Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in family development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Beth Proudfoot, Founder of Child & Family Counseling Group, Inc., located in San Jose, CA, USA.

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

We help kids with behavioral, social, and emotional challenges to grow and thrive and reach their highest potential. We use a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities and coaching for parents and even very young children at our offices in San Jose, CA, at the park, and via Zoom. For those who can't make it into the clinic, we do community outreach through our parenting classes offered online and at local libraries. Our mission is to help both our client families and the wider community in becoming a better "village" for all children.

Tell us about yourself

I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 1985 and started a private practice shortly thereafter. In 1992, after the birth of my third son, I closed my business. After paying for childcare, I wasn't making any money, and I needed a more flexible schedule. Fifteen years later, my kids were nearly grown when I went through a divorce and needed to go back to work. The plan was to start slowly...and that didn't work out! There is SUCH a need for good therapy for children and good advice for young parents who are struggling to do a better job than their parents did. Very soon, I was turning clients away, which broke my heart.

I decided I'd have to tell my referral sources to stop sending me clients...or expand. So...I expanded. And now, I have seven other therapists working for me. We have helped so many families over the years! And, I've created jobs for these therapists, most of whom are young mothers, with jobs that fit their lifestyles. They can make a good living and have the flexibility to be moms, too.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm very proud of the "pivot" we made during the pandemic. We were able to share resources and grow, offering our services online, at the park, and even going to our client's homes. We're clear that some kids get better faster when we meet outside the office, so adding that tool to our toolbox has been awesomeness.

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

Finding and keeping great employees.

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

  1. Have a clear mission and vision of your ideal client and your ideal employee.
  2. Embrace the numbers. Revel in spreadsheets and reports. Understand the important metrics of your business and watch them like a hawk.
  3. Ally with your "competitors." Find out what's unique about each of your businesses as a way of better understanding your own "value proposition." When this works, you can become great referral partners, and your customers will benefit.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm always looking for great licensed child therapists in San Jose. Know anyone who wants a good-paying part-time job with great support, lovely office space, and congenial colleagues??

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.childfamilygroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanjoseparenting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-proudfoot-82b9835/

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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