Profit First Professional supporting Neurodivergent Clients

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According to The ADHD Foundation, 20% of people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning 1 in 5 of your clients, employees and subcontractors are neurodivergent.

neurodivergent adhd

A neuro-entrepreneur is simply an entrepreneur who also has a neurodivergent brain. When someone says neurodivergent, they typically mean ADHD or Autistic. However, it covers many more neurotypes: 

Neurodivergent entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and strengths to the business world. Let’s delve into why they make great entrepreneurs and how applying the Profit First methodology, along with the support of an ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) professional, can enhance their business success.

Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Potential

  1. Unique Creativity:
  2. Precision and Attention to Detail:
    • Some neurodivergent entrepreneurs possess an extraordinary ability to focus on intricate details. This makes them ideal candidates for tasks like quality control, product development, and managing complex operations.
    • Their exceptional attention to detail ensures that every aspect of their business is executed with precision, leading to higher customer satisfaction, fewer errors, and an enhanced brand reputation.
  3. Specialized Expertise:
    • Neurodivergent individuals often have specific interests and areas of expertise where they excel. This allows them to create niche businesses that cater to specialized markets.
    • By identifying their unique strengths and aligning them with market demands, neurodivergent entrepreneurs can carve out profitable niches and establish themselves as industry experts.

Profit First and ICB Bookkeeper Support

  1. Profit First Methodology:
    • The Profit First approach, popularized by Mike Michalowicz, emphasizes allocating profits first and managing expenses afterward.
    • For neurodivergent entrepreneurs, this system provides clarity and discipline. It ensures that profits are prioritized, leading to better financial stability and growth.
  2. ICB Bookkeeper Assistance:
    • An ICB-certified bookkeeper can be a valuable asset for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
    • They provide expert financial guidance, handle bookkeeping tasks, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
    • Having an ICB bookkeeper allows entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths while delegating financial management to a trusted professional.

In summary, neurodivergent entrepreneurs possess unique qualities that make them exceptional in the entrepreneurial world. By embracing their creativity, attention to detail, and specialized expertise, and by implementing Profit First principles with the support of an ICB bookkeeper, they can run their businesses smoothly and achieve sustainable success.

 Below are a few points on how to support your clients better. 

Communication Differences and Being inclusive: 

  1. Supporting neurodivergent clients as a profit first professional or bookkeeper involves understanding their unique communication needs and fostering an inclusive environment. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
    1. Recognize Strengths:
      • Neurodivergent individuals often possess unique skills and strengths. For instance:
        • ADHD individuals may hyperfocus on tasks.
        • Autistic individuals excel in attention to detail and pattern recognition.
        • Dyslexic individuals are often visual thinkers with excellent problem-solving abilities.
      • Leverage these strengths by providing opportunities for them to excel in areas where they naturally thrive.
    2. Flexible Work Arrangements:
      • Understand that neurodivergent clients may have specific needs related to their work environment.
      • Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to accommodate sensory processing issues or other challenges.
    3. Clear Communication:
      • Some neurodivergent individuals struggle with social cues and unwritten rules.
      • Provide clear communication:
        • Use written instructions alongside verbal ones.
        • Avoid metaphors or idioms.
        • Share feedback directly and constructively.
    4. Create a Supportive Culture:
      • Foster a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion.
      • Train employees on neurodiversity awareness.
      • Encourage open communication and celebrate diversity through events and employee recognition.

    By recognizing strengths, providing accommodations, and promoting clear communication, profit first professionals and bookkeepers can create a more neuroinclusive environment where everyone can thrive

As a profit first professional or bookkeeper, supporting neurodivergent clients involves a combination of tools and strategies. Let’s explore how you can create an inclusive and supportive environment:

Communication Strategies:

    • Ask, Don’t Assume: Initiate open conversations with your clients about their accessibility needs. Understand that each neurodivergent person is unique, so avoid making assumptions.
    • Streamline Communication: Be concise and direct in your requests. Use bullet points and break down tasks into manageable chunks to prevent overwhelming your client.
    • Reduce Social Demands: Limit the number of people your client interacts with. Provide a single point of contact or liaise predominantly with a designated person (e.g., a virtual assistant funded by Access to Work or a family member).
    • Create a Safe Space: Encourage your client to discuss their needs openly. Be compassionate, curious, and nonjudgmental. Avoid framing things as “fixes” and instead offer support.

Practical Tools and Strategies:

      • Accessible Documents: Provide accessible versions of documents. Consider dyslexic-friendly fonts, visual aids, and reading through documents together.
      • Visual Aids: Use visuals to enhance understanding.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Tools: Explore curated resources specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals12.

Inclusive Workplace Culture:

        • Educate Your Team: Train employees on neurodiversity awareness.
        • Showcase Inclusivity: Highlight your commitment to inclusivity in marketing materials and on your website.
        • Empathy and Compassion: Create an environment where clients feel comfortable expressing vulnerabilities and seeking help.

Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference in supporting neurodivergent clients effectively. By implementing these strategies, you’ll foster a more inclusive and understanding business environment.

Do you really need to do any of this? 

In the UK 20% of people are neurodivergent, that means 1 in 5 of your clients, employees and subcontractors are neurodivergent. 

More specifically it is likely that 1 in 10 are dyslexic, 1 in 20 have dyspraxia, 1 in 20 are affected by ADHD, 1 in 10 have dyscalculia and 1 in 60 are autistic. Many turn to self-employment, after bad experiences in the workplace. In fact, 30% of business owners are either dyslexic or ADHD, with 20-35% of all freelancers being neurodivergent and university graduates with ADHD being twice as likely to start a business. Research is still being done in these areas, so these percentages are expected to increase over time, but the accommodations you put in place will benefitall of your clients. It is important that we are building firms that are inclusive and accessible to entrepreneurs of all diversity backgrounds and disabilities. You know your clients better than anyone, is there more that you could be doing to support them? 

These figures have been sourced from The ADHD Foundation Charity. If you want to know more, check out a new charity called Prism ND and their project called The Hidden 20. It’s founded by Ben Branson of Seedlip, who is neurodivergent himself. 

 

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