SUMMARY: 

Welcome back! We’re so glad you can join us for this very special – and very important – episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast. Because she’s been there, Host Nicole Clausen knows intimately how the stress of managing inventory can wreak havoc. That’s why she has chosen to devote this episode to an amazing form of self-care: Meditation. Tune in to learn how to divert high anxiety into total relaxation through the simple act of bringing mindfulness. Our host invites you to take a thoughtful, non-judgmental pause. Catch your breath, let the noise in your brain go and feel your body ease into peace in this present moment. You’ll hear – and experience – in real time what it’s like to be taken on a journey through guided visualization. It’s a great strategy for transforming feelings of overwhelm or frustration when the sometimes thankless work that is inventory management is getting you down. We want you to take care of yourself and this is one simple, free, effective way to do just that! So join us … and relax!

Big news! Inventory Management for Veterinary Professionals is here! Nicole Clausen has poured all her knowledge and experience into a brand-new book you won’t want to miss. Inventory professionals of all kinds will love the tools, strategies and practical examples compiled in this one-of-a-kind compendium, available now at this link. It’s a collection of tips, tricks and positive reinforcement Nicole wanted but couldn’t find when she was first starting out!

Would you like to learn more about Vet Care Logistics’ Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

KEY QUOTES: 

• “Meditation is not about shutting off your thoughts or achieving some perfect, constant state of peace. It's natural for your mind to wander, to drift in and out of focus.”
• “With each breath allow yourself to become more deeply connected to the energy of this garden. A place of pure relaxation and peace.”
• “This is your center, your place of calm amidst the busy world. Silently affirm to yourself: I trust in this moment of peace. I am safe. I am whole.”

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Episode Summary:

Welcome back to another episode of the Inventory Nation podcast! In this special edition, host Nicole Clausen takes you behind the scenes of her first-ever book, "Inventory Management for Veterinary Professionals." Nicole shares her heartfelt journey—from conceptualizing the book to the challenges she faced during the writing process and her ultimate inspiration. The book, designed to be accessible and neurodivergent-friendly, addresses the common struggles faced by inventory managers in the veterinary field.

Nicole dives deep into the writing and editing process, emphasizing the different learning styles her book caters to, and how she incorporated fun and practical elements to make inventory concepts more engaging. Whether you're a novice just stepping into inventory management or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your skills, this book promises to be a constant companion filled with strategies, real-world scenarios, and best practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Inspiration and Audience: Nicole’s book is dedicated to the often-overlooked role of inventory managers, aiming to support them with comprehensive resources.
• Writing Process and Challenges: Nicole navigated the complexities of writing and editing, guided by a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-friendly coach.
• Content Structure: The book is laid out to follow the flow of inventory in a practice, making it easier for readers to relate theory to real-world application.
• Educational Utility: It includes practical examples, story problems, and a formula quick reference guide to demystify inventory management for veterinary practices.
• Upcoming Plans: Nicole hints at exciting new releases and free resources that will be unveiled in the next quarter.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I wrote this book to be a long-lasting resource and reference for managing inventory in your practice."
2. "Inventory management is a practice, not a destination."
3. "I wanted this book to be accessible to folks who learn a little bit differently, who, you know, just have different learning styles."
4. "Nobody wants to read a really dry, boring, professional-sounding book on inventory."
5. "I poured a lot of time and love and sometimes tears into this book, s

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Do you have an inventory management hero? Or maybe you’re the unsung hero? This episode of Inventory Nation introduces something brand new from Vet Care Logistics: Inventory Manager Appreciation Day, which this year takes place on June 7th and will also mark the opening of nominations for Inventory Manager of the Year! So stay tuned for accolades as well as exciting gifts for our honorees! Host Nicole Clausen is also giving us the run-down on her Top Tips for keeping your inventory systems running smoothly (and accurately). You’ll learn about simple, but powerful ways in which to work more effectively with your team to enable, monitor, assess and backstop data related to ordering, tracking and sharing. The savings to your practice can be significant and it’s great for team morale since – to paraphrase the bestselling self-help author Brene Brown – clear is kind! 

Hope these 11 strategies for bundling, recording and selling inventory inspire you to up your data accuracy game and if you put any of Nicole’s tips into practice, please let us know! We’re always tweaking systems and community feedback is a big part of evolving the methodology!

Don’t forget to visit Vet Care Logistics at this link for more information about upcoming events, like our new June 7th Inventory Manager Appreciation Day and award nominations!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join the Inventory Strategy Network – our free virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals – by visiting this link.

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Overwhelmed? Confused?  Sometimes even waking up at night with inventory anxiety? Nicole Clausen, host of the Inventory Nation Podcast, well remembers having exactly those feelings when she was just starting out – and wishing she had a comprehensive resource.

