Most aesthetics practitioners will work alone when starting out.
Although they may benefit from a group training course, it is inevitable that to a large extent they’ll be on their own when they start operating clinics. This can be a daunting prospect and there are bound to be occasions when it would help to discuss business ideas or clinical issues with someone who understands the unique nature of the aesthetics industry.
Yet while it can appear to be a solitary career, there are many practitioners who embrace the opportunities to be part of a wider community, building key relationships and networks to support them.
Peer support, networking, and mentoring with fellow aesthetics professionals are just a few ways in which Botox and dermal filler practitioners at any stage of their career can be empowered to to elevate their practices and achieve professional success.
1/ Peer Support: A Foundation of Strength
No one understands the challenges and triumphs of being a Botox and dermal filler practitioner quite like another practitioner who shares your passion for the field. Peer support groups provide a safe space to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and offer mutual encouragement.
Benefits of Peer Support:
- Shared Experiences: Discussing patient cases, treatment techniques, and common challenges can foster a sense of camaraderie and provide valuable insights.
- Emotional Support: Navigating the ups and downs of a professional practice can be a lonely journey. Peer support groups offer a listening ear and a network of understanding individuals.
- Professional Development: Sharing expertise and learning from others can lead to continuous improvement in treatment techniques and patient outcomes.
Where can I find professional peers?
Attending a group aesthetics training course is a great way to start. You’ll spend a day with a small bunch of people who share a similar background and are at a similar stage of their aesthetics career. It doesn’t have to be a foundation course. If you’re already past that stage, then there are intermediate and advanced clinical courses to choose from as well as a choice of skincare courses. Many SkinViva Training Academy delegates keep in touch and some have even gone into business together.
2/ Networking: Expanding Horizons
Networking opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and knowledge. By connecting with fellow practitioners, industry experts, and potential clients, practitioners can expand their professional reach and enhance their practice.
Benefits of Networking:
- Professional Connections: Networking with other practitioners can lead to referrals, partnerships, and opportunities for cross-collaboration.
- Industry Insights: Engaging with experts and leaders in the field provides access to the latest developments, trends, and innovations.
- Client Acquisition: Networking can help practitioners expand their client base and reach a wider audience.
How can I build a wider network?
Apart from your training courses, it can be hard to meet other fellow professionals. However, for those who attend a course with SkinViva Training Academy, there is the opportunity to join the Facebook SkinViva Trainee Network – an invaluable community of thousands of fellow medical aesthetics practitioners.
3/ Mentorship: A Path to Excellence
A mentor can provide guidance, support, and wisdom to help aspiring and experienced practitioners reach their full potential. This is more of a one-to-one relationship. A mentor’s expertise, experience, and network can be helpful in navigating the complexities of the aesthetic medicine industry. As well as providing a role model, they can also provide personalised feedback and appraisal. A ‘critical friend’.
Benefits of Mentorship:
- Career Guidance: Mentors can provide personalised advice, tailored to the individual practitioner’s goals and aspirations.
- Skill Enhancement: Experienced mentors can share their expertise, helping practitioners refine their skills and adopt advanced techniques.
- Professional Development: Mentorship can accelerate career growth and open doors to new opportunities.
However, in choosing a mentor, it is vital to check their credentials and experience as well as qualifications. It is vital to agree ways of working at the outset with defined goals and expectations on both sides. A good mentor relationship can be invaluable but a poor one could be the opposite.
Finding the right mentor is crucial. If you’ve met somebody and clicked, then why not ask. Otherwise you could use the SkinViva Trainee Network. See whose advice you admire and send a message. SkinViva Training Academy may also be able to make recommendations, so feel free to get in touch. Alternatively, BACN offer a mentor register (members access required) https://www.bacn.org.uk/members/resources/mentor-register/.
Which community is right for me?
You don’t have to choose – you could do them all if you want. We’d recommend starting with a training course to build direct relationships with those in the same position, then joining the Facebook network, which is FREE for delegates. You may get all the support you need, but if you want to explore 1-1 mentorship as well, we hope our advice helps.
In the ever-evolving realm of aesthetic medicine, practitioners who rely solely on their own skills and knowledge may find themselves at a disadvantage, so do seek out a way to tap into exchange of information, support, and guidance from fellow professionals.
Peer support, networking, and mentorship are not just optional add-ons for Botox and dermal filler practitioners; they are essential components of professional success in the dynamic landscape of aesthetic medicine. By embracing these connections, practitioners can elevate their skills, expand their network, and achieve the rewarding career they desire.
BOTOX and Fillers Training Manchester
SkinViva Training Academy offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic treatment training courses for medical professionals such as suitably qualified and registered medical professionals who wish to learn and build on their skills in delivering these procedures. For more information, please feel to browse our latest availability.
SkinViva Training Academy was established by Dr Tim Pearce MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP in 2013 after he set up SkinViva in 2008 – an aesthetic treatment business which now covers the North West of England.
For further information, to discuss which course is right for you, to enquire about availability or to book a training course please call 0161 850 2491, or email info@skinvivatraining.com.