Year in review: The 10 most-read business stories of the year

It's that time again. Time for our annual roundup of the most-read stories online from Veterinary Economics in 2014, including debt repayment strategies, secrets to a successful secret shopping experience and ways to reinforce relationships with your clients. Click the links below to read any you missed and re-read your favorites.

1. Could you pay off your veterinary student loan in 26 months?

Married veterinarians Jonathan and Kaysey Faulkner paid off their $110,000 veterinary school debt in just over two years-and shared how you can do it too. 

2. BizQuiz: Do you know sexual harassment when you see it?

Sheila Grosdidier, veterinary practice management consultant and Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member, poses hypothetical situations that could happen in any work environment. Test your knowledge to see if you're prepared to handle these potentially sticky scenarios.

3. The 2 most important words in veterinary practice

Taking time to say "thank you" to team members, pets and clients will bring happiness back around to yourself. Veterinary associate and Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Shawn Finch shares easy ways to show appreciation and bring your team closer together.

4. Therapy lasers: A handy comparison chart

Thinking about adding laser therapy as a new service at your practice and don't know where to start? Check out our comparison guide for details about several different brands and styles to find one that fits your needs.

5. An ailing profession: Money matters

This special dvm360 Leadership Challenge dug into the financial matters the profession is facing, including a sample personal finance budget plan as well as how to get a struggling practice back on track.

6. 25 ways to entice more cats to your veterinary clinic

Research shows that cat owners are less likely to bring their cat into your clinic than dog owners, but that doesn't mean they don't need preventive and routine medical care. This list pulls together ways you can draw in more feline clients.

7. Would your veterinary practice survive a secret shopper?

Sheila Grosdidier goes undercover as a secret shopper to veterinary practice. See how these hospitals fared and learn how you improve your own client service protocols.

8. Sell veterinary clients on your service

Dr. Andy Roark, MS, shares how important the element of client service is to your clients and what you can do to improve yours-without feeling like a butler.

9. Take control of your veterinary practice's online reputation

Have you recently received a negative review that's got you spinning? Practice consultant Mark Opperman, CVPM, shows you how to manage the situation.

10. How I found my superstar veterinary associate

Dr. Ryan Gates wasn't planning on needing to find an associate to work at his practice. (Spoiler: His amazing associate-also his wife-decided to pursue other work and family interests.) Here's how he handled it and how you can hire smarter for your practice.