That’s why she has created a new inventory ecosystem methodology – the program she wishes she’d had access to back in the day! This episode introduces the Inventory System Deep Dive, a lifetime playbook for you and your inventory. Engaging and fun, it’s a three-phased online program with evergreen resources, a community of support and all the tools you’ll need to bring real, sustainable order to your practice’s inventory.

You’ll learn about how to set up software support, create management systems and put in place all the necessary guardrails to ensure smooth sailing through all kinds of inevitable growth, change and unexpected hurdles. The veterinary profession has been waiting for exactly this kind of foundational 101 course – and Nicole has set it up in a way that’s user-friendly, self-paced, affordable and accessible whenever you need it for as long as you need it.

Most gratifying of all? You’ll come away with newfound confidence and the glow of camaraderie available to everyone who joins the unique network that is Veterinary Care Logistics. 

Ready to start sleeping like a baby? Click here to join the Inventory System Deep Dive, Nicole’s latest exclusive offering for the inventory management community. Enrollment is open with a special $200 discount available until registration closes at midnight on April 28th.

You can also join the Inventory Strategy Network – our free virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals – by visiting this link.

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Time flies! On this special episode of Inventory Nation, Host Nicole Clausen is celebrating six years of serving her favorite people – us! When she started Veterinary Care Logistics in 2017, it was out of a strong desire to help the many inventory managers who feel overwhelmed or beaten down by their job descriptions. Having once been there herself, Nicole knows well the behaviors and assumptions that have been normalized when it comes to inventory managers and what their jobs entail. And she also knows how we can push back, creating systems and processes that benefit us and our entire practice! You’ll learn on this episode about nine of the biggest myths Nicole has encountered over her years of working with a huge variety of clients across the U.S. and beyond. She’s giving us permission to question business as usual and practical tips designed to set our practices up with protocols that work. If you’re feeling confused, lost, devalued or burdened by unrealistic expectations (your own as well as those imposed by others) then this episode will serve as an important reminder that you’re not alone. Far from it – and stay tuned! Because things can (and will) get better. You can join a community of inventory managers who feel mastery on the job and peace of mind – even on their days off! 

Ready to get optimized? Don’t miss Nicole’s latest FREE workshop, available here! This three-day class (April 18-20) will teach you how to effortlessly craft an inventory action plan, including helpful insights into how to consolidate orders and navigate everything from new vendors to shipping costs. We’ll be teaming up, winning prizes and having lots of fun!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join the Inventory Strategy Network – our free virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals – by visiting this link.

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Change is never easy and – especially in a fast-paced clinic environment where so many variables pop up every single day – it can even be destabilizing. That’s why Host Nicole Clausen is devoting this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast to Five Simple Steps to reduce the fear factor when it comes to adopting new systems or processes. 

She walks us through practical approaches that will smooth transitions and promote buy-in from team members all along the way. So grab a notepad and hear how you can take the guesswork out of implementing change with some basic strategies (like clear communications, training and positive reinforcement). It’s all about setting your practice up for seamless, successful adoption over the long haul. 

And you might even find your team getting excited because – when executed properly – new SOPs, methods and platforms improve everyone’s quality of life! “As people who are leading, changing and growing our practices, we have the opportunity to do better than what we had or were given in the past,” says Nicole. And how cool is that?

Ready to build confidence and fast-track change at your clinic? Join Nicole for her free three-day workshop series from April 18th-20th, My Roadmap for Effortlessly Crafting an Inventory Action Plan. Grab your complimentary seat now at this link!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Penny-wise and pound-foolish. Either of these adages apply perfectly to the topic at hand on this episode of Inventory Nation. Dr. Lauren Forsythe – a controlled substances expert and Pharmacy Service Head at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital – highlights for Host Nicole Clausen how risk mitigation can prevent costly regulatory compliance issues before they start. Their conversation focuses on why it’s important to establish dispensary protocols as well as concrete strategies to get the job done at your particular practice. You’ll learn about common mistakes and how to get around the reflexively fearful response many of us have when it comes to taking on the management of controlled substances.
 

Ready to fall in love with your inventory? Check out Nicole’s new (and totally free) mini-course at this link. And stay tuned for more fun mini-courses and events upcoming this spring!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here! 

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link. Or follow what we’re up to @Instagram.

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Help! Have you ever gone from feeling in total command of your inventory to … what?? The wheels suddenly seem to have come off the bus, thanks to an unexpected rush or a crush of back orders. Don’t worry! Host Nicole Clausen has your back and is devoting this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast to managing through – practically and emotionally – when things start to fall apart. And, by the way, inventory snafus happen to everyone – so no beating yourself up! You’ll come away from this show with three Top Tips for getting through the bumps, plus bonus ideas sure to make you feel less alone. The biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid of vulnerability (with thanks to Brené Brown)! Creating inventory systems can be a thankless job fraught with inevitable mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t doing a fantastic job. This episode provides you tools to perform a reality check when it feels like the rock is rolling back down the hill! In addition to mindset coaching, Nicole is sharing other ideas for self-care that will help you navigate on even the toughest days. Taking on the task of managing operations and supplies for your practice is huge. You are, in the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “daring greatly.” So stand proud and try some of these strategies for keeping yourself together in the face of whatever challenge. Finally, remember: Things always change and the inroads you’re making are no doubt appreciated even more than you realize!

