Successful relationships are based on clear expectations and commitments. For example, when I go to my favorite restaurant, I know I can expect their usual level of great service and delicious food. And the owners can expect that I’ll pay my tab, behave nicely and respect the “No shirt, no shoes, no service” sign. I… Read More
Life With Clients
Veterinarian Confession: “I Don’t Brush My Dog’s Teeth”
Mrs. Griffith sighed as she gently separated her youngest daughter and oldest Labrador Retriever. She stepped between them and over a discarded pacifier to look me directly in the eye. “Really?” she asked. “Do you brush your dog’s teeth every day?” It was a moment of truth. She didn’t ask me what I recommend. She asked… Read More
Manage Veterinary Clients’ Requests for Special Treatment
Manage Veterinary Clients’ Requests for Special Treatment Originally Published: DVM NewsMagazine, November 1, 2011 I drop into my office chair, flip open the puppy’s chart and start frantically writing. I’m 15 minutes late for my next appointment and clenching my teeth. Even my eyelids are tensing with stress. When did I start carrying… Read More
Your Vet: Man’s (Second) Best Friend
Originally Published: HealthyPet Magazine, Spring 2012 Click above or here for a direct link. Read More
Clients Are Not Your Friends
Clients Are Not Your Friends Originally Published: DVM NewsMagazine, August 1, 2011 Friends and family bring a lot of great things into our personal lives, but they also bring stress. For example, my wife is days away from giving birth to our second child. While she has been amazing through the past nine… Read More
Be the Business
Be the Business Originally Published: DVM Newsmagazine, January 1, 2011 Veterinarians, generally speaking, are not self-centered people. Focusing on others helps us to build relationships with our clients, empathize more deeply with our patients and create stronger teams with our staff. This tendency to avoid a selfish outlook does not, however, make us… Read More