Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Finger, Owner of ABA Building Blocks, LLC., located in Naples, Florida, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

ABA Building Blocks is the nation's only comprehensive business services company for autism and special needs providers. We are proud to be the "one-stop-shop" providing consulting, financial planning, insurance billing, outsourced HR services, and more. Our mission is to support start-ups and established companies that provide services to children and adults with autism to ensure their clinical and operational infrastructure is strong, thus allowing them to provide premium services to their clients and their families.

Tell us about yourself

Many years ago, in my late teens, I was introduced to the field of autism when I was a therapist working with children in a school and group home. After this experience, I earned my Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and worked for almost a decade in executive coaching. Ultimately, I knew I wanted to continue my career in the autism industry and combined my clinical experience and business experience to launch ABA Building Blocks. I knew that working hands-on with children wasn't my destiny, but I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families. As I say to my team, we can lay our heads down at night knowing that we are contributing our knowledge and experience to help those providing these much-needed services be the best they can be and, in turn, ensure the children they serve to achieve their fullest potential.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a stage 4 cancer survivor who had retired and didn't expect to work again, establishing my company, providing great services and customer service, and working with an incredible team who is passionate about their work makes me very proud.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

ABA Building Blocks is a fully remote business, and as such, we have employees in the majority of states in the country. It is definitely more challenging to foster a culture of collaboration and ensure everyone is supported in a remote environment. You have to be creative and think out of the box - virtual potlucks and happy hours over zoom, along with mentor/mentee programs and virtual office hours, have all helped us to achieve a tight sense of community amongst the whole team.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Starting your business will be the hardest, most exciting, and likely one of the greatest achievements of your life, but owning a business is not for everyone. Ask yourself, "Are you a risk-taker?" If the immediate response is a resounding NO, it's time to rethink this career move.
  2. Know what skills you bring to the table and what skills the business will need that you will have to supplement to be successful. The quote "master of all trades expert of none" is very appropriate here. My strong recommendation to you - is do not start this business believing you will be the entire org chart. As a start-up, you may need to wear many hats but have a plan for hiring additional staff as the company grows. The company will be more successful, and you will be happier as well.
  3. Develop a strategic plan that lays out the steps on the yellow brick road taking you to your 3-year, 5-year,10-year destination and beyond. Remember, in the Wizard of OZ, Dorothy grew her team along her journey, stopped off to smell the poppies, and then got derailed and had to spend the time she didn't anticipate getting the witch's broom before she achieved her ultimate goal of getting back to Kansas. You will likewise grow your team with staff who will bring a variety of skills to your company, hopefully, enjoy the journey and inevitably face unanticipated challenges that you will need to overcome to reach your 3-year and beyond goals. Keep in mind that your goals may change as time passes, and that is Ok. You'll just need to reassess your goals and make the required changes to your strategies and business operations to achieve the new goals.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ababuildingblocks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABABuildingBlocksLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ababuildingblocksllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-building-blocks/

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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