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Hi Dear Listeners, I want to say a HUGE thank you for listening to this podcast for the past 3 years. YOU have helped get the message out into the world about how awesome OT entrepreneurs are! In this episode, I share from my heart about why I've decided to end the podcast with this 75th episode, on the 3rd birthday of the Mind Your OT Business Podcast. I share: The lessons I learned from my podcasting journey My main goal when starting the Mind Your OT Business podcast How I'm learning to focus & niche to simplify my business (why it is OK to do less...or just enough in your business!) Why I decided to give up moderation of the OT Entrepreneurs Facebook group and end the Mind Your OT Business Podcast Encouragement for you if you're thinking about making big changes or a pivot in your business The total number of downloads as of the date I recorded this last episode! :) (Hint: it is MORE than 6-figures!!) THANKS TO YOU FOR LISTENING!!!  I can't express how much sharing my entrepreneurial journey in this public forum has helped me...and I hope that it has helped YOU.  The 75 episodes of this podcast will stay up for the indefinite future so you can continue to leave reviews and share with friends who may need any of the information here. You'll continue to find Mind Your OT Business listed wherever you listen to podcasts. Always remember: take a small step, because small steps make great gains over time. So until next time, mind your OT business! xoxo Laura Resources from this episode: OT Entrepreneurs Facebook Group If you're a pediatric practitioner who loves nature, you might want my free e-book: The Nature-Based Practice Roadmap: A Guide to Help You Focus (& Avoid Costly Mistakes) as You Start or Grow Your Nature-Based Practice. Go to: bit.ly/natureroadmap to get your free copy.

Figuring out how to scale your business is something that entrepreneurs have to constantly consider. What are your business goals? What do you want to share with your audience? What do you love about what you do, and what can you outsource? One great way to grow an intentional and sustainable business is by launching a membership site. Today, I’m chatting with Katie Caspero of OT Graphically about what to keep in mind when starting a membership site, as well as tips and tools for growing and maintaining both the content and community. Everything in entrepreneurship is a learning experience, and you’re sure to learn a lot of valuable information in this episode. We discuss: The difference between membership sites and other online offerings How being self-aware can help you become a better business owner The importance of keeping the future in mind when making business decisions The value that exists in a space where discussion and implementation can happen Software options Understanding fair pricing that also compensates you for your expertise Why it’s a good idea to offer different levels (from pricing and engagement perspectives) Focusing on a good user experience Why the community piece of a membership site is critical to its success Why you can’t “set it and forget it” with a membership site Using data to inform how you market your business Knowing your end goal and business topic before launching your membership site How to deliver value to your members without overwhelming them Katie’s biggest fail-learn How an advisory board can be helpful Making sure your audience is broad enough for growth   Resources from this episode: Follow Katie on Instagram Visit the OT Graphically website Listen to Katie’s previous episode Membership Geeks podcast Katie’s Bio: Katie Caspero is an occupational therapist and owner of OT Graphically. She supports occupational therapists using evidence in their clinical practice through an online membership site where she provides infographics of research summaries, hosts journal clubs, and facilitates an online community space. Get my free Nature-Based Practice Roadmap: bit.ly/natureroadmap My Contigo Approach online course, which is the nature-based approach to pediatric therapy that I developed, is now open for enrollment. I’m also offering a free 1-hour masterclass for anyone interested in nature-based pediatric therapy, called The 5-Step Framework To Be An Effective and Confident Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist. It includes tons of resources, whether you’re just getting started or you want to deepen your work. In that masterclass, you have the opportunity to enroll in the Contigo Approach online course if you want to dive deeper. Visit naturemasterclass.com to register for the free masterclass.

