A: You have to do the work. I would love to tell you that your Instagram posts will get you to where you want to be. But at the end of the day, there are some things that you only accomplish by doing the work, day in and day out. And that means it doesn’t happen overnight. It might take six months, a year, or a few years. If you are diligent, do what you need to do, work your contacts, get in the right room, and build bridges in the sports nutrition community, you can create a career that offers you many different opportunities and income streams—working with different teams and groups, different types of athletes, and different professionals. But note, it’s super important that you are  doing the work now and looking for every opportunity to say “yes” to give you the experience you need.

A: If I could only tell you all how many times I’ve been asked this question.
First, it’s about competence. You have to start with the basics of laying the foundation of competence by getting the required education.
Second, it's about confidence. Do you have confidence in knowing how to work in the sports nutrition industry and the ins and outs of how it all works?
Then finally, do you have the leadership skills to step in and start to carve out a role for yourself, create a program, or pitch a position that doesn’t exist? If you want to get experience, you’ve got to build your competence and confidence so that you can get out there. Once those things are in place, star volunteering or looking for opportunities everywhere you can. Every experience counts, but you have to put in the extra work to often make them happen.

A: How do you make your name stand out so that people invite you to stand on stages, speak, do media, whatever it is? While we all need to get paid and we all need to fund our businesses, there is value to doing stuff for free. A lot of times, you have to get out there, and you have to do the work to create a name for yourself. You would not believe how much I have done for free! The early years of my career (note I said years plural) I did talk after talk, wrote blog after blog, gave expert quote after expert quote, etc. for free! I did TV interviews for 10 years before I ever made one penny doing them. There is value in gaining experience and getting yourself out there to all different groups in all different areas. If you do the time and are a good resource, income will follow. But hear me out, many times that means just doing the work at 110% level and for free. It builds value and with value comes credibility and more opportunities.

A: Networking is crucial for professionals in the sports nutrition industry, as it allows them to connect with key players, stay updated on industry trends, and explore potential collaboration opportunities. Here's why networking is important in this field:

1. Industry Connections: Building a network of contacts within the sports nutrition industry can provide valuable insights into market trends, emerging research, and new product developments.
2. Career Opportunities: Networking opens doors to potential job opportunities, whether it's through direct referrals or by learning about job openings before they're publicly advertised.
3. Knowledge Exchange: Engaging with peers and experts in the field enables professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and stay informed about advancements in sports nutrition science.
4. Partnerships and Collaborations: Networking can lead to partnerships with other professionals or organizations, fostering collaboration on research projects, product development, marketing campaigns, or business opportunities.
5. Professional Development: Attending industry events, conferences, and workshops facilitates ongoing learning and professional development, which is essential in a field as dynamic as sports nutrition.

There are two main sports nutrition organizations designed for registered dietitians:

CPSDA - Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association - With over 1,600 members, CPSDA represents sports dietitians doing sports nutrition. They offer an annual conference as well as other workshops throughout the year. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to get involved via webinars, huddles, and special interest groups. The member rate is low and you do not have to be an Academy member to be a part. In my opinion, if you want to be a sports dietitian, being a member of CPSDA is a must.

SHPN - Sports and Human Performance Nutrition DPG - SHPN is the sports nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (DPG). They offer a variety of resources and webinars for sports nutrition as well as a virtual conference. There are volunteer and mentor opportunities and ways to connect with experienced dietitians. You do have to be an Academy member to be a part of this DPG.

A: My best advice is to “build a bridge.” Think about what connections you DO have. Do you live in the city where you played volleyball? Do you have nieces or nephews who play soccer locally? Are you connected to any personal trainers at local gyms? Make a list of at least five connections that you have in the sports fitness world.

Next, build a bridge by reaching out to that person or group and offering to provide a sports nutrition service. For example, you could give a free “How to Fuel Practice” presentation to the soccer team, create a sports nutrition handout with your contact information on it for the personal trainer to give to his/her clients, write a sports nutrition blog for your high school sports team, etc. This can help you create an audience for your current or future services.

One of the best ways to build an audience or client group is to help other people’s audiences and platforms. Once you build a bridge, continue to strengthen it by collaborating, providing more value-added information (blogs, social media posts, handouts, etc.), and offering services. This can help grow your connections, your audience, and your potential clientele

A: Networking online in the professional space can be highly effective if approached strategically. Here's how to make the most of social media platforms and professional networking sites:

Optimize Your Profiles: Make sure your profiles on professional networking sites like LinkedIn are complete and up to date. Include a professional profile photo, a compelling headline, a clear summary of your professional background, and relevant work experience. This way, when others find you online, they know who you are and what you offer. Providing your email in the contact information section is also an excellent opportunity for people to reach out to you.