Ready to fall in love with your inventory? Check out Nicole’s new (and totally free) mini-course at this link. And stay tuned for more fun mini-courses and events upcoming this spring!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here! 

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link. Or follow what we’re up to @Instagram.

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Ever wondered how to showcase the value you bring as an inventory manager? Or wanted to truly shine during a salary negotiation or on your latest resume? Host Nicole Clausen devotes this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast to giving you strategies to demonstrate – in very concrete ways – the huge benefits this work bring to to veterinary practices. And there’s nothing squishy about it since metrics are of course at the heart of great inventory management! You’ll learn how to quantify clearly for clinic owners (or perhaps prospective employers in other industries) the impacts you make in reducing expenses, saving time and boosting efficiencies throughout the operation. To put it another way: If you’re saving a $1.5 million practice just 2% annually on cost of goods, that represents a savings of $30,000. Add in all the other reductions in waste, inefficiency and over-stocking and a skilled inventory manager’s impacts to the business’s bottom line are easily in the tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, what you’re running is a business within a business! So, Nicole reminds us, never doubt the valuable role you’re playing and skill set you bring! Whether you’re negotiating a raise or looking to move into an entirely different line of work, the ROI you represent is demonstrable and real! 

In the mood for love? Nicole has just released a new five-day minicourse – Falling in Love with Your Inventory – that you can find for free at this link.

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join the Inventory Strategy Network – our free virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals – by visiting this link.

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SUMMARY: 

Passion is at the heart of every great romance and it’s no different went it comes to Host Nicole Clausen’s ongoing affair with all things inventory management! This episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast offers you a front-row seat on what it feels like to Fall In Love With Your Inventory! Returning with her first podcast of 2023 (and since the loss of her beloved Tank), Nicole jumps right into the nuts and bolts of putting systems in place – not just in order to get a handle on things like ordering, pricing and performance indicators but also to make life more pleasant and manageable for everyone on your team. Even on the best of days our practices can be swamped by all kinds of variables, so why not put in place SOPs that are about more than show? Nicole is spelling out the components of a healthy inventory ecosystem and how they all work together to ease everyday operational flow. You’ll also hear about Emma and the real-world results she reaped after taking control of her multi-practice inventory management system. With a little help from Nicole and her toolkit, Emma discovered how to make her multiple vet practices hum – and in the process of doing so also uncovered the fact that this kind of work – spreadsheets and all – is actually in her zone of genius! Maybe it’s in yours, too? 

Ready to Fall In Love With Your Inventory? Click here to find out all about Nicole’s upcoming free five-day mini-course, a proven process for taking back control of your inventory – without adding a million things to your to-do list!

And if you would like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, the systematic roadmap developed by Veterinary Care Logistics to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence, click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Website for Cornerstone Veterinary Software.
• Veterinary Care Logistics: @Instagram
• Veterinary Care Logistics: Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional Program
• Veterinary Care Logistics: Consulting Services

ABOUT VCL:

Veterinary Care Logistics serves veterinarians and their teams who are frustrated that their current inventory system is not functioning correctly and are facing out of control inventory costs and improperly stocked hospitals. VCL helps veterinarians through inventory analysis, comprehensive step-by-step action plans, and thorough team member training. My clients experience great success and rave about my work because I roll up my sleeves and get dirty working with your hospital to improve your inventory as if it was my own hospital.

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FOLLOW OR CONTACT US:

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Rock star inventory managers  are made – not born! That’s the message from Host Nicole Clausen, who on this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast shares the personal story of her vision for an independent vet consulting business and how she made it happen. All the transformational tools and strategies she offers clinics around the country didn’t materialize overnight. As Nicole describes (starting with Part I of this two-part series), her journey included figuring out her niche, claiming and flying her own flag proudly, trial, error and lots of good humor.

Follow along (and send Nicole a DM) on Instagram: www.instagram.com/veterinarycarelogistics

Join the FREE Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network: www.veterinaryisn.com

Learn more about practice management system software training sessions or remote consulting:  www.vetlogic.co/consulting

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On this episode of Inventory Nation we’re invited to join Host Nicole Clausen for an intimate look at her journey from a childhood passion for marine biology and furry animals to the happy accident that brought her into the world of veterinary medicine. It’s a community she has loved for all kinds of reasons right from the start, but it was her introduction to the “puzzle” that is inventory management that brought together all the things at which Nicole excels: Building relationships, figuring out systems, providing support and sharing a wealth of strategies for making your practice’s inventory a thing of beauty!

