Shows
The Bark SideStrategies for Building Trust and Team CultureWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Gerardo Poli delve into the importance of building trust, fostering open communication, and cultivating a strong team culture through structured meetings and transparent leadership. Using real-life examples, they demonstrate how these approaches resolve workplace challenges and drive business success.They also explore corporate strategies like the Traction methodology and The Great Game of Business, showing how they can optimize operations in veterinary practices.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedIn• Dr. Iv...
2024-09-1723 minThe Bark SideSeason 2 Review and Looking Ahead: From Clinic Planning to Operational SustainabilityWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Gerardo Poli wrap up Season 2 by reflecting on the challenges of building and managing a veterinary clinic, emphasizing the importance of solid business planning and the advantages of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among employees. They also discuss Season 3, where they plan to cover the difficulties of managing a practice post-launch, including making tough decisions regarding staffing and operations. They will explore topics such as operational efficiency, inventory management, labor costs, and more.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page
2024-09-0315 minThe Bark SideStrategic Marketing for New Veterinary ClinicsWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli explore effective marketing strategies for launching a veterinary clinic. They highlight the importance of early marketing efforts, including building relationships with referring veterinarians, utilizing signage and banners, and creating awareness through social media.Additionally, the hosts share their experiences in organizing an Open House event at the clinic, emphasizing the importance of educating potential clients about the clinic's workflow while strengthening community connections.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on Link...
2024-08-2028 minThe Bark SideManaging Expectations When Launching a Vet HospitalWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the challenges of launching a new veterinary hospital, focusing on the financial and operational difficulties faced during the initial months. They highlight the common struggles such as initial slow client traffic, unexpected costs like delays in construction affecting staffing expenses, and the psychological toll on owners questioning their decisions.Dr. Zak and Dr. Poli emphasize the importance of planning, including financial transparency with staff, and the value of fostering employee ownership to align the team's efforts with the...
2024-08-0622 minThe Bark SidePreparing Veterinary Team for Successful Hospital OpeningsWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the importance of preparing a veterinary team for a new hospital opening. They emphasize the importance of building a strong team culture, trust, and discipline through structured meetings and transparent communication. Dr. Poli and Dr. Zak share personal experiences and provide insights into using methodologies like Traction and open-book management to foster effective communication.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedIn• Dr. Ivan Zak on Linked
2024-07-2324 minThe Bark SideConstruction and Project Planning for a Veterinary Practice: Practical TipsWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the challenges of constructing and managing a veterinary clinic. They chat about contractor management, setting project deadlines, financial planning, employee engagement, and provide practical tips to help you build a successful and efficient veterinary clinic.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedIn• Dr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-07-0922 minThe Bark SideBuilding Your Veterinary Practice: Essential Construction TipsWhat's on the Bark Side this week?This week, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss key considerations for veterinary business owners when planning to construct or renovate their facilities. They reveal the challenges of choosing an optimal location for the clinic, selecting experienced contractors, determining the number of rooms, designing the interior, and accurate financial planning.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedIn• Dr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-06-2522 minThe Bark SideFrom Idea to Reality: Essential Steps to Launching a Veterinary PracticeWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode of the Bark Side, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli focus on the key aspects of establishing a veterinary practice. They discuss the process of developing a solid business plan with financial projections, choosing the right location, and deciding whether to buy, build, or lease.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedIn• Dr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-06-1121 minThe Bark SideExploring Veterinary Business Models & Market OpportunitiesWhat's on the Bark Side this week?This week, Dr. Ivan Zak and Gerardo Poli discuss the trends and impact of consolidation in the veterinary industry and various business models, from solo practices to multi-practice setups, urgent care, and mobile clinics. They reveal the challenges large consolidators face and the opportunities emerging for private practice owners. Also, they emphasize the significance of employee ownership, profit sharing, and the strategic importance of hiring the right team.Helpful links:• Our LinkedIn Page• Dr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedIn• Dr. Ivan Z...
