Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eddie Barnett, owner of Ampersand Counseling Group, located in Liberty, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ampersand Counseling is a private practice group focused on providing growth and support for individuals and families in areas such as emotional neglect, trauma, or other interpersonal issues that cause us to be less than a whole person. The focus of our society is fast-paced, and I want it now that has led us to a population that is burnt out and exhausted. Our goal is to provide support to let our clients find the path that allows them to unlock the person they should be after you remove the turmoil that is holding them back.
Tell us about yourself
My journey to working in the therapy world started in corporate America. I was caught in the daily grind of working long hours and being tempted by the bonus or possible promotion. That changed through a series of events in the workplace but was brought to a head by my wife honestly saying to me, "You are going to die at your desk one day." I was 35 it had never crossed my mind that what I was doing could have that kind of impact on my future. This change was big then and sent me on a path to find something that brought enjoyment but also didn't feel like a job. I try to bring this to my practice every day, whether I am working with our other therapists or with my clients. This mentality of the stress and anxiety that is brought by daily life can have long-term effects on our physical health and, therefore, our life goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing a successful practice as a team has been a big advantage, but being able to take what I learned from previous relationships in the business world has been key. Not being afraid to use what you know to either drive a business forward or avoid making the mistakes that I saw with a previous employer has allowed me to see growth in a time when it can be scary to launch a business. Success is in the number of people we help and the impact they then have on those around them.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing in our industry is to know how effective your work has been. The only real measure is if a client refers you to someone you know. The hardest thing to hold in the space when you hear a client say there were referred by so and so is to not have a reaction, this is in order to protect the confidential nature of the client relationship, but you want to be excited because you know this is working.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to pull from your past. Your story is the strongest way for you to utilize your talents.
- Network and don't filter how you do it. You never know when the connection will come. I have met new referrals at my storage facility.
- Time is a currency. When starting your business, understand how you invest that currency.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://acg-kc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebarnettcounseling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddie_barnett_lpc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-barnett-lpc/
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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