Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Nell Smircina, Founder of Dr. Nell, LLC, located in Beverly Hills, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide expert services in the field of acupuncture. I help individuals and business enhance their effectiveness in the integrative health space. This could be an established medical practice looking to add acupuncture to its services, an individual acupuncturist who wants to improve their business acumen in private practice, or a patient who wants to work toward optimal health.
Tell us about yourself
There has been a growing interest in acupuncture and integrative medicine, especially in the last couple of years. Many business owners, especially medical providers, are interested in adding acupuncture to their practices but are unsure of how to bring an Acupuncturist into a neurology practice, for example. Or a hotel that wants to offer Acupuncture in their spa. Many Acupuncture students are coming into the field looking for additional opportunities or need information on how to be successful in practice. Individuals want to benefit from this medicine. So, I used my collective experience and put offerings together to help anyone looking for that subject matter expertise in acupuncture. I've seen how beneficial this medicine is for people in my years as a practitioner. There are so many opportunities for the profession to grow and for more people to benefit from this awesome medicine. I love articulating the value of acupuncture in these different areas, and I feel responsible for continuing to grow my profession so more people can benefit. I personally benefitted from acupuncture as an athlete experiencing chronic pain, and I've also had to go through the growing pains of becoming a small business owner after being trained as a clinician. If I can make these paths more clear for people, I will. It's exciting!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to change people's perception of acupuncture. I've run a highly professional practice and been able to bring in patients who have never experienced what acupuncture has to offer. I've helped medical practices bring acupuncture in as an additional offering to their patients. I've helped practitioners who want to run successful practices. I feel like I'm contributing to my profession and helping to enhance the patient experience from multiple angles, which is so fulfilling to me.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It can be isolating at times. Finding a community can be tough when you are so focused on growing or scaling a business. But there are people out there who are going through what you are, and it's critical you find that support and community.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a strong why and revisit it frequently. Being a business owner comes with excitement and challenge. The challenges are more manageable with a strong why.
- Get involved in the industry. People out there need your support, collaboration, and resources you can leverage. Look into trade associations, industry conferences, and opportunities to get involved in advocacy.
- Invest in yourself! This is the one area where you can own part of the ROI no matter what happens. If you invest in yourself, that investment keeps growing. Look into coaching, continuing education, and things that push you to be better.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://drnell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnellofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drnellofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nell-smircina-10094267/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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