Don’t overschedule yourself. Focus on what matters most. Spend less time or reschedule those tasks which can wait.
Gina Baldwin is a licensed Speech Pathologist with over 30 years’ experience. Helping people with their speech and communication is her passion.
Gina designed and created APP2Speak™, drawing on her vast experience to ensure it would be the best speech output software application available. The software uses dynamic technologies to assist users with their everyday communication. APP2Speak™ is fully customizable. You can easily integrate your own photos and phrases into the app. The simple act of touching a photo allows users to convey a short phrase, sentence, or even a complex story. These features make the application ideal for all individuals who need assistance for speech and communication.
APP2Speak™, is for sale in the APPLE iTunes and Google Play stores with over 500 downloads and has sold internationally. It is a recognized resource by Assistive Technology of Australia, MO Assistive Technology and over 25 additional state Assistive Technology Organizations.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
The idea for the name APP2Speak™ comes from many hours of thinking with an applied strategy for alphabetical order. The “ah ha” moment came when I answered my own question, “what was I creating”? The answer was “an APP to Speak” for speech impaired individuals”. Simply changed it to APP2Speak™.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Mental and physical health are at the top of the list. I start my day by jogging with my dogs. Each day is a balancing act between my Speech Pathology work and APP2Speak marketing and development. I work my lists. I expect flexibility and anticipate surprises. Then I update the list for the next day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
When I think of an idea, I immediately write it down. I always have a pen and paper attached to my hip. I write down my ideas and share with family, friends, and professionals. I invite their feedback. Following review of their feedback, I take the idea and present it to my supporters.
What’s one trend that excites you?
More people are using Android tablets and Apple iPads for education, entertainment and communication. This is an exciting trend. We developed APP2Speak for both platforms extending our purpose to reach additional people in need. Receiving consistent data and feedback from APP2Speak™ users also help update and improve my software.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
A sense of duty and true purpose with everything I do.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t overschedule yourself. Focus on what matters most. Spend less time or reschedule those tasks which can wait.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. Smile, it takes less effort and makes you and everyone else feel positive.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Meet, connect, follow-up, meet, connect, follow-up etc.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows someone….who can use APP2Speak™ (type of 7 degrees of separation). Our marketing is designed for professionals, family members and others to suggest APP2Speak for potential users.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Failure is one way of knowing not how to do something. Upon launch of APP2Speak™ on Apple iTunes, I had a mailing strategy to get the word out to my peers and to the public. I rounded up a group of friends and family to help stuff and stamp envelopes for the mailing. I did not get the response that I was anticipating. Several months later I started using email services. Eventually I was able to increase my budget for marketing to include participation in educational conferences and trade shows as well as improving my presence on social media and improving our website. A more aggressive and comprehensive approach has worked extremely well.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Design and create a book with a color by number and/or dot-to-dot approach. Design it in large print with bold and dark lines with simple instructions for older adults, many of which are visually impaired and may have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. I am tired of trying to enlarge the small ones. This population really enjoys this activity to pass the time.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I spent over $100 for pair of Asics Gel Nimbus shoes. I needed shoes for jogging with my dogs. These shoes are very comfortable.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I use Salesforce. It is an excellent CRM tool I use to keep organized. It enables me to follow up with clients in a timely manner.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Pumpkin Plan – This book will help you understand the value of your true customers; to stay focused and committed to your offering that is something truly unique.
What is your favorite quote?
“Be the best you can be” … my father’s quote
Key Learnings:
• Strive to do the best you can and know when to ask for help and advice.
• Have an open mind to new ideas.
• Learn by your mistakes. Write down what went wrong and what you can do to improve.
• Share your success and failures, you will learn more and get great advice from sharing.
Connect:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.