You recently decided to take the leap and start your own nutrition coaching business. You cut down on hours from your “traditional” RD job in order to focus on your business, yet it still feels like you’re working 24/7. And you’re probably making slightly less money at first! Basically, you’ve fallen into some common traps and are now running in place.
If any of this sounds familiar to you, then you’re in the right place! In today’s article we discuss the top 4 traps to avoid when starting your online nutrition coaching business and provide some solutions. But before we dig a little deeper into this topic, allow me to introduce myself!
My name is Tony Stephan, and I’m a dietitian business coach. I help RDs make more IMPACT and more INCOME through nutrition coaching. Before becoming a dietitian business coach and real estate investor, I was a dietitian nutrition coach. I served thousands of nutrition coaching clients over a time span of 12 years. My successful nutrition coaching business is what led me to where I am today with more impact to create and more businesses to build! Now, let’s review some of the most common traps to avoid falling into as a new online business owner.
4 Common Traps
#1 – Overworking
When working from home, setting boundaries can be tough. Because where you work from is also where you live. You sleep, relax, and watch TV right next to where you’re making your money. Perhaps it feels like you are constantly working due to the number of distractions that get in the way of productivity. I get it!
The solution is to get efficient with your time… and set boundaries! This might look like having a designated office space to work from. If that’s not possible, consider going to your local coffee shop 2-3 times a week and maximize your productivity that way! Take advantage of online scheduling platforms like Google Calendar or task organization platforms like Monday.com. Block off certain times of the day for specific tasks. It’s also completely fine to schedule downtime, too! You’ll begin to realize that having some sort of a schedule (even though you work at home for yourself) actually allows you to have more freedom, not less.
#2 – Constantly Recruiting New Clients
Maybe you’ve been getting discovery calls and booking new clients without issue. But the way your program is designed, they typically leave after just a few months. So with staying on top of your current clients and always trying to get new ones, you begin to feel burnt out. It feels like you’re working non-stop and not making the impact you imagined.
The solution is to create a process in which your program is designed to retain clients and get referrals from them. Send a well-planned “welcome package” as soon as they commit to working with you! Set clear expectations and boundaries, such as your “normal business hours” and preferred methods of contact. Then, focus on your current clients’ experience! If you can turn them into a raving fan, this will help build a sustainable business.
#3 – Spending Too Much Time On Social Media
Although social media has many advantages, the number of likes you get on a post doesn’t necessarily equate to the amount of money you take home. At the end of the day, social media insights are vanity metrics.
The solution here is to focus on your post quality rather than quantity. Ultimately you want to connect with your audience! So be sure the posts you are sharing provide value and purpose, that way your followers will be more inclined to re-share them. This helps you organically reach a wider audience. Keeping quality over quantity in mind also helps you reduce how much time you spend creating content. You might even keep track of the time you spend on social media apps in your cell phone’s settings!
#4 – Wanting Everything To Be Perfect
Slow motion beats no motion at all. Or, imperfect action beats standing still. This is something I preach often to our Dietitian Nutrition Coaching Certification students and the RD business owners I mentor.
The solution (which is easier said than done) is to not let the fear of failure keep you from making the best decisions for YOU and your business. Remember, action cures anxiety. Oftentimes, the easiest way to figure something out is just by taking action. You have to believe that you’ll figure it out along the way… because you will!
Perfectionism runs rampant in the nutrition and fitness industries. As a professional, it’s important to seek support from others to avoid struggling alone or feeling isolated. If you have questions or anxieties related to business decisions and coaching clients, I guarantee there are others who’ve experienced the same thing! Hearing from others can help provide clarity.
The Takeaway From These Common Traps
I am confident that you will see success if you focus on consistently taking imperfect action. Avoiding these common traps when you’re just starting out can help ease anxieties as a new business owner. It can also allow you to be more efficient with your time and energy!
Once you’ve read through this post, send me an email at tony@tonystephandietitian.com. Seriously — I WANT to hear from you!
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- What follow up questions do you have about these common traps as a new nutrition entrepreneur? My team and I would love to help!
If you’re a dietitian looking to start your own nutrition coaching business, you’re in the right place. I’m proud to be a part of the movement of dietitian entrepreneurs who are making more IMPACT and more INCOME! Check out some of our free resources below!
