Your solution – hire a practice manager which yes, will solve some operational issues for you but adds another layer for you to manage. Without clear strategic direction, the right systems and processes and you yourself evolving as a leader, your business will invariably stall.

It’s at this point I usually jump in…as a “secret CEO”.

Like most practices, Alex and I grew the Clear Complexions Clinics organically, starting in 2005 with a 60m2 clinic to selling to an ASX listed company in 2017 with 6 clinics and over 70 staff. We learned over time that injecting corporate disciplines into our growing company was crucial to sustainable profitability, not to mention maintaining our sanity.

Unless you are a multisite chain, you aren’t big enough for a CEO position in your organisation, but you do need the expertise, albeit temporarily to set you on the right course.

Most clients come to me not really knowing what help they need, just that they are drowning in the minutia and drama of daily clinic life. Invariably we go back to the start; define the business identity, set your goals and strategic direction, understand the data and business intelligence, establish the essential selling systems and develop a high performing team.

I also work with you, the owner, developing you into the leader your business needs you to be.

In these challenging times there is no room for complacency. Now is the time to strengthen your business structurally and culturally. If the strategic planning aspect of your practice isn’t your strength, help is out there as they say, so stay in your lane and do what you do best but bring in the expertise.

It will be our secret.