I’ve been doing some more thinking about my business which I am going to start once I get through my masters of social work program and pass my licensed clinical social worker exam. I’d like to be able to do more than just offer therapy. I wonder if it would be possible to provide human resources outsourcing, employee assistance programs, case management, and other social work related services. I even thought about benefits counseling.
I think I’ve finally settled on a name for the business after hemming and hawing around. I don’t really know. Maybe I should just stick to one service and do that well. But the more revenue streams I can develop the better. My thoughts at least are entrepreneurial. I know that I tend to thrive in environments where I can be a self starter.
Yesterday, I reserved a book at the library on small business so that I can learn more about starting, running, and managing one. I’m in learning mode and love learning. I hope this will provide some more insights and advice. Maybe it will help me organize my thoughts as well.
I struggle when I am an employee in a corporate culture. I have trouble interpreting the unwritten rules of the workplace and often I have received the criticism that I am just not the right cultural fit. I also have trouble at times interpreting the priority of tasks when it is not cut and dry. Corporate culture is not disability friendly and I am on the autistic spectrum. I’ve either been fired or the environment has been so bad I’ve basically been forced to resign.
I know that by being self-employed I will ultimately be more comfortable and successful. After I get my LCSW, I’m going to start out by being an independent contractor for a couple of mental health agencies while I build my business organically. That way I have money coming in the door.
I wonder how I will market myself. Hopefully I can learn some ways. I know that there are business resource groups. I could try Facebook ads I guess. There will be brainstorming here. I will also need to figure out how I can differentiate myself from others out there. Lots to think about.