tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:36:06 +0000Welcome all vets/managers/owners to my Blog. I’ll be writing at least weekly on all matters business and I’d love it if you’d get involved in the conversation. Why not drop me a line with your questions about problems (or solutions) that you are facing in your practice? How do you get involved? Just drop me a line via the contact form or email address you'll find in my profile. Or just read on and if something grabs you, then leave your own comment.http://www.davenicol.com/blog.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)Blogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-6938751577300320455Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:36:00 +00002010-01-30T17:36:44.417+11:00 So, who doesn’t believe in the power of social media beyond lunchtime chatter between the nurses? If you don’t then ask yourself this; why did I just give a person living on the other side of the planet, who I am aware of with but don’t know well enough to call a friend, a sizeable donation for a cause that doesn’t affect me directly? George Cooper has a tragic story to tell. Recently losing http://www.davenicol.com/2010/01/hats-off-for-hospice-storms-social.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-3293802171628520724Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:23:00 +00002010-01-28T22:25:29.724+11:00For the next couple of blogs we’ll take a little light-hearted look at CVs. The first post is for those vet practice managers reading CVs.  The second (published next week) is for the vets and nurses writing them. I’ve reviewed hundreds of CVs since working as a manager – probably thousands. The latest campaign I was involved in attracted more than 50 resumes. In reality to scrutinize each one http://www.davenicol.com/2010/01/cvs-part-1-reading-cvs-dodging.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-6319507491615532905Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:38:00 +00002010-01-21T18:39:31.952+11:00vet practice managementvet jobsrecruitment skillsvet recruitmentvet businessHR With the economy on the skids and unemployment figures on the rise it’s clear that a lot of companies are shedding staff to protect their businesses. But if you are hiring then right now is one of the best times in recent years to do it. A report by HR technology and research company Kaonix, reveals that the number of applicants per job across all sectors has nearly doubled. Which is great http://www.davenicol.com/2010/01/when-recruiting-gets-easier-selection.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-5838191376434343616Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:28:00 +00002010-01-12T15:31:05.889+11:00dave nicolcredit crunchveterinary practice managementveterinary businessglobal financial crisisIn any business plan there should be discussion of the wider environmental changes that could affect your business. Today we discuss the Global Financial Crisis, how it might affect you in 2010 and why you should be wary of anyone who says it’s over.The crisis if you believe some commentators, has passed it’s worst. The UK is officially out of recession, so we hear. House prices are on the http://www.davenicol.com/2010/01/new-year-party-pooper-are-we-heading.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-4531844418271287033Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:23:00 +00002010-01-12T15:30:21.709+11:00vet practice managementVPMAMichael Jacksonviral marketingCommunicatingWoolly CommunicationsA friend recently sent me the following joke about a kiwi sheep farmer. You may have read it, but I thought it was worth repeating:1. Because it’s funny.2. It highlights a communication problem that is probably damaging your business right now (which is not funny).A Kiwi buys several sheep, hoping to breed them for wool. After several weeks, he notices that none of the sheep http://www.davenicol.com/2009/12/veterinary-rounds-woolly-communication.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-1065359519282978539Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:09:00 +00002009-10-31T07:46:48.497+11:00Facebooksocial mediavet practicesTwitterMy Space LinkedInThe use of social media is becoming more and more important in the way we communicate. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, My Space and LinkedIn allow far closer connections between friends and family. But also between business and customer. 
