9 problems solved for veterinary practice managers

If you're worried about something or excited about tackling something new, dive into these stories, videos and handouts I've hand-picked for you. And check out the right CVC San Diego sessions (click here for all the conference's Practice Management courses) that are must-attend classes for you ...

(Photo Getty Images)1. "I need the best shortcuts"

Try these tips from members of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association...

Practice management hacks: Advice for the best client experience

Practice management hacks: Advice to a new manager on how to manage staff and be a successful boss

And don't miss these sessions at CVC San Diego ...

Friday, 12/9

8-9am

Go home to your doctors with this Dr. Laurie Hess' top five tools to increase client compliance.

Saturday, 12/10

8-10:30am

Take these 10 must-do tasks home to your practice, courtesy of Mark Opperman, CVPM.

Sunday, 12/10

9:30-10:30am

VHMA president Brian Conrad, CVPM, shares pet care hacks to steal from the best veterinary practice managers.

11am-Noon

You know technology can be a time-waster or a time-saver. Get the latest efficiency-boosting tech tips and tricks with Eric Garcia.

2. "I cannot take the bickering anymore"

Try this advice...

How to eliminate gossip in your veterinary practice

No more front vs. back

Then learn to cool off hot-headed coworkers (and maybe get rid of ones that aren't working out) in these sessions at CVC San Diego ...

Thursday, 12/8

12:30-2:40pm

Employee problems often start with bad hiring. Shawn McVey, MA, MSW, teaches you how to get everyone in the practice and any future hires on your bus.

Friday, 12/9

8am-Noon

Learn communication strategies and tips with Dr. Andy Roark and Meg Pierson in a very innovative improv-comedy style (no, you don't have to perform!) to deal with staff-on-staff, technician-vs-DVM and manager-staff drama.

Saturday, 12/10

1:30-4:15pm

Don't hesitate to fire those fighting you every step of the way in practice. Learn how to better hire those who are on board with your practice's mission and style of medicine. Sheila Grosdidier, BS, RVT, PHR, shows you how.

Sunday, 12/11

11:15am-12:15pm

It's the front vs. back conflict. Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM, shows you how to heal the divide.

3. "I need help with the Internet"

Who doesn't?

Ignore the web? Joke's on you

The social media toolkit

Evidence vs. internet: A battle to the death

Not enough? We've got you covered at CVC San Diego ...

Saturday, 12/10

1:30-5:45pm

Take a half-day to grab new ideas for social media, digital marketing and dealing with crappy online reviews (and encouraging joyous ones)-all covered by Eric Garcia.

(Photo Getty Images)4. "I'm really overworked"

It's time for a break...

Ignite your passion for practice with a little time off

Everyone in veterinary practice should be using this time management tactic

10 veterinary practice time savers

Now let's laugh and learn at CVC San Diego. Everything I've got for you is jammed into just one day so you can pack your learning in and get a breather, alright? ...

Friday, 12/9

8am-Noon

Does somebody you know in practice-or you-need help facing compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, depression or overwhelming stress? Come see Kimberly Pope-Robinson, DVM, tell her story and how she found new happiness in veterinary medicine.

4:30-5:30pm

Look at you! You're overworked, but you're here for the last hour of the conference. You need a vacation-and no smartphone! Eric Garcia can teach you how to take a digital sabbatical when you take your days off work.

7-9pm

Oh, oh! I got this! Mix laughs with your learning! VHMA president Brian Conrad, CVPM, and Dr. Andy Roark let the audience choose topics and tackle your problems right now. And there's a cash bar. (Bonus: If you find Business Channel Director Brendan Howard in the audience and tell him the magic words, "Practice managers rule," he'll buy a drink.)

(Photo Getty Images)6. "I need to improve client compliance"

You could probably use...

The client compliance toolkit

13 steps to increase client compliance

Now get hard-core with it at CVC San Diego ...

Thursday, 12/8

2:50-6:10pm

Learn the basics and the advanced steps for client service and building great client relationships with Shawn McVey, MA, MSW.

Friday, 12/9

1:30-2:30pm

VHMA president Brian Conrad shares how he makes client experiences, not just great, but easy.

Saturday, 12/10

8-9am

Ever lost client trust? VHMA president Brian Conrad thinks he did, and here's how tackled it.

11:15am-12:15pm

You can't expect what you don't inspect, say co-speakers Mark Opperman, CVPM, and Sheila Grosdidier, BS, RVT, PHR. One way to get better client compliance and improve exam room communication is with cameras. There's not an excuse for nitpicking-they're a valuable tool for constructive criticism.

Sunday, 12/11

8-9am

Help your doctors get more clients to "yes," with advice from exam room whiz Dr. Sarah Wooten.

9:30-10:30am

Don't let money get in the way of patient care. Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM, explains better ways to talk to pet owners about cost, value and payment.

12:15-1:15pm

DENTAL: For a small fee, join other smart managers-and practice management whiz Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM-to discuss what practices with the best dental compliance are doing right.

3:10-4:10pm

Help your team members relate to clients and build compliance, courtesy of Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM.

4:20-5:20pm

PARASITES: It's a low bar for patient care, but so many pet owners (and their practices) fail patients who don't do it. Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM, explains how to get (nearly!) 100% year-round compliance on flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

7. "I need to cut expenses"

Try...

Q&A: Small cuts can lead to big savings for your veterinary practice

Stop costs from gobbling up your revenue

12 painless ways to save money

Now slash your expenses at CVC San Diego ...

Saturday, 12/10

4:30-5:30pm

Staff pay and inventory are obvious places to cut. Mark Opperman, CVPM, shows you how.

Thursday, 12/8

1:40pm-2:40pm

Learn to more efficient without cutting corners, courtesy of Well-Managed Practices veterinary consultant Denise Tumblin, CPA.

(Photo Getty Images)8. "I want to be ready for the future"

Dig into...

Top veterinary professionals predict industry future

Then join us at CVC San Diego for...

Friday, 12/9

8am-2:15pm

Fear Free: Is it the future? Come see Drs. Marty Becker and Jonathan Bloom talk it up. And if THIS gets you excited, you'll want to come to the next one ...

3-4pm

Dr. Jonathan Bloom showing you how to get your practice started in Fear Free.

Sunday, 12/11

8-9am

You in this industry for the long haul and value looks at the future? Get ready for the future of veterinary medicine with Ernie Ward, DVM.

9. "I want to wow young pet owners"

Get hip to the newest generations with...

dvm360 Leadership Challenge: Pet owner 2.0

Then keep the learning going at CVC San Diego ...

Friday, 12/9

3:15-4:15pm

What clients want stays the same. What clients want changes all the time. Find out how to communicate to the newest generation of clients with Eric Garcia.

Sunday, 12/11

11:15am-12:15pm

Test your knowledge of today's generation of pet owners and find out what they want from you in a data-filled session led by the editors of dvm360, Firstline and Vetted.

4:20-5:20pm

Feeling overwhelmed by changing needs and wants from today's pet owners? Let Dr. Ernie Ward show you how to thrive during the Invasion of the Millennial Pet Parents.

Whether you read it here on dvm360.com or join me live at CVC San Diego, I hope these resources help you in your quest for better veterinary practice.