the proven insights that architects are incorporating into clinic architecture and design.
  
• Use social media to grow your business
  A recent beta test shows the value of promoting Facebook to your clients ? potentially 4,000 positive word-of-mouth endorsements a month. Here's the report from CVC in Kansas City.
  
• 4 fast ways to recapture lost income
  Recoup more than $21,000 a year with these simple tips from the CVC in Kansas City.
  
• Associates: It's time for a new take on practice ownership
  Being an owner doesn't mean you're doomed to work long hours.
  
• Live from the 2010 Hospital Design Conference: Use photos to find flaws in your facility
  It's easy to overlook your practice's faults. But take a step back and use a critical eye to find the problem areas—and then fix them.
  
• Forget conflict: Agreement can cause even bigger problems
  Brian Conrad discusses "the Abilene paradox" during Managers' Retreat at CVC in Kansas City.
  
• Live from the 2010 Hospital Design Conference: Make time to meet during your construction project
  Sure, your schedule is crazy. But carving out a couple of hours per week could be the key to keeping your project on schedule and on budget.
  
• Personal finance Q&A: Should I pay off debt or invest?
  What's the smartest thing to do first: pay down my debt or begin investing?
  
• BizQuiz: What do clients think of you?
  See your practice through your clients eyes. Then get pointers on how to improve your image, no matter how you fare.
  
• Walk away from workplace violence
  See the signs of a coworker—or a practice culture—on the edge.
  
• Video: Speak in client terms
  It's important to make clients understand how all of your amazing gear and training benefits their pets.
  
• Study links dry pet food to human disease
  Salmonella contamination may be the culprit in severe 2006 and 2008 outbreaks, especially affecting small children.
  
• Veterinarians want more dog bite prevention training
  Study suggests veterinary schools don?t provide enough education on avoidance techniques.
  
• Keep clients compliant with OTC products
  Don't let clients throw in the towel when it comes to learning a new skill.
  
• Hospital design: The LEED dilemma
  The world of architecture is still abuzz with LEED certification. Do you need it to ensure your new veterinary practice is earth friendly?
  
• The new work-life balance
  What it means to work in the veterinary field has changed over the course of a generation.
  
• Practice makes perfect in social media
  Don't be nervous: Dive into writing blogs or filming simple video blogs.
  
• Q&A: Improve your veterinary equine inventory management
  I'm having trouble maintaining an efficient and workable inventory system for my mobile equine practice. How can I simplify things?
  
• Get one-on-one practice management advice
  Sign up for practice management consultations at the CVC in Kansas City, Aug. 28 to 31.
  
• 5 traits team members love in practice owners and managers
  Sinking team morale with negativity is out. Positive support is in.
  
• Video: Robin Downing's biggest exam room "oops"
  In this video Dr. Robin Downing recalls an incident that took place while lifting an uptight dog onto the examination table.
  
• BizQuiz: Are you educating your veterinary team?
  Take this quiz and find out whether your veterinary practice is a house of learning or an education-free zone.
  
• Practice smarter, not harder, to master new skills
  When dreaming up new training methods for your veterinary team members, include a diverse set of activities and drills for maximum effectiveness.
  
• British pet owners skip vacations for their pets
  Guilt and routines take over as many opt to stay home with their pets.
  
• Bathrooms for dogs open in D.C. area airports
  Two D.C. area airports comply with federal rules requiring animal relief areas.
  
• Video: Inventory as a percentage of revenue
  Helpful tips on the financially important topic of inventory control.
  
• 3 steps to revisit your financial software
  Veterinary practice managers: It's back to the spreadsheets to make the most of a difficult economy.
  
• 6 future trends in veterinary hospital design
  From private clinics to teaching hospitals, these are the trends shaping the functionality of veterinary hospitals.
  
• How to double your prepurchase exam income
  Take a tip from an equine veterinarian who bumped up his business when he doubled his prices.
  
• Veterinarian trains firefighters to save pets
  Dr. Thomas Nick works with fire stations as part of Project Breathe, an initiative designed to keep pets safe in the event of a fire.
  
• Mark Hafen says: Be careful what you promise
  Give your clients what they want, as long as it's not too outlandish.
  
• Equine veterinarians help another 1,600 horses with free vaccines
  The Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign announces its spring vaccination numbers.
  
• Send a consistent message when you make management choices
  Get members of your leadership team on board with changes before implementing them in your veterinary practice.
  
• 4 ways to ward off fraud at your veterinary practice
  Protect your veterinary practice from employee embezzlement, forgery, robbery, and more.
  
• CSU veterinarians calling for cats with renal failure
  Colorado State University veterinarians are looking for cats with chronic kidney disease to enroll in five current studies.
  
• July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day
  Over half a million pets are affected each year by home fires. Learn how to prevent this from happening.
  
• Entitled employees experience more job frustration
  Veterinary team members who feel superior to others at work are more likely to lash out at their coworkers and engage in other abusive behaviors.
  
• Veterinary management expert Roger Cummings, CVPM, dies
  Veterinary Economics and Firstline bid farewell to former advisory board member.
  
• You need to outsource your practice payroll if ...
  Before ditching in-house checks, consider the cost savings, quality of services, and the expertise of the payroll company.
  
• Barbaro fans raise funds for equine laminitis research
  Penn's New Bolton Center receives $37,276 in donations.
  
• Video: How to capitalize on bulk purchases for your practice
  Bulk purchases can be a good deal. Here's how and when.
  
• 3 reasons you should offer sick days to employees
  A lack of sick days can result in serious consequences for veterinary teams—and for your business.
  
