Ventures Enterprising News & Ideas for Nutrition Entrepreneurs
Membership Issue 2020 Volume XLIII Number 5 Coping in Times of Crisis
Ready to Become a Better Leader During COVID-19? Lisa Jones, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND Chair “The true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis.” – Brian Tracy COVID-19 has forever changed our world. Reports of individuals hoarding food, toilet paper and medicine, contributing to shortages and panic, are widespread. The future is uncertain and none of us know what will happen in the next few weeks, months or years. The only thing that is certain is that the “new normal” will be very different. Given this uncertainty, it is tempting to give in to feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed. This crisis, however, will reveal new possibilities and opportunities for business. In order to see those opportunities clearly, we must avoid making reactive decisions based only on fear and anxiety. Here are some tips to help leverage the new reality, navigate business and become a better leader while staying calm, forwardfocused and creative through the pandemic. Review Economic Crisis Role Models The reality is businesses will continue to face difficulties over the next several months, and worrying about it won’t make it end sooner. Think about some of the most famous brands and products in the world that were invented during times of economic crisis. For example, Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse and developed him into a merchandising phenomenon during the Great Depression. The recipe for M&M’s was invented during the Spanish Civil War. Leverage Leadership Provide leadership to your patients, clients and customers with compassion and guidance. This is a great opportunity to create engagement by seeking out what is needed most and providing it. Now is your chance to nurture these connections and be consistent. Take the time to think about your business and plan for the future. Now is a great time to learn new skills (for example, take a course on SEO for your website) or create a new course.
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Champion Connection In a social-distancing environment, it is now more important than ever to remain connected. It is tempting to disconnect, stay home and disengage from the world. Make an effort to spend time with people without a purpose, plan or agenda. It is the most gratifying type of connection and needed the most right now. Technology is enabling these connections now more than ever. Connect with someone each day by picking up the phone and calling or using FaceTime. Check on how the person is doing. Select an activity, share the experience and have a discussion about it. This could be a movie or new show on Netflix, an exercise class or joining a TEDCircle (TEDCircles.com). Try scheduling a coffee or meal over Zoom. Foster Creativity Creativity and anxiety don’t mix. It is important to remain calm during this difficult time in order to cultivate and maintain creativity. Start by limiting media consumption. Pick one reliable news source, stay updated on a daily basis and ignore the rest. The media is everywhere, from news outlets broadcasting state-specific updates to social media posts reporting on ever-increasing numbers of infected patients. All of this creates stress, produces anxiety and hinders creativity. Focus on the positive, stay well and take care of yourself! Think about which tips resonate the most with you and practice using them. What are you going to do today to become a better leader during this pandemic and be Ready for NE-thing, including COVID-19? Lisa Jones, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND, is a funny speaker and former stand-up comedienne. She is not just mildly amusing - she is really funny. Lisa was bitten by the comedy bug at a young age, entertaining her family at the dinner table with knock-knock jokes. Soon, she discovered SNL and would memorize bits and make her siblings perform them. Today, you can find Lisa chasing after her almost-two-year-old daughter, and after volunteers to watch her daughter so she can perform improvisational, sketch and stand-up comedy again.
In This Issue: Ready to Become a Better Leader During COVID-19 �����������Front Cover Do the Next Right Thing �����������������������������������2 COVID-19: Privilege and Present ������������������3 You Can't Possibly Know All the Answers ��3 Out of Control — And That's OK ������������������4 Don't Just Go Through It; Grow Through It ��������������������������������������������������5 One Day at a Time ����������������������������������������������5 Communication and Connection ����������������6 Look for the Silver Linings ������������������������������6 Self-Care in a Crisis ��������������������������������������������7 How to Show Up for Your People in Times of Crisis ����������������������������������8 Take Advantage ��������������������������������������������������9 Be A Cheerleader ������������������������������������������������9 Five Steps to Become Irresistibly Attractive with Positivity �������������������������������10 Alternative Coping �����������������������������������������11 Do What's Right for You �������������������������������11 We Appreciate Your Membership! ������������������������������������Back Cover
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Ventures EDITOR Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT
INCOMING EDITOR Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, CDN
EDITORIAL BOARD, 2019-2020 Lisa Jones, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, NASM-CPT Elana Natker, MS, RD Emily Merklen, MS, RDN Cathy D’Orazio, MS, RDN, LDN Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT The newsletter pertains to the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and reproduction rights are reserved. Publication of an advertisement in the Ventures newsletter should not be considered as an endorsement of the product or advertiser by the DPG. Viewpoints and statements in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect policies and/or positions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. © 2020 Nutrition Entrepreneurs. All rights reserved.
