Proprietor:
Danette M. Schott officially launched S-O-S Research (now part of Special-ism) in 2010, but "the overall idea has been worked on for over four years, being reviewed by many individuals and incorporating many ideas and changes along the way," she explains. "'S-O-S' stands for 'social-other-school,' and our goal is 'Reaching Your Child’s Potential.'"
Business Description:
"S-O-S Research writes and publishes the S-O-S Rescue Series guides," according to Schott. "These guides were developed to help parents know where to start and what to do when they receive a diagnosis such as ADHD, anxiety, social skills deficits. Each topic is divided into three stages: Stage 1 is identifying your problem, Stage 2 is analyzing your options, and Stage 3 is refining your solutions. Each stage has a set of custom steps to walk parents through the specific process." The guides include sixty to 100 references and are sized "so that parents can easily carry them and pull one out to read anywhere, anytime."
Parenting Connection:
"We adopted our daughter from Russia in 1999. When we met our daughter in Russia, we realized she would have special needs," recalls Schott. "When pursuing international adoption, parents need to be aware that there is a greater likelihood of some type of special need. These children often live in sparse environments with minimal physical contact and poor nutrition. Genetic conditions are rarely divulged in the paperwork you receive. Over the past twelve years, I have researched many issues (ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, autism, bipolar, etc.) to help our daughter."
Business Inspiration:
All that research inspired Schott to help other parents. "A common theme that kept arising was that parents do not know what to do first when they receive a diagnosis or when they think there may be a problem," she says. "There is an abundance of available information, but where does a parent start? Not only do parents become bogged down with the amount of information, but often they do not know how to organize and prioritize their resources. Each parent has to develop a game plan by trial and error. I decided to develop a set of affordable guides to help parents know where to start and what to do."
Getting Started:
"I have over twenty years experience in data research and analysis," Schott explains, "and spent ten years on my own as a consultant building sales and information systems and conducting market research for high-tech companies. I wanted to use my research, analytical, and organizational skills, but this second time around I wanted to do something where I believe I can make a real difference. Once I came up with my idea, I started drafting the guides. I have been working on this idea for over four years and the guides grew into what they are today." S-O-S Research is now her full-time job.
Success Story:
"I already feel like a success because I have turned my idea into a reality," Schott says. "I am thrilled to have finally opened my 'door' for business. I am proud of my product and believe the guides will be useful for many parents in need of this information. They are affordable and there isn’t anything like them." She adds, "There are many books on the market, but they offer too much too soon. I wanted to offer parents only what they need when they need it, thus the three stages."
Customer Appreciation:
"There hasn’t been a parent who has reviewed the guides who wasn’t thrilled with them," Schott reports. "Many parents say they wish the guides had been available when their children were younger. Most people know of someone who can use these guides."
Looking Ahead:
For the future, Schott envisions "S-O-S Research as a virtual network of support for parents. I want to unite a collection of experts to provide affordable, up-to-date information to parents. Along this line, Stephanie A. Scott has joined the team as a Parent Coach. She is available to parents via telephone so that her service is convenient and cost-effective. Second, in addition to the S-O-S Rescue Series guides, I have other ideas for guides to be produced in the future."
Professional Advice:
For other parents wanting to put their ideas in action, Schott advises that "starting and maintaining a business is a lot of hard work, but there are also many rewards. I have had to learn a lot of new skills. Building, maintaining, and marketing a website takes a lot of work and there is a lot to learn. But I like what I am doing so much that I continue to work late into the evening. I did not want to look back in twenty years and regret not trying my idea. If you have an idea you believe strongly in and you will have regrets if you don’t try, then go for it!"
More Inspiration and Advice from Danette Schott:
How did your daughter's diagnosis affect your family?
Our family has been affected financially and emotionally. Children with special issues need a lot of specialized services, most of which are very expensive and time-consuming. It’s difficult to manage the needs of all family members. But through this process, our family has learned to have compassion and patience for those who struggle more than others.What advice would you give to other parents about raising a child with special needs?
Don’t accept a wait and see approach when you suspect there is an issue. Time can be your biggest enemy. Always evaluate what you are doing and if it is not working, then rethink your plan and make a change. Always remember that you know your child the best. You will need to manage your child’s team of professionals to ensure your child is getting what he needs. No one will work as hard for your child as you. Keep the bar high for your child so that he can reach his potential.