• Working students: Do you owe Uncle Sam?
  Find out if you have to file taxes for your paid veterinary internship or summer job.
  
• California veterinarians see big May downturn
  Larger-than-expected revenue drops sour March's strong showing.
  
• Video: Talk to your team to make change less challenging
  Team members will feel more involved with change if made aware of the background processes.
  
• Spending time in nature can revitalize the human mind
  If white walls and dull floors make your veterinary facility look industrial, consider bringing in a little greenery to energize your employees.
  
• Forgetful? Try some sleep
  New study suggests a good night's rest will help you remember tomorrow's to-do list.
  
• Prevent lawsuits by calling veterinary technical service lines to report adverse events
  Consult with the experts for each drug on technical service lines.
  
• NCVEI: 55 percent of practices experience first-quarter growth
  This year looks better, but growth isn't guaranteed, says CEO of National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues.
  
• Video: Secrets to attracting talented associates
  How a clinic positions itself is as important to potential incoming associates as it is to clients.
  
• Banfield opens exhibit at Portland Children's Museum
  Portland children can get an up-close look at what it's like to be a veterinarian.
  
• U of Penn shares data on equine colic surgery survival rates
  Statistics from some procedures don't show a big difference between geriatric and mature horses.
  
• The hidden danger in today's pet treats: Sugar
  Pet obesity is a growing epidemic, and many pet treats contain ingredients that contribute to the problem.
  
• Be happy, even if you're not thrilled with your job
  Here are tips for making the best out of a less-than-ideal employment situation.
  
• Video: Easy HR tips
  HR needn't be a headache. Here are some easy ways to make sure it's not.
  
• Don't hesitate: Why now is the time to build
  The still-lagging economy might have convinced you to put your building plans on hold. But now is the time to take advantage of discounted construction costs and build the facility of your dreams.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Dog Vadar, Chairman Meow among 10 weirdest names for dogs, cats
  This is one for the "What were they thinking?" file.
  
• Employment outlook good for agriculture graduates
  Number of agriculture-related jobs to surge in next five years.
  
• Veterinary practice owners may earn new tax break
  Find out whether you qualify for the IRS' new Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
  
• Video: Medical recalls are crucial
  Checking in on patients following a visit is a great practice builder.
  
• Q&A: Recognize your hard workers
  Other than bonuses or financial incentives, how can I reward team members for a job well done?
  
• New study may shock a world of caffeine-fueled workers
  Research shows—gasp—no net benefit to alertness from drinking coffee.
  
• 7 pains you shouldn't ignore
  Feet burning? Back aching? Suffering from the worst headache of your life? Experts explain which symptoms require immediate medical attention.
  
• Do you have a work spouse?
  Take this test to see if your close coworker relationship mirrors a real marriage.
  
• Video: Explain value to clients
  Pet owners need to compare apples to apples when comparison shopping.
  
• Q&A: How to treat the love bug
  I've recently discovered that two of my employees are dating. How do I address the situation?
  
• My clients are worth what? Determining the value of your veterinary hospital's customers
  Your veterinary clients have surprisingly little worth when it comes to selling your practice, but they're absolutely priceless on a personal level.
  
• Equine bloggers compete to report at the World Equestrian Games
  Purina contest lets Web users vote for their favorite bloggers in the semifinals.
  
• Educate clients about screening for heart problems
  Breeds like King Charles Cavaliers are prone to heart problems. Use this form to inform pet owners about it.
  
• Save money by making your own laundry detergent
  Tired of shelling out cash for name-brand soap every month? Make your own, and you could save hundreds of dollars each year.
  
• I survived: Managing a veterinary practice merger
  We experienced headaches, setbacks, and eventually practice success.
  
• Two-for-one: Drs. Marty Becker and Nancy Soares talk about client satisfaction
  Drs. Marty Becker and Nancy Soares share their advice for making client smiles.
  
• Video: Make career choices that match your goals
  NCVEI CEO explains how life goals must work hand in hand with career objectives.
  
• Schedule sterilizations early to keep patients healthy
  Don't put off spay and neuter appointments. Schedule them sooner rather than later to ward off future medical and behavior problems—and to build a bond with clients.
  
• 7 ways to stop interruptions from derailing your workday
  Handle coworker questions and nonemergency interruptions with panache.
  
• Most small businesses confident in 2010 outlook
  Many businesses continue to struggle, but the majority are still optimistic about the future.
  
• Cheaters may prosper in your bonus system
  Study finds pre-set practice goals for employee bonuses could lead to fudging.
  
• Video: Make a budget and stick to it
  A slow economy presents enough trouble without trying to approach it unarmed and unprepared.
  
• Banning social media won't keep team members off the Internet
  Employees continue to use Facebook and Twitter on the job—despite company policies.
  
• 5 traits of a successful veterinary school graduate
  Diploma's in hand. Tests are passed. Now see if you've got what it takes to dive into practice.
  
• In small business (and veterinarians) we trust
  Americans put more confidence in small businesses than churches and government.
  
• California practices see revenue return
  Veterinary practices are back in the black after a long drought of poor year-over-year revenue numbers.
  
• Video: Business entities explained
  Whether you're starting a business or making changes, it's best to know and understand the options.
  
• Audio: Use direct withdrawals for clients who can't pay in full
  Are your clients having trouble paying their bills at the time of service? Try this method to automatically space out payments.
  
• Teach clients to prevent dog bites
  May 16 begins National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Here's how to be part of the solution.
  
• Everything you need to know about social networking in the veterinary profession
  Get up to date on how your veterinary colleagues use Facebook and Twitter—then learn how to get social yourself.