After working for many years in a highly stressful corporate career, Resolute Michaels decided to follow her interest in science and research and pursued a path in holistic nutrition. Now a Nutritional Therapist, Resolute compassionately helps moms and dads figure out the food piece for their kids on the autism spectrum. Her interview inspires us to embrace the mistakes that come with our journey and to ask for assistance when we need it.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
When I was encouraged to take early retirement from my corporate career, I worked with my husband, Douglas in his business while recuperating from so many years in a highly stressful position. Then, I started looking around for what to do next.
I could have easily continued working with Douglas, but I was clear that he owned the sandbox. True, he gave me my own corner seat, and my own pail and shovel, but he owned the sand. So, I was primed for launching my own business.
For some years prior to retirement, we both had been following the blogosphere and the up and coming gurus in the Paleo community. It was interesting stuff, and tweaks to our own diets brought positive results. Being science geeks, we appreciated the focus on research, and we conducted any number of our own n=2 studies.
With the world before me, knowing I could choose anything, and wanting to choose wisely, I asked myself, “If I won the lottery and money were no object, would I still (fill in the blank)?”
When it came to nutrition, the answer in my gut was always a resounding ‘Yes!”
And so I pursued this path.
Tell us about your business.
I am a Nutritional Therapist compassionately helping moms and dads figure out the food piece for their kids on the autism spectrum.
I truly believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive in their own way. Bioindividual nutrition gives them a running start to reach their potential. By eliminating the internal static caused by toxins, food sensitivities and more important, increasing the necessary building blocks for their bodies and brains, the next generation will get their chance.
Let’s be clear – food doesn’t cure autism and food doesn’t heal a struggling body. It’s the body that returns to its best function possible when given the best building blocks possible. And that’s how food helps.
How would you describe your current business model?
Rather than an online business, I have an online presence. I have the requisite FaceBook page but my funnel starts with my free eBook, available on my website, and offered at talks and seminars. Then, families can attend a group workshop, and finally move into private sessions. Of course, referrals from allied practitioners will bring some families directly to the clinic setting.
Can you share any strategies you’ve found to be particularly effective for growing your client base?
Public speaking is my forte. If I can get in front of a group, I can connect. The question and answer portions are lively, thought provoking, and we always seem to run out of time. My formal presentations are short precisely for this reason, and while the subject matter directs the conversation, I’ll follow the audience wherever they want to go.
Then, I sign them up for their inquiry session, and the rest is history.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business?
Marketing and networking is always a challenge. It’s easy to work in your business rather than on your business. There are so many important tasks to complete when you are wearing every hat! Thus, we justify how we spend our time, when all the while we are avoiding the necessity of marketing and networking.
How have you overcome those challenges?
It’s important to remember that without clients, you don’t have a thriving business. Scheduling marketing into your calendar, and then being accountable to follow through is key to thriving as an entrepreneur.
It’s often a surprise to learn that the most important time to be marketing is when your clinic/business is very busy.
Having a business coach can keep you on the straight and narrow, and it’s great to have someone with whom you can bounce ideas. If cash flow is an issue, I’d consider a Small Business Administration coach, which is free. The guidance is invaluable, and keeps you from feeling like you’re going crazy.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
Living with a small business owner removes much of the gloss and glory from what it means to be an entrepreneur. In our experience, mistakes are necessary and unavoidable. That said, the biggest mistake you can make is to think you can do this by yourself, and not ask for help.
What has been the best piece of advice you’ve received as an entrepreneur?
Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first.
In other words, it’s easy to convince yourself that you need one more class or another book, and postpone the boots on the ground, experience building discomfort that will take you where you want to go.
What is your morning routine?
I organize my day the night before, so when I arise, I can have my special time. I take care of me first, before I take care of others. I grab my mug, check the internets, then have breakfast and get ready for my day.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Sitting still, surrounded by nature, for as long as I want.
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
Well, if it’s not the squirrel, or the beaver, it would have to be the rattlesnake. Who was hanging out under the cabin where I was staying, off the grid, in New Mexico.
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
The Old North Church in Boston, on the 200th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride. Or it could be the Chicago Art Museum, seeing the Impressionist paintings I had only seen in books.
Last book you read?
You Are the Placebo, Dr Joe Dispenza
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
…very, very sad.
What is your go-to breakfast?
Leftovers!
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
I get to write my own performance reviews.
Resolute Michaels, NTP, BHCN is a Nutritional Therapist based out of Pacific, Washington. You can find out more about Resolute and her business, Primal Perspectives, by visiting www.ResoluteMichaels.com.
