Winging it. Flying by the seat of my pants. Poverty-driven marketing. Those were the business skills available 35 years ago.

In 1970 in South Africa, I was a new graduate, recently married and immediately pregnant. It was not a good time to look for a job, so I started a private practice in my guest bedroom. I was completely clueless. Needless to say, my colleagues were all frowning - much as they would do now.

Tip: Just start your business!

Using a home office has worked well for me as a divorced mother of three, starting my business in seven cities in three countries.

Tip: Don’t pay rent until your business can afford it.

When asked to give a talk, I would request the cost of lost income for those days, and clients paid! Since then, fees have increased with recognition and experience.

Tip: Charge for your talks, increase fees with demand.

In Johannesburg in the late’80’s, when my phone cable was damaged and my business connection was reduced to a pager for five months, my private practice collapsed. Colleagues introduced me to food companies for consultation work.

Tip: Know your colleagues and be good to them. Start a mini-NE meeting in your area.

Fifteen years ago I started my business in Toronto. Fortunately I was a part-time research officer at the University of Toronto and modeled. Four nights a week I ran a modeling school and taught nutrition at a college.

Tip: Keep your day job when starting your business.

For the first time I was exposed to the term “marketing.” A client told me my hours were too long and I wasn’t charging enough. I increased my fees - an uncomfortable feeling, and my business continued to improve.

Tip: Follow the great advice from colleagues on the NE listserv and in Ventures!

Nine years ago I moved to San Francisco and was invited to be on the NE board as I was past president of the Consulting Dietitians of Canada. The chair of NE, Toni Bloom, gave me her private practice at three health clubs nearby as she was based in San Jose.

Tip: Volunteer on the NE committee for your best contacts.

This was also the time I set up my website, increasing my MNT clients, spokesperson jobs and talks.

Tip: Plan your website now!

Six years ago, I moved to Manhattan for bigger jobs. I was volunteered onto the Greater New York Dietetic Association’s committee. Members of this committee have recommended me for spokesperson work and talks.

Tip: Join the committee of your local dietetic association.

Juggle private practice with speaking, media work and writing. Try everything to find out what you enjoy the most.

Tip: Variety helps prevent burnout.

When I concentrate on marketing one section of work, the other sections suffer. For example, when I concentrate on marketing my talks - my media work, writing and private practice slow down.

Tip: Concentrate on marketing the section of your business that you want to increase.

In workshops to dietitians, I help them market various types of business opportunities.

Tip: Help colleagues. If it’s an ongoing process, make it a business.

Recently I redid my demo tape on DVD in three sections: Broadcast, Spokesperson and Presentations. Editing thirty-five minutes of tape to seven minutes took eight hours and cost $1400.

Tip: When you can afford it, invest in a career improvement that can increase your business.

Many of my talks are on obesity, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Audience members relate to me as I am close to their age.

Tip: Make the extra effort to look healthy. Enjoy aging.

A stylist sorts out my wardrobe and takes me shopping twice a year to keep me up-to-date.

Tip: Ask a stylish friend to help you.

Go to every function with your cards, even if not nutrition-related. At a birthday party last week, I met someone from a speaker’s bureau. You never know …….

Tip: Smile a lot.

When you succeed at your niche, share your experiences with colleagues through an article in Ventures.

Tip: Published articles increase your name recognition. Hel-lo!