Books can have a profound impact on our lives and the success of our business – sometimes, we just need to discover them!
I think we all have those books that help change our lives, either through the profound insights they share, sometimes a simple ‘Penny Drop’ moment or through practical advice you can implement immediately. One such book for me was the E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber, which, when released back in 1986, was exactly what I needed to read. (The E Myth Revisited Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It (Revised edition 1995)
Back then, I was an estate agent in the North of England. I was young and doing well as there was a housing boom, but I was tying myself in knots as I had little in the way of systems in place, and the whole business was running on pure enthusiasm and very little else. The E-Myth tells the story of Anna, a baker who owned a shop called ‘All About Pies.’ While her business was different from mine, I deeply related to the challenges she faced. Michael Gerber’s book—and many of his subsequent works—helped me realise the importance of investing in the right systems and developing the discipline needed to take control of the aspects of my business where I struggled.
Specifically for the veterinary industry
After the success of the original E-Myth book, Michael started teaming up with experts in various fields to write specialised books, so readers did not need to make the leap from ‘Pies’ to their chosen sector as I had done.
In 2015, Michael E. Gerber’s The E-Myth Veterinarian, co-authored with Peter Weinstein, was released. It is a compelling guide tailored specifically for veterinary professionals who dream of running thriving practices but often find themselves overwhelmed by the day-to-day challenges of business ownership. This book builds on the principles of Gerber’s seminal work, The E-Myth Revisited. It applies them to the veterinary industry, offering actionable advice for transforming veterinary practices into efficient, profitable, and fulfilling businesses.
The “E” in E-Myth stands for “Entrepreneurial,” Gerber begins by debunking the myth that all small business owners are natural entrepreneurs. In reality, many veterinary practice owners are skilled technicians—highly trained professionals passionate about animal care—but lack the business acumen needed to manage a successful practice. This disconnect between technical expertise and entrepreneurial savvy often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.
The three roles every business owner must balance
Gerber and Weinstein argue that veterinary practices often fall into what Gerber calls “The Fatal Assumption”: believing that the technical work of a business is the same as running the business itself. For example, even though veterinarians are skilled at treating animals, they still need to learn how to handle marketing, finances, or human resources.
The book outlines the three roles every business owner must balance: the Technician, the Manager, and the Entrepreneur.
- The Technician loves the hands-on work—in this case, treating animals. Most veterinarians start here, driven by their passion for animal health and care.
- The Manager focuses on order and systems, handling the logistical aspects of running the practice, such as scheduling, inventory, and staff management.
- The Entrepreneur looks at the big picture, crafting a vision for the practice’s growth and long-term success.
Gerber emphasises that a successful practice owner must integrate all three roles, shifting focus as needed to meet the demands of the business.
Your practice should be built as a “turnkey business”
A core message of The E-Myth Veterinarian is that a veterinary practice should be built as a “turnkey” business—a systemised operation that runs efficiently with or without the owner’s constant involvement. Gerber and Weinstein encourage practice owners to consider their business a product that could be replicated and sold. While this doesn’t necessarily mean franchising, it highlights the importance of creating processes and systems that anyone can follow.
These systems cover all aspects of the practice, from client interactions and patient care to financial management and marketing. For example, instead of relying on the owner’s personal touch, a well-designed practice would have standardised protocols for everything from greeting clients to follow-up care, ensuring consistency and freeing the owner to focus on strategic growth.
Transitioning from a practitioner to a leader
One of the book’s key takeaways is the importance of transitioning from being a practitioner to becoming a leader. Many veterinarians find it difficult to delegate, believing they must personally oversee every aspect of their practice to ensure quality. However, Gerber and Weinstein argue that this mindset limits growth and can lead to exhaustion.
Build your team
Instead, the authors advocate hiring and training staff to take on key responsibilities, empowering them to deliver high-quality care while the owner focuses on leadership and strategy. By investing in their team and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, veterinarians can create a practice that thrives without their constant presence.
Understand your financials
Gerber and Weinstein also address the financial side of veterinary practices, emphasising the importance of understanding and managing cash flow, setting realistic financial goals, and measuring key performance indicators. Many veterinarians, they note, shy away from financial matters, focusing instead on patient care. However, paying attention to the business’s financial health can ensure the practice’s sustainability.
Develop a proactive approach to profitability
The authors encourage practice owners to adopt a proactive approach to profitability, from setting prices that reflect the value of their services to controlling expenses and investing in growth opportunities.
Create a veterinary practice that aligns with your vision of success
Ultimately, The E-Myth Veterinarian is about creating a practice that aligns with the owner’s vision of success—whether that means financial freedom, more time for personal pursuits, or the satisfaction of running a world-class clinic. Gerber and Weinstein remind veterinarians that the goal is not just to work harder but to work smarter, building a business that serves their life rather than consuming it.
If you identify with any of the issues this summary outlines or are just looking for a good read over the Christmas break; then you should add this book to your list to Father Christmas this year!