 In a recent articles series, US vet business advisor Jason Canapp, writes an excellent nuts and bolts series entitled ‘How to Get Your Hospitalhttp://www.davenicol.com/2009/10/how-social-media-could-leave-egg-on.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-4733246894759423637Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:08:00 +00002009-10-21T15:01:39.189+11:00mentoringhamstervetstrainingIn my first "proper” blog from the bottom of the earth (no that isn’t meant to be offensive to my Australian colleagues). In fact, from what I've seen in my short time here so far, there is much us “Poms” can learn from the Aussie approach. But that’s for another day.I’ve begun a new role with a new set of challenges. A practice with a small but very enthusiastic team, eager to deliver. The http://www.davenicol.com/2009/10/mentoring-is-miracle-grow-for-your.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-2099975134134927481Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:18:00 +00002009-09-28T08:32:27.160+10:00Big adventure completed and some truly amazing experiences had whilst travelling through Central and South America so expect some cool blogs soon.I have officially arrived in Sydney and have some very good things to work on both here and the UK. Expect a few new products and services to filter through in the coming year.Also this blog, which has remained painfully devoid of content (a sure fire http://www.davenicol.com/2009/09/live-and-kicking-after-american.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-7420023880939370017Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:40:00 +00002009-08-19T00:21:03.380+10:00OK because I´m part way through a round the world trip (The main reason for my lack of blog entries of late). this isn´t going to be the most business heavy blog entry you´ll read, but I felt it was worth sharing some thoughts and I hope you find it entertaining at least.I´m currently in Guatemala just now, having so far made it through Brasil and Costa Rica. The challenge for the coming week is http://www.davenicol.com/2009/08/lessons-from-mayans.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-7793362035305609714Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:35:00 +00002009-07-01T17:46:23.112+10:00vet practice managementmoralemotivationMoral and motivation go hand in hand. When the chips are down in the wider economy a strong sense of purpose, togetherness and motivation will work wonders in keeping your business afloat. So how do you set about boosting moral when all you’re worried about is keeping the business alive?Don’t cut, cut, cut…train, train, trainIf your turnover is flagging then it is tempting to reach for the knife http://www.davenicol.com/2009/06/tips-to-beat-recession-2-show-little.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-46491813886370353Fri, 29 May 2009 06:43:00 +00002009-05-29T17:33:46.002+10:00vet practice managementrecessioncashflowDuring the recession money is tight. Read on for my tips that will transform your cash flow inside of a month.1. Bombing Out on Billing?There is a very good chance that you are losing 10-50% of revenues each time you or an assistant invoices for work done. This is madness but in my opinion one of the biggest problems facing practices today. Do you have a set price list? Do you know what profit http://www.davenicol.com/2009/05/vets-in-money-love-shocker-cash-flow.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-5333594177961779799Fri, 15 May 2009 10:35:00 +00002009-05-21T05:57:43.739+10:00Vet Medicinevet unionvet politicsDr. Shams MirSo the calls for a vet union seem to have peaked (the Vet Times have even published some letters in defense of our profession!) and the incandescent Dr. Mirs has pretty much squeezed the vet PR machine for all it is worth. What now for the proposed Vet Union?As always actions speak louder than words and the next step required is for someone to step up and actually bring this proposition from http://www.davenicol.com/2009/05/will-economic-meltdown-thaw-passions.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-4669335975707997016Sat, 02 May 2009 22:20:00 +00002009-05-03T08:20:52.392+10:00Technorati Profilehttp://www.davenicol.com/2009/05/technorati-profile.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-4353263749793106054Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:42:00 +00002009-04-28T15:43:16.125+10:00As we enter the final days of the RCVS election I thought I’d do my bit for the perennially low voter turnout. After all (whether you like it or not) this body does represent the interest of the entire profession via the awarding of our status and the production of the bible of guiding principles “the guide to professional conduct”.Further the work it does allows you and I to continue to enjoy http://www.davenicol.com/2009/04/dawn-chorus-twitter-of-rcvs-election.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-5383775261701917992Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:46:00 +00002009-04-21T02:55:58.712+10:00MedicinesPetsAustraliaThe change of classification of Frontline from the now redundant POM to NFA-VPS is widely expected to be followed by its younger sibling Frontline Combo shortly, prompting many practices to nervously reconsider their anti-parasitic inventories for 2009. However, as I discovered on my recent trip to Australia, the mild panic and anger sweeping UK practices is nothing compared to what vets down http://www.davenicol.com/2009/04/aussie-rules.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-3000809626566028087Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:48:00 +00002009-03-20T01:53:26.911+11:00ActionsEthosWebsiteA few sharp eyed readers have now spotted and, quite rightly, commented upon my rather bare looking personal ethos page."Is it that I have no ethos?", "Am I devoid of morals and substance?" they ask. I can think of some that might (quite wrongly) agree!Well the reason (dear reader) I've not yet published the page is not for lack of effort. In fact I've written and rewritten this page more times http://www.davenicol.com/2009/03/ethos-defining-moment.