Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeffrey W. Kramer, MA, LMHC, LLC, a psychotherapist in private practice, based in Des Moines, IA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. I mostly provide individual psychotherapy services, but sometimes do couple/partners therapy and family therapy. I work primarily with adults but also work with some adolescents. I specialize in working with survivors of trauma and with LBGTQIA folk, and I also do a lot of relationship therapy, in addition to working with clients with typical therapy concerns and issues (depression, anxiety, grief, stress management).
Tell us about yourself
I have been in private practice since July 2015, following 25 years of working for others, mostly in community mental health settings. After 25 years, I decided I wanted to set my own priorities and my own business hours and focus on providing services without all of the politics of working for an agency. I have never regretted this decision. The biggest motivation for me is being there for my clients and seeing them get better.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business has been very successful. I have built up a very robust referral base after more than 35 years of practice, and this has allowed me to be successful in building my business while continuing to focus on the quality of care that I provide to my clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Work/life balance is challenging for me, as for many of us. When the more hours you are willing to work translates into greater profits for your business, it can be easy to not keep that balance where it should be. I think I have finally found a good way to balance work, family, time for exercise and leisure activities, and so forth, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a challenge at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know what your goals for your business are. Your business doesn't have to be everything to everybody. Focus on what you do well and what is important to you.
- Starting a business can be a scary proposition, but instead of overly worrying that you might fail, focus instead on what you can do to succeed. Be confident, be true to yourself and to your ethics, and don't let that fear rule you.
- Get your name out there. Network. Contact and build connections with potential referral sources.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057700860061
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-kramer-05b90452/
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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