7 things every nutrition entrepreneur should know

Whether you’re just starting out as a nutrition entrepreneur or already have an established business, chances are you’re looking for ways to grow professionally and gain even more success. From marketing tips to personal growth, here are 7 things that every entrepreneur should know.

If you’re wanting to take a leap into the world of entrepreneurship, it can be intimidating–especially if you don’t have much experience or prior knowledge in this area. This feeling of unease is compounded even further by the fact that entrepreneurial topics (like managing a business, marketing, and accounting) are rarely mentioned in a science-focused nutrition program. This gap in education may feel frustrating, but it also highlights the determination and dedication of those who do take the path of striking out on their own. 

That’s why we are sharing some of the top things we feel every nutrition entrepreneur should know. Regardless of where you’re at in your business journey, these tips can help boost your overall success and take your skills to the next level.

7 things every nutrition entrepreneur should know

1. The value of free

As a nutrition entrepreneur, it is important to know when to spend your money and when to save it. While you should expect to pay for things like web hosting, nutrition software programs, and liability insurance, you shouldn’t have to whip out your credit card for every business venture. 

Here are some free services and resources available that can add significant value to your business and make your job a little easier. 

• Social media. Taking advantage of social media platforms is one of the most efficient (and easiest) ways to share content with your audience. Whether it’s reposting your own videos, posting articles, or resharing other people’s content, you can make these platforms work for your brand and reach a large number of people while staying true to your niche.
• Email marketing. Email marketing is a powerful tool to share information about your services, discounts, or upcoming events. To make the most out of your email list, you can create toolkits that offer free content in exchange for emails. This could be creating meal prep guides, healthy meal ideas, or other wellness content, but in general, it should be relevant to your audience and in line with your brand. By creating free content for people to use, you provide value in exchange for their email, which you can then use to send out content that will further market yourself.
• Professional education resources. The nutrition field is constantly evolving and many organizations offer webinars to keep you up-to-date. Join a group in your area or specialty and take advantage of these training sessions; not only will this keep you on top of the latest research, but it also creates networking opportunities.
• Free content. To attract more people to your website (and subsequent mailing list), you can create toolkits that offer free content in exchange for emails. This could include meal prep guides, healthy meal ideas, or other wellness content, but in general, it should be relevant to your audience and in line with your brand. By creating free content for people to use, you provide value in exchange for their email, which you can then use in your marketing efforts to attract more clients. Offering a small downloadable file will also help your future clients get a sense of the services you offer, and while there is a small time commitment in the beginning, it’s something that can really pay off. 

2. Find your niche

When you are just starting out, it can be easy to fall into the trap of accepting every person who is interested in your services. While it may seem like a good idea to have as many services as possible, this can actually hinder your business efforts when it comes to marketing, gaining clients, and boosting revenue.

When you niche down, you’re choosing to focus on a small, well-defined segment of your market. This gives your business an advantage, as not everyone in your industry is going to specialize in the same things you do. As a result, you will be able to eliminate a large chunk of your competition and set the stage for growth later down the road.

Niching down also allows you to build your brand, increase your reputation, and build a loyal clientele base. Ultimately, this helps your business become more effective and encourages more people to trust in the services you offer.

Tip: Check out this article to learn how you can stand out from the competition.

3. You are not alone

Running your own nutrition business can feel lonely at times, which is why having a support group is important. Here are some ways to feel connected.

• Network. Attending conferences (both virtual and in-person) is a great way to meet other nutrition professionals who are in a similar area of practice. These events are also the perfect opportunity to learn about trending nutrition topics, expand your knowledge, and even sample some hot new food items. Wondering where to find conferences? Check out these ones to attend in 2022. 
• Find a mentor. Reach out to another nutrition entrepreneur that you respect and ask if they would be willing to be a mentor. This can help you feel less alone in your nutrition business, and allows you to discuss thoughts and ideas in a safe environment.
• Hire a business coach. Business coaches are extremely valuable, as they can help guide you through some of the more complex aspects of entrepreneurship. They also offer a wealth of knowledge and can help you make the best decisions for you and your business.
• Build online relationships. The internet is a powerful tool, so use it to your advantage and connect with people who share similar interests. There are hundreds of groups on social media that offer support for nutrition professionals, and whether they are focused on specific areas of nutrition or offer location-based groups, you can build relationships with other nutrition professionals and create meaningful connections.

Whatever it is that you need, know that you are not alone and that there are plenty of people willing to support you.

4. Your time is valuable

Do not be afraid to ask for compensation that reflects the amount of work asked of you, and be willing to negotiate a fair price for your expertise. As a nutrition professional, there is value in the work you do, so when setting rates, be sure to take into account your education and experience as well as the amount of work involved. 

You should also set payment policies and decide how to handle cancellations and “no show” appointments. It is important to have these things in writing, and review them with potential clients. While these topics are difficult and uncomfortable, they are meant to protect you and your time.

Tip: if you are unsure of what to charge, ask another nutrition professional or mentor for their advice. 

5. It’s ok to say no

It is easy to get into a pattern of saying yes to everything, especially when you are trying to grow your business. That’s why you should know your boundaries and be prepared to protect them--if not, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Set criteria ahead of time for projects that you would want to take on and say no to the others. 

If you are still undecided about a certain project, work with another professional, as this collaboration will offer you the experience, but the responsibility and time would be split with one or two others. 

6. Be honest with yourself

As an entrepreneur, you have a lot of tasks on your plate, but some of these things take more time, energy, and expertise than others. As such, it is important to be honest with yourself and know your capabilities. If insurance billing, finances, and taxes aren’t your strong suites, outsource them to other people who are better equipped. The same goes for social media management, computer work, scheduling, and billing. 

Ultimately, your time should be spent doing what you’re good at and what you’re passionate about; don’t try to do everything on your own, as this can lead to mistakes, long hours, and burnout. 

7. It will take time

While this may seem cliché, building a successful nutrition practice doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and trust the process; it will pay off in the end!

Summary

Taking a leap into the world of entrepreneurship can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to mentors, nutrition conferences, and online connections, you can succeed as a nutrition entrepreneur and take your professional skills to the next level.

We are always working toward bringing you the best nutrition content, so we welcome any suggestions or comments you might have! Feel free to write to us at info@nutrium.com.

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