We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Sanders recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I think there are several basic things I learned, such as how to be a self-starter and not require micromanagement. I learned the correct disciplines of showing up on time, how to be a go getter and ‘climb the latter.’ I learned responsibility. But I think the biggest thing I learned, that I wasn’t even aware I was being taught at the time is how to be a good boss or manager. I can remember every boss I had that really made my job and life difficult, that added undue stress, that micromanaged me, that criticized me more than appreciated me. I mean one of the primary reasons I left a former company and started my own company was because I didn’t feel valued. But I always knew my value so I moved on. I can also remember the great manager’s who DID do those things that I needed as an employee, that helped build my confidence, that trusted me, and taught me. When I stepped into a position as a business owner and hired my first employee I knew the relationship I wanted to have and the things I never wanted to do as a boss. I knew the culture I wanted to create. I’ve been truly blessed as of yet, to have only worked with amazing people & I hope my employees will always how valued they are.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am development therapist for children that are showing cognitive, behavioral, and social emotional delays. I provide in home therapy and I assist parents in educating them on their child’s delays and encouraging them in their capabilities. I work with a variety of disorders including autism, down syndrome, and other global delays and/or behavioral disorders. It’s a long story how I got into my field but I’m rather thankful God chose this path for me, as my job has brought me insurmountable amounts of joy. Helping families get through what may be the toughest time in their life and see the light at the end of the tunnel is quite fulfilling. I am most proud of the families I have been able to work with; it is truly what makes my job so great having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful parents and kids.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When starting a business and even maintaining a business through Covid times, there is a lot of resilience required. When I started my business, like most small business owners, you really have no idea if it will succeed. It’s truly an act of faith. And I didn’t have a back up plan either. I didn’t have anyone bailing me out if it didn’t work out. In the business I’m in I actually needed approval from a local and state level, which is rather difficulty to gain in my industry. They even told me no the first time. So I re-applied. I had set out in my mind I’d re apply as many times as I could, and hopefully they would get so sick of seeing my name they would just give me the approval. Luckily it didn’t take that many tries and I was granted approval but had I even quit on the first try, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Persistence and resilience are a requirement in almost anything you do in life. And faith especially.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what helped grow my reputation within my industry was my joy and social skills. I think clients can read whether you really enjoy your job or not. I think they know if you’re being genuine. Are you rushing them out of their scheduled time, are you really listening when they talk, are you fully engaged and present? I think social skills goes a lot way in any business and clients can tell if you are there for the paycheck or because you genuinely want to make a difference. Word of mouth goes a long way so I think what’s helped build my reputation is focusing on my clients and making sure they are happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.earlyinterventiontherapyservices.com
• Instagram: EI Therapy Services

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