The Biggest Challenges For Most Businesses When Going Online as an RD
There is so much freedom that comes with starting an online private nutrition business. When you step out of the traditional 9-5 and step into your own practice, you’ll probably feel like you’re finally realizing your true RD dreams you thought about every day in nutrition school. Sure, maybe at one point you imagined a brick and mortar business with your name on the sign out front, but an online practice offers the flexibility of location, work hours, client reach, and so much more with little to no overhead!
That all sounds great, right? It’s true, taking the online route is the best way to create a FULFILLING and MEANINGFUL career in dietetics. However, all new business comes with setbacks . . . even if they’re online businesses! (And, no, I am not talking about techy issues like data security and website building.) So, today we’re going to face some of those unique challenges head on and prepare for them, so when you encounter these inevitable hurdles, you’ll have the tools to clear them and keep pushing through towards your goals!
Here are some common challenges you’ll probably face when going online as an RD!
The Biggest Challenges For Most Businesses When Going Online as an RD
Strengthening the right mindset.
When you’re developing your online nutrition practice, there are a lot of things competing for your attention. There’s so much noise sometimes, it can be hard to maintain the right mindset. It seems like EVERYONE (especially on the internet) has passionate views on nutrition, wellness, weight management, business ethics, telehealth practices . . . your hair color. Seriously.
It’s really difficult to receive so much feedback, whether positive or negative, and it can steer you away from your true purpose and make you lose sight of the dreamy clients you most want to help through your practice. Without a strong mindset, you’ll find yourself compromising and constantly doubting yourself. So, as you pursue your online practice, make sure you have mental fortitude and a resilient mindset!
Remember your education, experience, and passion so you’re not shaken by the bad side of online communities. It may also be a good idea to assemble a group of other entrepreneurs that will support you and encourage you through the hardships. You can also read these AMAZING affirmations for female business owners who need a daily boost!
Dealing with the comparison game.
When you’re online, competitors are EVERYWHERE. If you have any kind of social media presence, the algorithms will even feed you other accounts like yours. This means the success of other RDs will be on display all the time. Of course, as RDs, we all want to celebrate each other’s wins, but it’s normal to feel discouraged and maybe even a little jealous of thriving online practices you see on social media.
First of all, don’t be intimidated! I truly believe that every RD has a unique personality and a signature set of strengths that can’t be matched. There are clients out there that need YOU and you only. And there are others that need that other RD you see on Instagram. People are attracted to different RDs for different reasons, and we need to see this as a positive thing in our community! There is an RD to help anyone anywhere! Their success does not mean failure for you. In fact, when you see another RD thriving in the area you want to focus on, this is actually market proof that you can do it too! There’s truly room for everyone.
Changing your viewpoint is a good idea, but if you’re still feeling low every time you see a certain account, just mute them. There’s no shame in that! When you’re in the early stages of business, you need to be built up! Don’t let anything enter your mind that isn’t benefiting the growth of your business.
Putting yourself out there.
We’re RDs, not performers. However, having an online practice means you have to put yourself and your unique approach to nutrition out in the open. This can be extremely intimidating to any business owner! You have to go out there and accept there are going to be people that don’t understand or don’t agree with you, and that’s really hard!
When you come to this setback, your reaction may be to employ every digital marketing hack you can find. People love to say that “tricks” and “hacks are the answer, but they aren’t. This is not the route I suggest you take! Authenticity is everything. Set your mind on the core of your message and mission. Keep a heart-centered approach to everything you do and showcase your honest perspective and passion.
Your online nutrition business is about changing lives, not about how your hair or makeup looks. There are people out there that NEED your brilliance, and they need you to find them. So even when it feels new and uncomfortable to put yourself out there, remember that people are waiting on your knowledge and the only way to move through this fear, is to take action and do it. Don’t forget how important you are and how worthy you are of being heard!
Navigating legal and ethical considerations.
Any time you’re talking about health, there are legal and ethical principles to consider. Most RDs are already incredibly well-versed in how to communicate nutrition information and recommendations to their clients from working traditional RD jobs and from our years of extensive training. However, you’ll likely experience even more legal questions when you’re building your online practice! To keep yourself safe from the start, I highly recommend working with a lawyer like Sam Vander Wielen who has experience in this type of business and programs to guide you. It’ll give you peace of mind and keep your practice safe!
Finding and retaining clients online.
Of course, probably the biggest challenge for most businesses is finding and retaining clients—online or not! However, when you’re developing a practice online, you may find that previous marketing know-how just doesn’t work. Often times friends and family make outdated suggestions which can be frustrating as your trying to get started. While attaining clients as a dietitian is also different than a lot of other businesses. This can make growing your private practice client base very difficult and stressful.
When you go online, you don’t need to be on social media 24/7 to get clients, and you might be surprised to discover you also don’t need a large social media following. However, showing up on social media can be a meaningful and beautiful way to start growing your presence within your niche, practicing and nailing down your marketing and messaging, as well as connecting with both potential clients and referral sources. Social media doesn’t need to be your entire approach but it is a valuable one. The most important aspect when it comes to showing up on social media for an RD, is making sure you’re showing up in a way that feels aligned for you as a human, an entrepreneur and a clinician. You don’t ever need to compromise who you are or your values in order to show up online in a meaningful way.
You can also find dream clients by making meaningful connections with others in allied fields, encouraging referrals, networking with other businesses, optimizing your website (when the time is right to have one), and more. The point is, you have options! Don’t feel trapped in a one-size-fits-all strategy. Being an RD is all about adding value and reaching people on a personal level.
Establishing good work-life balance.
This one is tough for all small businesses, but it’s especially difficult when you’re establishing an online business. Lori Greiner says, “Entrepreneurs are the only ones willing to work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40.” Unfortunately, this is true for many! However, don’t take pride in working yourself to exhaustion. It’s so important for YOU to be well and establish good boundaries through the early days of this process. That way, when the business is thriving, you still have a solid work-life balance.
One of the biggest benefits of being a RD is being able to work when you want to. You control your schedule! As tempting as it may be to work yourself into the ground to get your business off the ground, don’t minimize other parts of your life that are just as important as work. It’s okay to create boundaries and you will be a better RD when your mental and physical health is cared for too!
Building an online practice as an RD will be one of the greatest (and hardest) journeys you ever take!
Registered Dietitians have a strong sense of purpose. We know that above all else, we want to change people’s lives using our expertise and experience. Growing an online private nutrition practice is the best way to fully realize the meaningful and influential career you’ve dreamed of! However, there are challenges you’ll face as you blaze your own trail and embrace your business goals!
I know I had plenty of setbacks when building my own practice, which is why I am now committed to helping my fellow RDs like you! Whether you’re just starting your nutrition business or you’ve been grinding for years, I can help you find the success you deserve. I am a dietitian business coach who helps RDs just like you overcome all these challenges, find their dreamy client, and grow a profitable online nutrition business! It would be an honor to work with you and help you reach your goals!