In theory starting your own dietitian private practice is straightforward – apply for a Medicare provider number, choose a practice management software, get insurance, secure your first client, and you’re in business, right?
Well, in reality, running a successful business is more complicated. Maybe things start off strong, but you quickly find yourself pulled in a million different directions, crickets in your bank account, and on the brink of burnout. It’s a story I see all too often as a dietitian business coach, so what’s the culprit?
In my experience, helping ambitious dietitians pursue their dreams of freedom, independence, and all that comes with owning a private practice, I’ve observed a common tripping hazard: they think of their private practice as a mere hobby rather than a legitimate business.
Too often, I see talented professionals downplaying the potential of private practice as a viable career option, scared to take up space and take themselves seriously as business owners. So, if you’re feeling trapped, confused, and going in circles in your dietitian-led business, let me ask, “Are you running a business or a hobby?”
What’s the difference – Hobby vs. Business
| Hobby | Business |
|
|
Self-reflection – where are you?
So, based on the list above, where are you, and are you happy with where you are?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with treating your business like a hobby if you’re happy and content. But I’m guessing you’re keen to tick every item in the business column; you just don’t know how to get there yet.
How to transition from a hobby to a business
Wherever you are on your private practice journey, here are my top tips for transitioning from a hobby to a business mindset so that you can make more impact, influence and income.
What’s your business language?
Changing your mindset can be as simple as shifting the language you use to describe your business to yourself and others. Think about your elevator pitch. Are you selling a business or a hobby? My advice is to steer clear of words like – just, small, and little.
Create a business plan
If you don’t know where you’re going, how on earth do you expect to get anywhere? Getting clear on what you want to achieve through your private practice and where you want to take it can help reduce indecision and overwhelm.
A business plan doesn’t have to be an elaborate fifty-page document; think about where you want to go and work backwards to set goals. Where do you want the business to be in 1 year, 3 years and 5 years? How much money do you want to make? How much will you charge for your services? How many clients do you need to see to achieve this financial target? Does this align with how many days you want to/can work in your business? Does this align with your values and version of business success? Do you want to work alone or grow a team around you?
What’s your money mindset
Money is the lubricant of any business, and your money beliefs can dictate your business success. If you’re scared to spend money, worried it won’t flow freely back into your business, you’ll continue to stay small. Valuing your time, charging your worth and paying for help fuels successful companies.
Systems Systems Systems
Anything you can automate or systemise, do it! Save time with email, note, and letter templates, set up online booking systems, and clearly outline client onboarding processes. Any time you can save working in the business is time you can spend working on the business.
Seek support
Ask any successful business owner, and you can guarantee they’ve worked with a business or mindset coach. They’re your guide and cheer squad rolled into one, someone to challenge you, keep you on track and accountable, and celebrate your wins.
Keep it simple
Clarity breeds confidence. It can be tempting to create new offers, diversify services and offer everything to everyone. A business mindset focuses on doing a few things very well.
Set boundaries
The ability to say no is a strong characteristic of a business mindset. Having regular income, a clear business vision, and value for your time makes it easier to turn down misaligned opportunities.
Prioritise time to work on your business
It’s tempting to spend all our time working in the business; after all, that’s where the money comes from, but thinking about future money opportunities is a business mindset. Set time to (and prioritise) work on the business, whether setting up systems, meeting with new referral partners, or meeting with a business coach.
Setting funds aside for a rainy day
If we have a hobby mindset, spending money as soon as it hits our account can be tempting. A business mindset expects bumps along the way. It’s prepared mentally and financially for down periods or challenging times (because even pandemics happen every 100 years).
Outsource
The quickest way to burnout (something dietitians are all too familiar with) is trying to do everything ourselves (something else dietitians are known for). Whether it’s your bookkeeping, marketing, admin, or patient work, slowly start to delegate tasks as soon as your budget allows.
Reset your business mindset
You don’t have to wait until the new year to make a change. Reflect on the past year and consider where you want to be in another 12 months. You could sit and re-write your elevator pitch using the language of a business owner. Or set aside some money each month to outsource a task you hate, freeing up time for you to work on the business. Or make this the year you finally work with a business coach because you know a business owner wouldn’t expect to figure it all out on their own.
Whatever you decide to focus on, remember to ask, “Is the fact you think of your business as a hobby stopping you from creating the business of your dreams”?
Ready to shift your mindset?
Book a compatibility call with Jodie to learn how she can shift the needle in your business.
Join the Elevate Your Practice program
Don’t let your business dreams fade. Reignite your passion for private practice. Connect with like-minded dietitians who share your vision to create a successful, community-focused, impactful dietetics practice in our Elevate Your Practice program. Join the waitlist today!
