If you are already in business or thinking about starting a business in the optical sector, one of ABDO’s membership benefits is the Business Support Hub (BSH). Personally, I have found this a great resource when I have been stumped with an issue.
The BSH contains a wealth of information and advice – ranging from business growth and managing cash flow to helping launch new services to give your practice those all-important unique selling points. ABDO has also researched and worked with partner organisations to look at cost savings on utilities and telecoms, for instance, and member discounts are offered on fees for a range of professional services. In addition, we are looking at ways to support you in developing your business, leadership and management skills. We have joined forces with the Institute of Leadership and Management, a professional membership body offering webinars, podcasts, networking opportunities, worksheets and training to enhance your knowledge. One of my friends did this course during lockdown, and she told me it kept her sane and connected to optics when she was furloughed.
There are useful practical tips and a development programme that can be tailored to your own needs. Importantly, the management and leadership courses available lead to Chartered Management Institute qualifications.
Sometimes it can feel isolating working in practice. ABDO has a mentor matching service within the BSH that offers a peer-to-peer e-mentoring platform, matching professionals with various experience. This is a great way to improve your self-confidence and an opportunity to focus and reflect on your own practice.
Working on your business and not in your business can be valuable time off the practice floor. On the website there are many resources already in place that you can work with straight away. Guidance on payroll, human resources, training your team and various management tools are all easily accessible.
Once your business is up and running, there are links to find out more about marketing strategies, communicating using social media, advertising and PR. Within each section, there are a few short tips for quick wins and longer articles to enable you to learn about each topic in more depth.
The BSH is designed to cover all aspects of your business and you can take from it what you need.