Getting involved in your community and taking risks is the key to a successful practice.

New York City is an exciting place that is constantly in motion and where anyone can seek out new ventures. Since moving to New York in 2001, I have felt compelled to not only become part of “what makes New York, New York” but also to create my thumbprint and do my part to contribute to a city that never stops astonishing you, where the sky’s the limit, and there are no boundaries to one’s potential.

On September 11, 2001, feeling the emotion that surrounded both the city and the nation when the World Trade Center collapsed, a fellow chiropractor and I felt an overwhelming desire to help out. We packed our tables, went down to Ground Zero, and began adjusting the heroes at the Red Cross Station. We were the only two chiropractors on-site. In the year to follow, I continued to donate my services every Saturday at St Paul’s Chapel downtown and at the 85th Street Firehouse. This incredible experience made me realize where my energy and talents could best be served—by finding new ways to incorporate chiropractic in an uplifting and meaningful manner into the public eye of New York.

As chiropractors, we have so many sources of business opportunities and avenues to donate our services. Right here, in New York City, I am surrounded by Fifth Avenue fashion, entertainment, Wall Street, athletics, and most importantly, the world-renowned, highly populated location of “the city that never sleeps” (they even named it twice). In 2003, I was invited by one of my chiropractic mentors to help lead a health services team at the World Cup Championships of Fencing at Columbia University. Again in 2004, we repeated our efforts at Hunter College for the United States Fencing Team during its last qualifying match before the Summer Olympic Games in Greece. We provided chiropractic services to the athletes throughout the 2-day tournaments. Some of these athletes used chiropractic regularly before the tournament, while others realized the benefit from our services and have since become patients of chiropractic.

Someone once told me that success rises and falls based on relationships. Since opening the Gioffre Chiropractic Wellness Center in September 2004, I have received most of my success by the relationships I have forged through past experiences, local health care professionals, local businesses and events, and most importantly, my patients. When you have this wherewithal and display it openly, you will undoubtedly attract more into your life. This notion led me to develop a relationship with Exhale Spa, a very prestigious spa with two locations in New York City. After encouraging Exhale Spa representatives to come to my grand opening, we have fashioned a wonderful business relationship and friendship combining our passion for helping people bridge the mind, body, and spirit to improve inner and outer well-being. Currently, we are working with Exhale Spa and the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District to plan a Madison Avenue Wellness Expo for the boutiques in the area. This is just one example of how you can get involved in your community to create a wealth of mutually beneficial referrals!

Last year, I was invited to the ever-influential Fashion Week Fall 2004 as an attendee and introduced to various people in the industry, including publicists, designers, models, celebrities, and other participants. From this event, I have been instrumental in negotiations to incorporate services from The Gioffre Chiropractic Wellness Center into Fashion Week’s next event to the models, media, designers, and participants. I cannot impress on you enough to go to local events, and constantly look for opportunities that drive your purpose and your passion, as you never know where they may lead.

One of my patients is in operations and management for a prestigious magazine called Shuz, the complete guide to women’s shoes and accessories. After learning the effects shoes can have on the feet and alignment of the spine, my patient asked me to contribute an article for the magazine, as well as a quarterly column titled “Ask Dr Gioffre.” This column will focus on the everyday “dos and don’ts” to avoid putting excess stress on the spine and nervous system by avoiding abnormal pressure on the feet.

Since opening my practice, I have made it a point to become involved in my community. Every city has a community and a niche—you just have to find it, mold it, and make it yours without being afraid to take risks. Anything can have a significant impact on you and your practice. You just have to be aware of the opportunities to cultivate while not being discouraged in your efforts to do so. If you determine your tomorrows by the choices you make today, then you will find yourself being successful and living in joy and triumph. CP

Daryl Gioffre, DC, is owner of the Gioffre Chiropractic Wellness Center, New York. He can be reached via email at dbgchiro@aol.com.