Many chiropractors when considering owning their own practice, think that they can just set up and continue treating patients all day every day as they have done as an associate. Many don't take into account all the other factors that need to be thought about as a business owner; things like marketing, accounts, staff issues and monitoring the progress of the business.

2 things either will occur : 1) these extra things get forgotten and therefore the business will suffer or 2) these things will get done in the chiropractors own time / evenings and in turn the business is likely to suffer as the person will get worn out. Plus (very importantly)  a business should be a means to achieving your personal goals and I am sure most of you don't consider it a personal goal to work 18 hour days until you are 75!!!

A business owner needs to have certain qualities to be able to succeed. Although many practice owners do still treat patients, a proportion of their working day needs to be allocated to the running of their business. This means stepping away as a "technician" and thinking like an "entrepreneur".

The other thing which is vital to consider....... What if I wasn't here? Would this business fall apart or could it continue to run successfully? This is a major stumbling block for many practice owners as the business relies on them, on their personality and on their knowledge of operations.

Building systems for everything that occurs in the work place is fundamental to the business being able to survive if you are no longer there, whether that be for a holiday or longer term.

to be continued......