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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SUMMARY: 

“Don’t shoot for minimization or maximization. Shoot for optimization!” So says our expert and co-founder of Inventory Ally, Emmitt Nantz, on this episode of Inventory Nation. Host Nicole Clausen welcomes this leader in the field of veterinary operations improvements to explain why Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is currently a high priority and how systems have evolved to increase efficiencies. In particular this conversation highlights the power of harnessing predictive data analytics to locate that sweet spot we all want when it comes to having not too much, and not too little, but JUST the right amount of inventory. It’s a driver of profit and frees up resources for more important things like pay raises, bonuses and capital improvements to our practices. Learn how tools like Inventory Ally and the Inventory 911 Toolkit streamline operations, initiate incremental improvements, reduce inventory reactivity and systematize product replenishment. “We want to strive for perfection because it sounds like, well, perfection,” says Nicole. “But actually what we want to strive for is excellence and (inventory) guardrails are what give us that excellence.” Join our host in welcoming a systems wizard ready to help us take control and strike that balance!

Visit this link if you’d like to learn more about Inventory Ally or schedule a demo. Start unlocking savings and unleashing your veterinary practice’s full potential today!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

KEY QUOTES: 

• “Cost of Goods Sold actually has a lot of inefficiencies and lack of predictability built into it already and that’s why (COGS) becomes a key driver in the big picture.” (Emmitt)
• “If you have stale inventory hanging around on the shelf, you’re really taking away opportunities that could do some really cool things in your practice.” (Nicole)
• “If you’re trying to reduce COGS, then we have to make sure we have the full picture first … so I invite you to have a conversation with your accountant to understand where they’re getting that number from and what’s included, what’s not.” (Nicole)
• “If your budget is so restrictive that you almost can’t keep anything in stock, we have bigger problems that we need to address.” (Nicole)
• “Instead of being a target, Cost of Goods Sold is really more of an outcome that we should start to monitor for changes over time.” (Emmitt)

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Emmitt Nantz is a co-Founder and visionary leader at Inventory Ally, a cutting-edge inventory management software solution designed specifically for veterinary hospitals. By leveraging the latest technologies and industry insights, Inventory Ally equips veterinary teams with the tools they need to achieve unparalleled efficiency, cost savings, and improved patient care. 

Learn more about Inventory Ally or schedule a demo at: www.inventoryally.com

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We all know controlled substances are to be handled with care, but Host Nicole Clausen’s guest on this episode of Inventory Nation drives home just how critical it is to mitigate risk – before a breach of compliance occurs! Jack Teitelman, a 26-year veteran of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), has seen first-hand the fall-out for veterinary registrants who fail to put adequate systems in place and it’s not pretty. Your program doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must demonstrate seriousness of intent and consistency.

Feeling fully compliant and ready to face the DEA? If not, you might want to take a short risk assessment quiz to determine whether a discovery call is in order! You can find the link here.

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

ABOUT VCL:

Veterinary Care Logistics serves veterinarians and their teams who are frustrated that their current inventory system is not functioning correctly and are facing out of control inventory costs and improperly stocked hospitals. VCL helps veterinarians through inventory analysis, comprehensive step-by-step action plans, and thorough team member training. My clients experience great success and rave about my work because I roll up my sleeves and get dirty working with your hospital to improve your inventory as if it was my own hospital.

FOLLOW OR CONTACT US:

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On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast we’re learning about how to take a strategic look at everything on our ledgers, from COGs to employee expenses to the shortfalls too many practices experience as a result of underpricing common procedures like basic exams. Host Nicole Clausen asks Lindsey to share thoughts on how practices can keep competitive with online pharmacies and which reports and other data to generate, follow and track – not once in a blue moon but on a regular basis!

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast we hear first-hand from Host Nicole Clausen’s very happy guest how she established a practice that feels liberating, nourishing and reflective of her values. Dr. Eve Harrison runs a Los Angeles-based Concierge Vet practice that enables her to give the highest level of care to the clients who are the best fit at a wage that feels like fair compensation. She shares her journey from burnout and frustration to self-empowerment through boundaries and envisioning abundance. 

• Learn more about House Call Vet Academy, an online course that teaches how to get a mobile vet practice up and running without falling into the many pitfalls Eve has experienced. 
• Dr. Eve Harrison's  website. 
• Book a free discovery call with Eve by clicking here.

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Welcome back to The Inventory Nation Podcast and a special episode showcasing incredible changes Host Nicole Clausen’s guest was able to implement after becoming a Veterinary Care Logistics Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated or at a loss for how to put the right systems in place, you’re not alone. As you’ll hear in this lively conversation, Shelly Chadwick has been there – but since completing the CVIP course she has dramatically reduced inventory costs and headaches at her animal hospital (a place she especially loves for reasons that will become clear when you hear her amazing story).

