Licensure and Starting a Practice

Learning Objectives1.) Form a detailed business plan.2.) Differentiate between types of business

ownership.3.) Have the theoretical tools necessary for

selecting a business location and facility.4.) Use the theoretical tools necessary to set

up a business.

Learning Objectives continued5.) Conduct an employee interview.

6.) Choose the most suitable forms of advertising based on a budget.

The Business PlanDocument detailing all aspects of the

business as it is as present and as it is envisioned.

The “blueprint”Brainstorm and come up with primary list

The Primary List Time to createWhy create it? Should you hire a consultant? Outcomes

The Primary List - ExampleDemandMain client baseDesired client baseLocationType of facilityName of businessStyle and imageMode of raising $

StructureBookkeepingExpansion plansBusiness licenseZoning permitInsuranceAdvertising

Secondary ListGive one page to each item on primary listBrainstorm ideas related to that itemExample: Insurance

MalpracticeFire/water/property damagePersonal disabilityPayroll/worker’s compensation disability

Business-in-a-binderOrganizes informationHold documentation and certificates

neededEach item on primary list gets its own

sectionDocument everything!

Types of Ownership1.) Sole proprietorship2.) Partnership3.) Corporation

Sole ProprietorOne self-employed owner and managerSuccess is the sole responsibility of the

ownerDBA (doing business as) – permit required

if a business is going to be conducted under a name other than the business owner’s own name.

PartnershipShared ideas, shared responsibility, shared

liabilityGenerate additional investment capitalTwo or more people own a business,

ownership may or may not be equally shared

CorporationShared by 3 or more individuals who are

identified by a state-mandated charter (subject to regulations and taxation).

Incorporated – protection from liability; personal assets protected from claims

Business Laws and Regulations

LocalGuidelines for parking, building codes, and so

on.State

Sales taxes, licensing, worker’s compensation, payroll taxes, census reports

FederalPayroll taxes, social security, unemployment

compensation, insurance, MSDS

Location and FacilityDoes the area have a large enough

population to sustain a business?Do you plan to be the sole operator, or do

you plan to bring other hair-removal technicians into the business?

Do you plan to lease a business that gives you room for growth or to lease something smaller and, down the road, vacate, and more to a larger facility?

Things to Consider:LocationFloor planLease

**Consider available capital.Banks want to see in a business plan the

kind of facility, location, square footage, and leasing cost before committing to a loan.

LocationEasily accessibleEasy to find with simple directionsCleary visibleFrontage appeal, eye-catching signAdequate parking, safe parkingOther businesses around to attract clientele

Floor planIs the KeyAdequate square footage with

handicapped accessibility.Open to immediate reception areaTreatment rooms large enough for all

equipmentOfficeStorage spaceClean, attractive restroomsGood lighting and ventilation

The LeaseEvaluate pros and consStudy the leasing agreement (who pays for

what)Have a lawyer look at the agreementNew construction will need to be inspected

and certificate of occupancy issued and displayed

Home BusinessesNot really an option for laser techs

Purchasing Existing BusinessesElicit advice from lawyer and/or accountantWhy is the business for sale?Can the name of the business be continued

for a certain time?Will employees stay on under new

ownership?

Purchasing Existing BusinessWill the cost of leasing the premises go up?

How much?What equipment fixtures will remain?

Office SetupDispensary

Contains all supplies for services, disinfectants, autoclaves, etc.

Treatment RoomsWalls, floors, surfaces that are easy to clean

and disinfect (NO CARPET!!!)UnclutteredBackground music – soft and soothing

Phone TechniquesAlways provide your nameBe friendly and courteousIf they want to discuss services in depth,

invite them in for consultation.Offer two choices when scheduling.NEVER put them on immediate hold.

Phone TechniquesHandling complaintsIf the problem needs to be looked at, invite

the client to come in and be seen ASAP.Or sometimes a home-care remedy is all

that is needed. Assure that the technician will call ASAP.

Booking TechniquesAppointment book versus computerized

systemAppointment book less expensiveWrite in pencilInclude daytime phone number to confirm

appointments (1 to 3 days prior)

Booking TechniquesAdvantages of computerized systemStores other pertinent infoHelp with stock and inventory controlPrint daily schedulesPrint reportsSpeeds cash-out process

Booking TechniquesRepeated no showsPolicy for charging for appointments not

cancelled within 24 hour periodClearly postedMention policy at time of booking and

confirmation

InsuranceMalpractice

Dereliction of personal duty or failure to exercise an accepted degree of professional skill (pg. 265)

Equipment insurance – make sure YOU are covered

InsuranceBusiness owner’s liability

Covers clients or employees being injuredMay also purchase fire, water, natural

disaster, theft

InsurancePersonal disability

People who suffer major accidents that prevent them from continuing work benefit from this coverage.

Service ChargesCPA can help

Calculate using variables (overhead, materials, labor cost, acceptable fee in the area)

Timing should be considered

Examples of ChargesLip - $100 Chin - $100Full leg - $600Half leg - $350Arms - $200Underarms - $225Bikini - $200Brazilian - $450Back - $600

Advertising and MarketingCRUCIAL!!Well thought out and plannedThis is everyone’s responsibility.

ReferralsBest method of advertising!Client-referral incentive

Business Cards and BrochuresAttractiveFocus on the business’s philosophyPass out business cards!!

Recommendation of Additional ServicesUpselling

Client is talking about an upcoming vacation. Suggest bikini or leg hair removal.

Cross-selling services

Chamber of CommerceMingle with local businessesProvide help and advice

Better Business BureauBeing a member indicates that a business

is recognized for reputation and service.Offered membership after 5 years of

providing quality service, without major complaints

Television/Radio/NewspaperTV – costliestRadio – better deal, effective for areas of

high traffic/commuteAds in art programs – support community

and tax deductible (Goodwill)

Mass MailingsReaches numerous local households and

potential clientsCan be with or without a coupon

World Wide WebEffectiveFound using searches

The Yellow PagesMost common form of advertisingNew clients

1.) How many types of ownership are there? Name them.3Sole proprietorshipPartnershipCorporation

2.) Name two state regulated items.TaxesWorker’s compensationCensus reportsLicensing

3.) Name two federally regulated items.TaxesSocial securityUnemployment compensationOSHA – guidelines like MSDS

4.) What are 4 points to consider when choosing a business location?The floor planAccessibilityVisibilityAppealParkingCapital

5.) What are three types of insurance that are important to have as a business owner?

MalpracticeBusiness owner’s liabilityPersonal disability

6.) What are some effective methods of advertisement?ReferralsBusiness cards, brochuresTVRadioNewspaperMass mailingsInternetYellow pages

7.) What is the BEST form of advertisement?WORD OF MOUTH!!!

8.) When setting up your treatment room, what should you remember?NO carpetWalls, floors, surfaces should be easy

to clean and disinfectUnclutteredSoft, soothing music

9.) If someone calls because of a complaint what are your two options?

Determine if they need to come in If they do then invite them to come in and

see the laser tech ASAP.If they don’t, make sure the laser tech

responds ASAP to recommend a home-care remedy.