It is often said “it takes a village” to provide support to families impacted by autism. Parents of autistic children may find that to be true, especially when looking for resources to support their children and for themselves, but it also applies to professionals looking to network or for ways to connect with those who could benefit from knowing about their services.
As someone who was inspired a few years ago to start a business to support divorcing parents of children with autism and other disabilities, I had to not only learn how to start a business and get certifications and additional knowledge to effectively support the clients I hoped to serve, but I had to get out there so that families, as well as professionals, could learn about me and my services.
I am told by many parents and fellow professionals that I am “everywhere,” and I am seen as a thought leader in the field of special needs divorce coaching. Visibility in the marketplace was certainly one of my goals as a new business, and I am proud of the work I have done to reach and support families and professionals. I will share in this article some of the things I do to raise awareness of the services I provide, my company, and myself.
Social media platforms are certainly a great way to get visibility in your local community, as well as to gain a broader geographic reach. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are popular platforms to post and interact with family members and professionals. Not only are professionals who post valuable content seen as authorities in their field, but people who follow their content may develop a parasocial relationship with them, meaning they may feel like they know the professional on a personal level, even though they have never met in person. This is an important way to develop the Know-Like-Trust factor so people can feel comfortable doing business with someone or entrusting that professional with the care and guidance of their child or family.
Joining organizations, associations, or groups of professionals in your field or area of interest is a great way to get to know like-minded professionals with whom you can develop relationships collaborations, and even become referral partners. Take advantage of the opportunities to get to know and learn from other members, whether these are in-person or online.
Another important way to network with professionals is to participate in in-person events. Post-COVID, many events and meetings have gone online, but there is still a lot of value in meeting people face-to-face. One of my favorite types of events to attend is Resource Fairs, especially those put on by local school districts. Not only do you get to meet families looking for information and services, but you can and should take the opportunity to meet fellow vendors who are present. Often, these are the organizations and representatives you will see at other events and can also follow up with to become collaboration and referral partners. When given the opportunity, also take advantage of presenting and sharing information in front of a live audience to demonstrate your expertise and establish your credibility in your given field.
In the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” So, make and take opportunities to meet fellow professionals and do great things together.
Mary Ann Hughes, MBA, is a Certified Special Needs Divorce Coach, Mediator, Parenting Coordinator, and Founder of Special Family Transitions LLC. For more information and resources on special needs divorce or transitions, please visit SpecialFamilyTransitions.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.You can also reach Mary Ann at maryann@specialfamilytransitions.com.
