In the 70's, I had no role models, no one to take me under their wing, no one to share their expertise with me. I started a private practice in my home while my children were babies. In the 80's, working from home in South Africa as a divorced mother of three, I went from converting a bedroom into an office to buying a home with a separate entrance and employing a full-time receptionist. The 90's brought me to Toronto, where it took me four years to progress to two chic offices and three dietitians who assisted me. In San Francisco, I counseled from three fitness centers. Now, in New York City, I have two offices, one at my home and one on the Upper East Side, a half hour subway ride. In all these cities, the hours gave me the flexibility to travel as a speaker and spokesperson.

Having started from scratch in three countries and seven cities, these are my three stages for a successful private practice.

1. Starting off: (It takes 15 months to make ends meet)

• You've already joined NE on www.nedpg.org - great investment!
• Start part-time - keep your day job
• Print cards and stationary on your computer
• Send letters introducing your practice to doctors, chiropractors, fitness centers, massage therapists and psychologists in your area
• Visit doctors offices, talk to their staff and leave a handout for their patients
• Attend any free function and network
• Start a database (doctors, potential clients)
• Keep busy (writing, phoning, emailing, faxing to potential contacts)
• Give free talks at Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, health fairs, etc.
• Volunteer on your local dietetics committee

2. Becoming established: (after 2 years)

• Have a graphic designer create a logo
• Design your website or get quotes from professional website builders
• Have stationary and cards professionally printed
• Write an article for Ventures, NE's newsletter
• Invest in a warm, friendly office
• Increase counseling fees
• Charge for your talks
• Become the chair/president of your local dietetics association
• Join Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and other associations
• Send press releases to the media
• Write articles for local newspapers
• Volunteer for a NE position

3. Big Deal: (after 4 years)

• The money and the work is coming out of the woodwork
• Introduce yourself to PR companies for spokesperson work
• Invest in a sophisticated wardrobe
• Increase counseling fees
• Increase fees for talks
• Write a book
• Act like a celebrity
• Moderate at local dietetic and ADA meetings
• Be a role model and mentor for your colleagues
• Become the President of your state dietetic association
• Become a director for NE

I wish I could tell you it takes three months to go from Starting from Scratch to being Rich and Famous, but I haven't found the formula. When I do, you'll know about it. In the meantime, get out there and start your practice!