|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Putting together a new look for our pages
|
|
|
| By
Marnette Denell Falley
|
|
|
|
I know it can seem like we're always after you to do more, make changes, and improve your job or your skills or your practice. And we are. But it's only because we want to help you achieve your goals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5-star service
|
|
|
| By
Mark Opperman, CVPM
|
|
|
|
I just returned from a practice-management meeting at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Fla. It was our 20th gathering, and we wanted it to be special, which is why we chose a Ritz-Carlton hotel. Everyone knows the Ritz represents the gold standard of service in the hotel industry. How do they achieve this lofty goal?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bite this!
|
|
|
|
To control the hassleand the dangerof dogs chewing up household items, companies are now developing chew-proof products, including a power-cord protector and a universal remote control using chew-resistant polymer, according to a press release from Syndicated News Inc. Coming soon: chew-proof wallets, eyeglass cases, leashes, collars, and cell phones.
|
|
|
|
Gender gap spans world
|
|
|
|
The 2004 AVMA-Pfizer Business Practices Study shows that the gender gap is still alive and well. From 1997 to 2003, male practitioners' salaries rose faster than women's.
|
|
|
|
Keeping private data under wraps
|
|
|
|
Confidential practice information may not be as well-protected as you think. Up to 80 percent of corporate employees will disclose sensitive company or customer information to people they don't know over the phone, and up to 33 percent will disclose the sensitive information via e-mail, according to RavenEye, an information-security consulting business.
|
|
|
|
Program supports dairy-animal IDs
|
|
|
|
Several dairy-cattle organizations have banded together to form IDairy, a program dedicated to dairy-animal identification.
|
|
|
|
Heartworm problems linger after hurricanes
|
|
|
|
After estimating that 80 percent of pets rescued from the Gulf Coast are infected with heartworm, several groups have established the Hurricane Heartworm Treatment Program.
|
|
|
|
Doing time for lack of registration
|
|
|
|
One more reason to encourage your clients to register their pets: In Bismarck, N.D., a man saw the inside of a jail cell for two days for failing to license his cat, according to an article from The Associated Press.
|
|
|
|
Criminal history: check, check
|
|
|
|
Background checks are not a waste of time or money. Here's why.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Controlling unauthorized overtime
|
|
|
| By
Jeff Rothstein, DVM, MBA
|
|
|
|
I have an employee who regularly stays for overtime that I haven't authorized. My attorney says I have to pay her for the time, even though I didn't schedule it. What can I do to keep team members from working unapproved overtime?
|
|
|
|
The importance of directory ads
|
|
|
| By
Roger Cummings, CVPM
|
|
|
|
How important is it to buy telephone-directory advertising?
|
|
|
|
Increasing your client base
|
|
|
| By
Cynthia Wutchiett, CPA
|
|
|
|
My practice has a steady client base, but we'd like to increase our new clients. What's the most effective way to grow?
|
|
|
|
Staff expenses
|
|
|
| By
Mark Opperman, CVPM
|
|
|
|
Q How should salary expenses for staff as a percentage of revenue differ for an emergency or 24-hour practice compared to a traditional practice?
|
|
|
|
Getting rid of gossip
|
|
|
|
How do I know if gossip has become a problem in my practice? And what's the best way to get rid of it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gidget the greeter
|
|
|
|
If your dog leaves a treasure on the lawn Place a windmill beside it before you're gone!
|
|
|
|
Payroll cuts pose problems
|
|
|
| By
Bob Levoy
|
|
|
|
You're looking for improved profitability but could end up with high turnover and service breakdowns.
|
|
|
|
Recycled, washable warmth
|
|
|
| By
Laura Lee, DVM
|
|
|
|
Acres Animal Hospital in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, relies on hot-water bottles to help provide comfort to patients.
|
|
|
|
E-newsletters promote your practice
|
|
|
| By
Sheila Higgs
|
|
|
|
An e-mail newsletter is an inexpensive way to promote your clinic.
|
|
|
|
Feeling cramped?
|
|
|
| By
Denise Tumblin, CPA
|
|
|
|
If your burgeoning practice is making you claustrophobic, try these strategies to accommodate growth.
|
|
|
|
Reward enduring employees
|
|
|
| By
Jean Weaver
|
|
|
|
At Catawba Animal Clinic in Rock Hill, S.C., it truly pays to be a longstanding employee.
|
|
|
|
Figure the true cost of equipment
|
|
|
| By
Jeff Rothstein, DVM, MBA
|
|
|
|
Look beyond the price tag when you buy, then track usage and profitability carefully to make the most of your purchase.
|
|
|
|
A new 401(k) option
|
|
|
| By
Gary Glassman, CPA
|
|
|
|
Starting this month, 401(k) plans can offer a Roth 401(k) provisionwhich could be a better option for your retirement savings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A wave of compassion
|
|
|
|
In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, Dr. Kerry Levin did the almost unthinkableshe put her solo practice, North State Animal Hospital in Ukiah, Calif., on hold and ventured across the world to volunteer. Armed with a passport, some past veterinary experience in third-world countries, and a desire to help, she traveled alone to Sri Lanka in February.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finding good clients
|
|
|
| By
Mark Rick
|
|
|
|
Your clients seek you out because your approach meets their needs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
