The average dietitian, according to the 2009 Compensation & Benefits Survey, is earning $56,700 a year. Those in sales positions, especially in specialty areas such as pharmaceutical and medical devices, earn MUCH more. 

 

I recently had the opportunity to talk with two dietitians who have been in sales positions for more than 10 years and love it! Pia Pizzolato, RD is Marketing Manager of Clinical and Education, BD. Diana Schilling-Held, RD is Diabetes Specialty Representative, Lilly.  

 

How much money can I make? Pia remarked when she first got into sales, she doubled her salary in the first year. Diana said she not only doubled her salary, but she got a company car, too!

 

How did you get into a sales position? Pia was a dietitian at a hospital and was exposed to sales reps at lunch presentations. So, she used these connections to get her initial job. Diana, while working in a hospital, met one of the sales reps and started asking questions. Neither had any sales experience before accepting their first sales job. Pia said it helps to use your connections to get a job in sales rather than going through the general channels.

 

What skills and experience are these companies looking for? Not every rep is a health professional, but Pia said it really helps to have a science or business background. She also leveraged her specialty as a diabetes expert. Diana added that it's helpful to have a sales background. She mentioned that there were a number of reps who came from a rental car company so it doesn't have to be medical sales experience.

 

Are these companies looking for any other personal traits? Diana said it was important to be self-motivated and a self-starter. Pia added it was important to think of these positions like you would your own business - and have an entrepreneurial spirit. Both dietitians see 8-10 customers a day and set these appointments themselves. And, let's not forget "results-driven", you'll have to meet and exceed your sales goals!

 

What challenges do you have in your position? Just like every other job, it looks like there are always difficult people, including difficult doctors. Pia remarked that sales has a lot in common with clinical nutrition - both are about changing behavior. In clinical nutrition, you're trying to change one's eating behaviors. In sales, you're trying to change doctors' prescription writing behaviors.

 

What do you like most about your job? Both ladies seemed to really love what they do, but I was impressed at how they didn't work any more than typical full-time positions. Both also mentioned that they enjoyed the flexibility of the hours since they set the appointments themselves.

Would you like to start up a new business? Or maybe you already have a business, but you feel like you're spinning your wheels and not making enough money...then sign up for my upcoming "Build Your Business Telecoaching series". This is open to everyone who wants to be an entrepreneur, but focuses on health-related businesses.

 

By reading the ebook, completing the assignments, and participating the telephone sessions, you'll walk away with a ready-to-go marketing plan for your business. Each session offers valuable information...plus discussion time to have all your questions answered - and get specific feedback (from me and your colleagues)on your business.

Monday, January 18th, 8-9:30 pm EST

 

 

 

 

Cost of the 4-session, 5-hour telecoaching/mastermind program, plus ebook and 60 minutes of coaching time with Dr. Jo, is just $275. (Additional business coaching is also available at $175 an hour).

 

Money-back guarantee. If, after attending your first session, you don't feel like you got your full monies worth...I'll be happy to refund the full fee. Sign up now...space is limited to 8. I won't be repeating this program again until early summer.

 

For more information and/or to register for the program, please email drjo@drjo.com or call (407-852-9171). Credit cards are accepted.  

On February 25th, I'll be speaking at the Eastern Michigan University about: 

The price is a bargain! Just $99 for each - or $149 for both!!

 

To register, contact Lydia Kret at lydia.kret@emich.edu.

 

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

Any questions? Please send them my way and I'll try to answer them in a future newsletter!