For many chiropractors, the best way to have a successful career is to eventually go into practice for themselves rather than working perpetually for a health center or another chiropractor. But there is still a risk of failure when you own your own chiropractic business. By being proactive from the get-go and following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

Tip #1: Buy an established chiropractic business.

Instead of buying an empty storefront or office and buying the equipment and decor to transform it into a chiropractic office, consider finding an existing chiropractic practice for sale. This offers you a few advantages:

• If you can convince the old owner to leave behind the furniture and equipment, this decreases the time you have to spend searching for and purchasing these items.
• Customers in the area will already know the location as a chiropractic office. These people will give you a client base to start off with.
• You already know the property is zoned for use as a commercial business and/or medical practice, so you don't have to waste time looking into the zoning limitations before making an offer on the property.

Tip #2: Start scheduling clients before you move in.

The first month after opening your practice can really make or break you. Often, chiropractors don't have a lot of clients or a lot of income in this first month, but they still have to pay the mortgage and other bills associated with owning the practice. If you get behind on the bills in this first month, you'll continually be playing catch-up and your business may soon flounder. So put some effort into finding clients and scheduling appointments for that first month so you can be sure you have an income. Some ways to do this include:

• Advertising at local running races and sporting events.
• Putting out ads on social media. Consider offering customers who make an appointment during your first month a small discount.
• Put all of the signage on your building long before you actually open. Make sure your phone number is included so potential clients can call and make appointments.

Tip #3: Don't hire too many staff members too soon.

Having a receptionist, a secretary, and an assistant can surely make working as an independent chiropractor much easier. But in the beginning, you may want to do more of the work yourself so you don't have to pay salaries to these employees. Try starting with just one employee -- maybe an assistant who can also answer the phone and schedule appointments. Add staff only once you have a good client base and are actually bringing in a profit.