New Business
WOW, Its been a long time since I have written, but my life has been so crazy. I work full time at the hospital, culinary school at night and trying to get my own business going. I am exhausted. I have made a connection with a Chiropractors office who wants to have an RD available. Great, I have an office to work out of but no clients so far. Any one have any ideas how I am promote myself?? I tried to look up local health fairs but I couldnt find any. Anyone have any cheap ideas to advertise?? I would appreciate any help :)
From a "seasoned" RD (culinary pun intended) for business start up ideas, do consider a couple publications. Kathy Helm's "Starting a Private Practice" and Ann Litt's book (sorry forget title, but google her name and you'll find it!)
They are both great places to start. Also, are you a member of the DPG Nutrition Entrepreneurs? They have a wealth of information and support about how to get started. Oh, and another: Margie Geiser's site, www.meg-enterprises.com - check out her interviews with other RDs that have "been there, done that" for more inspiration
I got my RD back in 1982, and have also "been there, done that" butbbasically working for myself since 1987 and have never regretted my choice of career.
Sorry I wasn't more specific. Yes, I'm currently a consultant, working private practice via telecommute, a writer and speaker and Director of Medical Nutrition for Signet Diagnostic Corporation - a company that does Mediator Release Testing to help people with IBS, migraines, fibromyalgia and arthritis figure out WHAT there trigger foods or chemicals are. . . when trigger foods/chemicals are avoided, symptoms usually resolve.
Truly exciting and fun work - and still fun to help people get well, especially when their "traditional" MDs weren't able to help!
Re: Culinary - well, I have to be creative in helping people figure out how to combine limited foods to make things they actually enjoy . . . When people figure out how many of the ingredients in processed foods are causing their health problems, they have to "relearn" how to eat "real" foods! Now, as an RD, I enjoy helping people do just that!
Oh, and I work with othe RDs and docs, training them in the LEAP diet protocols as well!
Jan Patenaude, RD, CLT
DineRight4@aol.com