WE WELCOME INPUT FROM OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR: Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT NewsletterEditor@NEdpg.org
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ADDRESS CHANGES AND MISSING ISSUES If you have a change of address, please contact the Academy with your new address information. If you missed an issue, email Lauri Egan at NEadmin@NEdpg.org
Do the Next Right Thing Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT Newsletter Editor Each year this shorter issue of Ventures is released containing wonderful input from our Executive Committee, and it’s one of our favorite ways we connect to our membership and remind you that we’re all on this journey of entrepreneurship together. With the current state of the world, this connection is needed more than ever. As so many of us and our members struggle to adjust to a new normal for our businesses and family lives, I hope that this issue offers you some comfort, compassion and much-needed coping strategies. Baking has been a significant stress reliever for me these past few months, and of course I feel lucky to have access to food to comfort and nourish myself and my family. I’ve leaned heavily on technology to maintain social relationships and continue my work as best I can. But truth be told, what has topped my sanity-saving list is Disney+ and the early release of Frozen II. Beyond keeping my son occupied while I try to get some work done, Frozen II has taught me some important lessons that I want to share with you.
I’ll argue that Princess (spoiler alert: now Queen) Anna is the role model we all need right now. We’re existing in a state of constant overwhelm. We have more on our to-do lists than is possible or even reasonable in a 24-hour day. Add to that the losses we’re experiencing, both personally and professionally, and the grief we need to come to terms with. We can’t do everything and we certainly don’t have a ton of control over what is happening or will happen with our businesses and even our families. But Anna reminds us that we don’t need to know the end result or outcome. We just need to move forward and take things step by step, day by day, decision by decision. The next right thing won’t always be easy and we’ll probably face even more uncertainty as we travel along this uncharted path. But we’ll also learn a lot about ourselves and find that even very small steps move us forward. This life lesson from Frozen II is relevant no matter where we are in our businesses and whether we’re in the midst of a crisis or not. Repeat after me (or Anna): just do the next right thing. Don’t look too far ahead. Break it down to the next breath, the next step. We’ll be right here stepping alongside you. Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT, is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a passion for empowering women to live their healthiest and happiest lives. When she's not busy fighting diet culture, you can find Kim on the run, exploring a new hiking trail or in the kitchen cooking or procrasti-baking. Kim lives in Long Island, New York, with her fiancé, their son and two rescue pitbulls.
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COVID-19: Privilege and Present Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, NASM-CPT Incoming Chair Whatever statemandated level of quarantine under which you find yourself, it is a privilege, and worthy of your being present. Yes, you read that right. These two words – privilege and present – didn’t initially define my feelings toward all the disappointment brought on by the pandemic. Conferences were canceled. In-person client sessions went by the wayside (and in my case, not all could go virtual). Speaking engagements were either reformatted or put off indefinitely. No, there weren’t tears, but I’d be lying if I told you my inner voice wasn’t akin to that of a petulant child.
When the embers of my short-lived pity party turned to ash, the concepts of privilege and present rose like twin phoenixes to guide me through these uncertain times. Knowing that some of my closest friends, clients and even my own husband are out there on the front lines of the pandemic in and around New York City – working as police officers, nurses, clinical dietitians and essential construction workers – it’s pretty easy for me to step back from the challenges of my own day and see how they pale in comparison. I’m not immune to the frustrations that come with our new reality, but hearing about your loved ones’ daily encounters with COVID19-related deaths certainly has a way of shifting your perspective. Staying home is a privilege. So is being able to lend an ear. Given the uncertainty of what will define our new normal, I’ve found it helpful to be more present. Just before the pandemic hit, it seemed like my five-year-old was already tied up in a full calendar of school, homework and a host of extracurricular activities. The universe has a funny way of
giving you what you ask for, so I’m accepting this gift of an empty calendar with open arms and doing my best to be present for this unexpected surplus of time together. I don’t know when she’ll go back to school, but I’m pretty sure we won’t have this kind of time together again. If you are home and healthy, count your blessings. And to those of you on the front lines, thank you. Nicole Rodriguez, registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, resides in the metro New York area, where she offers in-home meal prep, small-group training, and one-on-one fitness coaching. She serves as the in-house dietitian for NavaFit (an app that connects workout buddies across the country). A passionate Master of Beef Advocacy, she’s on an eternal quest for the best burger and sharing facts about the industry along the way. Eager to make a positive impact on the next generation of entrepreneurs, Nicole recently took on the role as leader of her daughter’s Daisy Girl Scout Troop.
You Can’t Possibly Know All the Answers Liz Friedrich, MPH, RDN, CSG, LDN, FAND, NWCC Delegate's Corner “A good dietitian doesn’t know all the answers, but she knows where to go to find them.” Those wise and prophetic words, blithely uttered by a professor of mine in grad school over 30 years ago, have been like a beacon of light throughout my career. When I am trying to be superhuman or am afraid of failing, I fall back on those words and give myself permission to admit that I can’t know everything. In the weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I have relied on that philosophy time and time again as I have guided long-term care facilities through uncharted territory. Together, we have found a way to continue direct patient care and provide nutritious, safe
and timely meals to a vulnerable and often frightened group of patients. Using the measured words “I don’t know, but I will figure it out and let you know” can make you feel empowered and professional. I have found this to be especially true during the past few chaotic and uneasy months. Although information about COVID-19 is still evolving, I have learned to seek the best answers available at a given moment in time. Of course, the same could be said of the questions we all faced in our daily professional lives before the pandemic overwhelmed us. Fortunately, finding answers is quite a bit quicker and easier in 2020 than it was in the late 1980s when I was in grad school. Many of the organizations and agencies we relied on for reliable nutrition information before we recognized COVID-19 as a household name (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example) have been constantly updated with COVID-19 information that we can apply to both
our personal and professional lives. These days we are fortunate to live in a time when information is at our fingertips. The pandemic has created chaos and upheaval, threatening everything we hold near and dear and requiring us all to be flexible and creative. Through it all, knowing where to find answers has helped keep me on an even keel, solve problems and provide accurate answers for my clients that are struggling to wade through COVID-19 information overload. At some point life will return to “normal” and then I’ll be able to go back to finding answers about lesspressing (but not necessarily less important) issues for my clients and patients. Liz is the owner of Friedrich Nutrition Consulting. Liz's happy place is a 100-year-old farmhouse overlooking the New River is Ashe County, North Carolina, where she spends her time tubing, kayaking and reading great novels. For questions about the HOD, contact Liz at Delegate@nedpg.org.
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Out of Control - And That’s OK Elana Natker, MS, RD Past Chair This issue of Ventures isn’t necessarily centered on the coronavirus pandemic, but as we all write our articles that’s likely what’s on all our minds. The idea for this issue is to provide NE members with tips and tools to weather any kind of crisis, from something as minor as, say, needing to find coverage for your sole proprietorship so you can take an adequate maternity leave. to as major as managing your business in the midst of a global pandemic, such as what we’re currently in as I’m writing this. Even though I’m on the other side of the world, this is truly a global pandemic. I can tell you with complete honesty that my everyday challenges are very similar to those of my friends and family back in the United States. And, despite the fact that I blister at the thought of being a Type-A personality (which probably most Nutrition Entrepreneurs are), I’ve been finding myself lately wrestling with the issue of control. If there’s one thing about a crisis that brings us to our knees, it’s the realization that there’s little within our control. Here’s what has worked for me:
1. R ecognize the need to cede control. Accept the fact that whatever situation you’re in, it’s out of your control. This is scary, as it’s admitting vulnerability and limits of power, but it’s crucial. We are not superwomen and -men. We need to put the trust in people tasked with leading us. That’s not to say we can’t question leadership, but we do have to let others lead sometimes. 2. C ontrol the things you can. Early in coronavirus craziness, as I call it, our kids’ school started prepping us with the possibility of virtual learning. When they closed the school and switched to a distance-based learning, I was still panicked. I had no idea what to expect and how my kids would adapt to this change in routine. So I created a schedule, communicated it to the household, posted it where everyone could see, and stuck to it. We might all have a hard time with the transition to distance learning (and believe me, we did!), but having a plan helped. 3. R elax the rules. We’re all flying by the seat of our pants. Each day it seems there is a new lesson to learn or restriction in place or rule we need to follow. So in our own space - the space we can control - we relax the rules. For my family that meant allowing for more screen time (how else can a tween connect with her friends?) and eating “lunch dessert” sometimes (OK, most days …).
4. L et others take over. Give in to helping hands and don’t be afraid to ask for help as well. One day I was having a rough time for no apparent reason. Fortuitously my husband came home early from work that day, so I gave him a status on where each kid was in his/ her school day, and then I went upstairs to lie down. I stayed in bed for two full hours, just needing to be alone in a dark room under some covers. It took all of my willpower to pull myself out of bed and finally take a shower (by then it was late in the afternoon, nearly dinnertime). I let myself feel that funk and hoped that tomorrow would be a better day. And it actually was! I would never claim to be an expert on how to cope within a crisis, but these bubbled up as common themes that so far are getting me through this crazy time. That, and puzzles. Lots and lots of jigsaw puzzles! Elana Natker, MS, RD - Elana is the owner of Sage Leaf Communications, a nutrition communications agency. When she isn't working, running, playing with her kids or on a date with her husband, you can find her dreaming up the nextbest pizza topping or kneading dough for fresh bread.
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Don’t Just Go Through It; Grow Through It Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD Speakers/Media It’s said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Be it COVID-19, the loss of a contract, a big “no” when you were desperate for a “yes,” we all face crises and challenges that force us to adapt, adjust, change and more importantly, grow. However, it’s important to note that growth may not always be easy. Like a seed in the ground, it can sometimes feel like you are buried in dirt with no light to be seen. As a speaker and media dietitian, like many of you, speaking engagements have been canceled, TV stations have banned outside guests, and many contracts have hit pause indefinitely. Thus, “buried in dirt” might resonate all too well. But remember, that’s the 10%. The 90% mentality says you’re a seed planted in soil and brighter days are coming. The key here is what you choose to do with the 90%; you can suffer from it or cope with it. The definition of “cope” is to “deal effectively with something difficult.” As an entrepreneur who might recently
be dealing with similar difficulties, I’d encourage you to consider this definition of COPE: C - Creativity: Crises can often open up opportunities to be more creative in your practice or business. If you lost a speaking gig, maybe you find a way to make a webinar or a blog post from the content. If you can’t get on TV, maybe you creatively pitch print media or make videos from your kitchen to keep followers engaged. If a contract is on hold, go ahead and keep working on it so you are ahead when things get rolling again. Creatively using let-downs might enhance your business in ways you had not thought of before. O - Opportunity: Crises can create opportunities for you and others. Using disappointments and slow times to fuel you versus discourage you is key. Maybe you look at your business model and find new opportunities to create passive income. Personally, I used the month of April to work on three business projects that I have wanted to do for years but had no time. Time is interesting because it often opens up opportunities for you but also time to give to other people, be it personal or professional. I know being at home this spring I was able to take on a five-week virtual intern who lost her internship and wasn’t going to graduate on time. I called
many friends I don’t talk to often and spent more time with my family. Reframing the obstacle into an opportunity can help propel you through the difficult time. P - Perspective: Crises definitely help us view things differently. Many times we learn to value things we take for granted, even working. Learn to look at difficult times through the 90% lens, considering what can I learn from this, how can I use this to my advantage and what steps can I take now to be successful when I make it through? E - Evaluation: Crises allow us to evaluate how we might do things differently and how we can plan to be more prepared for the next crisis, as one will come. Maybe you need to reconsider how much money you save monthly, how you operate your contacts and payments or how you can establish other passive forms of income for the future. Remember, don’t just go through difficult times; make it your goal to grow through them instead. Amy owns her own consulting business and is a Certified Sports Specialist in Sports Dietetics. With a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in exercise and sports nutrition, she is passionate about marrying the two to provide quality, science-based nutrition information through speaking, media, writing and consulting.
One Day at a Time Brooke Fredrickson, RDN, LRD, CDE Treasurer I don’t know about you, but COVID-19 hit me like a ton of bricks. It was not the virus itself nor the fear of getting sick, but the dead stop it put on my life. Just like you, I’ve had to grieve my losses and adjust to this new normal.
Work As more and more restrictions were put into place, I was asked to work more from home and work fewer hours. On a positive note, this gave me more time to work on the virtual side of my business. The extra time at home allowed me to start and finish some projects that had been put on
the backburner for a later time. It forced me to look at my business and what other things that I could do to generate income during a time like this. At first, I felt the need to be extra productive and try to hustle through this, but I found that I did not have the mental energy to do so. With everything going on, I still haven’t been able to get into that mode and that’s okay. Rather than trying to hustle and do all the things, I am just taking one day at a time. How about you? Are you struggling to stay focused on work or are you finding time to knock out some goals? Either way, give yourself grace to get through it.
hour away. I am used to going there to visit her at least twice a week, but now because of COVID-19, I am not allowed to see her. My separation from her has been hard, but my faith has played a big role in my ability to cope with life’s current disappointments. I know that this is temporary, and I look forward to the day when I will get to hold her again. How has social distancing affected you? Are you finding that you have more time for the important things in life?
Family
Brooke is a business owner, speaker and writer. She offers nutrition counseling and healthcare consulting services in rural North Dakota. Her passion is to help women overcome body image issues and rigid eating patterns through her faith-based approach. She loves to be outdoors, spend time with her family, and eat really good food.
Thankfully, my husband’s work has not been affected. I now have my thirteen-year-old son tackling distance learning at home with me. I also have an eleven-year-old daughter who lives at a special needs school about an
Take one day at a time. We will get through this. We are all in this together.
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Communication and Connection Emily Merklen, MS, RDN Director of Communications “Great communication begins with connection. What makes us different from one another is so much less important than what makes us alike - we all long for acceptance and significance. When we recognize those needs in ourselves, we can better understand them in others, and that’s when we can set aside our judgements and just hear.” - Oprah Winfrey During this time, when our world and way of life have shifted, I’ve noticed one common theme – we are all longing for connection. Whether that is connection with friends, family, colleagues, strangers or just ourselves, we are all choosing to connect in the ways that allow us to best cope individually. Some of us are feeling ambitious, excited and eager to communicate our knowledge, build our businesses and help others.
Some of us are feeling overwhelmed, conflicted and anxious about the push to be productive with this time. Some of us are still figuring out how we’re feeling and it changes every day. As communicators of nutrition and wellness, I think it is important that we read our audience to know what they need. This communication could be to clients during a telehealth session, to colleagues on a Zoom call, to followers on Instagram, to family members during dinner or to friends in a text message. We must assess what type of connection our clients want, and communicate in a way that helps cultivate that connection in this time. We must also assess what connection our family and friends need so that we can help them cope as well. Depending on which audience you are communicating with, and what type of connection they need most, consider the following ideas: 1. Share an inspirational and positive message on social media. This can be on your own page, on a live video or in your stories.
2. S end your friend or family member a favorite online workout or meditation video. If they need time to themselves, this can help them cultivate inner and outer connection, and help them disconnect from social media if they are feeling overwhelmed. 3. Email your colleagues to schedule regular Zoom call check-ins, to share ideas, brainstorm and keep that sense of face-to-face human interaction. Most important, reach out to your network for the connection and communication that YOU need to cope right now. Don’t forget to check in with yourself as much as you check in with others. Emily works in nutrition communications and marketing. Emily loves to travel and experience new food and cultures. She can usually be found making food in her kitchen to share on @borntokale or at a boutique fitness studio engaging in joyful movement.
Look For The Silver Linings Deanna HowardGonzalez, MBA, RD, LD, CDE Reimbursement Chair I must admit that the COVID-19 pandemic was a bit of a gut punch to me in my personal and professional life. I am doing my best to personally remind myself to be positive and find the joy in the middle of the storm. I have been encouraged to slow down and appreciate the little things, like riding bikes as a family around the neighborhood. I do struggle with how to do this professionally. How do I “slow down” but remain productive and profitable? This is an experience that does not have a guidebook. So, we ask ourselves, how can we be positive and look for the so-called silver lining professionally? My answer has been virtual practice visits. All of us in traditional
face-to-face practitioner roles just got a huge push into the virtual practice arena whether we were ready for it or not. To be perfectly honest, I have not been a big fan of telehealth in the past. It has always been an energy drainer for me. I find that I am worried and anxious about making an emotional connection with the person. Add the stress of possible technical connection issues with this type of service and I am tapped out. Today, I am practicing and getting more comfortable with the virtual setting. I am building different experiences with telehealth and I am very thankful for it. The bright side is that we live in a remarkable time in which many of us are blessed to have the technology, access and privilege to be able to maintain our work with our patients and keep our businesses thriving. We are building, growing and expanding our skill sets. We are a profession that is the epitome of adapting and overcoming. This situation will allow us all to become
comfortable with the potential changing and evolving service platforms. The COVID-19 pandemic will open doors to opportunities we did not even see coming, such as other patient populations and wider prospects for all willing dietitians. These opportunities even have the possibility to change our paradigm of services and reimbursement for the future, with our patients becoming more comfortable, and private as well as public payers realizing the benefits and improvements telehealth can provide. Positive vibes are coming our way. Keep looking for the silver lining. Deanna is the founder and owner of Emerald Coast Diabetes & Nutrition Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Deanna and her team help patients heal their relationship with food and their bodies. In her freetime, you can find Deanna on or near the water or doing some kind of painting project. Her family believes she just might have an addiction to painting as she is always redoing furniture, or doing crafts or some other project involving paint.
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Self-Care in a Crisis Kimberley RoseFrancis, RDN, LD, CDE Hub Manager By now we’re all wellversed on proper hand hygiene and social distancing due to COVID-19, but has the novel virus prompted you to think differently? Telehealth, distance learning and working from home are just some of the new normal activities we’ve embraced since the outbreak. While it is important to be present for our clients, business, friends and family members, we also need to take care of ourselves. Recently I had a COVID-19 scare. I was on quarantine for a little over a week due to one of my family members possibly being exposed and it was scary. Here are a few self-care tips I learned to destress during this time: 1. G et outside daily. We are all aware there is no vitamin, mineral or magic pill we could take to ward off COVID-19; however, we’ve all been inside a lot more lately. If we are not getting an adequate amount of Vitamin D from
our diets, this sunshine vitamin is also obtained from sun exposure. Daily, I picked up gardening and sunbathing just to change my scenery, de-stress and get some fresh air. Fun fact: while it has NOT been proven that Vitamin D can lower your risk for COVID-19, Vitamin D is known to modulate your immune response. 2. Unplug. Anyone else overwhelmed by the news? Sometimes you have to unplug. Taking a break from the daily COVID-19 update and social media can be beneficial for your mental health. In this serious time you have to find something to laugh about. Laughter releases endorphins in the brain and who doesn’t want this “feel good hormone”? Watching a comedy show, virtual conferencing with your closest friends and having a family game night are ways to unplug. Fun fact: While on quarantine, checkers was my handsdown go-to family game. 3. Exercise. Raise your hands if you miss going to your local gym. The dietitian in me wants to speak about heart health during this time, but I’ll refrain. To be
honest, I’m not even a gym person, but exercise is a must. Like laughter, exercise releases endorphins and helps you destress. I’ve played competitive sports all my life so exercise is an integral part of my life. I used to go outside and take a jog around the neighborhood, but that is now off-limits. To get my heart rate up and break a sweat I exercise indoors instead - right in the middle of my living room or office. YouTube has been a great resource offering free exercise classes. Dance workouts thus far have been my favorite. If you don’t have a treadmill or a stationary bike, try dancing it out.
Kim is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Educator with close to a decade of clinical experience. She thinks of herself as a virtual cheerleader! Kim has two passions, the first of which is for students and dietetic interns. For this reason, Kim started a YouTube channel and has created step-by-step nutrition support videos and worksheets to help future dietitians accomplish their goals. Her second is for those newly diagnosed with diabetes or have uncontrolled diabetes and related complications. She has also created video resources for her clients and also provides nutrition counseling sessions to reach their health goals.
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How to Show Up For Your People in Times of Crisis Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS Mentor Coordinator We are going through an unprecedented time right now. With the economy suffering and so many people out of work, you may be worried about finding clients and marketing right now. Or, if you are just starting up, you may wonder: “Is now really the right time to start a business?” There is always a reason why people won’t start a business or won’t take steps to maintain a business. It’s important to reflect: is this a true fear, or are you getting in your own way? You may have extra time right now or you may not - and either is OK. Everyone has a different way of processing emotions, and you’re entitled to do whatever it takes to work through this transition. For some this may look like stepping back in your business and pausing, while for others this may be the time to stay busy and keep moving forward. Both are valid responses, and you need to do what is best for you.
But no matter what, you need to remember that your people still need you. The last thing I want is for dietitians to hold themselves back from starting a business or from serving people in their businesses. Your marketing may change but your mission stays the same. Especially if what you offer helps people create more stability, connection and compassion. This is what people need right now, so don’t hold yourself back from helping them. You can be sensitive to the emotional needs of your people and still offer help and value. Here are a few ways that you can show up for your people:
1. A sk your audience: What is it that
they need from you right now? What are they struggling with? What is it that would be helpful for them at this moment? We may have an idea, but the best thing we can do is reach out and engage with our audience, whether this is through social media, your email list, or even personal emails to past and present clients.
2. Think about ways you can provide
connection and value. Can you show up more on social media in live videos? Can you host free community connection video chats?
Can you create a free download with helpful tips applicable to your niche and ideal client? Based on what you learn from your audience, find ways that you can shift your marketing and content development to best serve your audience.
3. Be flexible with your pricing. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to charge less but can you offer more flexible payment plans? Or can you create lower-price offerings to give people a variety of choices and payment levels in regards to working with you? This could be the time to finally build that online course! Remember that marketing and selling are really SERVING your people and providing value. How you position your offer may change, but your mission is still the same. Alissa is the owner of Alissa Rumsey Nutrition and Wellness, a virtual private practice that specializes in intuitive eating, body acceptance and disordered eating. She is also the founder of the Dietitian Entrepreneur Mastermind Retreat and is passionate about empowering dietitians to confidently start, grow and scale their businesses. More often than not she can be found traveling around the world, laptop in tow.
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Take Advantage Stephanie Dorfman, MS, RDN Incoming Director of Meetings During these unprecedented times and living in a constant unknown, things can get a little scary. Events are canceled, jobs are affected and life is ultimately put on hold. Every day almost feels the same, as if we are living in the Twilight Zone. BUT – we don’t really need that reminder right now, do we? Instead, let’s switch gears, change perspective and take advantage of our newfound time. Without daily commutes, driving to extracurricular activities and attending social events, we may have more hours in our day to live – what can we do with those hours? It’s not necessarily about “how much” you can accomplish in this extra time, but rather, partaking in activities you may not have had time for in the past. Here are just a few examples of things to take advantage of while we’re all staying safe at home.
• Community. Staying in touch with friends, family, coworkers and DPG members is so important. It helps create a sense of normalcy, even though we will only virtually be together. Reach out to old friends, people you have lost touch with, or potential new friends – form or strengthen bonds and uplift each others’ spirits. • Learning. Is there a new skill you have been wanting to learn, but haven’t had the time? Well, it’s the perfect time to have a new hobby! Check out some videos, articles, online classes, or better yet, get a friend involved and teach each other a new skill. • Cooking. Wondering what to do with those ingredients in the back of your pantry? Have some fresh produce to use before it goes bad? Use this time to cook or bake a new recipe, or get creative and concoct your own recipe. Have a virtual dinner party with friends and family and share your new creation. •D aydreaming. Keeping a journal during this time may be helpful to hash out everything flowing through our minds. As with most NE members living the entrepreneurial lifestyle, our brains are
overflowing with new ideas, so write them down. You never know what could turn into your next endeavor. • Technology. Despite an effort to reduce screen time, we can find ways to use these screens to our advantage. Video chatting, messaging, posting and more is what will keep us going. It will help us take advantage of staying in touch, furthering our knowledge, becoming a chef and researching our new ideas. We are all in this together. Let’s take advantage of having each other to help remain optimistic during this time.
Stephanie is passionate about all things wellness, running outdoors, puppies, peanut butter, and spreading all of the joy. When she’s not at her corporate food service job, you can find her running (usually in Astoria or Central Park), baking challah, or laughing with family and friends. During the summer months, look for her at her favorite sleep-away summer camp, where her family still works and where her grandparents met. Stephanie loves being able to combine all her passions into her profession every day.
Be A Cheerleader Janine Faber, MEd, RDN, LD Nominating Committee Member You are valued. This is a statement we need to hear now more than ever and I am reminding myself of these three things: 1. R ephrase the word “should.” I sometimes catch myself saying I “should” be doing more of this or I “should” have more of that when I see others’ work. It’s important for us to rephrase the word “should” in our vocabulary. Instead of feeling like you “should” do something because of someone else, refocus and lean on your own goals and priorities. Remind yourself of your accomplishments with your personal feats and growth. Each day may be and feel different.
2. K eep a folder. I have a physical manila folder and an online folder with positive feedback, emails and comments I have received from clients, mentors, past co-workers and managers, students and interns. There are days when I need a little extra boost and reminder of how I have added value to a team or client or provided a memorable experience with a student or intern. We all provide value; we just need a reminder now and then. 3. E ncourage other nutrition entrepreneurs and registered dietitians. Be a cheerleader! If you attend an NEDPG webinar or presentation, see an Instagram takeover story, or read a Ventures article you really enjoy, reach out to the presenter or author and let her or him know. Better yet, follow him or her on social media, “like” some of the person’s posts and comment. We all experience self-doubt and are going through an emotional time right now, but cheering on someone else who has made an impact on you, even slightly, can turn into a great connection or cheerleader for you.
I recently attended a training where a dietitian in a leadership role with the Academy presented. She shared with us her passions, excellent work examples and outreach. In the same presentation, she also shared with us some of her challenges and experiences she learned from, like wardrobe attire and a lapel mic. The presenter left before the end of the training, so I sent her an email note with a couple specific examples of why I enjoyed her presentation. She responded and shared how my email had made her day and encouraged me to stay in touch. We are all going through a challenging time right now, but we can lift each other up by being cheerleaders for others and yourself.
Janine is a Cincinnati-based dietitian and owner of Janine Faber Nutrition, LLC. As a nutrition communications consultant, Janine focuses on media communications, health professional outreach and community education. She is often out with her two young kids exploring farmers’ markets, museums and the local amusement park. You can follow Janine on IG at @janine.faber.nutrition.
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Five Steps to Become Irresistibly Attractive with Positivity Chere Bork, MS, RDN Abundance Ambassador “I’ve only gotten one client from my campaign.” “She really has a lot more followers on Facebook compared to me.” Sound familiar? Too often we measure ourselves by what did not work or what we did not accomplish. And, we beat ourselves up. Maybe others see you as competent and compassionate but you often feel like you just don’t measure up. Measure up to what? Maybe you are not clear on the standards you have chosen to measure yourself by. Maybe your standards are unrealistic. Maybe you forgot that success and positivity are internal. Together, they make up the internal foundation we cultivate that creates a safe place for us to think, feel and speak from - regardless of our external world and regardless of what others do or say. Why not focus on being irresistibly attractive so you radiate positivity? Be confident, stand up tall, believe in yourself and stand in your own power. Here are five steps to becoming irresistibly attractive:
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1. D evote strong attention to your thoughts. Everything begins with your thoughts. Contentment starts with you … not your spouse, colleagues, your clients, how your body looks or how much money you made last year, but with you. It is not always easy to find happiness in ourselves, but it is impossible to find it elsewhere. What you focus on gets bigger and bolder. Focus on not being good enough, and you will surely not be good enough. Focus on thinking you nailed that project, and you will attract more projects just like that one. 2. L ive in the now. Attraction lives in the moment, not the future. Your goal is to hop out of bed every morning in fabulous amazement at what you have in your life, the fabulous people you have in your life and the opportunities that will be presented in the day. Every day is a gift; don’t waste it! 3. U nder-promise and over-deliver using your gifts. You have unique gifts. There is no one like you. You just need to “do you” and show up and add to other people’s lives using your gifts. Strive for excellent customer service and satisfaction by doing more than you said you would and exceeding customer’s expectations. Be irresistibly attractive! 4. E liminate tolerations. Tolerations are beliefs, or things that we put up with, or ways we are dragged down by other people’s behavior. It can also be unmet personal needs, crossed boundaries, unfinished business or even our
beliefs that we are not good enough. Attraction won’t find you until you are toleration-free and you are ready. I don’t know about you but I know about me. I am happiest when I stop comparing myself to other Registered Dietitians and other professional speakers – what they are doing and what they want. The important question is,“What do I want?” 5. T hink big. Attraction happens when there is a healthy vacuum between where you are and what you want to have happen. The wider the gap, the greater the pulling power of attraction. When you don’t feel good about yourself, it is almost impossible to think big. You are telling the Universe you don’t deserve or need much and the Law of Attraction will respond by not giving you much. Why limit your possibilities and your future by limiting your expectations? If you only expect a little, chances are you’ll never get much. You get what you expect. Do you want to expect a little or a lot? You choose! Follow these steps to exude positivity. Since positivity is infectious, you will be irresistibly attractive. Better get busy! Chere Bork, aka “The Dietitian Energy Igniter,” is the happy owner of cherebork.com and a Law of Attraction coach. She gives RDNs a confidence boost to live the lives they have always wanted. She helps them find clarity so that they can be the best they can be. She thought she was a failure many times in her career. And every time the challenge and adversity created a more beautiful meaningful life. She wants that for you – a beautiful meaningful life!
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Alternative Coping Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LD Second Career Dietitians The S Word Did you know that stress can be both good and bad? That’s right! Good stress is called eustress; it motivates and gives the right amount of excitement and pressure to get a project done. Everyone needs a bit of stress in their lives in order to be happy, challenged and productive. Distress is bad stress. When pressure and tension are too much to handle, we respond negatively. In the body, stress raises cortisol, the stress hormone, which leads to increased blood pressure, faster heart rate, and higher blood glucose. Essentially your body is getting ready to fight or flee. This can be extremely helpful in running away from a bear, but a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t something we can run away from. For many of us it has passed from eustress to distress, leading to chronic elevated cortisol. The high cortisol will wreak havoc unless we actively do things to reduce it.
So how do you manage stress and reduce cortisol? We don’t just want to mask our stress with negative coping mechanisms, but rather reduce cortisol in a real and tangible way. We all know the basics: eat a healthy balanced diet, prioritize sleep and get regular physical activity, but here are a few more that you may want to add to your daily routine: 1. Smile - I know it sounds cheesy, but researchers did a study in which they had participants hold chopsticks in their mouths which caused them to have either a neutral expression, a smile or a duchenne smile (genuine smile with the eyes). The participants then performed stressful tasks while holding these chopsticks. Using heart rate as a proxy for stress level, they found the smilers had lower heart rates than the neutral expression but the genuine smilers, the lowest. Somehow putting a smile on your face (even if you don’t feel happy) can result in positive feelings and reduced stress levels. 2. G ive a hug or hold a hand* - Hugging or holding hands with someone before a stressful task reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Other evidence shows that hugs and hand-holding
reduce cortisol in the body. Scientists have found that our skin gets more sensitive to the touch so that someone holding your hand is most effective when stress is highest. A seven-second hug is all it takes to have an effect on your physiology. *This requires having someone in your house whom you’re not social distancing from!
3. Breathe - Slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system which serves to lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce the harmful effects of cortisol in the body. If you’re new to breathing as a stress reliever try this: relax your shoulders, sit up straight and close your eyes. Inhale deeply through the nose trying to expand your diaphragm while keeping your shoulders down. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly blow your breath out through pursed lips. Repeat three times. Jessica is a nutrition and lifestyle counselor in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She loves to read cookbooks but hardly ever follows a recipe as she prefers to use them as “inspiration.” She loves coaching her clients to make real-life changes for improving their health. When Jessica isn't cooking or talking about food, she enjoys rock climbing, dancing and reading with her two daughters.
Do What’s Right for You Emily Holdorf, MS, RDN, LDN Technology/Social Media In this time of social distancing, in some aspects, it seems like we’re even more connected to people, and in others it seems like so long since we’ve had true human interaction. When the pandemic first began, I - along with many of you - was feeling unsettled, and thinking what we may (or may not) have been posting on social media was trivial or not applicable any more. In the
first couple weeks, I personally laid low until I felt settled in my own “new” routine and found my voice again. No matter how long it’s taking you to find your rhythm, or maybe just some sort of faint beat to tap your foot to, know that it’s okay and completely normal. During these unprecedented times, I’ve found that taking a step back to reevaluate my values and goals for the year has been a guiding light in what has seemed like a time of darkness. There’s no need to try to rush back into a sense of normalcy or maintain a front of holding it all together. Sharing with others how you’re truly feeling during this time is what is going to build a community and sense of realness.
With all that being said, take your time and give yourself grace with your social media plan. Recognize that even though this situation may be out of your control, it is your responsibility to respond to it in whatever way makes you feel comfortable. Maybe that means taking a break, or even ramping up what you’re sharing on the internet. Whatever your decision, make the right one for you. Emily is the owner of EmPowered Nutrition, which focuses on Intuitive Eating for busy, young professionals. You can typically find Emily in the kitchen creating recipes and taking pictures of food for her blog. When she’s not practicing nutrition, she’s exploring the restaurant and brewery scene, eating ice cream and spending time outdoors.
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Ventures
www.nedpg.org
Enterprising News & Ideas for Nutrition Entrepreneurs
Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT 24 Copperbeech Road Saint James, NY 11780
We Appreciate Your Membership! We appreciate your Academy and Nutrition Entrepreneurs membership and commitment to the profession as a member during the 2019-20 membership year. While we navigate this unprecedented time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy and NE DPG remain committed to serving our members. Now more than ever, you need the cuttingedge practice information and professional resources Academy membership offers at the national level, while also maximizing the benefits of the Nutrition Entrepreneurs, such as these issues of Ventures, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities.
The Academy recognizes that membership renewal coincides with this challenging time and is offering several options to help with your renewal: The membership renewal deadline has been extended through June 30 online, by phone or by mail. An option to pay dues in two equal installments is now available. The first installment is due by June 30, and a second installment is due by September 15. If financial hardship threatens your ability to maintain Academy membership, you may request an application for a Financial Hardship Dues Reduction. Renew your membership with the Academy and the Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG online or by calling the Academy Member Service Center toll-free at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Central Time). International callers can reach us at +1-312/899-0040, ext. 5000. For more information on the installment and hardship options, please email membership@eatright.org or call the Academy Member Service Center. With programs and support at both the local and national level, now is the time to stay connected. Today, tomorrow and beyond, the Academy and Nutrition Entrepreneurs are here to amplify your voice, your profession and your career. We’re stronger together!
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