She’s sharing the many “aha” moments, strategic tools and other valuable takeaways that enabled her to get on top of what can be a very stressful job. “At the end of this course you’re going to have the literal book on how to do everything inventory-wise,” says Shelly. “You’re going to have every single SOP! … and a huge binder that you need a mule team to pull, but it is 100% worth it!”

You’ll learn the specific procedures and platforms that Shelly has found so helpful and what it is that makes Vet Care Logistics offerings such a huge gamechanger. There’s a reason that whenever Nicole speaks at conferences, it’s standing room only! It’s a fascinating topic with so many systems to explore. The results for veterinary practices are transformational – and that’s exciting too!

Ready to get your systems streamlined? Interested in saving your practice money, wasted time and frustration? Click here to enroll in the Veterinary Care Logistics’ Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional program.

Or you might want to try out our Inventory 911 Toolkit, a step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

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How much time should inventory management take? The short answer is: It depends! Every situation involves variability and nuance, but there’s one thing that pretty much all of us have in common: We have to start somewhere! We also have to understand that getting the right system in place requires time, patience and, very often, some help. The most important thing is establishing a clear endpoint – checklists and procedures that, once in place, will make every function flow more smoothly and efficiently. 

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Host Nicole Clausen is drilling down on her Top Five Tasks for mastering your inventory management. She covers everything from regulatory compliance to negotiating with vendors, offering up great insights and tips to keep you on track. You’ll come away with new checklists to smooth your process, thoughts about the importance of creating boundaries with sales reps and ideas to help you get your team onboard “The Price Is Right”-style! So revel in your inventory management role, says Nicole, and approach it with a sense of fun, creativity and well-deserved pride!

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Social media can feel overwhelming, but not when you have an expert like Cheyanne Flerx — aka Hey Cheyanne! — onboard to show you the ropes. On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast, this maestro of online communication shares with Host Nicole Clausen her best advice for veterinary professionals who want to increase visibility and capture the spirit of their practice’s core values.

You can find Cheyanne at:
https://www.instagram.com/hey_cheyanne/
https://www.heycheyanne.com/


Follow along (and send Nicole a DM) on Instagram: www.instagram.com/veterinarycarelogistics

Join the FREE Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network: www.veterinaryisn.com

Learn more about practice management system software training sessions or remote consulting:  www.vetlogic.co/consulting

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Welcome to the two-year anniversary of The Inventory Nation Podcast! It’s amazing to see a little experiment that started off as a way to stay connected during Covid19 lockdown blossom into a thriving community of support. Host Nicole Clausen continues sharing ideas and strategies for optimizing veterinary practices with a look at ways to integrate inventory management into our practice information management systems (or PiMS).

Follow along (and send Nicole a DM) on Instagram: www.instagram.com/veterinarycarelogistics

Join the FREE Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network: www.veterinaryisn.com

Learn more about practice management system software training sessions or remote consulting:  www.vetlogic.co/consulting

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This episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast looks at veterinary practices through the prism of MBA best practices. Host Nicole Clausen interviews Drew Bartholomew, Chief Operating Officer at Vetcelerator, who is sharing new ways of measuring Costs of Goods Sold. With an MBA from The Wharton School, he is highlighting the business case for systematically tracking baseline factors that determine overall profit and loss.

As a primer, you might want to click here to listen to Episode 65 of Inventory Nation – which covers Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About COGS!

Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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If you feel like your inventory is in chaos and every day brings more, this one’s for you! Host Nicole Clausen breaks down her comprehensive Inventory 911 Toolkit, a step-by-step blueprint to optimize your knowledge, strategy and confidence. You’ll learn what the course includes as well as the goals behind its design – the primary one being freedom. The Inventory 911 Toolkit course includes a variety of templates, spreadsheets videos and a workbook that will turn great ideas into actionable procedures.

Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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When it comes to managing Cost of Goods Sold, it’s critical to have a strategy for tracking and reducing expenditures – which is why our Veterinary Care Logistics community always has lots of questions on the topic! It’s also why we’re all about COGS on this episode of Inventory Nation when Host Nicole Clausen shares her step-by-step approach to securing your clinic’s all-important bottom line. We’re looking at how to define your clinic’s operational profile and understand the best practices necessary to put your team on solid ground. It’s after that, says Nicole, that inventory managers can really start to dig deep and pinpoint why costs might be high, where adjustments to spending versus revenue can be made and how to bring your overall equation into perfect balance. Managing COGS isn’t just about trying to spend less! The Holy Grail of COGS combines both reducing expenditures and generating revenue for your entire veterinary clinic’s long-term bottom-line health. Get the overview of what factors determine your practice’s individual profile and which key performance indicators to track. Not for nothing, Nicole has been dubbed “the COGS Queen” by her admirers. Tune into this breakdown and you’ll know why – and be inspired to keep coming back for more!