2024-05-2820 minThe Bark SideNavigating the Emotional Journey of Entrepreneurship in Veterinary BusinessWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode of The Bark Side, Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak continue discussing entrepreneurship in the veterinary industry, focusing on two key aspects: entrepreneurial traits and emotional intelligence. Their discussion begins with exploring entrepreneurial traits such as risk tolerance and the ability to mobilize resources. Dr. Zak and Dr. Poli share their personal experiences with risk and financial investment, emphasizing the importance of being comfortable with uncertainty and being resourceful. Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-05-1425 minThe Bark SideThe Foundation of Entrepreneurship: Autonomy, Mastery, and PurposeWhat's on the Bark Side this week? Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak talk about entrepreneurship in veterinary practice in this episode. They share insights on building and managing a clinic, covering key topics like identifying a unique business opportunity, developing a business plan (using the Business Model Canvas), obtaining funding through banks, and finding the right people.Helpful links:Busines Model CanvasOur LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-04-3019 minThe Bark SideIntroducing New Podcast Format: Veterinary Entrepreneurship SeriesWhat's on the Bark Side this week?This week, Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak announce a pivot in the podcast format from standalone episodes to more structured seasons focusing on specific topics. They outline the themes for upcoming seasons, which will include the digital transformation of veterinary clinics, business acumen, team building, and mentorship.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-04-0912 minThe Bark SideTechnology in Veterinary Practice: A Customer-Centric ApproachWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the integration of technology into veterinary clinics to enhance the customer experience and streamline processes. The conversation covers various aspects of technology implementation, including VoIP telephony for efficient client communication, software for appointment booking, and more.They emphasize the importance of being intentional about selecting technology that aligns with the clinic's workflow and addresses specific needs rather than adopting trendy solutions without purpose.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-03-1924 minThe Bark SideLeveraging AI for Optimizing Hospital OperationsWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak continue delving into the utilization of Artificial Intelligence in veterinary practice management. They explore how AI can be used to improve reception team communication skills, analyze client phone calls, enhance client communication, and optimize record-keeping for profitability.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-03-0522 minThe Bark SideHow AI Can Streamline HR Processes in Veterinary PracticesWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the potential of AI in optimizing HR processes within veterinary businesses, making them more efficient, data-driven, and employee-centered. They cover various aspects of HR management, including job advertising, candidate assessment, interview questions, onboarding procedures, performance reviews, and career progression discussions.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-02-2025 minThe Bark SideVeterinary Business and the Power of AIWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Gerrdo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the veterinary field. They discussed various categories where AI can be leveraged, focusing on how it can support business owners and streamline day-to-day operations. Dr. Poli explains how AI can benefit various aspects of a business such as strategy, team management, client communication, marketing, finance, record keeping, and more.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-02-0621 minThe Bark SideIncreasing Clinic Profitability through Inventory ManagementWhat's on the Bark Side this week?This episode focuses on the crucial topic of inventory management in veterinary clinics, emphasizing its impact on clinic profitability. Dr. Zak and Dr. Poli stress the significance of avoiding overstocking and provide insights into streamlining stocktaking processes by using technology. Helpful links:Inventory AllyOur LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-01-2320 minThe Bark SideMeasuring Progress: Key Metrics for Your Veterinary BusinessWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Poli and Dr. Zak talk about the balanced scorecard approach for measuring veterinary business success and growth. They introduce this concept, which focuses on five key areas for holistic business growth: team development, innovation, business operations, patient care, and client experience. The conversation also highlights the importance of metrics beyond finances, such as Google reviews for customer satisfaction and real-time feedback for team engagement.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2024-01-0923 minThe Bark SideFinancial Management for Veterinary Practice OwnersWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli address the importance of financial management in veterinary clinics. The conversation covers topics such as the financial literacy of veterinary business owners, the need for the entire team to understand the financial aspects, and the role of open book management. They highlight the significance of setting budgets, creating forecasts, and involving the entire team in the financial strategy. Helpful links:The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack and Bo BurlinghamOur LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Z...
2023-12-2620 minThe Bark SideMarketing Strategies for Veterinary PracticesWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss marketing in veterinary practices, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, understanding the target audience, and aligning marketing efforts with business goals. They share their approach to online reviews, delving into insightful stories and lessons on encouraging clients to leave a review.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2023-12-1226 minThe Bark SideEssential Client Relationship Skills for VeterinariansWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In this episode, Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss essential business skills for veterinarians, focusing on client relationships. The conversation delves into the importance of client retention and the challenges of maintaining loyalty in veterinary practices. They share strategies for effective communication and addressing clients' concerns, especially when presenting treatment plans, and financial estimates. Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2023-11-2819 minThe Bark SideBuilding a Strong Team: From Hiring to Retaining Top TalentWhat's on the Bark Side this week?This week Dr. Poli and Dr. Zak discuss the crucial role of leadership, culture, and values in building a strong team in the veterinary business.They delve into the various stages of team building, from hiring to onboarding, and highlight the leader's pivotal role in shaping the team culture.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2023-11-1423 minThe Bark SideBuilding a Strong Foundation for Practice Ownership: Essential Business Skills ExploredWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli uncover the key pillars of running a successful veterinary business, emphasizing the importance of business skills alongside veterinary expertise. They emphasize the need for veterinarians to develop strong business skills to effectively manage and grow their practices, covering crucial aspects of financial management, leadership, team engagement, marketing, and more.Helpful links:Our LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2023-10-3121 minThe Bark SideSetting Your Veterinary Business Up for Success: The 3P and 3S BlueprintWhat's on the Bark Side this week?In the second episode of The Bark Side, Dr. Gerardo Poli and Dr. Ivan Zak discuss a structured approach to building and scaling veterinary businesses using a framework called "Three P and Three S". They explain how veterinary clinics can grow by adopting 3P and 3S elements, drawing from real-life experiences.Helpful links:Three P and Three S diagramOur LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2023-10-1723 minThe Bark SideStepping into Practice Ownership: Transition insightsWhat's on the Bark Side this week?Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli discuss the challenges faced by veterinarians who aspire to transition from working for someone to becoming business owners.They touch upon various topics related to this transition, including financial security, autonomy, mastery, leadership, and the importance of establishing core values and a strong culture within the business.Helpful links:Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino WickmanOur LinkedIn PageDr. Gerardo Poli on LinkedInDr. Ivan Zak on LinkedIn
2023-09-2619 minThe Bark SideComing Soon: Veterinary Business UnleashedIn the teaser of The Bark Side podcast, hosts Dr. Ivan Zak and Dr. Gerardo Poli introduce themselves and their mission to help veterinary professionals and practice owners succeed by sharing the expertise, strategies, and tools from big corporations.
2023-09-0103 min