Business Books for Nutrition Entrepreneurs
My business book recommendations for dietitians starting a business and for those nutrition entrepreneurs who want to keep growing.
I am a registered dietitian. I don’t have a MBA. I’ve never taken a business course either. I spent my time and energies learning about nutrition. Pediatric nutrition. But, when I decided to go out on my own and open my business, the biggest obstacle in getting started was my lack of business savvy.
I did not have any clue about business. Remember, I’m a healthcare provider. The focus is on different stuff when we’re trained.
Before I launched, I spent a year reading about being a nutrition entrepreneur and how to start a nutrition business. Specifically, a private practice.
Back then, there wasn’t a whole lot of guidance in the field of nutrition. So I had to look outside my industry.
I started my business in 2008. I did everything myself. I bootstrapped and penny-pinched the process as much as I could. I did spend $500 on a lawyer to get my LLC set up, but other than that, I ran my business as lean as one could.
I learned a lot by doing. Figuring things out in real time.
How do I set up a credit card machine? (Venmo and online payment systems were scarce then.)
What’s the best way to keep track of my schedule?
How do I keep the data on my clients secure?
How do I let other healthcare professionals know I’m open and ready?
I had lots of questions and had to find the answers myself.
Books helped me get started and refine my business. And they especially helped me conquer mindset barriers, and how I go about achieving my goals.
I’m still a business book reader, and I share them in my mastermind programs with other up-and-coming dietitians in business.
I’m sharing some of my best business book recommendations here. Ones that helped me learn how to run a business.
Please note: each of the following links are Amazon Affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase through a link below (and thank you, it supports my website and the content I share with you!)
17 Business Book Recommendations for Nutrition Entrepreneurs
1. Entrepreneurial You by Dori Clark
Learn the many ways to make money and have impact as an entrepreneur.
2. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Develop a habit of time blocking so you can dive deep into project work…and actually finish!
3. Traction by Gino Wickman
Set your business mission, vision and plans for growth in a systematic way.
4. Stand Out by Dori Clark
Lots of ideas about how to stand out in a crowded category.
5. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Simple, straightforward, easy questions to ask your clients to move the needle.
6. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
Take the leap and achieve your true potential. I’ve read this one so many times…
7. The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle
How to get better at what you’re already good at.
8. Ready to Be a Thought Leader? By Denise Brosseau
On what a thought leader is and how can you embrace your own thought leadership.
9. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
You can make limitless money if you shift your money mindset.
10. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Why ideas, trends and businesses go viral.
11. Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Discover your purpose in your work and business.
12. Made to Stick by Chip Heath
Why ideas and stories stick in our minds and become memorable and how to get your ideas to stick.
13. The E Myth by Michael E. Gerber
Dispel the myths and assumptions around starting a business so you can move forward and grow.
14. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Break bad habits and start good ones that make a difference in life and business.
15. Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Get the right things done in less time.
16. The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
How a practice of focus on one thing can change your business.
17. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
Focus on the talents and tools you already have to make decisions that move your business forward.
Want Support While You Grow Your Nutrition Business?
If you feel like you’re spinning your wheels, not making the money you know you are capable of making, or can’t seem to make the widespread impact your ideas deserve, perhaps taking the ‘big leap’ and hiring a business coach is your next step.
I’ve coached dozens of dietitians in my mastermind, STRIVE. Whether you’re in the early phase of running your own business or have been doing it for years, I can help you see the possibilities, realize your goals, and keep you accountable along the way.
If being part of a paid mastermind is just what you need, schedule a discovery call with me today.
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