20 Questions To Ask a Dietitian: For the Aspiring Private Practice RD
Being a Registered Dietitians is one of the most rewarding careers out there. Through nutrition, you get to change people’s lives every day while empowering them to take control of their health. However, despite how fulfilling and important dietitians are, we are often overworked, underpaid, and completely underappreciated in 9-5s or more traditional jobs. When your day job isn’t satisfying, you’ll often find yourself dreaming of having your own private practice . . . but is it really possible?
The answer: is an overwhelming YES! No matter who you are, what your goals are, and why you want to make the switch, building a successful online nutrition business isn’t just something to dream about, it’s something to strive for and is likely a whole lot closer to coming to fruition than you might think! There are so many benefits to having your own private practice, but the biggest benefit is finally feeling empowered and passionate in your dietetic career!
Whether you’ve already started running your private practice as a side hustle or are still in the business planning stage, connecting with RDs that have already turned their dream into a reality is a valuable step! Not only will it help you form your strategy and overcome inevitable challenges, but it’ll also help remind you that what you want is possible! That’ll hopefully help motivate you to take your aspirations seriously and build the practice you’ve always wanted.
So, find an RD who has a successful nutrition business and while being respectful of their time and acknowledging they are busy, you can ask if they have time to set up an interview. Let them know you are open to any time they would be willing to share with you. Then, bring a list of questions and just have a casual conversation! Bring a notebook and soak up all the advice. If you’re not sure what to ask, that’s what I want to help with today! While a full interview is incredible, if someone would like to chat but can’t find the time in their schedule for a full zoom call or scheduled meeting you could ask your most pressing questions through social media DM, voice notes or email (whatever works best for the RD you are chatting with). Here are some of the best questions to ask a successful private practice RD:
20 Questions To Ask a Dietitian with a Successful Biz For the Aspiring Private Practice RD
How did you start your private practice as a dietitian?
Making the choice to finally launch your private practice is a HUGE step! Even if you’re keeping your 9-5 and doing it on the side to start, it’s still a very vulnerable and risky act. Knowing when to do it is tough, and many RDs spend years waiting for just the “right moment” and never take the leap. Hearing how another RD took that step and found success can bring you comfort and motivation as you embark on your own nutrition business journey!
What inspired you to transition to a private practice setting?
Knowing why another RD decided to leave their traditional dietitian job and open their own practice can be very affirming! It’ll remind you that your reasons for starting your own nutrition business are completely valid and being your own boss really will get you to your personal and professional goals!
What are the key steps to building a successful private practice in dietetics?
Is there a better question to ask a successful entrepreneur? RDs want to build each other up, so most will be more than happy to share their best advice with you! What they tell you can then be worked into your business plan (if it feels aligned for you) to set your practice up for success.
How do you attract and retain your dreamy clients?
What is the hardest part of growing any business? Finding, getting, and maintaining your clients. Before you’ll be able to go full-time on your private practice, you’ll need a somewhat steady flow of clients to ensure your business is sustainable. Ask the private practice RD you know how they attract and retain their dreamy clients! Their strategy may work for you too.
What are the biggest challenges you face in running a private practice?
Is having your own online private nutrition practice more fulfilling than your 9-5? ABSOLUTELY. But, is it without challenges? Of course not. All entrepreneurial ventures have struggles. So, instead of being surprised by those challenges, learn about them and prepare for them with the help of this mentor RD!
How do you stay updated with the latest nutrition trends and research?
As RDs, we’re expected to be nutrition experts, so we’re always investing in continued education. Ask this private RD how they keep up-to-date with the latest nutrition information between meeting with clients and dealing with the regular demands of business. Owning your own business is a balancing act and life long learning is something we are committed to as dietitians!
How did you decide your niche?
Niching down is super important when you start your own online nutrition business. If you’re unsure whether you want to work with people who have weight loss goals, eating disorders, certain medical conditions, athletic needs, or something else, ask your RD colleague how they chose their niche! They may have some really great advice to help you make this big decision!
How do you handle billing and payments?
