10 Qualities of a Social Entrepreneur
A social entrepreneur is described as someone that is interested in starting a business for the greater social good and not just the pursuit of profits. I am so wholeheartedly invested in this sentence because, as an RD, I know firsthand that our profession is truly a heart-driven and heart-centered career path. We are helpers and healers and we want to change the world through nutrition. I have a feeling if you’re reading this, you know exactly what I am talking about.
In a world where challenges and concerns arise at every corner, social entrepreneurship has emerged as a way to create a truly positive change. This quickly growing industry of leaders is made up of people who are not only seeking an entrepreneurial path but also looking to create REAL change in the world. Unlike the normal business models, social entrepreneurs are driven by a dual purpose.
This dual purpose is to create sustainable solutions to environmental, cultural, and social problems while making a really meaningful social impact that matters to people! It is pretty easy to understand the qualities of a successful social entrepreneur that will propel them to success, but it can be hard to implement them.
In this post, I will share a unique roundup of qualities and skills that you, as an entrepreneur and Registered Dietitian, should possess in order to build a successful mission-driven social enterprise and make a positive, lasting impact on the world. I have a feeling you are going to align with a lot of this article given your desire to change lives through nutrition and leave a legacy on this earth.
10 Qualities of a Social Entrepreneur
Passion
I truly believe that passion is the driving force for social entrepreneurs. Especially as an RD, you NEED to have a deep-seated passion for nutrition and well-being. This passion will skyrocket you towards creating meaningful dietary solutions for your clients.
For example, Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes, perfectly showcases how passion can be harnessed to drive a really positive social impact! To push this quality, aspiring RD’s can immerse themselves in the world of coaching, engage in local initiatives and stay up to date with evolving health trends!
Leadership
Leadership is SO important for Registered Dietitians! Leadership can truly inspire so many positive changes and help people create the best version of themselves. True leadership is at the heart of everything!
You can develop your leadership skills as an RD entrepreneur by taking on mentorship roles, participating in professional development programs, and getting in touch with me to stay inspired! I believe that leadership should be kind and fair, which is why I am so thrilled to help other RDs create positive change in the world!
Resilience
As a social entrepreneur, it is super important to understand resilience and how it can be used to navigate challenges. Resilience equips dietitians with the perseverance needed in a variety of settings, it is one of the reasons most RDs are able to attain their credentials. You have a natural resilience within you already. Resilience is exactly what empowered social entrepreneurs, such as Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, to address multifaceted social issues that align with their social missions.
Resilience helps you adopt a growth mindset while learning from setbacks. The end result allows you to remain strong in the pursuit of your long-term RD goals!
Innovation
Innovation is truly a catalyst for change in the field of dietetics. Registered Dietitians innovate daily by developing programs and transforming lives with creative and innovative solutions and programming. To foster innovation, embrace continuous learning, experiment with different approaches, and seek inspiration wherever you can!
Collaboration
One of the top characteristics of social entrepreneurs is collaboration! It is truly one of the keys for a successful dietitian entrepreneur looking to change the world. As you build your dream business you will likely work with others within and outside of our field, specifically those who align with your values and mission.
Collaborations that make sense for you and your business have the ability to yield even greater impact and I know this means so much to you. Many things in business hinge on effective and fair collaboration.
Developing collaboration skills can include honing active listening, building partnerships, and valuing a variety of perspectives to amplify the impact of your social mission.
Grit
The journey to becoming an RD is certainly inspiring, but it can be a long road which is why you need some serious grit! It also means you have a level of this grit already. At the very heart of grit, you will find passion and perseverance. All things I believe RDs build as we attain our credentials.
However, over the long haul it can be easy to lose this grit OR continue to develop it. It is essential as you grow your business to continue to really dive in and stay focused on meaningful change to create a lasting impact.
Key take away: Developing grit begins with setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks while staying committed to your mission, even when you face hard times.
Deep Empathy
In my opinion, empathy is absolutely foundational for Registered Dietitians. You need to be able to understand the unique needs of individuals and comprehend issues they may be facing. Infusing empathy into your business model, fostering humble connections, and supporting growth is not only a beautiful way to connect with people, but also super important to your long-term goals.
Developing empathy is all about actively listening, understanding others, and fostering beautiful, heartwarming connections with those around you. I LOVE seeing sister dietitians succeed under my empathetic guidance!
Kindness
Kindness plays a pivotal role in your journey of becoming an RD. Kind and compassionate interactions foster all of these qualities and more. When you’re a kind person, you foster a supportive environment for everyone!
Developing kindness in your role as a social entrepreneur is all about demonstrating empathy, actively listening, and wanting to contribute positively to others!
Positivity
Maintaining a positive outlook is crucial, especially when guiding others towards a healthier lifestyle. Positivity encourages resilience in the face of challenges and inspires people to make better choices to live their best lives! Try to nurture positivity by practicing mindfulness, focusing on gratitude, and celebrating small victories.
Risk-Taking
Somewhere along the way, you have to be ready to take calculated risks. By embracing this quality, you can explore new strategies, reach out to a new audience, and continue to pursue a path that will allow you to achieve your goals.
This might also look like investing in yourself and your business, seeking support from others, delegating in new ways or bringing people onto your team to support your business growth. You need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and meet challenges and opportunities as they arise. Taking calculated risks might be uncomfortable but they also come with immense growth that otherwise will not come to fruition.
You got this! The world needs what you have to offer!
As you embark on your path as a social entrepreneur, remember that these qualities are not only fundamental to your success but also deeply resonate with what it means to be a Registered Dietitian. These traits create a supportive and compassionate environment which leads to positive change. By nurturing these qualities, you can guide others towards a healthier way of living and become a better version of YOU. You will also be able to bring your dreams to life while leaving a lasting impact and legacy on this earth.
I want to HELP RDs create a ripple effect of change via nutrition through helping you build your dream business. While we aren’t all in it for the profit or the profit alone, it is important to remember that there is also NO limit to the income you can make as a social entrepreneur. And this is where I come in, because I want to see Registered Dietitians with bigger and more profitable practices, because the more successful RDs are, the better the world will be. The health and wellness of society hinges on YOUR triumph!
If this post resonates with you as an RD, I would love to help you create positive change in the world. Let’s connect!