Whether you already have a team or you’re hiring for the very first time, interviewing can be just as nerve-wracking for the interviewer as it is for the interviewee. With the right processes in place, though, you can set up your interviews to reflect your business values and help you find the hidden gems among your application pile. In this episode, I’m explaining how to interview in a way that makes it easier to identify and hire stellar employees. I’m sharing my process for creating and using an interview guide. I’m also sharing how I develop my interview questions, conduct working interviews, and make my post-interview decisions. We’ll discuss: Why it’s vital to get clear on your values before hiring a team How to identify problems you had with previous hires How to create an interview guide based on your values and brand What kinds of questions to ask in an interview to get to know the interviewee The benefit of asking interviewees to perform job-related tasks or working interviews How your processes can help you sort through interviewees to find the hidden gems Resources from this episode: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Traction by Gino Wickman Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

 Go cash-pay or accept insurance? It’s one of the toughest questions any therapy business owner has to ask themselves, and the answer isn’t always simple.  In this episode, I’m chatting with Brandon Seigel about the complexities of accepting payment in your therapy business. We’re digging into your options for accepting or not accepting insurance, explaining how to best advocate for your patients, and discussing how to balance acting as a therapist and a business owner. Brandon Seigel is the owner of Wellness Works Management Partners, and provides coaching, consulting, & management solutions for therapy entrepreneurs in the areas of operations, digital marketing, revenue cycle management, and workforce analytics and empowerment. WWMP is a results-oriented team that brings a unique subset of expertise to Human Resources, Technology Innovation, Medical Billing, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, & So Much More! Their website is wellnessworksmp.com. [Disclaimer: The information in this episode is primarily applicable to therapy practices within the United States. It may not be applicable in your country of practice.]  We discuss: Why Brandon developed his own medical billing company How to get paid faster for your services while still advocating for your patients Why should you learn to work with insurance, not against it How to serve both in-network and out-of-network patients well Why some patients are more willing to pay in cash than others How licensure is changing to allow for more telehealth opportunities The benefits of charging more for your services, even when working with insurance How to create documentation to benefit your patients, their families, and the payers Understanding the mindset of both your patients and insurance companies How to balance working as a therapist and a business owner Resources from this episode: Listen to my first episode with Brandon Explore Brandon's company: Wellness Work Management Partners Check out Brandon’s book, The Private Practice Survival Guide My favorite Electronic Medical Record: Therabyte P. S. Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Should you get a doctorate degree? It’s a difficult question, and it’s one that looms over plenty of entrepreneurs in the OT world. Before you make the decision, it’s important to understand why you might (or might not) want to pursue a doctorate degree and which type would benefit your business most. In this listener request episode, I’m explaining the benefits of doctorate degrees for entrepreneurs in the OT space. I’m breaking down the differences between a PhD and an OTD, and I’m explaining how each can help you grow your business. Plus, I’m also sharing my personal reasons for pursuing a doctorate degree and my plans to implement what I’ve learned in my entrepreneurship journey.  Thanks to @bpesh on Instagram for suggesting the topic for this episode! We’ll discuss: Why an OT school’s main purpose shouldn’t be teaching you about business The difference between a PhD and an OTD, and which is more widely recognized How doctorate degrees can significantly improve your entrepreneurship journey Understanding the purpose of a doctorate degree as an OT Why some OTs will never need doctorate degrees to run successful businesses How doctorate programs can help you learn to think critically and analyze research   Resources from this episode: Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Do you struggle selling your services? I hear time and time again from business owners that they feel slimy asking for money, that they feel a sense of guilt when they use traditional sales tactics. But the key to selling with confidence is to combine the best strategies while doing what feels authentic to you. In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts about selling- why it’s so important to understand your offer and your audience and why so many people undervalue their own services. Plus: the mindset shift that has helped me sell from a place of authenticity. We’ll discuss:   How to understand and believe in the value of your product or service Why most business owners start off undervaluing and underpricing their work How to market your offers while staying true to yourself How showing up as yourself online can help you attract the right audience Understanding your motives and your vision for your business How to address your customers’ most common objections and concerns Resources from this episode: Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