Engage with Content: Engage with content from industry leaders and peers on LinkedIn, professional Facebook groups, professional listservs, and other platforms. Commenting on and liking posts can help you establish your presence and build connections with others.

Share Credible Content: Share articles, insights, and resources from credible sources relevant to your industry and/or niche. By providing value to your network, you demonstrate expertise and stay top-of-mind with your connections. This also opens the door for you to connect with individuals from other people’s network from which you shared the content.

Participate in Discussions: Join listservs and professional Facebook groups to participate in discussions and share your insights. This can open opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Personalize Connection Requests: When sending LinkedIn connection requests, personalize your message. Introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect. This approach makes your request more meaningful and likely to be accepted. Then after connecting with someone, send a message thanking them for connecting.

Leverage Introductions: If you see someone you want to connect with, and you have a mutual connection, ask the mutual connection for an introduction. This can increase your chances of making a meaningful connection.

Attend Online Events: Attend webinars, online conferences, and other virtual events. Engage with other attendees during the event through chat features, and follow up with interesting contacts afterward.

Track and Nurture Relationships: Keep track of your connections and periodically touch base with them. Sending an occasional message to check in and see how they're doing can keep your relationships strong. By combining these strategies, you can build a robust online professional network that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations. Remember that networking is about building relationships over time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.

A: Navigating the balance between networking for career advancement and building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships can be a nuanced process. Here are some of my top strategies professionals can employ to strike that balance:

Shift Focus from Transactional to Relational:
Approach networking with the mindset of building relationships rather than simply seeking career advancement. Genuine connections often lead to opportunities naturally.
Offer Value First: Consider what you can bring to the table for others, whether it's sharing resources, offering support, or providing introductions. Building relationships on a foundation of mutual benefit helps establish trust and credibility.
Be Authentic and Transparent: Be yourself in networking situations. Authenticity can build trust and create stronger connections. Transparency about your goals and interests can lead to more meaningful conversations.
Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what the other person is saying and show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. Active listening can foster deeper connections and open the door to mutual understanding.
Maintain Regular Contact: Nurture your network by staying in touch regularly. This can be as simple as a quick check-in email, sharing relevant articles, or scheduling a catch-up call. Regular contact helps keep relationships fresh and builds trust over time.
Be Selective and Intentional: Prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to your network. Focus on building strong relationships with a smaller group of people rather than trying to connect with as many as possible.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve through networking and build your approach around those goals. Knowing your objectives can help guide your interactions and make them more purposeful.
Give Credit and Recognition: When someone in your network helps you or contributes to your success, acknowledge their efforts publicly or privately. This can strengthen your relationships and demonstrate appreciation.
Manage Expectations: Networking is a long-term investment, not a quick-fix solution. Be patient and recognize that relationships take time to develop and flourish.
Reciprocate and Stay Grateful: If someone does you a favor or introduces you to an opportunity, make an effort to reciprocate in some way. Express gratitude for any help or guidance you receive. I am a huge believer that networking is THE key to success. Yes, you have to be good and what you do, but networking is what opens the doors. By focusing on building genuine relationships and being mindful of others' needs, you can navigate the networking landscape, opening up opportunities, while staying true to your values and career goals.

A: Maintaining and nurturing professional connections in a fast-paced industry like sports nutrition requires consistent effort and strategic approaches. Here are my three top tips:

Regular Communication: Stay in touch with your professional contacts regularly, even if it's just a quick email or LinkedIn message to check in. Connecting and communicating on social media (DMs, shares, etc.) are also simple ways to communicate and connect with colleagues.

Offer Value: Look for ways to provide value to your connections. This could be through sharing your expertise, offering assistance or advice, making introductions to other professionals in your network, or collaborating on projects. By being helpful and supportive, you not only strengthen your existing relationships but also position yourself as a valuable resource within your industry.

Face-to-Face Interactions: While digital communication is convenient, face-to-face interactions are invaluable for building stronger connections. Attend industry conferences, networking events, or workshops where you can meet your contacts in person. These interactions allow for more meaningful conversations, deeper relationship building, and can often lead to new opportunities or collaborations.