Don’t forget that June 5th is Inventory Manager Appreciation Day! Celebrate that person who keeps things humming along at your veterinary practice – even if it means celebrating yourself!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our blueprint for helping inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

ABOUT VCL:

Veterinary Care Logistics serves veterinarians and their teams who are frustrated that their current inventory system is not functioning correctly and are facing out of control inventory costs and improperly stocked hospitals. VCL helps veterinarians through inventory analysis, comprehensive step-by-step action plans, and thorough team member training. My clients experience great success and rave about my work because I roll up my sleeves and get dirty working with your hospital to improve your inventory as if it was my own hospital.

FOLLOW OR CONTACT US:

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Are you new to inventory management? Feeling overwhelmed? Can’t find the playbook that spells it all out? Check, check and check! Not to worry. Nicole Clausen, founder of Veterinary Care Logistics, has got you covered. On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast she is walking us through Five Things Every Inventory Manager Should Know (plus a very important bonus tip!).

The quickest way to build confidence in your role is to know the landscape you’re dealing with and Nicole’s step-by-step roadmap does exactly that. She covers the foundational elements of a highly effective inventory program, which include: defining parameters and figuring out variables in the system; creating a network of support for those tough days or tricky situations; and – perhaps most important of all – getting clear with your team about what’s expected of you right from the start. Once your role’s requirements have been well defined, you’ll know whether further explanation, training or support is necessary to set you up for success.

Clarity is king and Nicole is equipping you with a checklist to get there!

Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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Are you staying ahead of price increases – especially in an economy where the cost of everything seems to be going up, up, up? On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast you’ll find out why it’s more important than ever to have systems in place to prevent three common pricing mistakes that can erode bottom-line revenue. Host Nicole Clausen, founder of Veterinary Care Logistics, is highlighting some of the sneakiest reasons inventory managers often feel like they’re scrambling – and still (quite literally) coming up short. She shares key strategies for keeping clinic operations running smoothly – and profitably – with protocols around things like receipt and processing of shipments, maintaining up-to-date practice management systems and setting up backstops for the inevitable pricing outliers and “special exceptions” that can trip us up. The good news is: Nicole has been there and knows what it takes to audit, analyze and help us incorporate gold standard operating procedures that ensure our veterinary inventory practices are optimized – and the headaches minimized!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, the powerful step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers to leverage knowledge and strategy with confidence? Click here!

You inquire about VCL’s remote consulting services by clicking here or join a free virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals by visiting this link.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Veterinary Care Logistics: @Instagram
• Veterinary Care Logistics: Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional Program

ABOUT VCL:

Veterinary Care Logistics serves veterinarians and their teams who are frustrated that their current inventory system is not functioning correctly and are facing out of control inventory costs and improperly stocked hospitals. VCL helps veterinarians through inventory analysis, comprehensive step-by-step action plans, and thorough team member training. My clients experience great success and rave about my work because I roll up my sleeves and get dirty working with your hospital to improve your inventory as if it was my own hospital.

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Does the thought of running out of a veterinary medicine or supply strike fear in your heart? Are you the sort of inventory manager who buys in excess “just in case”? If so, this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast is for you! 

Chronically overstocking products not only reduces your practice’s efficiency, it also diverts resources better spent on things like equipment repair, new hires, or raises for the team. So the next time you look at your stockroom shelves and see bottles nearing expiration, imagine each of them containing dollar bills — because they do! 

Host Nicole Clausen is here to provide actionable tips to mitigate the paralyzing fear of running out, including ways to leverage billing reports, track data, implement backstop systems and create buffers that will make unnecessary overbuying a thing of the past!

Would you like to learn more about Inventory 911 Toolkit, our step-by-step blueprint to help inventory managers optimize knowledge, strategy and confidence? Click here!

You can also join our virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals for free by visiting this link.

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Is your inventory manager empowered to protect your bottom line? If not, then you’re leaving money on the table that could be used instead to grow the healthiest, most robust veterinary practice possible! This episode of the Inventory Nation Podcast focuses on all things COGS, which stands for Cost of Goods Sold.

Host Nicole Clausen, president and inventory expert at Veterinary Care Logistics, walks us through both definitions and available systems to identify exactly where your practice’s costs lie, which when it comes to COGS means anything related to caring for a patient. You’ll learn about a great (free!) resource for tracking exactly where these expenditures are and what percentage they represent of your revenue year over year.