It’s that time of year that, frankly, many business owners have come to dread: tax season. It can be overwhelming, but know that you’re not alone. You don’t need to have stress around taxes. It is in your best interest to outsource tasks that are not in your wheelhouse so you can run your business effectively and focus on your expertise.   Enter, Sandi York, my wonderful CPA. She’s on the podcast today to talk about all the things taxes, and to remind us that it doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. We’re breaking down common tax concepts and situations as well as tips for staying financially savvy as a business owner. You’re going to want to take notes.    We discuss: Sandi’s experience as a tax professional Breakdown of basic categories of types of taxes Sole proprietor vs. LLC vs. S-Corp (which is best for you depends on many factors) The importance of hiring finance professionals (bookkeepers, accountants, payroll companies) Making sure you hire someone that you trust who is attentive to your needs The ins and outs of self-employment taxes Getting familiar with your state’s website for taxes and employers Independent contractor vs. employee (rules vary by state) Keeping a positive mindset around finances How even a base financial understanding helps you sustain and grow your business Getting your systems in place while you’re still small   Resources from this episode: Sandi’s Instagram OnPay Gusto Avalara Robert Kiyosakai - Rich Dad, Poor Dad Tom Wheelright - Tax-Free Wealth Podcast Laura’s Instagram   My Contigo Approach online course, which is the nature-based approach to pediatric therapy that I developed, is now open for enrollment. I’m also offering a free 1-hour masterclass for anyone interested in nature-based pediatric therapy, called The 5-Step Framework To Be An Effective and Confident Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist. It includes tons of resources, whether you’re just getting started or you want to deepen your work. In that masterclass, you have the opportunity to enroll in the Contigo Approach online course if you want to dive deeper. Visit naturemasterclass.com to register for the free masterclass.

With 2021 behind us and the new year in full swing, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come and create a plan for even more growth. Whether you run a multi-million dollar business or you’re just starting out, goal setting is a vital part of scaling your business and increasing your personal income.  In this episode, I’m sharing my 2022 business goals and looking back on the past year. I’m opening up about the real numbers in my business: how much I made in 2021, how much I spent, and how I reached my financial goals. Plus, I’ll explain how I set my upcoming goals and worked backwards to create my plan for reaching them.   We’ll discuss: Why I think it’s valuable to share my goals and numbers The types of goals I’m setting in my business and personal life Why it’s important to simplify and streamline your business My business’s numbers from 2021, including revenue, expenses, and my payroll Learning to align your pay with your skill level and work ethic How to set financial goals and work backwards to achieve them Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Every failure is a learning opportunity. No matter how bad it feels in the moment, you’ll someday be able to reflect on the experience and identify the lifelong lessons it gave you. It might take a month, it might take a year, but eventually you’ll be grateful you survived it. In this episode, I’m opening up about my biggest fail-learn since embarking on my entrepreneurial journey. I’m sharing my experience with this year’s OT Entrepreneur Summit Live: what the plan was, what went wrong, and how I’m moving forward. Tune in for an honest conversation about this big fail-learn and the lessons we can all take from it.   We’ll discuss: My biggest fail-learn since embarking on my entrepreneurial journey Our plan going into the OT Entrepreneur Summit Live and what went wrong Why it’s not always wise to place all your trust in the “experts” Trusting your gut in your business, even when others disagree Why it’s vital to advocate for your customers in your marketing Why I’m treating this experience like a learning opportunity How I’m moving forward in my business and what’s in the works for 2022   Resources from this episode: Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Many business books and courses recommend offering a money-back guarantee. That might seem straightforward for a product-based business, but as a service-based business, how can you offer a guarantee while still protecting yourself from unnecessary refunds? In this episode, I’m sharing how I crafted a guarantee in my OT business that actually makes my clients more invested in their experience and encourages them to do their end of the work. You’ll learn how to structure your own guarantee, what your guarantee should not cover, and how to communicate your policies to your clients. Plus, I’m breaking down the differences between offering these guarantees as a service-based business or a product-based business.   We’ll discuss:   Why it feels harder for service-based businesses to offer guarantees Anxieties around offering these guarantees (and how to work through them) How a guarantee builds trust with your clients How to write a money-back guarantee that protects your business What your guarantee shouldn’t cover  How I created my business’s Good Fit Guarantee Offering a guarantee as an online or product-based business Ways to structure and communicate your own money-back guarantee Using your guarantee to encourage clients to do the work   Did you hear the OT Entrepreneur Summit is going LIVE in 2022? Join the waitlist here: https://laura-park-figueroa.mykajabi.com/summit

