Getting Started as an Occupational Therapy Entrepreneur
Wisdom and advice from actual OT Entrepreneurs
I was recently asked to give a talk to OT students about my experience as an OT Entrepreneur. Although I have my share of experiences being 2 years into this, I wanted to tap into a greater community that was helpful to me as I was getting started.
I asked this question on the Occupational Therapy Entrepreneurs Facebook Group:
What is one piece of advice you wish you had heard as a student as it relates to OT and Entrepreneurship? and here are the answers they came up with.
It was such good information that I wish I had when I was just thinking about this process, I wanted to share these gems of wisdom with those just embarking on this journey.
Inspiration for future occupational therapy entrepreneurs
Be bold!
Go for it! The world needs more OT Entrepreneurs. (Definitely check out this podcast from AOTA INSPIRE’s keynote speaker, Dr. Bernice Berry for further proof this is true!)
Take it one step at a time, give yourself grace for mistakes, ask questions, reach out, always keep things in perspective, and try to create balance for your quality of life.
Not every bump in the road or "failure" is a sign that you weren't meant for entrepreneurship. The fear of failure stops so many amazing OTs from starting their own businesses.
Failures are pivot points and every failure is a chance to learn something that will propel you toward success.
Fail often. Fail forward. Fail fabulously.
It will always feel a little scary, no matter what stage of business you’re at. That’s ok, and don’t let it hold you back. Get your amazing ideas out there, your clients need you. Fear = growth.
If you’re worried there are too many people out there doing the same thing to just walk down the aisle of bottled water and even though it is a simple product there are multiple brands that all have their unique elements. So if we can have 20+ brands of water then you have something unique to bring to a space.
Don’t compare your step 1 to someone else’s step 100.
There are many ideologies other than grind culture, find what works for you. And if it doesn’t work for you, that’s okay too.
Things to consider ahead of time
Don't expect it to replace your income right away. If you need a steady income don't give up your regular job until you can get your basic needs met through your business.
It takes a lot of new learning.
Know what the value of benefits are.
Calculate the cost-benefit of going on your own.
Do not go broke buying coaching or programs.
Keep your day job and slowly build your business on the side or work per diem.
Entrepreneurship is simple but not easy.
Get connected to communities and networks
You have a tribe of support
Don’t work as though you are on an island
Network with people in (or around) your field both near and far!
Having OT experience first helps
Work for another OT for at least for 1-2 years to get used to the processes, especially for private practice.
Do your OT job with an aim of being an OT entrepreneur
You can start a business right out of school but not necessarily a full-blown practice.
Get your feet wet with other types of small side hustles.
Get some experience under your belt.
Work in a private practice that is well established before you take the leap to see what you like or don’t like.
If you want to gain more skill before going out on your own do per diem in multiple areas (older adults, peds, acute, home care etc).
This is not addressed in OT school
I wish I knew that working for myself or having an OT side hustle was even a thing.
I didn’t really learn about entrepreneurship in school.
I wish my school offered entrepreneurship.
We literally did not even touch the topic of being able to start a business in my OT program.
I wish they would have talked about cash-pay services and how to begin a cash-pay business.
Helpful resources
Listen to podcasts from some of the entrepreneurs. (See our guide to OT Podcasts to find some)
Independent contracting is a thing. If you have a significant other who has health insurance independent contracting can be a really nice option. Or you can pay for your own health insurance to the tune of $1,100 a month. You can also contribute to an independent Roth IRA and investigate independent HSA and independent SEP retirement accounts.
Do credentialing through insurance if you are going through insurance options.
Use Small Business Development Centers and Women Entrepreneur groups in your own community.
Read library books on business.
Talk to anyone and anyone that owns each type of service business.
Read (or listen to) the E-Myth before you do anything!
It’s not as overwhelming, expensive, or scary to set up a practice as you may think! It can easily be done for less than $1000.
I hope this information was helpful for you as you navigate this journey. If you have other tips or advice for new occupational therapy entrepreneurs, please leave them in the comments below.