Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Trudy Georgio, Founder of Tru Behavior Development, LLC., located virtually.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tru Behavior Development offers superior behavior analysis training, exam preparation, and consultation services grounded in the science of applied behavior analysis. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. The ultimate goal of ABA is to establish and enhance socially significant behaviors. Practitioners utilize the concepts and principles of behavior in order to create individualized interventions to help people learn and apply pivotal skills in their daily lives. ABA is a common intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities; however, the science of behavior can be used in a range of areas, from substance abuse, animal training, organizational behavior management, classroom instruction, dementia, fitness training, and counseling. Our customers include students of behavior analysis, newly minted practitioners seeking mentorship, applied behavior analysis companies, university programs, and families seeking support.
Tell us about yourself
I am a board-certified behavior analyst with over 12 years of experience in the field of ABA in every role of behavior service delivery. I am also a doctoral candidate and graduate assistant at Texas A&M University. I started this company in an effort to help students of behavior analysis succeed in their coursework and credential exam. Along the way, I started to enhance business practices to include mentorship for new behavior analysts and assist behavior analysis companies and families that needed consultation on best practices. I am motivated by the great impact that the science of behavior can have on the lives of my students, clients, and mentees.
In my academic research and private clinical practice, I specialize in teaching language to autistic children and best practices in behavior-based online learning for adult learning.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I love planting seeds of knowledge and watching them grow. My biggest accomplishments are those "a-ha!" moments that my students and clients have; the moment when the concepts of behavior analysis and "real world" experiences collide.
Amongst other products, I am very proud to have created #TruToGo, an affordable 40-hour training course for behavior analysis students as well as several curricula for behavior technicians and ABA organizations. The work that I do directly influences the educational and clinical practices of my students and clients, the results of which are ethical and conceptually systematic services for the individuals that we serve.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a single-member LLC and a full-time doctoral student has been a challenge and an adventure! I have learned to pace myself and not overcommit to the ever-growing list of projects and opportunities. Saying "no," prioritizing, and taming perfectionism have been the hardest thing in my journey with Tru! At this point, I am ok with remaining a boutique business with the opportunity to grow when the time is right.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stick to your values. There are quick tricks and ways to cut corners to maximize income, but providing services with integrity and upholding your personal values is the only way to ensure you have a company you can take pride in.
- Ask for feedback. My learning materials and services provided are always evolving based on feedback from students and clients. Asking for feedback and constructive criticism is scary, but it's the only way to stay in touch with the needs and values of those supporting your business.
- Remain current. Being aware of current trends in your field is important. ABA, in particular, is a flourishing field; keeping up to date with current literature and critical issues is not only an ethical obligation but best practice. The most dangerous words are, "this is how it has always been done"!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.trubxd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truaba
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trubxd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tru-behavior-development/
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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