Instagram is such a powerful tool for building community and creating connections, but are you using it to help grow your business and reach new clients as well? In this episode, I’m talking with Amirra Condolee about all things Instagram and how to make sure it is working for your business. Amirra shares her journey on Instagram, how she grew her account and even gives an audit of my Instagram account. She discusses why connections on Instagram are so important to grow your account and how to create content that is going to be impactful and attract followers. From creating systems, knowing what and when to post and how to monetize your Instagram account, we cover it all. This episode has so much information on growing your Instagram account and connecting with potential customers, you will want to take notes! We discuss: Amirra’s OT and early intervention business journey Why it’s important to niche down your content on Instagram How to balance business and personal content on your account The importance of connection authentically with people on Instagram How to find connections without mindlessly scrolling Why you should create posts based on your followers pain points How to create a system and schedule for Instagram posts Why your posts need a “hook” to grab people’s attention Partnerships on Instagram and what they can look like How to know when your followers are the most active Relationship building and engagement and why it’s so key to Instagram growth   Join us for the OT Entrepreneur Summit Live! November 12 - 14, 2021 in Florida. Click here to get your ticket today!   Resources from this episode:Marvelous MirraclesMarvelous Mirracles on InstagramTyler J. McCallSocial Media Marketing World

What is the future of OT entrepreneurship? How do you retire wealthy as an OT entrepreneur? What do you need to know about building a team? Listen in as I break down questions from my listeners about all things OT entrepreneurship. You’ll hear insight into my own investing strategy and plans. I also share my experience with my first hire, how to create systems to replace yourself within your business and the two things you need to build a successful OT practice. But FIRST you MUST go register for the OT Entrepreneur Summit LIVE happening November 12-14, 2021 in Boca Raton, Florida! Tickets are only $97 for the full 3-day event only until October 1. REGISTER NOW!  I discuss: Why you need focus and time to build a successful business How the “traditional” way of thinking around retirement isn’t great Why you need to create systems so your business can run without you How I knew there was a niche for my non-traditional therapy service My first hire within my business How to know when it’s time to hire another OT What I think is the future of OT entrepreneurship How the pandemic affected the future of OT businesses Resources from this episode:OT Entrepreneurs Facebook Group  Episode 37: How to Make Good Decisions While Living in the In-Between The OT Entrepreneur Summit LIVE! Nov. 12-14, 2021 in Boca Raton, FL

Want to learn how 2 occupational therapists partnered together to create an online business? Tune into this episode of Mind Your OT Business with co-founders of The Lactation OT, Dairian Roberts & Marissa Yahill. Dairian is the founder of Humbled By Motherhood and Marissa is the founder of Lactation & Development Resources. Together, the duo joined forces to form this online learning community in the niche market of lactation and breastfeeding. You’ll hear all about their experience launching their online platform. We talk about everything from marketing strategy to tools used to how they formed this partnership. Plus, you’ll learn how to focus on your own zone of genius to fuel the growth and success of a joint venture.    We discuss: How Dairian and Marissa started their own businesses  What the IBCLC certification is  Specialty areas that lactation professionals can have How they started this partnership together after identifying a gap in the market Why they launched a free summit to kick off their Lactation OT business  The progression of their online platform and failing to plan for growth How they use Kajabi’s tools How they created a revenue split program to reward course creators Their marketing strategy for bringing in new clients How they’ve created their revenue streams for this online learning business How Dairian and Marissa hone in on their specific zones of genius The complexity of hiring employees and growth How to charge based on the value of your services Why you need to take energetic rests to enhance your vision for the future   Resources from this episode:The Lactation OTThe Lactation OT FacebookThe Lactation OT InstagramThe Lactation OT CommunityLactation & Development ResourcesLactation & Development FacebookLactation & Development InstagramHumbled By MotherhoodHumbled By Motherhood InstagramIBCLEKajabiFiverr The OT Entrepreneur Summit LIVE is happening in-person at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel in Boca Raton, Florida from Nov. 12-14, 2021. JOIN THE WAITLIST now to be notified when early-bird tickets go on sale!

