1. Aptitude Personal characteristics Pros/cons Nitty-gritty

2.  Risk taker  Disciplined  Confident  Adaptable  Tenacious  Organized  Business savvy (Help people, but you must charge them money to help them!)  Solid communication skills

3.  Need 3 to 5 years to turn a profit?

4. Business structure Tax structure; self-employment taxes (6.2%; 1.45% times two) Benefits Insurance:  Malpractice  Health

5. HIPAA regulations Need for licensure/seller's permit/permit to run a home business Business/office expenses anti- trust laws NOTE: You cannot discuss fees with other RDs—potential violation of anti- trust laws

6. Organizational plan  Business structure, location  Equipment and resources needed  Your services Marketing plan  Target market  Current trends/competition  Pricing structure  Marketing strategy

7. Financial plan  Cash flow analysis Supporting documents (resume, contracts, leases, financial statements…)

8. Private practice (counseling individuals Consulting  Health care facilities (LTC, rehab hospitals…)  Allied health professionals  Schools  Media Writing PR firms Wellness programs (corporations) Fitness centers

9. Litt, A.S. and F.B. Mitchell (2004) American Dietetic Association Guide to Private Practice, American Dietetic Association. King, K. (2010) The Entrepreneurial Nutritionist, 4 th ed., Helm Publishing, Lake Dallas, TX.

10. Case Study #20: A consultant registered dietitian (RD) has a worksite wellness account. Her usual programming includes group classes on basic nutrition, nutrition for those with diabetes, heart-healthy eating, and coping with food allergies. She also provides personal coaching to the company’s employees. She is approached by an employee who is training for marathons and has specific interests in sports nutrition, nutrition during training and pre- /post-event. Although the RD is comfortable with the role of exercise and nutrition in basic health and general needs, competitive athletics is not an area of expertise.