Digital Resource and SLP Business Pioneer, Jenna Rayburn Kirk
Jenna Rayburn Kirk is our guest #5 in season 2 of The Speech Source Podcast’s “How I Built My Speech Path Business,” and we learned so much from her! Jenna walks us through her journey of being a school-based SLP and creating resources that eventually became her business Speech Room News. Read below for a summarized version of our interview with Jenna, or click the photo above to enjoy the entire episode on The Speech Source Podcast!
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Q: Jenna, can you share a bit about your background and what led you to become a speech therapist?
A (Jenna): I started my career as a speech therapist 12 years ago, inspired by my childhood experiences. Growing up, I often helped out with a neighbor's child who had autism. This exposure to various therapists visiting our neighbors really opened my eyes to the profession. Despite initially wanting to be a teacher, my mom suggested exploring therapies where I found speech therapy to fit perfectly due to its flexibility and impact.
Q: You seem to have a knack for creating resources. Can you tell us about that process?
A (Jenna): My passion for creation started in graduate school where I was part of a literacy and speech therapy program. This experience sparked my interest in making resources that are practical and beneficial for multiple children. I began sharing my resources online, which led to the start of my business on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).
Q: Tell us a little bit about your process in creating resources.
A (Jenna): I start with a specific need from a child, then develop resources that can generalize to help more children. This involves lots of problem-solving and adapting materials, like creating AAC-friendly versions of popular children’s books, which then become tools accessible to many other therapists and children.
Q: The concept of parent handouts sounds incredibly useful. How do these affect your professional credibility and organization?
A (Jenna): Parent handouts streamline communication and enhance credibility. They save time and ensure that essential information is conveyed consistently. Having something tangible like a handout or a well-organized text message summary helps parents remember and apply the strategies at home, which also reinforces the therapist’s expertise.
Q: With your business expanding, how did you decide what platforms and tools to use to grow your online presence?
A (Jenna): Initially, I focused on what I enjoyed most and what seemed profitable, which was my blog and creating digital resources. As social media evolved, I adapted by establishing a presence on platforms that complemented my website, allowing me to reach a broader audience and repurpose content effectively across different media.
Q: Speaking of monetizing, how do blogs and digital platforms contribute to your income?
A (Jenna): My blog serves as a funnel to other income streams, such as affiliate marketing and direct sales of my digital resources. While I avoid intrusive ads, I strategically use my blog to guide readers towards purchasing resources, using affiliate links, and engaging with my content on other platforms.
Q: How has becoming a parent influenced your professional life and your approach to therapy?
A (Jenna): Experiencing early intervention as a parent has enriched my understanding and empathy, guiding how I develop resources and communicate with other parents effectively.
Q: What strategies do you find most effective for balancing your professional and personal life, especially with young children at home?
A (Jenna): Balancing both is challenging, but I prioritize by setting specific workdays and utilizing child care twice a week. This structure allows me to concentrate on creating resources and managing my business during designated times. If necessary, I'll work at night when my children are asleep, though it's not ideal. I also try to keep my business operations efficient and delegate tasks to a virtual assistant, like SEO for example, to maintain focus on content creation.
Q: What advice would you give to speech therapists considering entrepreneurship?
A (Jenna): I encourage focusing on what you are passionate about and starting small. It’s important to create valuable resources that reflect your expertise and gradually build your presence online. The entrepreneurial journey in speech therapy doesn't have to be overwhelming if you prioritize quality and authenticity in your offerings.
