Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tom Wierzbinski, Founder of Expansions Behavioral Health, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the founder of Expansions Behavioral Health. I specialize in providing acceptance and commitment training (ACT) and clinical behavioral services to adolescents, teens, young adults, and families in the Chicagoland area.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) living in Chicago. I've been working in the field of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for close to a decade now. During that time, I became aware of an absence of behavioral analytic treatment options for high-functioning young people struggling with rigidity, managing difficult emotions, and lack of direction. I've fully embraced the ACT model in my own life and find vitality in sharing ACT with the people and families I work with. ACT has the goal of building psychological flexibility, and it is so fulfilling to see clients opening up and finding direction in their lives. Having my own business allows me to work with young people that I can really connect with.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far is getting referrals from families that are happy with the work we've done together. I haven't had to do much marketing to this point because word of mouth from satisfied parents has brought business to me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things has been building your own structure in your schedule. No one is telling you when you have to be somewhere or when you have to do something. While this is liberating in many ways, it can also be challenging to build your own agenda.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask questions that may seem obvious to others. I knew nothing about starting a business but was able to reach out to sources I thought I may be bothering. Fortunately, they were happy to help.
- You don't have to do everything at once. Make a list of things to do and carve out some time every day or week to cross off a few items.
- You can do it. I rarely saw myself as a business owner; it seemed too daunting. But you can do it. Yes, there are challenges and hurdles, but so many before you have done it, and so can you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.expansionshealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3P7P3tx
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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