By consistently communicating, offering value, and prioritizing face-to-face interactions, you can maintain and nurture your professional connections in the fast-paced and dynamic industry of sports nutrition. This is ultimately what can help build and strengthen your career and opportunities.

A: Overcoming networking challenges, such as introversion or lack of confidence in social settings, requires adopting strategies that play to your strengths and help you feel more comfortable and confident. Here are five of my favorite strategies:

Set Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming to meet every single person in the room, set specific and achievable goals for each networking event. This could be as simple as initiating conversations with three new people or exchanging contact information with one potential collaborator. Setting realistic goals, and knowing what you want out of the conversation or connection can help alleviate the pressure and make networking feel more manageable.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Instead of trying to network with as many people as possible, focus on building deeper connections with a few individuals. Look for common interests or experiences that you can bond over, and engage in meaningful conversations that allow you to learn more about each other's backgrounds, goals, and challenges. Quality interactions are often more valuable than superficial exchanges.

Prepare Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise and compelling elevator pitch that succinctly communicates who you are, what you do, and what you're passionate about. Having a well-rehearsed pitch can help you feel more confident when introducing yourself to new contacts and make a memorable impression. Practice delivering your pitch until it feels natural and authentic. And remember, this can change over time with different seasons of your job and career.

Utilize Networking Tools: Leverage technology and networking tools to facilitate connections and follow-ups. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to research attendees before an event, send personalized connection requests, and continue conversations online after the event has ended. Additionally, consider using business cards or digital contact-sharing apps to exchange information effortlessly.

Seek Out Smaller, Intimate Events: If large networking events feel overwhelming, consider attending smaller, more intimate gatherings where you can have more meaningful interactions with fewer people. Look for niche events or industry-specific meetups where you're likely to find like-minded individuals with shared interests. Smaller settings can be less intimidating and allow for deeper connections to form. Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even if you're introverted or lack confidence in social settings. The key is having a plan and preparing in advance so that you maximize your time at an event or conference.

A: Networking on LinkedIn is crucial for professionals to build relationships, share knowledge, and advance their careers. For sports dietitians, effective networking can lead to opportunities with food and nutrition brands, performance coaches, and other sports dietitians. Here are some strategies, including specific examples:

1. Optimize Your Profile

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete, professional, and tailored to your field.

• Headline: Clearly state your role and specialty. For example, "Sports Dietitian Specializing in Performance Nutrition for Athletes."
• Summary: Write a concise summary highlighting your experience, expertise, and goals. Mention your interest in collaborating with brands, coaches, and peers.
• Experience and Education: Detail your relevant work experience, certifications, and educational background.

2. Connect Strategically

Connect with professionals who can provide value to your network and career.

• Food and Nutrition Brands: Search for key individuals in marketing, product development, or nutrition science roles at relevant companies. Send personalized connection requests explaining your interest in their work and how you can mutually benefit.
  • Example: "Hi [Name], I’m a sports dietitian passionate about performance nutrition. I admire [Brand]'s innovative products and would love to connect to discuss potential collaborations."
• Performance Coaches: Look for coaches at gyms, sports teams, or training facilities. Highlight your shared interest in athlete performance and nutrition.
  • Example: "Hi [Name], as a sports dietitian, I’m impressed by your work in enhancing athlete performance. I’d love to connect and explore how we can support each other’s efforts."
• Other Sports Dietitians: Join groups and forums specific to sports nutrition. Send connection requests to peers with a note on common interests or mutual connections.
  • Example: "Hi [Name], I noticed we both specialize in sports nutrition and have several mutual connections. I’d love to connect and share insights."

3. Engage Regularly

Stay active on LinkedIn by engaging with your network.

• Post Content: Share articles, research, and personal insights on sports nutrition. Highlight your work and any collaborations with brands or coaches.
• Comment and Share: Engage with posts from brands, coaches, and peers. Leave thoughtful comments to build visibility and credibility.
• LinkedIn Articles: Write articles on topics like the role of nutrition in sports performance or case studies from your practice. Tag relevant brands or individuals to draw their attention.

4. Join and Participate in Groups

Be active in LinkedIn groups related to sports nutrition and dietetics.

• Group Discussions: Contribute to conversations, share your expertise, and ask questions.
• Webinars and Events: Attend and participate in webinars or events hosted by groups. Network with attendees and speakers.

5. Use LinkedIn’s Messaging Feature

Reach out directly to connections for more personal interactions.

