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| Money Making Idea: Booklets |
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Wish you had something to sell when you speak to clients or group? Want to write a book...but it's just too overwhelming or don't have enough time? I've got an idea for you!
Write a booklet instead! Chances are you already have a few handouts...why not turn them into a booklet? It's a quick and inexpensive way to get into the publishing business. I'm sure there are other companies, but one is www.dazzleprinting.com. (Caveat: While I've worked with a number of online printing companies, I haven't yet printed any booklets...on this site or any other - though I did request a sample and it was high quality).
What I like about the site is that you can pull up pricing information for booklets ranging from 8 pages on up. Change the pages, the quantity, or the size and voila! the pricing changes.
For example, you can print 100 half-sheet brochures in full color for $3 each. I bet you can charge $10 for them. And, the more you print, the less expensive they get per booklet.
Have fun!
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Greetings!
"Be Fearless" was the theme of last week's email. I hope I encouraged you to continue to  charge what you're worth and open a discussion with your clients (or potential clients) about your fees. Since most of us are undercharging for our services, fight the urge to reduce your fees. I think you might be surprised that your clients are willing to pay. Read the emails below for some interesting stories about dietitians who got what they were worth.
This week focuses on how to get more business. Many of the readers suggested we diversify our business. Though this might involve stretching ourselves a bit outside our comfort zone...it will probably pay off in the end. Read Lisa's story below. She's having a lot of fun with diversifying her business.
Have a productive week!
Dr. Jo |
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Emails from Readers |
"I happened to read your last newsletter... I came across it on a search while looking to figure out how much to charge for a consulting job and it was extremely helpful! I got the job and charged 50% more than I had originally intended. So thanks for that!"
Laurie Beebe, MS,RD The Diet Coach http://www.mycoachlaurie.com
"I was shocked when I actually got another 12% raise in a recession economy! It definitely pays to ask."
Anonymous |
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Diversify Your Business |
I asked a number of dietitians how they are succeeding in this economy. The vast majority suggested we should take the time to "diversify" our business.
"It's great to find a nutrition niche you feel comfortable with, but don't be afraid to expand outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know where your next opportunity will come from."
Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA,RD,CDN
National Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association
Co-Author: Kosher By Design Lightens Up (Artscroll, 2008)
Nutrition Consultant to the Cartoon Network
" I think having diversified skills and a few different ways to earn a paycheck is key to surviving in this economy. I work 20 hours at my benefits bearing job, have a private counseling practice that is still busy enough two 1/2 days per week, and am freelance writing."
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Where to Find More Work |
 Lisa Raum, R.D., EMT-B ( www.yourrdtogo.com) in Montpelier, VA calls herself an "opportunity nut" who's always had multiple jobs since she started working at the age of 15. She offers these recommendations about finding work in this slower economy: - Routinely check all the job postings (RD Network, Allied Health careers, Career Builder, Monster jobs, ADA postings, the paper, and local publications ads). The idea is P/T or contract/temp work, but sometimes good stuff is listed as FT, though ultimately more negotiable. Last year I spent almost a month in the Virgin islands as the RD on St. Thomas through RD network! - Network, network, network (networking groups, Chamber of Commerce and others). I TRULY believe it's all about WHO you know. Someone told a friend about me; that friend is an admin at an LTC and needed a quarterly RD visit. He called and said "I know this is not what you do, but can you do it?" I said "sure!" Don't forget to network with local RD's. One very established RD sends all her random stuff my way. People call her for everything...individuals and companies (from local to nationwide); she can't do most of it because she is so busy and only does EDO's now...so she tells everyone to call me! - Contract with the local counties. I contacted Parks and Recreation and proposed classes. They provide the location and equipment (projector, etc.) and market it. (I also post flyers at MD offices, pharmacies, HH agencies, etc.). It's an 80/20 split in my favor. I get that money, plus market myself for additional business. - Market to HH agencies for home visits and telecounseling! The HH gets paid a flat fee for all patient services, they just elect to pay me and use me as a value-added service. It relieves the RN from doing things that are not her forte and increases the value of their company in client's eyes. - Call local Diabetes Management program directors and offer my services for any random or P/T needs. Eventually, someone called and asked about helping this summer on a P/T basis with flexibility!
-Read all local publications for events that might be relevant...get involved...offer to speak or whatever. Often, a "gig" will evolve from that. I offered to help a physical therapy practice at an event they hosted (big, local sports org); I spoke for 1 hour 2x for free. They now market me to all their clients and let me do presentations in their office.
The key is to ASK for work, not wait for people to post ads. I just call up a place I want to do some work, (like a gym) and present myself. SOMETHING usually comes of it. | |
Any questions? Please send them my way and I'll try to answer them in a future newsletter! Dr Jo
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