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-686805867433259347Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:12:00 +00002009-02-27T20:13:34.666+11:00The almighty row that has blown up in recent days about Sir Fred “The Shred” Goodwin, former chief exec at RBS is an excellent lesson in taking responsibility for problems.Fred has been a bit slack with the company finances, but has somehow managed to walk away from the biggest corporate losses ever sustained in the UK (£24 billion) with an £600k per year pension. (To give the loss some http://www.davenicol.com/2009/02/fred-and-your-management-credibility.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-4007407742757505024Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:47:00 +00002009-02-08T23:35:23.233+11:00This book review was published in the Vet Record this week. I was asked to do the review back in November and at the time was happy that it reflected the good and the bad points of the title accurately. I stand by that now but having read it in print, feel perhaps my language might be misconstrued as a little insulting towards reception staff. This certainly isn't the intention. For the record, Ihttp://www.davenicol.com/2009/02/book-review-veterinary-receptionist.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-2731085923250769277Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:02:00 +00002009-02-08T23:40:08.708+11:00In recent weeks a lively debate has been warming up in the pages of the Vet Times. This week saw the latest salvo, part one of a three part series where a UK practitioner (Dr. Shams Mir) makes his case for UK Veterinary Union. Dr. Mir’s article, attempts to build awareness for his campaign. Unfortunately for me it lost its way due to a credibility sapping combination of sensationalist hyperbole, http://www.davenicol.com/2009/01/call-for-unionisation-of-vets-is-mir.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-1998681045121224675Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:31:00 +00002009-02-10T08:26:22.560+11:00I’m not a social scientist, nor am I an economist (thank god), but I am going to have my tuppence worth on the so called, “Credit Crunch”. For the record, at this moment in time, if I hadn’t watched a TV (my mistake), then I wouldn’t know there was a problem. How’s about you?Bleeding Bad CrunchThe media are so hell bent on creating a story they are in danger of tipping this country into a much http://www.davenicol.com/2009/01/whos-really-been-bitten-by-crunch-im.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-4348345895805839192Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:12:00 +00002009-01-15T09:22:47.856+11:00Back in August I fulfilled another long held ambition - to crew a tall ship across some serious water. And in our neck of the woods, water doesn't get more serious than the North Sea. To help prepare for my impending leap into the unknown world of self employment I was determined to do something that was both unknown and exciting. Safe to say that 'sweating and tailing' your way across the Northhttp://www.davenicol.com/2008/12/leader-faces-down-new-challenge.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-6324675927552045110Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:22:00 +00002009-02-08T23:45:16.377+11:00So here we go, my last day in the practice (tomorrow is my official last day but we have an off site management meeting).The pace of the last six weeks has been nothing short of frantic. In between training my successor – a marvellous new addition to the team called Diane Grant – we’ve been recruiting for new vets. Hectic.Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. In fact, it’s probably better to http://www.davenicol.com/2008/11/emotions-on-day-of-inquisition.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-1354293819751139658Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:13:00 +00002008-11-08T22:10:45.980+11:00That's right folks, just one week to go then Parkvets and me go our different ways.It's getting a bit more emotional now so I'm glad the work load is huge. You'd think a last week would be a wind down. Maybe in someone's world it is, but next week will be frantic.This week I've done my last consults, said goodbye to some old friends (four and two legged varieties) but there was a clear http://www.davenicol.com/2008/11/eight-lives-and-counting.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859020175296216024.post-7042568593951588929Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:48:00 +00002008-11-03T20:12:35.299+11:00It's a peculiar thing leaving a job you've given so much to for almost a decade. In many ways it doesn't feel real, like perhaps after my leaving party it'll be back to work on Monday as usual.However reality is that on 14th November I'll no longer be part of the Parkvets team.This reality is bringing some mixed emotions. Excitement, relief, hope, sadness.In reverse order, I'm sad because I've http://www.davenicol.com/2008/11/winding-down-or-winding-up.htmlblog@davenicol.com (Double Bay Vet Clinic)0