Entrepreneur Series: Christel Seeberger of tOTal Ability
Today's entry in our ongoing series reflecting OT Entrepreneurs is Christel Seeberger of tOTal Ability, a private practice in Canada with a secondary online resource store. Why did you decide to start your OT business?
I was an occupational therapist with almost a decade of experience in different countries (Canada and the USA) and a variety of settings with a clientele across the lifespan before starting my private practice in 2002. I decided to start my private practice while training to run a marathon. I run very slowly, so I had a lot of time to think! I thought a lot about occupational therapy and gaps that I saw in the public system. I was motivated to fill the gaps.
How did you take your first steps to starting a business?
I started small and really built the practice client by client. I sought out both formal and informal mentoring opportunities, many from women in business style entrepreneurial groups.
Have you found a benefit from social media marketing (twitter, facebook, blogging)?
Using social media is like learning a new language! What I appreciate the most about using social media is being connected with such a huge community of knowledge and leadership.
What were some lessons that you learned in the initial stages of your business?
A lesson that I am still practicing every single day is to say, “no”. It enables me to say, “yes” to something better in the future.
How long did it take for you to turn a profit?
One of my oft quoted personal and business mantras is, “only spend money you have, on things you really need”. So, I have always made a profit from day one, never spending more than I earn to grow the business
What was your original goal, the point that you aspired to reach and consider that you had “made it” as an entrepreneur?
Like many entrepreneurs, I started out creating a job for myself. My private occupational therapy practice ( www.totalability.ca ) has grown, now with 8 contract OTs on the team, and we provide mobile occupational therapy in three cities in our province. It was only when I started my second business, www.totalabilitysolutions.com which has downloadable eBooks with occupational therapy resources, activities and advice for parents, teachers, caregivers and professionals that I realized, I truly was an entrepreneur.
What is the best thing about owning your own business?
My worst day running my own business in private practice is still better than my best day in public practice working for someone else!
Do your research first! Not every idea you have is a good one. Be business smart. As occupational therapists, I think we always want to help. But when you make smart business decisions you get to help more people at the end of the day.
Thanks to Christel for participating in the series! Definitely some great advice on being business savvy and improving the OT world. Be sure to check out tOTal Ability around the internet to see great OT content!
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