Linda Chase, founder of Able Hire, wrote this blog to help job seekers, especially those with disabilities, see that there are other avenues for securing a satisfying career than the traditional approach of applying for jobs. Linda is from Tempe, AZ and created Able Hire to help people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers. She sees Able Hire as a resource for people with disabilities seeking jobs and for hiring managers needing to gain a better understanding of what workers with disabilities have to offer.
Entrepreneurship offers a unique pathway for young adults to leverage their personal strengths to create impactful, innovative businesses. For high-functioning autistic adults, starting a business can be the ideal pathway for employment. Why? Because they often bring a set of distinctive abilities that can lead to exceptional entrepreneurship. For example:
Innovative Problem-Solving
Neurodiverse* individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, see the world through a different lens, enabling them to solve problems in ways that neurotypicals might not consider. This capability allows them to develop novel solutions that can disrupt traditional markets or create entirely new ones. Their divergent thinking is not just a unique trait but a competitive advantage in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Expertise Through Intense Focus
Many also have the ability to hyper-focus on areas that interest them deeply. This intense concentration can lead to a profound level of expertise in their chosen fields, setting their businesses apart from competitors. This depth of knowledge not only enhances the quality of their products or services, but also establishes their credibility in the industry.
Leverage Neurodivergent Strengths
It’s crucial for neurodiverse entrepreneurs to recognize and harness their neurological strengths when creating a business plan. Whether it’s their innovative problem-solving skills, unique perspectives, or deep expertise, these attributes should be viewed as invaluable assets. Embracing their inherent abilities can guide the structuring of their business operations and strategy.
Starting a business no matter who you are is a huge challenge, but there are resources to help you along the way. It may be a professional advisor or job coach with experience in starting a business. However, an excellent and free resource is SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives). SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Now let’s look at some practical strategies for launching and sustaining a new business.
Form an LLC
Once you have a business plan and are ready to launch, consider registering as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC provides protection from personal liability and also offers tax advantages and operational flexibility. This structure requires less paperwork compared to other business entities, making it a good option. A couple of online resources for more information and to help streamline the process for your state are US State Filing Application and ZenBusiness.
Create a Marketing Plan
Marketing a business as a neurodiverse entrepreneur involves leveraging unique perspectives to create engaging and informative content. This approach helps build trust and credibility with the audience, which can translate into increased sales. By sharing authentic experiences and valuable insights, new business owners can connect with potential customers on a deeper level. Exploring online resources about content marketing can provide additional strategies and tips for success.
Design a Compelling Logo
A well-designed logo is pivotal in making a strong first impression. It builds brand recognition and sets a business apart from its competitors. For entrepreneurs on a budget, this user-friendly tool offering free logo design can be a cost-effective solution. These platforms offer customization of style, icons, and text, enabling the creation of a professional-looking logo without the high costs associated with traditional design services.
Resilience and Adaptability
The experience of navigating a world that often doesn’t cater to their needs imbues neurodivergent individuals with remarkable resilience and adaptability – essential traits for entrepreneurship. The business environment is dynamic and fraught with challenges. Their lived experiences equip them with the tools to navigate uncertainty in business ventures effectively.
By implementing these strategies, neurodiverse entrepreneurs are equipped to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business. Their unique insights significantly add to the global market, enriching it with new ideas and perspectives. This not only fosters diversity in business practices but also drives forward economic innovation.
*”Neurodivergent” is used to describe an individual’s brain differences, while “neurodiverse” is used to describe the collective diversity of human nervous systems.
