We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandon Mullen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
As someone who’s navigated various roles in the healthcare industry, from critical care nursing to aesthetic practice management and consulting, I’ve certainly encountered my fair share of imposter syndrome. Overcoming these nagging feelings of self-doubt has been a journey, but I’ve developed strategies that have helped me along the way.
First and foremost, I’ve learned to acknowledge my achievements. I take time to reflect on my accomplishments, both big and small. I remind myself of my capabilities which serves as a powerful antidote to self-doubt. Alongside this, I try to reframe my thoughts. When negative self-talk creeps in, I challenge it by looking for more balanced, realistic perspectives. I remind myself that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges – it’s part of the human experience, not a reflection of my worth or ability.
Connecting with peers and sharing my experiences has also been incredibly helpful. This was the crux of Aesthetic Practice Management Group- I felt terribly alone and that anything that I was doing wasn’t correct, or ever enough. I knew I needed to engage with others in my field in some capacity, and a virtual format was the most conducive. There is no hand book for ‘how to be a practice manager’ either, so I thought it important to share resources and knowledge from credible sources in the aesthetic community.
When imposter syndrome strikes, I try shifting my focus to providing value. Instead of fixating on my perceived shortcomings, I concentrate on how I can contribute to my team, clients, or patients. I celebrate my small wins along the way – acknowledging my daily accomplishments, no matter how small, helps build my confidence over time.
I still struggle with it, but I’ve been able to build confidence and overcome those feelings of self-doubt. It’s been a journey, but with persistence and self-compassion, I’ve found I can thrive in my role and make meaningful contributions to my field. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, I hope these insights from my personal experience can help you on your own journey of professional growth and self-confidence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Aesthetic Practice Managers Group (APMG) is a virtual mastermind group and network dedicated to empowering aesthetic practice managers across the country. Our goal is to create a supportive community where practice managers can connect, collaborate, share knowledge, and continuously develop their skills.
What makes APMG truly exciting is our focus on bringing together professionals who are passionate about elevating the standards of aesthetic practice management. We recognize that resources for aesthetic practice managers are often sparse, so we’ve created a unique platform to fill that gap.
Some of the key features that make APMG special include:
1. Bi-Monthly Zoom Calls: These virtual meetings allow our members to connect in real-time, share ideas, and get immediate feedback that can be implemented in their practices. It’s a fantastic opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving.
2. Curated Resources: We provide our members with carefully selected podcasts, articles, and information about dynamic conferences specifically tailored to aesthetic practice managers. We update these resources quarterly to ensure our members always have access to the latest insights and trends in the field.
3. Access to 1:1 Coaching: APMG members can get individualized support which can be invaluable for tackling specific challenges or planning for growth.
4. #APMG Aesthetic Ally Calls: We offer member-only access to live calls with valuable vendor partners, covering everything from software and devices to legal counsel and injector training. These calls are archived for those who can’t attend live, ensuring no one misses out on this valuable content.
What’s particularly exciting about APMG is our vision for the future of aesthetic practice management. We’re working to create an environment where strategic thinking, operational excellence, and organizational agility are the cornerstones of thriving practices across the nation. By fostering a community of continuous learning and improvement, we’re helping to shape the future of the aesthetic industry.
In terms of new developments, we’re constantly evolving our offerings to meet the needs of our members. We encourage readers to check our website or follow us on Instagram (@the_aestheticconsultant) and LinkedIn for the latest updates on events, resources, and opportunities within the #APMG community.
Ultimately, what we want people to know about APMG is that we’re more than just a professional network – we’re a community dedicated to mutual growth, support, and the advancement of the aesthetic practice management field. We believe that by coming together, sharing our experiences, and learning from each other, we can all achieve greater success and satisfaction in our careers.
Coming soon is a new addition: a virtual conference, the #APMG Assembly: This online learning event that brings together aesthetic practice managers from across the country. The Assembly is a unique opportunity for intensive learning, networking, and professional development.
During the #APMG Assembly, participants can expect:
– Engaging presentations from industry experts
– Opportunities for real-time collaboration and problem-solving with peers
– Networking opportunities from others around the country
– Access to the latest tools and strategies to enhance practice efficiency and profitability
The #APMG Assembly is conducted via Zoom, making it accessible to practice managers regardless of their location. It’s designed to be a dynamic, immersive experience that provides substantial value to our members.
What makes the #APMG Assembly particularly special is its focus on practical, actionable insights. Participants don’t just listen to presentations; they engage in discussions, work through real-world scenarios, and leave with strategies they can implement immediately in their practices.
