Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in legal services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elisha Wellerstein, Attorney & Business Consultant of Wellerstein Law Group P.C., located in West Hempstead, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My law practice focuses on Estate Planning and Elder Law. A big part of our practice is helping seniors protect their income and assets as they face the looming costs of Long Term Care. We work with clients to make them eligible for Medicaid without having to give up their income and assets. Our clients are regular New Yorkers. They collect Social Security, maybe a pension or two, have an IRA/401k, and often own their own homes. We help our clients protect what they have saved and help them age at home with dignity and comfort.
Tell us about yourself
I started my practice 10 years ago. It was a second career for me. Before becoming a lawyer, I was an accountant and business consultant. I knew while I was still in law school (as a night student and a stay-at-home dad for my premature twins) that I wanted to be in a field that helped people and that the client was always happy with the outcome. I found Estate Planning to be the perfect fit for my passion for helping people, my background in accounting, and my patients for working with families and seniors. What motivates me each day is knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life and help their family during a difficult time. Our core value is that we treat each client as if they are our best clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been able to scale my practice to have multiple offices that can service clients in all 5 Boros of NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. We have worked hard to ensure that our services are offered at an affordable price that is attainable for the average client. We have been able to help our clients live out their lives with dignity and care, knowing that the financial legacy they have worked so hard to create would be protected for their loved ones.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is balancing the obligations I have to my family and my clients. In addition, keeping costs down in hard economic times so we are affordable to our clients while still trying to earn a living is something that gets harder each year. Specifically, in my practice, I know most of my clients will pass on, and the loss is hard. We get to know our clients and family, and the fact that we are able to help is what allows us to continue.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- The only thing that will differentiate you from your competitor is the service you provide. You must treat each client as if they are your best client because you never know who can refer more business to you.
- Always shop and compare yourself to the best in your field. Be open to change and make sure your customers are getting a great experience. If you think you are doing them a favor, you will find yourself struggling.
- There is no need to re-create the wheel. Look at what others are doing, learn from their success and mistakes, and perfect it. Don't ever feel like you've "made it" because, by the time you find out you no longer have, you've fallen way behind.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wellersteinlawgroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellersteinLaw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elishawellerstein/
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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