A few words to the new practitioner

If you are a regular reader of this column, you know my career has taken three different paths

The first was in education. I taught Spanish to middle- and high-school students at an inner-city school in northern Indiana.

The second path took me into human-resources management and training and development. That’s where I acquired knowledge about jobs, leadership, and management in a variety of diversified industries.

And the third path led me to where I am now — editor-in-chief of this magazine.

I distinctly remember each time I changed paths and started a new job the thrill of being entrusted with my new responsibilities. I would think to myself, “Wow! I can’t believe they are actually paying me to do this.”

Once the initial thrill subsided, reality and fear sank in and I would admonish myself: “What am I doing? I’m not prepared for this.”

Eventually, of course, I began to do what those who hired me knew I could do. And everything was OK.

Only you can make those apprehensions go away through positive self-talk, an honest acknowledgement about what you still need to learn, and a drive to fill those knowledge gaps.

This issue can help. It focuses on providing insights into the aspects of starting out in business. Of course, you won’t find everything you need to know in this single issue so, I recommend you refer to past new-practitioner issues, published each spring and available on our Web site, www.ChiroEco.com, for more skill-building information.

Additionally, you might want to become a regular visitor to our studentDC.com Web site, which offers excellent how-to articles on setting up a practice, dealing with banks, hiring staff, and similar issues.

You’ll also find a number of excellent resources (including calculators and other tools) that will enhance your fortitude to succeed.

I would wish you good luck in your new career, but you don’t need luck. You have something better — skill and the passion to succeed. If you combine these with an insatiable curiosity and a humble attitude, you will be successful.

Until next time,

Linda Segall, Editor-in-Chief