Have you ever considered package pricing for your OT practice? In this episode, I’m chatting with someone who did exactly that, Marika Austin, founder of Bearfoot Occupational Therapy.  Marika breaks down what brought her to the conclusion that package pricing might be a better-fit business model for her. She talks about how she faced burnout from not raising her prices and the challenges that led her to this package pricing breakthrough. She uncovers the tiered package pricing model she now uses and offers her advice for other OT entrepreneurs who want to break away from traditional pricing models to maximize profits and business growth.  We discuss: What led to her realization that there was something missing from her offering The drawbacks of not raising your prices when you need to Setbacks that led to her package breakthrough Her strategy behind the tiered package pricing The moment where she realized this could help other people What helped her get her course done in a short turnaround Why she wanted to have a simple delivery  Her tips for launching and selling without an audience The reasons why you have to give up control to grow your business What she included in her Ultimate Guide to Package Pricing   Resources from this episode:Bearfoot Occupational TherapyOTs Get Paid PodcastAlexis Joelle’s InstagramMarika Austin's InstagramUltimate Guide to Package Pricing (For special pricing, use promo code: LAURA)

If you find that you’re driven to create internal and external peace for yourself and others, you may be an Enneagram 9, also referred to as The Peacemaker. In this episode, I had a conversation with Liz Downing of Limitless Kids OT to talk about her experience as a Peacemaker and entrepreneur. Liz shares how being driven by empathy is one of the driving forces behind her practice. We talk about the challenges that can arise for Peacemakers when they are forced to navigate and address conflicts and issues in the workplace. She also uncovers her dreams for where she plans to take her business and why she’s so drawn to creating a nature-based practice. We discuss: How Liz identifies as a Peacemaker and Enneagram 9 How your empathetic nature can influence how you run your practice Challenges you may face as a Peacemaker in addressing conflict and issues The experience she’s had as a Peacemaker working in occupational therapy Liz’s dreams for her company and bringing nature into her business How understanding people’s Enneagram types can help you interact with others Resources from this episode:Episode 52: Enneagram Series: Intro EpisodeEnneagram InstituteLimitless Kids OTEntrepreneurial Leap: Do You Have What it Takes to Become an Entrepreneur? 

The Enneagram 8 is known as the Challenger. You’re probably familiar with this Enneagram type if you’ve been listening to the show for a while because it happens to be my type too! In this episode, I am joined by Lisa Westhorpe of Nurture Occupational Therapy to chat all about being a Challenger. Lisa shares how we can benefit from doing the difficult thing of leaning into our emotions. You’ll hear how she uses her strengths of confidently going against the grain to lead her team and run her practice. We also talk about her big dreams for her business and how her weakness of being very independent can come into play as an OT entrepreneur.     We discuss: How Lisa identifies as a Challenger / Enneagram 8 The magic that happens when a Challenger leans into their emotions  How you can use your strength of going against the grain in leadership Why she is happy to be a Challenger who questions processes and ideas Her independence as an Enneagram 8 (and how this can be a weakness in business) Lisa’s bigger than life dreams of helping more moms   Resources from this episode:Episode 52: Enneagram Series: Intro EpisodeEnneagram InstituteNurture Occupational Therapy

