3 Ways To Be A Better Online Nutrition Coach

It shouldn’t surprise you that online nutrition coaching is as booming a business as ever. COVID may have been a small catalyst, forcing people like me back into the online space. However, online nutrition coaching was already on the rise. In fact, all coaching genres (e.g., lifestyle coaching, accountability coaching) are surging right now.

I wouldn’t say the market is saturated by any means, but it’s definitely tough to stand out. So, today we’re going to discuss three ways you can rise up as a highly sought-after online nutrition coach.

#1 - Communication Is Key

Some of you may read this and think it’s obvious that you should be communicating with your clients. But the reality is that most people struggle with communication even though that is effectively 90% of their job.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve bought programs or courses from reputable online coaching businesses only to have them send me cookie-cutter meal plans with subpar directions. Heck, most times, the coaching process is entirely hands-off.

Here’s my checklist for approaching communication, written (e.g., emails) or otherwise.

1. Set expectations. How do you want your clients to communicate with you (e.g., phone, email)? How often should you have your clients check in with you? Did you establish that the coaching process is a two-way road (i.e., you expect them to openly and honestly communicate with you)? Use the initial assessments or consults to lay the foundations of how you want your clients to talk with you and vice versa. 
2. Ask better questions. “How are you?” doesn't cut it anymore. Instead, every single question you ask should pertain to something specific about your client or the coaching process. Adam Bornstein from Born Fitness always says, “Ask questions, then ask better ones.” Follow his advice on this one, and you’ll be a better coach than most.
3. Gather feedback. Are your clients getting everything they need from you? How do you know if you didn’t ask? The more information you get from your clients, the better you can serve them. Plus, it shows that you care enough to ask in the first place. 

So, when you’re determining how first to help them, you should go after the lowest hanging fruit (i.e., tasks or goals that are easily achievable). It might seem counter-intuitive to do the most straightforward thing possible, especially if the client is coming to you with a whole host of problems. But sometimes, all a client needs is a few small wins to build momentum to get off the ground. 

Guide your clients toward small wins over and over, and watch how successful you both become.

#3 - Learn From The Best

Early in my career, I frequently reached out to the best and most well-renowned coaches in the fitness and nutrition industry. I would email them on LinkedIn or direct message them on Facebook with the intent to learn from them in some capacity. And it worked. I spent countless hours (for free) shadowing, talking, or learning from some of the industry’s best coaches. And it made me infinitely better at my job. 

Remember, this was back before social media was as busy as it is now. I know it’s not that simple to DM someone you respect on Instagram and strike up a conversation, but it’s still possible.

So, if there is someone you want to gain knowledge from, connect with them and see what you can do. Or, go the traditional route and attend seminars and weekend workshops, where you can learn and network with other coaches who are as passionate about this industry as you are.

The more information and wisdom you can soak up from the best in the business, the better off you will be. Guaranteed.

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