Having a  methodology in place provides not only a vital measure of your practice’s financial health but also a means for reducing costs through lean, intentional, highly effective inventory practices. Wouldn’t you rather spend resources on compensating your dedicated team than wasting dollars on expired products, diversion, mischarges, and other inventory-related vulnerabilities? Listen to this episode, and you’ll know exactly why the answer is a resounding: Yes!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• American Animal Hospital Association: Chart of Accounts
• Veterinary Care Logistics: @Instagram
• Veterinary Care Logistics: Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional Program

ABOUT VCL:

Veterinary Care Logistics serves veterinarians and their teams who are frustrated that their current inventory system is not functioning correctly and are facing out of control inventory costs and improperly stocked hospitals. VCL helps veterinarians through inventory analysis, comprehensive step-by-step action plans, and thorough team member training. My clients experience great success and rave about my work because I roll up my sleeves and get dirty working with your hospital to improve your inventory as if it was my own hospital

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How can I avoid burnout and get more fulfillment from my career? That’s the golden question these days… Join me in this episode of the Inventory Nation Podcast as I welcome Josh Vaisman, MAPPCP, CCFP, to talk about navigating the challenges and hardships you face as a veterinary professional and how to truly thrive in your career.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com
For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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Is the cost of goods sold at your practice feeling high and out of control?  In this episode, Nicole responds to some frequent questions about costs of goods sold. She discusses some of her strategies for keeping costs of goods in control. Nicole also shares the details of her inventory management software, Inventory Ally.

View more information and the show notes at: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

To learn more about Inventory Ally, visit inventoryally.com.

If you're looking for more inventory assistance, join the free Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network at www.veterinaryisn.com!

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In this episode of the Inventory Nation Podcast, Nicole and Emily Walker, an education consultant and curriculum specialist, walk through the Veterinary Inventory Professional (CVIP) certification program. They discuss the learning journey for the student and more behind the scene details. The VIP certification program opens for enrollment on April 25th.

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In this episode, Nicole discusses the benefits of accurate inventory in your practice management system and how it can help efficiently manage your inventory. She gives her favorite tips on best practices for optimizing your unique PiMS system.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Nicole discusses what success looks like when properly managing an inventory system. She also talks about some common red flags to watch for that would uncover problems.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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Nicole leads a guided meditation specifically for veterinary professionals to help release stress.
Want to skip right to the meditation? Head to 3:23 of the recording. 

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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How did our host, Nicole Clausen, come to be a thought leader for veterinary practices nationwide? On this episode of The Inventory Nation Podcast she shares with us her origin story and lessons learned on her professional journey from logistical overwhelm to veterinary clinic management mastery. We are learning about the “aha” moments and highly successful systems Nicole developed through trial and error, along with roadblocks we can all expect to encounter along the way. You’ll hear about Nicole’s Top 5 Inventory Gamechangers – practices that she initiated after hard-won lightbulb moments as an inventory management newbie. Don’t miss out on predictable speed bumps and things to remember as you take on this highly challenging – but equally rewarding – role. And remember: Your inventory management systems won’t be perfect right out of the gate. But you WILL reduce chaos and improve quality of life for everyone across your veterinary practice. So be kind to yourself, keep the faith and take notes from Nicole – someone who has been there and is ready to show you the way!

Also: Big news! Our Inventory System Deep Dive now offers six hours of RACE-approved continuing education (plus earn a Certificate of Veterinary Inventory Fundamentals) and our Certified Veterinary Inventory Professional Program includes 34 hours of RACE-CE.

KEY QUOTES: 

• “In those first days and weeks (in inventory management) I really struggled because I was brand new to the practice and … was truly coming into a blank slate where I had no idea what was going on.” (Nicole)

• “My brain works best when I have a full picture and I know all the information. I don’t really do well when I have to guess and hope for the best.” (Nicole)

• “Setting up re-order points was the first project that I tackled and it was the thing that moved the needle the most for me … even if I did have to make some iterations.” (Nicole)

• “The biggest benefit of setting up your inventory systems is just the level of clarity, confidence and predictability where we often have this low-level hum of chaos and uncertainty.” (Nicole)

• “As inventory managers we’re never going to be 100% perfect because there’s so many things out of our control. Supply issues. Back orders. We can try to anticipate, but we can’t predict everything.” (Nicole)

• “Remember that the reason we put all this time into setting up inventory systems is so that it’s easier, so that we spend less time and save money!” (Nicole)

ABOUT VCL:

Veterinary Care Logistics serves veterinarians and their teams who are frustrated that their current inventory system is not functioning correctly and are facing out of control inventory costs and improperly stocked hospitals. VCL helps veterinarians through inventory analysis, comprehensive step-by-step action plans, and thorough team member training. My clients experience great success and rave about my work because I roll up my sleeves and get dirty working with your hospital to improve your inventory as if it was my own hospital.

FOLLOW OR CONTACT US:

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In this episode, Nicole reveals that discounts are a common revenue leak. She highlights some of the problems with providing discounts without a system for tracking. She also gives a few tips for how to better understand and manage discounts in your practice.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Nicole discusses why it is critical to have an accurate practice management system to help manage inventory.  She gives some examples of how the practice management system can help or hurt your processes.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Nicole shares 5 different things that she learned last week about managing inventory. During her 1 on 1 sessions with clients she noticed some themes and wanted to share them.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Nicole lists some of her top resources and tools to help manage inventory in a more efficient way.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Nicole discusses results from her survey of 139 practices.