When you work in a traditional dietitian job, there’s a whole side of the nutrition business you don’t see. This stuff can be a little scary when you’re thinking about opening your private practice! Ask the RD any business questions you may have like handling billing and payments. (Psst . . . I recommend Practice Better for client management and Megan Naasz is an amazing CPA!)
What legal considerations should a dietitian be aware of with a private practice?
This is another big one! Even if they have some great advice, always get the help of a legal expert. I recommend Sam Vander Wielen for any dietitian legal support needs your business has!
How do you set your rates for services in a private practice?
Again, after years of being underappreciated and being underpaid, it’s easy for us as RDs to undervalue ourselves. Deciding what to charge can be absolutely crippling when you’re just starting out! Getting some advice and encouragement from a successful private RD will hopefully help you set a price that’s fair to the true worth of the value of what you are delivering to your clients.
What are some common misconceptions about running a private practice?
Managing expectations is a good way to stay grounded when embarking on a new business venture. Knowing what you may be wrong about when starting your own practice can help you reform your goals and stay motivated even when faced with challenges or disappointment!
How do you manage your schedule and appointments effectively?
You’ve got to stay organized when managing clients and everything else that comes with running a private practice. Ask for advice on keeping your schedule straight and getting everything done!
What types of services do you offer?
Of course, one-on-one nutrition coaching is essential for (almost) every nutrition business. However, that’s not always for everyone and there are so many other services you can also offer! Ask the RD if they offer meal plan based programming, weight management programs, workshops, nutrition analysis, course based programming, group coaching programs, digital product and other services. You may get inspired to add something to your business plan!
What kind of support do you have to help your private practice thrive?
There are so many people that can come alongside you as you build your nutrition business and help you find success! You probably expect that they have help with the legal and financial side of things, but many RDs also have a mindset coach and dietitian business coach that help them develop the right perspective and strategy to help you thrive. Over time you may hire people for other tasks like virtual assistants or tech support.
What resources or tools do you find most helpful in managing your private practice?
The more support the better! This is especially true when you’re in those early stages and really grinding to get your business off the ground. Understanding what programs, tools, and resources that help other successful RDs manage everything can be really helpful!
What networking opportunities have been beneficial for growing your private practice?
Making the right connections can help jumpstart your business. However, knowing where to go to find supportive colleagues can be difficult. Get the inside scoop on where the best networking opportunities are from someone who's already done the work!
How do you balance client care with administrative tasks in your private practice?
Clients pay you for your time in sessions with them. You need enough margin in your pricing and discipline in your schedule to make enough to support that meeting time and all your administrative duties. This balance can be super hard to achieve in the beginning, so ask the private RD how they manage it!
What advice do you have for a dietitian looking to start a private practice?
No matter how many questions you ask, since you haven’t been down this road, there may be something you missed entirely. By asking generically for advice, you may be really surprised at the valuable tips they offer you! Also, if an RD is short on time and you want their top suggestions for starting - this might be the question to ask!
How do you measure success and track progress?
Knowing how to determine when things are going well and when it’s time to take the next step is harder than you think. Figuring out how to use facts and data to indicate progress can build you up and help you determine the best time to make business moves.
What has been the most rewarding part of leaving your 9-5 and opening your own nutrition business?
RDs are passionate about what they do no matter where they are. Empowering people to take control of their health and reach their goals through better eating habits isn’t just a job, it’s a mission. However, we all know how our drive to help people can be broken down over time when we’re not valued in our roles. There are SO many benefits to starting your own online private practice, and hopefully hearing about them will give you that last push to go for it! You deserve this!
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when you meet a successful private practice Registered Dietitian!
The world is a better place because of you. All of us as RDs are in this together to help build each other up and empower each other to own their career and mission. So, don’t be shy when asking questions. If you want an expert you can always talk to, hire a dietitian business coach like me!
I understand the nuances of nutrition businesses as an RD who built an online private practice from the ground up myself. My services are specifically designed to help aspiring private RDs like yourself realize their dreams and help RDs grow and scale their businesses! Apply to work with me and let’s bring your dreams to life together!