Veterinary clinics are not the easiest places to work. Very often, people in the field contend with understaffing, poor resources, and burnout. As a leader of a clinic, you need to be aware of weak points so that you can spot-check and fix problems. The most common problems with veterinary clinics may give you an idea of where to look.
Angry Customers
Even the nicest pet owner can flip into a tornado of fury when he receives bad news. To prevent dissatisfied, grumpy customers, make sure you stress the importance of regular visits and preventative medicine. Remain calm and comforting, even if the customer’s emotions are heightened by difficult, scary news.
Outdated Technology
Too many veterinarians ignore updating their equipment. Pretty soon, they end up operating with ancient relics. You can use technology to set your veterinary clinic apart. When customers see that your clinic is equipped with the very best technology in the field, they will be more likely to return and recommend you to their friends.
Slow Cash Flow
Nearly every veterinary clinic deals with slow cash flow at some point or another. When you see cash slowing down, you can boost sales with special offers that will bring in new customers. For instance, you might consider offering a special for pets who are not up to date on their immunization shots. You could offer special services for kittens and puppies.
Getting Great Employees
As with any field, it can be difficult to find employees who are completely right for the job. As a leader in the veterinary field, you are competing with many people to get the best talent. One of the most common problems with veterinary clinics is they are staffed only with people who claimed to have the most experience on their resumes, but not necessarily the applicants who showed the most interest in learning. When you staff your clinic, you really want to hire people who are the most passionate.