We’re always looking to grow our community and welcome new members who are committed to excellence in aesthetic practice management. Interested professionals can learn more and join us at https://www.aestheticpmgroup.com.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on the journey of successful aesthetic practice managers and the development of APMG, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
1. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The aesthetic industry is constantly evolving, with new treatments, technologies, and patient expectations emerging regularly. The ability to adapt quickly and commit to continuous learning has been crucial for success in this field.
2. Strategic Thinking and Operational Excellence: Understanding how to balance the clinical acumen (not necessarily previous experience required!) of an aesthetic practice with sound business principles has been vital. This includes skills in product and services knowledge, marketing, and operational efficiency among many others!
3. Effective Communication and Leadership: The ability to communicate clearly with both patients and staff, and to lead a diverse team of professionals, has been instrumental in building thriving practices.
For those early in their journey as aesthetic practice managers, here’s some advice on developing these qualities:
1. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Make continuous learning a priority. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, listen to podcasts, and stay updated with the latest research and trends. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new approaches. Joining a community like APMG can provide valuable opportunities for learning from peers and industry experts.
2. Develop Your Business Acumen: While clinical knowledge is important, don’t neglect the business side of practice management. Take courses and conferences in finance, marketing, and operations management. Look for mentors who have successfully navigated the business aspects of aesthetic practices. Analyze your practice’s data regularly to make informed, strategic decisions.
3. Hone Your Leadership Skills: Invest time in developing your communication and leadership abilities. This could involve taking leadership courses, reading widely on management techniques, or seeking out leadership roles in professional organizations. Practice active listening and empathy in your daily interactions with staff and patients. Remember, great leaders are often great mentors too – look for opportunities to guide and develop your team members.
4. Build a Strong Network: Connect with other practice managers and industry professionals. Networking can provide invaluable insights, support, and opportunities for collaboration. Participate in industry events, join professional groups like APMG, and engage in online forums relevant to aesthetic practice management.
5. Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your own performance and seek feedback from others. Identify areas where you can improve and set clear goals for your professional development. Be open to constructive criticism and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Remember, becoming an exceptional aesthetic practice manager is a journey, not a destination. By focusing on these areas and consistently working to improve your skills and knowledge, you’ll be well-positioned for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
One of the biggest challenges we’re facing in the aesthetic practice management field is recruiting high-quality practice managers – a challenge I often refer to as “finding a Brandon.” This isn’t just about finding someone with the right resume or experience; it’s about identifying individuals with a unique blend of skills and personal qualities that are crucial for success in this dynamic field.
The ideal practice manager – our “Brandon” – possesses a rare combination of traits:
1. Organizational prowess: They can juggle multiple tasks, manage complex schedules, and keep the practice running smoothly.
2. Proactivity: They anticipate issues before they arise and take initiative to implement solutions.
3. Empathy: They understand and respond to the needs of both patients and staff, creating a positive practice environment.
4. Drive: They’re motivated to continually improve the practice and their own skills.
5. Self-starter mentality: They can work independently, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes without constant supervision.
6. Personable nature: They can build strong relationships with patients, staff, and industry partners.
These qualities are often more important than specific experience or qualifications listed on a resume. A candidate might have years of management experience, but if they lack empathy or aren’t proactive, they may struggle in the fast-paced, patient-centered world of aesthetic practice management.
The challenge lies in identifying these traits during the recruitment process. Traditional interviews and resume reviews often fall short in revealing these qualities. These roles do require a different type of recruitment strategy, focusing on situational interviews, practical assessments, and longer trial periods to ensure we find individuals who truly embody these essential traits.
We’re also placing a greater emphasis on potential and adaptability rather than just experience. Someone who demonstrates strong organizational skills, empathy, and a drive to learn might be a better fit than someone with years of experience but a fixed mindset.
Moreover, we’re working on developing these skills within our existing teams and the broader APMG community. Through mentorship programs, targeted training, and creating opportunities for growth, we’re aiming to cultivate these essential qualities in promising individuals who may not yet have extensive experience in the future.
Ultimately, while finding a “Brandon” is challenging, we believe it’s crucial for the success of aesthetic practices. By focusing on these key traits and thinking creatively about how to identify and develop them, we’re working to address this challenge and help practices build strong, effective management teams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aestheticpmgroup.com
- Instagram: the_aestheticconsultant
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/iKFtjteaeHgouFvF/?mibextid=JRoKGi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmullens27