She reviews each question, it’s results, and what she found interesting about the state of inventory in veterinary medicine.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Emmitt and Nicole discuss the key strategic goals of Galaxy Vets and why each area is critical to operating a business where employees and customers are happy.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode Nicole lists her top three signs that your inventory system is healthy. She also discusses the constantly changing state of inventory and why it is critical to learn to adapt to it to avoid stress.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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Inventory Nation Podcast – Nicole Clausen, Operations: Understanding Bottlenecks

Bottlenecks, roadblocks, and constraints in vetmed operations can limit growth and disrupt patient care. In this episode, Nicole covers what they are, the negative impact, a few examples of common constraints, along with some tips on how to optimize around the problem.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Nicole discusses having too much stock on hand, reasons that it can happen, how it impacts the business, as well as a few tips on how to better manage stock levels to free up cash for the practice.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Emmitt and Nicole discuss the vital role that continuous improvement can play in operating a hospital. A good continuous improvement strategy can decrease stress, improve inventory, and generate revenue growth. Emmitt talks about some dos and don’ts of cost of goods and managing goals.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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What is it about “back to school” season? It just feels like a great time to start fresh! And if you’re a veterinary inventory manager, that probably means taking control of unnecessary guesswork – and stress! Nicole Clausen, host of The Inventory Nation Podcast, gets us started with a strategy for reliably managing reorder points. You’ll learn about tried-and-true methods for keeping your inventory operation running smoothly, with some help from things like reorder tags, bins, or shelf labels. Find out about simple – but game-changing – ways to establish best practices and preserve your peace of mind. Much of it comes down to what works best for your team’s culture and with the flow of your daily veterinary procedures. If you’re looking for a terrific step-by-step approach, consider trying Nicole’s Reorder Tag Magic. It’s an online course that walks you through how to implement various options, secure your team’s buy-in and ensure your system’s long-term success. (The course is only $9 and includes all kinds of videos, templates, and other amazing resources!) Managing the goods our practices consume and dispense is a never-ending job, but there are ways to ease that burden. Small measures make for big reasons to celebrate the support inventory managers provide their practice team and patients every single day! 

Are you up to date on everything Veterinary Care Logistics has to offer? Click here to learn about our 1:1 consulting and strategic services, online education, and certification options, and to keep up with Nicole’s upcoming programs!

You can also join the Inventory Strategy Network – our free virtual neighborhood for inventory managers and other veterinary professionals – by visiting this link.

Do you have any feedback or stories to share about what works (and doesn’t) in your practice? Nicole loves hearing from you, so please reach out to her @Instagram or via this email.

KEY QUOTES: 

• “My only training as an inventory manager was: When you shake a bottle and it feels low, you order more. And I remember sitting there in the pharmacy and thinking, ‘But what does that actually mean?’ ” (Nicole)

• “Figuring out ways to know when we’re low (on medications or supplies) and how to order easily and quickly can be so, so helpful.” (Nicole)

• “We can’t run in-house lab work if we don’t have the proper equipment or supplies for that. So if we leave it up to our team to tell us when things are low, we’re playing somewhat of a dangerous game.” (Nicole)

• “Think about what your order flags look like now … not only for your most commonly used items but for those items where we might use them only every one or two months but that are super-critical to our practices.” (Nicole)

• “One of the things about inventory is that there’s never an endpoint ... It never stops. We always have to replenish. We’re always trying to make improvements and adjustments.” (Nicole)

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In this episode, Nicole reveals her thoughts on the future of inventory in vet med practices. She talks about the importance of having effectively designed systems to help offset rising costs,  create extra budgets for staff, and other revenue-generating areas of practice.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

For show notes, podcast information, and more, check out: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

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In this episode, Kelsey and Nicole discuss the importance of branding with a connection to clients. Kelsey talks about the difference between branding and marketing and gives some strategies for how to create and manage a stronger brand that ultimately creates happier clients and thriving workplace cultures.

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

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In this episode, Michael Shirley, the Chief Empowerment Officer at Family Pet Health, and Nicole Clausen discuss what it means to run a practice while empowering the employees. Michael highlights strategies for making a practice a place that each person is happy to work at every day.  

For more information about Inventory Ally, check out: www.inventoryally.com

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Is the cost of goods sold at your practice feeling high and out of control?  In this episode, Nicole responds to some frequent questions about costs of goods sold. She discusses some of her strategies for keeping costs of goods in control. Nicole also has an exciting announcement to make about a new venture that can help you manage inventory.

View more information and the show notes at: www.vetlogic.co/podcast

To learn more about Inventory Ally, visit inventoryally.com.

If you're looking for more inventory assistance, join the free Veterinary Inventory Strategy Network at www.veterinaryisn.com!

FOLLOW OR CONTACT US:

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram