15 Lessons From 15 Years in Business as a Nutrition Coach

Celebrating 15 years in business, Jen Broxterman shares 15 lessons from building a successful nutrition coaching practice, from a spare bedroom startup to helping over 10,000 clients. 

2-Tips

By Jennifer Broxterman, RD

Kind Nerd Note: Most small businesses don’t make it past 5 years. Today marks 15 for my nutrition coaching business!

Tip #1:
Celebrating 15 Years as a Nutrition Coach

Yesterday, NutritionRx turned 15 years old.

Fifteen.

That’s my nutrition coaching business that started out of my spare bedroom when I was a university student, and somehow it’s grown into something so much bigger, better, and more successful than I ever could have imagined.

It started as a small idea to create a fun summer job for myself, and turned into a fully booked private practice, an international nutrition certification program, and more than 10,000 clients helped so far.

When I first started, I definitely didn’t have a perfect plan.

I basically told my boyfriend what I wanted to do that summer, and then leapt in with two feet.

Also, I really wish this isn’t the only picture I have from my very first “nutrition office” in my spare bedroom.

It’s me… sitting at my makeshift desk… absolutely devouring a pear like a wild animal.

I have zero other photos from the beginning.

And honestly, maybe this one is perfect.

It’s awful. It’s hilarious. And it’s exactly how this whole thing started. Messy.

I guess what I’m trying to say is… just start messy, and figure it out as you go.

Reveal the photo.

Tip #2:
15 Lessons From 15 Years in Business

1. Word of mouth referrals from a happy client is the most powerful form of marketing.
   
   
2. Win over your local community. That’s much easier than trying to win the entire internet.
   
   
3. Offering discounts is bad for business in the long run.
   
   
4. When marketing your services, use the exact language your customers use.
   
   
5. Make your contact information extremely easy to find.
   
   
6. After you say the price, stop talking.
   
   
7. People hire individual coaches, not coaching. Show your authentic self online and also on your “About Page”. They’re hiring you.
   
   
8. Use simple language. Trying to sound impressive has the opposite effect.
   
   
9. Offering a solid guarantee boosts sales far more than it increases refunds.
   
   
10. Thank your team often and show your appreciation. People love genuine praise and recognition.
    
    
11. Screen people upfront, and say no to those you can’t help.
    
    
12. Fire bad customers and employees quickly.
    
    
13. Make things as simple and easy as possible. Eliminate all unnecessary steps and meetings.
    
    
14. A good reputation and business takes years to build. Keep going.
    
    
15. Intentionally get better at two new skills a year: one to hone your craft, and one to run a better business.

Stay kind + nerdy,   

❤️🐻🌈

Jen Broxterman
Registered Dietitian
Prosper Nutrition Coaching

Thanks for reading. Here are a few additional ways I might be able to help you.

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Jennifer Broxterman, MSc, RD

REGISTERED DIETITIAN & SPORTS NUTRITIONIST
• Award-winning Foods & Nutrition University Professor
• Successful entrepreneur of owner of NutritionRx
• 16 year CrossFit affiliate owner with my husband
• Founder of Prosper Nutrition Coaching & lead nutrition coach