Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Spencer Stevenson, owner of Stevenson Chiropractic & Wellness, located in Hamilton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Stevenson Chiropractic and Wellness was founded in 1950 by Dr. David Stevenson. With seven chiropractors in the family spanning three generations, we are one of the largest and longest chiropractic families in the world. Passing down clinical pearls from generation to generation has allowed us to become highly experienced in treating a variety of conditions: Back and Neck pain, Postural Issues, Disc Issues, Arthritis, Sciatica, Headaches, Hand and Foot Care, and everything in between. We listen empathetically to a patient's symptoms to find the root cause of their issue. Once we get a person back to their normal pain-free function, we begin working on improving their overall performance. Whether it is playing at a higher level of sports, being able to endure the physical demands of your job, or just playing with your family outside, we are here to help guide you to where you want to be in life.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Dr. Spencer Stevenson; I am a third-generation chiropractor in Hamilton, Ontario. I started my journey off as a child, getting adjusted whenever I hurt myself in sports (which was often). I played high-level hockey, soccer, and golf; now, I train to help prevent injuries in these sports and many more. Growing up in a chiropractic family allowed me to see the true value of the profession. I was able to watch as my father or grandfather helped heal my friends with their hands when all other things weren't working. As I got older, I started understanding why my father was insisted that I have good posture; my body thanks him for that knowledge and insight now!
I love what I do; I wake up every morning knowing that I am going to help someone: be able to play on the floor with their kids, be able to go back to playing the game they love, be able to go back to work, and provide for their family, or just to help someone get back on track to a healthier lifestyle.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being rated as one of the best chiropractors in Hamilton within my first five years of practice was one of my biggest accomplishments. To me, it validated that our patients were feeling as satisfied with their treatment as I felt. I believe this is the reason we have been rated as the best chiropractic clinic in Hamilton by the Hamilton Spectator for the past three years.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a chiropractic business owner was not knowing how to run a business and thinking I needed to know everything before I got started. The work of a chiropractor stops at the end of your shift; that's when the work of a business owner starts. If you're not working on the business after hours, you won't have a business to run within a couple of months.
Another challenge is understanding that you are going to have to do things out of your comfort zone. Whether it is starting social media posts, implementing new software, rewarding or disciplining staff, there will always be something new and challenging when you run a business. Learn how to shut your brain off at some point, or the list of "To Do's" will drive you crazy. I found the calm app and meditating very helpful for turning my brain off.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Marketing - you need to market your business. More importantly, figure out who you want your ideal client to be and direct marketing towards them. If you feel your business with the wrong clients, you will quickly find yourself frustrated with results. Social media is a great start.
- Be patient, and don't get into the business for the wrong reasons (money). Be true to yourself, enjoy what you are doing, and take pride in the little victories. If you are patient/client-focused and make sure they are your priority, success will follow.
- Set SMART Goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Specific. Setting specific goals and reaching them is a great motivation and keeps you on track.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.stevensonchiropractic.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevensonChiropractic
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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