How Running a Small Business Can Help Parents with Disabilities
How Running a Small Business Can Help Parents with Disabilities
Entrepreneurs who have a disability are often more likely to be self-employed than those who have no disability, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Often, parents with disabilities are drawn to running their own businesses and becoming sole proprietors. To help you be successful, here are some tips for setting up and running a successful small business, courtesy of The Mommies Reviews.
Fears About Losing Benefits
Many people with disabilities are afraid of losing health and other benefits if they work too much. This is a very real concern, and the Ticket to Work program is open to help you with these concerns and questions. If you are between the ages of 18 to 64, receive Social Security benefits (SSDI/SSI), and would like help starting a business, then Ticket to Work helps you discover your options. Find out how to keep records, identify target markets, what work incentives are available from the government to assist in the transition, and identify how a Bbenefits counselor can help you understand how self-employment can affect your benefits.
Exploring Ideas About Your Business
In starting a business, there are several steps to consider. You have to determine what your business will be and how your interests and strengths can align with what people will buy or want. Start by listing activities you enjoy and passions you have. Now, what business model are you going to use? After answering this question, determine what market research you will do to determine if people will buy what you are willing to sell.
Market Research
Consider your target market and include yourself. People don’t buy products, but solutions to their problems. Market research is crucial to determine if there is a market for your services or products and whether that market is large enough to sustain you.
Putting all your time into creating a product or service without market research is where many businesses falter. Often, the market helps determine what services and products you will offer. And you are going to make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes, course correct, and then continue to move forward.
Even after you have started your business, you want to stay current with your market and continue to pay attention to the needs of your customers, so you can tweak and course correct your business.
Resources for Business Owners who are Disabled
Many resources exist on the federal, state, and local level to help you succeed. For example, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers help on business planning, market research, and other options such as businesses for disabled veteran owners. JAN also includes a state-by-state guide pertaining to small business and self-employment. Vocational Rehab aso has programs that vary by state that can help people with disabilities with entrepreneurship and small business success. If you are a recognized minority, you can check into the Small Business Administration 8 (a) program.
Marketing Your Business and Social Branding
If your customers don’t know you exist, how will they know where to find you? Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective.
First, where do your customers hang out and would be likely to see you (can you market and keep in touch through a podcast, a blog, a Facebook page, or a YouTube channel). Create and verify your Google Business Profile. That way, people will be able to find you and use Google Maps if necessary to get to your location.
There’s no question that social media is a great place for advertising – not to mention a great place to spread the word about your small business without having to spend a fortune! A good place to start is with a banner generator, which can help you put together quick, eye-catching graphics you can use on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. By customizing pre-made, professionally designed templates, you’ll have a banner that looks excellent in no time.
By exploring the resources above and incorporating things like market research and branding, you can find out what type of small business you want to create and how such a business can help you reach more financial prosperity. Starting a business takes a lot of work, but it can be a very rewarding experience.
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Photo via Pexels
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
