Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1509423
Get a discount when you upgrade to Professional membership today! ascpskincare.com 25 Explore Education Through ASCP ASCP Student and Professional members have access to more than 300 free educational videos. ascpskincare.com/members/ education/webinars THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU EARN Billionaire Warren Bu et once said, "The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself. The more you learn, the more you'll earn." When you take the time to master skills and learn the intricacies needed to run a successful business, you increase the value you bring to your clients, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty. YOUR NETWORK CAN HELP YOUR NET WORTH Continuing education events are one of the best ways to connect with industry professionals. These people can become friends, referrals, and even coworkers. When you expand your business social network, more opportunities present themselves. FIND THE RIGHT FIT Some skin care professionals feel they don't need continuing education, while others are course collectors who will take advantage of every opportunity to succeed. With the abundance of in-person and online resources to further your education, it can be di cult to choose if and where to allot your e orts. You may wonder if advanced training is worth the time and money to attend; the truth is, some classes are, and some aren't. We often make decisions simply based on the price, if the topic is trending, and the location. Let's examine how to gauge whether a course is right for you. Following are some questions to ask yourself. What Is the Return on the Investment? If there is a fee for the course, consider how long it will take for you to earn back the initial investment. In this cost analysis, include course materials and supplies. Another consideration is the amount of time required to complete the course. Who Is Teaching the Material? The good news is the esthetics world has room for many passionate people who want to educate. The not-so-good news is that anyone can decide they want to teach and can o er a "certi cation" for something. When selecting a course or certi cation, consider the credentials and reputation of the company (and/or person) teaching the class. Is It in My Scope of Practice? Just because someone gives you a certi cate for course completion doesn't mean you can legally conduct the service or use the skill with your clients. Be sure to check with your state board before signing up for training. Will It Bene t Me? When choosing education, consider what skills you need to take your career to the next level. If you don't have goals in mind, now is a great time to map them out. Then, think about what you need to get there. What skills do you need to develop? Are they technical skills, business skills, or soft skills, like communication, organization, or leadership? Will It Bene t My Clients? Be careful chasing trending topics and treatments without exploring whether your clientele is also interested. For example, suppose your clientele consists of a 50-plus demographic of women interested in treatments for mature skin. In that case, it's probably not a savvy spend to take a course on treating acne or growing your TikTok following. Does It Excite Me? Choose topics and areas that make sense for your personal and business growth, but don't be afraid to try a class that simply piques your curiosity. The bene ts of pursuing things that light your soul on re are abundant. When you're passionate about something, it will show up in your work, giving your business an energetic boost. Lauren Snow is the director of brand management and communications at Circadia by Dr. Pugliese. She is regularly featured in ASCP Skin Deep, Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, and Dermascope.