Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/15024
Introduction CHAPTER ONE Welcome to Associated Skin Care Professionals Dear Valued Member, Congratulations on joining the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) family. You have taken a major step toward not only protecting your assets and livelihood, but also toward becoming the most informed, equipped, and connected skin care professional you can be. We have drawn on the greatest wisdom and knowledge in the profession to bring you this Successful Business Handbook. Our goal is to save you the countless hours and dollars it would take to learn everything on your own. This book can get you off to a great start. There are lessons here for both newcomers to the field and those with more seasoned resumes. Our members use the Successful Business Handbook in a variety of ways. You’ll find it offers pragmatic advice, ideas, and encouragement to help improve your odds of professional success. We realize that not every ASCP member currently aspires to own and operate a business. Many estheticians work out of their homes or as independent contractors. Experience suggests that more of you will pursue your own businesses later in your career. Those who work for someone else but are always thirsty for new and better career ideas will find this book interesting and inspirational. ASCP has a mission to create greater career success for skin care professionals and to raise the profile of the profession. Members can greatly improve their odds of success by developing and acting on a good business plan, adopting sound policies, and maintaining accurate records. However, the real challenge is more often personal. The guiding philosophy this handbook presents is therefore simple. Approach your business goals with a strong sense of personal and professional worth, and be confident in the skills and knowledge you apply on your clients’ behalf. So as you peruse the contents of the Successful Business Handbook, do so with confidence. Your skills are improving every day with each new experience. Sharpen your readiness by absorbing the material con tained in these pages with the firm belief that you already have a strong foundation. You’re in store for a wealth of information on a variety of subjects, includ ing business basics, managing your financial health, and marketing, advertising, and promotion. Good luck on your journey. Let those of us at ASCP partner in your success, while helping you stay connected with your profession. Katie Armitage President Jesse Cormier Executive Director 4 successful business handbook www.ascpskincare.com