manipulation can restore part of the lost adaptive potential relevant to musculoskeletal function in such a way that the pain experience greatly subsides or disappears altogether. 4. Stop paying rent – own it Let’s look at two chiropractors and analyze their chosen paths: Dr. A pays an average rent of $3,000 per month for 25 years and then he retires with little equity and no assets. Dr. B pays rent for eight years then takes her savings ($125,000) to use as a down payment to purchase a property that costs $500,000. Instead of paying $3,000 per month, her mortgage payment is $2,181.02. This saves her $818.98 per month for the next 17 years, which totals $167,071.92 plus interest. In addition, the value of Dr. B’s property has increased to $1.2 million. Windfall I once interviewed veteran real estate agent and developer Frank Lostrocco, who discussed with me the benefits of own-ership. I learned that in the majority of Canadian urban and suburban markets the value of real estate has doubled in the last 10 to 12 years. There are short-term accounting advantages to leasing over owning in terms of yearly expenses, but for a practitioner, I find the advantages of owning greatly outweigh leasing. Also, it is easier to sell the practice when you control the location and building, which provides a huge windfall for your retirement years. 5. The King’s Speech If there’s one thing audiences should take away from The King’s Speech, the Oscar-winning account of King George VI’s struggle to overcome a debilitating stammer, it’s that practice makes perfect. Every time we see a patient we are essentially engaging in public speaking – to an audience of one. In addi-tion to assessment and treatment, the majority of the time spent with our patient is spent communicating through con-versation. Whether the topic is the patient’s sore back, or their plans for the weekend, we must carry the conversation during patient visits. Benefits of public speaking Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Paul Argenti, from Tuck Business School in Dartmouth, N.S., teaches students and professionals communication skills and recommends that public speakers develop the ability to lock eyes with their audience, making them feel like they are the only ones in the room. Many of us may avoid public speaking, but it is never too late to start and become proficient – much like King George VI, who, by the end of his career, was an outstanding communicator. Public speaking allows you to address groups, schools and patient education events that promote your craft and build your practice. Personally, my public speaking skills have created opportunities for me and for my business. Currently, I have two television commercials, which run on networks in Hamilton, Ont., after I was asked to be a spokesperson for a cable company and for a credit union. The main thing chiropractors and chiropractic students should take from this is that school provides a good foundation for success but our potential for clinical and business growth is boundless and often comes from untraditional sources. Five more things I didn’t learn in school that have made a difference in my practice shall be revealed next issue. www.canadianchiropractor.ca 14 Canadian Chiropractor October 2013
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor October 2013: Page 14
