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Guest Column, What's New

Jumpstart Your Health-Based Business

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Guest column by Virginia Cooper.

Do you have a passion for health and wellness? If so, then you may be interested in starting your own health-based business. In today’s post, we will discuss the best tips for people pursuing a health-based business.

Health-Related Businesses to Consider

Before getting started, it is important to research the types of health-based businesses that are available. Some examples include nutrition counseling, physical therapy, personal training, massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic services. It is important to find the right niche that fits your skill set and interests.

Required Education, Licenses, and Credentials

Depending on your chosen type of venture, it is likely necessary to obtain credentials or licenses in order to practice legally. Additionally, some businesses require special education or certifications such as nutrition counseling or massage therapy. Make sure you do your research ahead of time so that you can make sure all the requirements are met before beginning operations.

Building a Resume

Creating a well-written resume with pertinent information about yourself and your experience is essential when applying for jobs within this industry. Include details about any certifications or licenses obtained as well as previous work experience. This will help employers get an idea of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Market Research

Determining your target market is crucial for the success of your business, no matter the industry you’re in. This is especially important in the health-based sector, where the products or services cater to specific needs. Conducting research in advance can help identify the demographics, interests, and needs of your target audience, allowing you to create tailored marketing strategies that resonate with them.

Lead Generation

Generating leads is essential when running any business, especially one in health and wellness, because it helps build up a customer base over time which leads to more sales down the line. Staying active on social media platforms can be a great way to generate leads by connecting with potential customers in real time. Additionally, creating content such as blogs or videos related to health topics can also help foster relationships with potential customers and keep them engaged with your brand over time.

Marketing Techniques

Developing a strategic marketing plan is key when running any business, but especially one in health and wellness, since this industry has its own unique set of challenges due to regulations surrounding medical care, etc. Make sure you understand all the laws related to marketing medical services before launching any campaigns. Additionally, use tactics such as email newsletters and influencer partnerships on social media platforms to reach out to potential customers who may be interested in what services or products are offered by your brand.

Succeeding in E-Commerce

Investing in an e-commerce platform that integrates seamlessly with your health and wellness website can be a worthwhile investment if you sell related products. Not only does it offer customers the convenience of purchasing directly from your website, but it also provides opportunities to showcase products, highlight reviews, and offer discounts. These commerce solutions can ultimately increase sales and improve customer satisfaction in the long run.

Starting a health-based business can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Dedication and hard work can lead to financial success if executed correctly. To jumpstart your career in this field, it is advisable to research the type of venture that best suits your interests, obtain the proper credentials and licenses, and invest in an e-commerce platform if you’re planning to start a product-based business. With the right amount of effort and determination, anyone can pursue their dreams and find success in the health-based business industry.

Virginia Cooper is a retired community college instructor. She always encouraged her students to see the real-world value in their education, and now, she wants to spread that message as wide as possible. Her hope is that Learn a Living (learnaliving.co) will be a go-to resource for adult learners embarking on starting, continuing, or finishing their education.

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COVID-19, Current Events, Guest Column, What's New

Tips for Starting Your Business in the Post-COVID Market

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Guest column by Lance Cody-Valdez

Major world events like pandemics have a way of forcing us to re-evaluate our priorities. In the face of a rapidly changing world, we have to ask ourselves: Do I enjoy how I’m living? For many people, the answer is no — and, according to Medical News Today, work is a major source of life dissatisfaction. Since the pandemic has led to more people working from home (and proving themselves self-motivated in the process), many experts expect to see a rise in the COVID-preneur.

If you’re a hopeful “green” business owner who has been inspired during the pandemic, you fall into this category. Although that means you’re in good company, it also means you need to make the right moves in order to ensure your business can stand out among the crowd.

Embrace Technology From the Start

Right now, it’s important that any business entering the market is accessible online. Technology use was already on the rise before the pandemic, but it has really taken off since. COVID-19 led to a boom in virtual connections, social media use, and other online tools and services. This makes remote work an ideal setup, so take the steps necessary to create a healthy, balanced workspace in your home.

Whether you carve out space in your bedroom or upgrade a detached garage, a work-from-home solution is an efficient and economical way to get your venture off the ground. Note that outbuildings often need extra TLC before they are livable, so if you choose this solution you may need to start with pest control. Finding a local, qualified pest control pro is easier than ever — simply Google “rodent exterminator near me” and use Angi.com to filter through customer ratings and reviews, then call a handful of contractors for quotes.

Businesses that start now will need to have an online presence in order to compete in this space. For example, you might want to consider creating a mobile app for your business. If you go this route, remember that your product needs to stand out from the crowd. DIY app builders offer a pretty lackluster product that’s likely to look just like hundreds of other apps out there. Hiring mobile app designers can help you to create an app that has a look, feel, and function that’s unique to your business and brand.

Investigate Market Trends

RetailNext notes that another important step all business owners should take is to investigate the latest market trends. Taking customer needs and desires for granted is never wise, but it’s an even worse move right now. The pandemic has changed so much about our lives that a lot of the assumptions we might make about the market are likely to be off base.

For example, for a while, experts were predicting that primarily shopping online could be here to stay, even after the pandemic threat has passed. However, a recent poll from Morning Brew shows that US adults are just as likely to shop in-person. E-commerce isn’t going away, but it’s not going to take over the market the way some had predicted. Other trends, such as the boost in vegan grocery consumption and increased interest in environmental sustainability should inform and motivate the moves you make as a business.

Start Small

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to figure out how to start your business on a small, achievable scale for the immediate term. For example, you might decide to pick up side work as a freelancer for a while or sell handmade goods through an online shop rather than quit your day job or rent a storefront. Smaller moves might not be as exciting, but they offer a lot in terms of experience and stability.

You should also establish your business with the state. This ensures you remain in compliance with necessary tax and labor laws. When choosing a business structure, opting for an LLC can be the ideal choice as a newbie entrepreneur. It’s the easiest entity to set up, and it comes with personal asset protection and tax advantages. To register your LLC, use an affordable online formation service to expedite the process.

When you start small, you give yourself time to figure things out without taking a massive risk right from the jump. This warm-up period will allow you to hone in on a brand image, figure out your workflow, and identify your target audience — all while bringing in some extra income. This puts you in a great position to plan and lay the groundwork for making your idea into a full-time career.

With the right plan, you can create a business that meets post-pandemic needs while standing out from the pack. If starting a business is your next big career move, we hope this article helps you come up with the best techniques to make it happen.

About the author: A few years ago, burned out and miserable from his job in corporate marketing, Lance Cody-Valdez decided it was time to invest in himself. He quit his job the following day and used his meager savings to stay afloat as he built a career as a freelance writer and content marketer. He created free-lance-now.com to help others use freelancing to escape the 9 to 5 daily grind.

Photo Credit: Pexels

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