We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hailee Rask a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hailee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
The last time I longed for a “regular job” was when my baby was sick for almost three weeks. I had to rely on my husband and family to help take care of her. She was miserable and I wanted more than anything to call in sick and stay home with her. But unfortunately, my patients and employees count on me to show up every day.
It can be hard to remember, but the reason I started my own business was for my family. I want to build something that can support us and will eventually allow us to spend more time together. I also want my daughters to grow up understanding the importance of dedication and cultivate their confidence to share their passions with others.
I don’t think the happiness and achievement you can feel as a business owner is comparable to that you might feel working for someone else. Your business becomes part of your identity and a showcase of your talents to the public, That means that it’s successes are your successes, but similarly, it’s struggles can feel overwhelming. You can seek out advice, but there is no boss or manager guiding you and supporting you. You have to become an expert in many aspects of running a business, and that growth and knowledge can be exhausting but at the same time very satisfying.
As an orthodontist, I build my reputation by treating patients well and helping them improve their smiles. I am just as dedicated whether I treat patients at my practice or at the practice where I associate (aka my “normal job”). However, I only reap the benefits of that good will I foster amongst my patients at my own practice. At both offices patients may send me referrals, leave reviews, or come back for additional services, but as an associate I still earn a set wage and I still have to exchange my time for my paycheck. As an associate, the owner of the practice benefits most from my hard work, but as the owner, the growth and satisfaction are all mine!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Bluebird Orthodontics is a boutique practice specializing in esthetic orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign and clear braces. We differentiate our practice by spending more one-on-one time with our patients while maintaining efficiency and providing a comfortable environment. I am proud of the relationships and rapport I build with my patients and their family members. Making orthodontics accessible to everyone is also a goal of mine: we work with patients to find the plan and treatment method that gets them most excited about the orthodontic process.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients are your existing clients!! This stream takes the longest to build, but once it is established you have a constant flow of loyal and excited clients. I strongly suggest asking your clients/customers to share your business with their friends and family if they are happy with your work! It’s awkward at first, but most of your clients will be flattered you want to see more people like them!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I am a perfectionist and can be stubborn. Growing up I believed that if I worked hard, studied or practiced enough, then I would be entitled to success. In school and sports this mentality is often correct. However, as a business owner I have learned that flexibility is a key quality that is often overlooked. You need to be able to manage expectations, continually set new goals, and learn to pivot if something is not working for your business. It was my instinct to force something into working, when maybe altering my goals or considering another viewpoint were actually the quickest ways to success. After owning my own business I have quickly learned the value of the saying “work smarter, not harder” not to cut corners, but to adapt and change to help your business.
Contact Info:
- Website: bluebirdorthodontics.com
- Instagram: @bluebirdortho
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Bluebird-Orthodontics/100068046141627/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailee-rask?original_referer=