10 Pieces of Advice From a Nutrition Business Coach
When I first started my nutrition business back in 2014, I remember feeling a lot of excitement for my new career path, but also feelings of overwhelm and confusion about where I should be focusing my time and energy.
I wished someone in the nutrition industry who had already built a successful business could share everything they learned with me, and give me a heads up for what I should avoid when starting my own business.
Starting your nutrition business shouldn’t feel lonely! Getting support and advice early on in your journey can help you move past some big roadblocks when you’re just getting started.
I’m going to share the top 10 pieces of advice for starting your nutrition business, so you can avoid making some of the same mistakes I made when starting my own nutrition business.
1. Don’t Wait Until You’re Ready to Start Your Nutrition Business
One of the most common things I hear from nutritionists starting their business is that they don’t feel “ready” to start or put themselves out there.
The reality is that there's rarely a perfect time to start your business.
You may never feel completely ready, and that's okay! The key is to trust in your abilities and knowledge and know that they’ll strengthen over time. The only way you’ll gain more experience is through doing.
Every step you take, even if unsteady, is an opportunity to learn and grow. By taking that initial step, you start building your business and gaining valuable experience that will serve you well in the long run!
2. Spend Time Putting Yourself Out There
Oftentimes it can be so easy to get stuck in the weeds with starting our business that we forget to actually step away from our computer and put ourselves out there.
Networking and connecting with others in the nutrition industry is a great first step to put yourself out there.
Building genuine relationships with colleagues and potential clients can open doors you might not have even considered.
Try getting out of your comfort zone and engaging with people who are curious about nutrition. Whether it's striking up a conversation with someone at a social event, at the grocery store, or participating in online forums and groups, being visible and approachable can help establish your presence and credibility in the field.
3. Curb Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a common roadblock for so many nutritionists starting their business, so if you’re dealing with this, you’re not alone!
While aiming for excellence is a great goal, pursuing perfection can become paralyzing and really hold you back.
Instead of striving for an unattainable standard, focus on progress and growth. Embrace the idea that everyone else’s business is a work in progress too, just like yours!
By showing up authentically and being open about your own journey, you become more relatable to your audience. Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about being real.
4. Launch Version 1 Right Now
Your journey as a nutrition business owner will involve continuous growth and evolution. Over time, you'll refine your website, your business cards, your nutrition programs, and possibly even pivot your niche.
It's easy to look at other established businesses and compare yourself to where they’re at, forgetting that they too started with version 1.0
Comparing yourself to others can be discouraging and counterproductive. Instead, focus on your own progress and celebrate each step forward, no matter how big or small!
Version 1.0 is where every successful business begins and is the foundation upon which you'll build your own successful nutrition business, too.
5. Pick a Nutrition Niche ASAP
Choosing a niche can be a game-changer when starting your nutrition business, as having a niche helps you target a specific audience and stand out in a competitive market!
If you primarily operate in person, you may have the flexibility to serve a broader range of clients. However, in the online space where there are more options, having a niche early on can provide clarity and direction for your business.
It's essential to pick a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise. While it's okay to change or pivot down the road as you gain more insight into your audience's needs, having a niche from the beginning can accelerate your business growth and set you on the right path.
6. Start Nutrition Blogging Sooner Rather than Later
Blogging is a powerful tool for building your nutrition business. Personally, I wish that I had started a blog sooner, as I’ve seen how incredibly powerful a blog can really be!
A nutrition blog allows you to:
Share your knowledge
Establish authority in your niche
Attract organic traffic to your website
Blogging educates and engages your audience and serves as a long-term asset for your business. Each well-crafted blog post is content that lives on your website, continually drawing in new readers and potential clients.
Starting your blog sooner rather than later will ensure that you’re spending time marketing your business in ways that will pay off long term!
7. Spend Less Time on Your Social Media Posts
Social media can be a double-edged sword: while it's a valuable tool for connecting with your audience and sharing your expertise, it's also so easy to get caught up in the perfectionism trap.
Many nutritionists feel pressure to create the perfect social media posts, ensuring that they cover every aspect of a topic and avoiding any appearance of inadequacy.
This mindset can lead to excessive time spent on a single post, taking away from other crucial elements of your business.
Instead, view social media as an opportunity to strengthen your writing skills over time. Test different approaches and content types to see what resonates best with your audience.
Make sure to balance your time wisely, ensuring you're not overly focused on creating one "perfect" post at the expense of other essential tasks.
8. Don’t Expect Overnight Success
Overnight success stories are rare in the world of entrepreneurship, and it's essential to have realistic expectations as you’re starting and growing your business.
Building a thriving nutrition business takes time, consistency and patience.
It's common to run into many challenges along the way, but these setbacks are part of the journey and don't define your business's success.
The key is remaining committed and staying open to learning from your successes and failures. Understanding that it’s normal to take time to grow your business can help you stay on track for the long run.
9. Invest in Your Nutrition Business
Investing in your nutrition business is a strategic decision that can help you grow your business over time. The return on investment for things like courses, mentors, or tools that enhance your skills and knowledge can help you to make massive progress.
While being financially savvy and avoiding unnecessary expenses in your business is important, not investing in your business can also hinder your business's growth.
For example, investing in a professional website or client management software (like Practice Better!) can help you streamline your business and attract more clients.
Approach investments with a clear understanding of how they will benefit your business's bottom line instead of solely focusing on how much it costs.
10. Personal Growth is Important for Business Growth
Did you know that your personal well-being is closely intertwined with your business's success?
As a nutrition business owner, you are the driving force behind your brand. Focusing on personal growth can significantly impact your business growth.
Here are some tips to help you elevate your personal growth:
Prioritize self-care: Remember to take care of your physical and mental health such as eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly to help you maintain energy and focus.
Nurture your relationships: Healthy relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provide vital support and can help you maintain a positive outlook while starting and growing your business.
Balance your personal and business life: Striking a balance between your personal life and business commitments is crucial for long-term sustainability, as burnout can hinder your business's growth.
Do things that bring joy: Engage in activities that you enjoy outside of work. Pursuing hobbies and interests can help you recharge and maintain enthusiasm for your business (especially on the tough days!)
Remember, you come first before your business: Your personal well-being is the most important thing to focus on. You become a more effective and motivated business owner when you prioritize self-care and personal growth.
Ready to launch your nutrition business?
If I could help you have a little more clarity or feel not so alone in your nutrition business, I've done my job! Starting your nutrition business is a journey.
You won't have all the answers today, but that's okay. Take that first step right now to turn your nutrition business dream into reality!
If you’re looking for a place to get started, I recommend watching my free workshop training below.
