Private Practice as an RD

•Aptitude

• Personal characteristics

• Pros/cons

•Nitty-gritty

• Brainstorming a business plan

Risk taker Disciplined Confident Adaptable Tenacious Organized

Business savvy (Help people, but you must charge them money to help them!)

Solid communication skills

Control of schedule Balanced life (?) Earnings potential Pride

Responsibility is yours alone

Earnings risk Professional

isolation

• Business structure• Tax structure; self-employment

taxes (6.2%; 1.45% times two)• Benefits• Insurance:

MalpracticeHealth

•HIPAA regulations•Need for licensure/seller's permit/permit to run a

home business• Business/office expenses

•NOTE: You cannot discuss fees with other RDs—potential violation of anti-trust lawsanti-trust laws

•Organizational planBusiness structure, locationEquipment and resources neededYour services•Marketing plan

Target marketCurrent trends/competitionPricing structureMarketing strategy

• Financial planCash flow analysis• Supporting documents (resume, contracts,

leases, financial statements…)

• Private practice (counseling individuals•Consulting

Health care facilities (LTC, rehab hospitals…)

Allied health professionalsSchoolsMedia•Writing• PR firms

•Wellness programs (corporations)• Fitness centers

•Wellness programs (corporations)• Fitness centers

• 4 Ps of the marketing mixProductPricePlacePromotion

• Litt, A.S. and F.B. Mitchell (2004) American Dietetic Association Guide to Private Practice, American Dietetic Association.•King, K. (1991) The Entrepreneurial

Nutritionist, Helm Publishing, Lake Dallas, TX.