Ray Smith

There are at least two theories for entering a swimming pool: slowly ease down into the water in order to gradually adjust to the temperature, or, jump in and be done with it. There are also at least two theories for learning how to swim: slowly with incremental lessons, or, jump in and sink or swim. I heard a comedian say that if your parents threw you out of their boat, they were not trying the second procedure, actually they were trying to drown you!

When I teach “Private Practice Pragmatics,” I use a lot of Lynn Grodzki’s proven material to prepare students to succeed after graduation. If you want to start a private practice, then you need to be prepared at all times to introduce yourself in a way that the listener wants to refer prospective clients to you.

One of the many advantages of starting a private practice today is that you do not have to invent anything. Pioneers have gone before you blazing a trail that may be difficult to follow but clearing a way for you that is much more convenient for you than it was for them.

The Reverend Norman Vincent Peale used to advise people wanting to succeed to “find a need and fill it,” believing that helping others succeed would help you to become a success.

In “Your Song” Elton John says his gift is his song, and that’s obvious to all of us on the receiving end of his music.