a smaller/smarter clinic is one that works for you.
First and foremost a smaller/smarter clinic is a facility that supports your business, it is driven by functionality, as well as looks. It must be effective, efficient and facilitate staff and veterinarians as you go about caring for animals and their owners.
The clinic also must work as a marketing tool that attracts clients and then makes the client/veterinarian interaction an open, easy, positive experience.
A smaller/smarter clinic is also designed around the specific veterinary equipment, treatment and procedures you will be providing.
Lastly, a smaller/smarter clinic is one where staff and doctors want to be. That means it is a place where it is easy for you to do your work, a place that minimizes stress.
why smaller/smarter matters
1. An effective, efficient, smaller/smarter clinic is less expensive to build. It is also cheaper to staff and operate. A well-designed smaller/smarter clinic lets your staff and doctors do more work, more easily, and that means more profit.
2. A smaller/smarter clinic sets the stage and also sends a message about the kind of medical care you provide. It should be open and inviting, straight forward and direct, supportive and nurturing.
3. A smaller/smarter clinic can more also easily fit a challenging space that may appear to be too small.
4. A smaller/smarter clinic can be built to both fit and reinforce a specific market niche
In Atlantic City, New Jersey, stands Lucy the Elephant built in 1881 by James Lafferty in the hope that she would entice visitors to come and buy property in his seaside resort. For the fun of it I decided to see if I could make Lucy a vet clinic.
So, I sketched out a plan. In her cranium is the waiting area, in her midsection—reception, an exam room and the necessary medical areas. Upstairs in the "howdah" (the seat on top), the doctor’s office and team room would command far-reaching views over the sands.
But having proven it can be done the question then becomes should it be done? Frankly, “I don’t think so” is the answer. While fun it wouldn’t be smart!
This is the same question you should ask yourself. Not can I do a clinic in this space, but should I. Would it be the best way to spend my time and effort.”