All of your training leading up to this moment has likely prepared you to be a vet or perhaps a vet nurse. Maybe you did cover a bit of the business of practice in your tuition but that might seem a long way away right now. The challenges of running any small business are significant – you will soon be Chief Purchasing Officer, HR Manager and Finance Director and that’s a difficult balancing act for anyone. Never fear – because you are also the visionary who has identified an opportunity and had the courage to take some bold action.
The attitudes, skills and knowledge required
In most areas of recruitment, employers look for people with the right attitudes, skills and knowledge. Would you employ you for your new role?
Entrepreneur, dreamer, charismatic leader… You are essentially about to become all of those things, but there are a lot of myths surrounding each of those roles.
Entrepreneurs and leadership myths
Entrepreneurs are often perceived as extroverted, maverick risk-takers. Although risk is undeniably a component of any new business venture—both financially and emotionally—not every entrepreneur is a reckless, larger-than-life figure. Similarly, the notion that dreamers are directionless and ineffective is unfounded. You don’t need to be an inspirational speaker or an all-round impressive figure to lead others effectively. There are many leadership styles, and you can choose the one that suits you best.
There are many articles written about the characteristics and personality traits of business owners. Here are a few of the attitudinal aspects that have been highlighted:
Curiosity / openness – being flexible about how things are done and observing what is happening in the world around them. This allows people to act on new opportunities and adapt their businesses accordingly.
Passion / drive / capacity for hard work – often this seems the easiest one in the early stages when your enthusiasm and motivation are highest.
Willingness to make a decision and an acceptance that things will not always go well.
Acceptance of risk – but many people will balance this against the potential rewards and seek ways to mitigate risk.
Persistence and resilience – repeated failures will often not deter them and will be seen as a way to grow.
Understanding their own strengths and weaknesses and building a team to fill the gaps.
Addressing areas of potential weakness
Are there areas of significant weakness? If so, consider the following strategies:
Rigid thinker? Be aware of the need to be more open to the ideas of others. Consider filling this gap by using a coach or mentor who can challenge your thinking.
Passion – create a mood board or diary to inspire you when times are tough, featuring all you have to gain from your new practice.
Indecisive? Decision-making tools can be a really useful way to make more objective decisions. Look at forcefield analysis, SWOT analysis, decision trees and mind maps.
Fear of risk – plan for different scenarios. Consider using ‘What if?’ What’s the worst that might happen?
Resilience – build a strong support network and maintain a good work-life balance.
Key Skills for Practice Owners:
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Leadership and delegation
- Project management and planning
- Financial insight and control
- Networking
If you are already working in practice, chances are you already have many of these transferable skills – we often just don’t realise it. If there are areas where you have gaps, be prepared to seek help. For example, a great accountant will help you understand the intricacies of finance and what you need to track to maintain financial control. If this is a weak area for you, spend more time choosing an accountant and don’t opt for the cheapest service. Really bad at time management? Choose a receptionist who can also act as a PA and help you plan your day efficiently with proper breaks and meeting slots.
Read more….
The Modern Vet’s Guide to Opening a New Practice
At NVS Group, we understand the challenges that come with launching a new practice, and that’s why we’ve developed this resource specifically tailored to guide you through the process. An invaluable tool crafted by industry experts, it provides you with essential insights, best practices, and practical tips to ensure your success.
