Obtain the proper education and degrees for your vocation. Dr. Phil received a Bachelor's degree in psychology, a Master's in experimental psychology from Midwestern State University and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas. After completing the internship for his PhD, McGraw joined his father, who was also a psychologist, in the family practice.
Develop and conduct self-help seminars. McGraw and his father partnered with businesswoman Thelma Box to start the "Pathways" program, which assisted people with "living their lives with clarity and passion." Many of the concepts McGraw employed during these seminars would be later used in his self-help programs on Winfrey's show, as well as his own.
Choose the right business partner. While involved with a trial consulting firm, McGraw met Oprah Winfrey during her legal problems with Texan beef producers and helped her win the case. She was so impressed with McGraw's manner, advice and background that she asked him to appear on her show to dispense personal advice and counseling and soon forged a business partnership with him.
Build a marketing and merchandising empire around your TV personality. McGraw has enhanced the success of his television show through a series of self help books that concentrate on weight loss, family relations and addictions. Through the use of cross marketing on his television show, these books have sold in the millions.
Use your power as a noted TV personality to build your media empire. McGraw has used Oprah Winfrey's business model to start his own spin off show called "The Doctors," where a studio audience can have their medical concerns discussed with a staff of physicians. McGraw is ensuring the show's success by starting it as a segment on his existing show, much in the same way his show was a spin off from Winfrey's.