Susan's Story: Susan Weiner Nutrition

Today's story comes to us from Susan Weiner, a nutrition consultant for individuals and businesses in New York. She's been learning a lot recently, thanks to some exciting expansions and changes to her company. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Susan!

"Recently, my business has been expanding from mostly one-on-one nutritional counseling to more media related work. Although I'll never give up working with clients to improve their health (one bite at a time), I've been given the unique opportunity to work as a consultant to a diabetes TV show, and as a contributor on the companion website to a book which was recently a New York Times best seller! One of my career goals is to continue expanding my business to work in media and with food companies, and I've found that it's challenging to find a balance.

I've been my own boss for so many years that at first, it was difficult to understand exactly what was expected of me from people I now work with, and to meet specific deadlines. As an integral part of several projects, I have to balance my private practice and consulting projects. When I was first consulting on the TV show, I remember being invited to participate in a conference call. My peers who worked for the show had no problems arranging their schedules for the call because they all worked together, in the same office. I, however, had to reschedule clients so that I would be available for the phone conference. I was really stressed the first time that happened.

I've since learned that as a consultant, I need to be flexible with my schedule, but that it's also important to speak up and decline certain events if they conflict with more important opportunities. It took a bit of time, but I learned to prioritize. I am also learning to turn down projects that I feel in my gut might not work out in my benefit. If I get a bad feeling about a project, I politely and respectfully decline the offer, no matter how well it pays or how interesting it sounds. If it doesn't feel right for you, don't do it.

I'm also now mentoring graduate students who are studying to be dietitians. When I initially started my own practice, I didn't think I had the time to mentor students. Well, I have to admit, I'm learning as much from them as they are from me. One student I'm working with has helped me tremendously on a research project; I guide her on how to distinguish between important information and 'fluff', while she manages to improve my computer literacy and technology skills. Mentoring is a great way to open the door to the future of my profession. I'm enjoying it very much.

My practice and consulting work is expanding at such a rapid pace that I'm now considering hiring other nutritionists. It's really wonderful to love going to work everyday; it makes all of my efforts worthwhile. Although I'm still working on balancing my busy schedule at home and at work, I'm enjoying every moment of the journey."

To learn more about Susan Weiner Nutrition, visit www.susanweinernutrition.com, and be sure to check out her blog. She specializes in weight management, diabetes and sports nutrition.

Health (especially today!) and happiness,
Abbey