• Introduce Yourself: Send a brief message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in a potential collaboration or discussion.
  • Example: "Hi [Name], I’m a sports dietitian focused on enhancing athlete nutrition. I’m interested in learning more about [Brand/Product/Initiative] and exploring possible synergies. Can we schedule a call?"
• Follow Up: After initial meetings or interactions, follow up to maintain the relationship. Share relevant articles or updates to stay on their radar.

6. Leverage Recommendations and Endorsements

Build credibility through endorsements and recommendations from colleagues and clients.

• Request Recommendations: Ask satisfied clients, coaches, and colleagues to write recommendations highlighting your skills and impact.
• Give Endorsements: Endorse the skills of your connections. Often, they will reciprocate, which enhances your profile.

Examples of Effective Networking

1. Collaboration with a Nutrition Brand:

• Post about your experience using a specific product and tag the brand. "As a sports dietitian, I’ve seen great results with [Product] in enhancing athlete recovery. Kudos to [Brand] for this innovation! #SportsNutrition"
• Message the brand’s nutritionist or product manager, sharing your post and suggesting a collaboration: "Hi [Name], I recently shared a post about [Product]. I’d love to discuss how we can work together to further support athlete performance."

2. Engaging with Performance Coaches:

• Comment on a coach’s post about training techniques: "Great insights on training periodization, [Name]! Nutrition plays a crucial role here. Would love to chat more about integrating performance nutrition strategies."
• Follow up with a message: "Hi [Name], your recent post on training periodization caught my eye. As a sports dietitian, I’d be interested in discussing how we can collaborate to optimize athlete performance."

3. Connecting with Other Sports Dietitians:

• Share a research article in a group: "Interesting study on the impact of omega-3s on muscle recovery in athletes. Thoughts? #SportsNutrition #Research"
• Message a fellow dietitian: "Hi [Name], I saw your comment on the omega-3 study in the Sports Nutrition group. Your insights were valuable. Let’s connect and exchange more ideas!"

By strategically connecting, engaging, and providing value, sports dietitians can effectively network on LinkedIn, opening doors to collaborations and career advancements.

A: Building a professional sports performance network online as a sports dietitian involves leveraging various digital platforms, engaging with key individuals, and consistently sharing valuable content. Here are some effective strategies to help you build and expand your network:

Utilize Social Media Platforms

LinkedIn

• Optimize Your Profile: Ensure your profile clearly states your expertise and experiences.
• Connect Strategically: Send personalized connection requests to sports professionals, coaches, athletes, and industry experts.
• Engage Regularly: Post content related to sports nutrition, comment on others’ posts, and participate in relevant groups and discussions.

Instagram

• Visual Content: Share infographics, client success stories (with permission), and photos from events or workshops.
• Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and direct messages, and collaborate with other professionals on joint posts or stories.

Create and Share Valuable Content

Blogging

• Write Blog Posts: Create a blog on your website or contribute to established sports nutrition websites. Topics can include meal planning for athletes, case studies, and the latest research findings.
• Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for other websites or blogs related to sports performance and nutrition.

Webinars and Online Workshops

• Host Webinars: Organize webinars on topics like hydration strategies, performance supplements, or injury recovery nutrition.
• Collaborate with Experts: Partner with performance coaches, physiotherapists, or sports psychologists to co-host webinars, providing a comprehensive view on athlete performance.

YouTube and Podcasts

• Create a YouTube Channel: Post videos on meal prep for athletes, nutrition tips, and interviews with other sports professionals.
• Start a Podcast: Discuss various aspects of sports nutrition and interview industry experts.

Join Professional Groups and Associations

Online Forums and Groups

• LinkedIn Groups: Join groups like "Sports Nutrition Professionals," "Athlete Performance," or "Dietitians in Sports."
• Facebook Groups: Participate in groups dedicated to sports dietetics, athlete nutrition, and sports performance.

Professional Associations

• Membership: Join associations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), and the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA).
• Engage in Online Events: Attend virtual conferences, webinars, and workshops offered by these associations to network with peers.

Leverage Networking Events and Conferences

Virtual Conferences

• Attend and Participate: Register for virtual conferences related to sports nutrition and performance. Participate in Q&A sessions and networking events.
• Present or Speak: Submit proposals to speak at conferences. Presenting establishes you as an expert and attracts connections.

Engage with Athletes and Sports Teams

Professional Connections

• Reach Out to Teams: Contact sports teams and athletic organizations to offer your services. Provide value by sharing insights on athlete nutrition.
• Athlete Education: Offer to conduct nutrition workshops or webinars for athletes and coaches.