The Enneagram 7 is called the Enthusiast. Known for being spontaneous, versatile, distractable and scattered. In this episode, I am joined by Aja Roley of Centerpointe for Children to discuss her experience of running her OT practice as an Enthusiast.  Aja talks about how she navigates the strengths she has as an Enthusiast and what challenges come up for her as someone who doesn’t love managing detailed work tasks. She uncovers the big dreams she has for diversifying her income and growing her practice as someone who has many big goals and aspirations.    We discuss: What the Enneagram 7 / Enthusiast looks like for Aja Her experience of running her business as an Enthusiast Your biggest strength as an Enthusiast practice owner The challenges an Enneagram 7 may have around managing detail work Aja’s dreams for her business of diversifying income streams  What she wishes people new about Enthusiasts Resources from this episode: Aja's business: Centerpointe for Children  Episode 52: Enneagram Series: Intro Episode Enneagram Institute Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business Want your business to run on auto-pilot as much as possible...so you can GROW your business while working less and making more money? Join us in the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program! The fall 2021 Bedrocks cohort starts TODAY-  Aug 6, 2021 and the doors close for registration at 9pm CST! JOIN NOW.  

The Enneagram 6, also known as the loyalist, is known for being committed and security-oriented. In this episode, loyalist Jenny Gill and I discuss how her personality has shaped the way she runs her copywriting business and her goals for her company. Tune in for her perspective on how being a loyalist has impacted her as an OT entrepreneur. You’ll hear our own lived experiences of how we interact with different Enneagram types and how she was able to take the leap of faith into starting her business.  Have you been WAITING for my Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program to open again? The fall 2021 Bedrocks cohort will start Aug 6, 2021! JOIN THE WAITLIST now!   We discuss: How Jenny helps OT entrepreneurs with copywriting The fears, desires and wings of the loyalist Interactions of different Enneagram types between each other  How being a loyalist benefits can benefit you as an OT entrepreneur What enabled her to take the leap into starting her own business How being a loyalist can influence your dreams of creating systems and processes for your business   Resources from this episode:Episode 52: Enneagram Series: Intro EpisodeEnneagram InstituteJenny Gill Copywriting

Enneagram 5’s are known for being alert, curious and insightful. They are referred to as the Investigator and in this episode, we’re going to be breaking down this personality type with Investigator, Hana Eichele, founder of Roots Pediatric Therapy. Hana and I explore the desires, fears and wings that are common among Investigators. You will learn about the strengths she has as an Investigator along with her biggest kryptonite. We also discuss how you can support the Investigator in your business and what dreams she has for her practice. We discuss: Who the Investigator is Desires, wings and fears that Hana has as an Investigator An Investigator’s biggest strength Examples of when she was unhealthy as an Investigator How overthinking and catastrophizing can be kryptonite Her dreams for her business as influenced by being an Investigator How you can support someone who is an Investigator   Resources from this episode:Episode 52: Enneagram Series: Intro EpisodeEnneagram InstituteRoots Pediatric Therapy Hana's Instagram BIG NEWS! The OT Entrepreneur Summit LIVE is happening November 12-14, 2021! That’s right: THIS YEAR! Join the waitlist here.

In this episode, I talk with Kylie Jeffrey, founder of Play Spark. We talk about her enneagram type, how it affects her business, and how she and her old co-worker became business partners after a conversation about the Enneagram. Kylie shares how they decided to start their business during COVID and how being an Individualist has played out in her role as a business owner and OT entrepreneur. She shares the superpowers she has as an Individualist and her biggest challenge. Kylie also tells us about upcoming plans for growth in her practice.  We discuss: What being an Individualist / Enneagram 4 looks like Fears, desires and wings of an Individualist What her superpowers are in business as an Individualist  How she copes with not feeling like creating but needing to  Her kryptonite (biggest challenge) as an Individualist Her dreams for her business growth  Kylie’s advice for interacting with an Individualist   Resources from this episode:Episode 52: Enneagram Series: Intro EpisodeEnneagram InstituteShelter in Place Kylie’s business, Play Spark BIG NEWS! The OT Entrepreneur Summit LIVE is happening November 12-14, 2021! That’s right: THIS YEAR! Join the waitlist here.