Private Practice Starter Tips
Have you ever thought about starting a private practice? Even if you are not ready to take that big life change jump tomorrow, there are a few things you can get started with today to slowly test the waters and see if being a private practice owner is for you.
Please keep in mind that having a plan and following steps in the right order really make difference when choosing to start a practice.
Choose Your Lifer
Take time to really think about who you want to serve. When you get a consult in the hospital which is the one you dread or will trade with another RD to see? Which type of clients do you just get super excited to work with? We all have those diseases that we just love and the ones that just feel like a HUGE pain or stress to care for. I give you full permission to ONLY focus on 1-3 areas. Yes, we as RDN’s can do it all we are truly superheroes in the medical community, and you do not have to do anything you don’t like.
The reason I want you to choose this 1-3 types of clients to work with, so you can become very clear on who and how you will serve people.
Write out a Business Plan
Writing a business plan does not have to be over complicated and it helps you to be very clear on what you are doing. Take time tp put pen to paper and write out who you will serve (your lifer- see above). How much will you charge for your service? How much will your service cost? How will you get the word out about your practice- your marketing plan? Where do you see your business in one year? five years? Ten years?
Register Your Business Name
First, choose a business name, then do a web search; make sure your business name is unique and the website name you want to use is available. Purchase the URL (website name) through a company. Next, you will need to register your business with the local government office and decided on sole proprietor or LLC status and register yourself that way.
Set up a Your Bank Account
Once your business plan and business is all registers with the appropriate local and stat offices you will need to set up a business bank account. You will want to keep your personal and business finances separate.
Choose Your Office Space
Keep in mind to not commit to anything that is outside your budget in the beginning! Your office space can be out of your home, a physician’s office, a gym, or another health professional office. If you rent space, you will also need General Liability and Property Insurance; this protects you if a client injures themselves in your office, or in the event of theft, fire, or flood. Also, don’t forget your professional liability insurance too!
Start Marketing
This is the KEY to a successful private practice! All too often people will get to this step and they have a few client and forget how marketing is an ongoing part of their practice always!!
Work with a business coach, mentor, or mastermind to strategize an effective marketing plan to bring in new clients consistently. This may involve marketing to local doctor’s offices, health clubs, hospitals, or to other health professionals. Also, consider online marketing tools! Lastly, keep in mind your budget and how your marketing will play into your budget.
These are a few steps that I hope you choose to take action today to bring you closer to starting your practice! Remember that iLiveWell Business Academy Basic Course has OPEN today for a limited time!
I am so excited because this only happens a few times a year! Today I opened iLiveWell Business Academy Basic Course and to celebrate I am doing a free training!!! I’m teaching the phase of starting a private practice. Hurry, there’s limited space! To join my free training, head HERE
Adrien Paczosa is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian practicing in Austin, Texas and the surrounding counties.
She is the owner and founder of I Live Well Nutrition her Dietitian practice which started in 2007 and serves clients in the Austin, Texas area in two locations. Fearless Practitioners, the division of her business that offers training to dietitians and wellness professionals.