Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Franki Bagdade, Owner of FAAB Consulting and Franki Bagdade Therapy, located in West Bloomfield, MI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am an Educator, Author, Clinical Social Worker, Speaker, Trainer, and Consultant specializing in ADHD, Autism, Sensory Sensitivities, Neurodiversity, and Behavior. I run an academic and behavioral consulting business, FAAB Consulting, and a private practice for psychotherapy, Franki Bagdade Therapy.

Tell us about yourself

I have been working in education and behavior for over two decades, including general education, special education, consulting, and more! I am a passionate advocate for those with disabilities and mental health struggles. Growing up with an ADHD brain myself, I understand the struggles that can go along with being neurodivergent as well as the strengths that can be uncovered.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've had an incredible fall as I celebrated three years of FAAB Consulting. My book, "I Love My Kids But I Don't Always Like Them," hit the top 100 Kindle Best Seller List in one of my categories and received a coveted gold award from Literary Titan.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of my biggest challenges is "powering down." My business is my career, job, passion, and hobby at times. It's hard to remember that even though I love what I do, I need to give my brain some rest and be in the moment with my family and friends.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Talk to anyone and everyone you know remotely related to your field. When I was laid off in 2019, I spent a month taking everyone I had ever talked to, to coffee! This led me to realize that the job I was looking for was not out there, and I needed to create it.
  2. When those awesome cheerleaders and mentors in your life ask what they can do to support you, have an answer! Whether sharing your blog or website on social media or leaving your new book a review... all of those "favors" make a difference.
  3. Find some perspective. Sometimes I have a moment, or 2 (or 1000) of total overwhelm and disappointment that a product or service isn't selling the way I'd like. I find it helpful to go back and look at the facts. I typically realize it's only been a few months or even days, which helps calm down this frustration. I also take time to utilize my reporting software connected to my website, social media pages, and accounting to see all of my growth visually. Celebrating my wins makes a big difference when I have a miss. And there will be misses, many of them in fact, in entrepreneurship.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.faabconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faabfranki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faabparenting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FAABConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankibagdade/

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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