Starting A Successful Nutrition Business Even When Life Is Crazy Busy with Catherine Johnston, RD

What’s getting in the way of starting your own nutrition business? Is it fear of putting yourself out there? Is it a lack of time? Today’s guest felt this way but she didn’t let that stop her. If you’re in need of some inspiration to start your dream business, you need to listen to today’s guest’s story.   About Catherine  Johnston, RD Catherine Johnston is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and virtual nutrition coach. She helps adults with gut discomfort from IBS or IBD create a personalized, whole person-focused wellness plan to feel their best and create the life they want. Catherine grew up in the upstate of South Carolina enjoying fresh peach ice cream, garden-grown green beans, homemade dill pickles, and wild blackberries. She still lives there with her family of four and two pups. As a full-time working mom, Catherine understands the challenge of balancing responsibilities while still prioritizing her own health and wellness.   Sidestepping Fear to Start Your Business Throughout this episode, Catherine speaks about what changed for her and her business after having twins. One thing was that she learned to overcome certain fears. Initially, Catherine was nervous about posting publicly about her business. Pretty soon, though, she realized that being afraid of what others think of you is wasted energy. When you find yourself afraid to begin something new, Catherine wants you to think about the skills and knowledge you already have. You’ll realize you are capable. Also, take a look at other people who are doing what you want to do. If they can do it, so can you.   The Importance of Niching Down One of the hardest parts when starting out is choosing a niche. We often want to offer everything to everyone. Yet, niching down will actually help your business more than being a generalist.  Catherine explains that she found all sorts of benefits once she focused on her niche. When she did so, Catherine felt more empowered than before to grow her business. It gave her permission to say no to the wrong clients, something that gave her a necessary boost of confidence.  Remember, it’s impossible to be an expert on everything. If you’re constantly working with clients where you don’t know enough to help them, your confidence and theirs will suffer. Narrowing your focus will present you as an expert and let you work within your strengths.  Furthermore, since you won’t be spending all your time trying to become an expert in everything, you’ll leave yourself with more energy to take care of other responsibilities. What fears are holding you back from starting your business? How are you going to work past these? Leave a comment on the episode page!   In This Episode What led Catherine to become a nutrition entrepreneur [4:10] Why difficulties and fears are an individual matter of perspective [14:20] How to overcome your doubts and begin to take action [19:55] The benefits that come from choosing a niche [25:00] The difference between choosing to not share something and just being too nervous [36:30] How and why to confidently share an unpopular opinion [41:00] Advice for overcoming what’s standing between you and starting your business [53:50]   Quotes “I still want to work. I love being an RD. I love helping people, but I don’t want to fail to care for my other responsibilities that I've brought into this world now.” [9:22] “All these other dietitians are awesome and doing great. But why can’t you have a little piece of that pie?” [21:50] “In our culture, we’re very polarized. There needs to be just some hearing of other opinions and some open-mindedness involved.” [45:08] “Give yourself permission to not to be like everyone else and to follow a cookie-cutter plan…. Go at your pace and do what’s best for you.” [55:21]   Review Fed and Fearless on Apple Podcasts! Send a screenshot of your review to [email protected] or send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll send you my Overcoming Undereating eBook. If you post your favorite episode in your Insta stories and tag me @LauraShoenfeldRD, I’ll also send you my 14-Day Calorie Challenge Recipe Guide!   Links Get your FREE Profit Planning Workbook! Follow Catherine on Instagram Leave a review of Fed and Fearless! Sign Up For The Free Training: The 5 Secrets of Fearlessly Healthy Women of Faith Learn more about business coaching with me Got a question you’d love to hear me answer on the show? Leave me a voice message here! Join the Fed and Fearless Society on Facebook Follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative