7 Tips To Create Your Competitive Advantage

 A competitive advantage in the dietetic workforce helps you stand out from potential competition by using your strengths to demonstrate how you can be an asset to your current or future employer. Dietitians who focus on staying ahead of the game can excel in their careers, get new job opportunities, and experience career advancement. Here are 7 Tips to Create Your Dietetic Competitive Advantage. 

1. Reflection. “Reflection allows you to identify your strengths, also referred to as your ‘genius zone,’ so you can embrace what you’re good at and only concentrate on areas of your personality that you excel in. When you identify and leverage your strengths, you put yourself in a position of advantage,” explains Libby Rothschild, MS, RD, CPT, Business Coach for Wellness Entrepreneurs, Instagram: @libbyrothschild. 

2. Specialization. “Specialization helps one stand out and get noticed. Being a generalist is a marketing ‘no no.’ When one specializes instead of generalizes within their skill set, they learn how to speak to a specific type of person versus trying to talk to everyone,” informs Rothschild.

3. Networking. Connect with others to build your network. The more you support others, the more people will support you. In addition, once you inform others of your unique, specialized area of practice, people will start to reach out to you for advice.

4. Socialization. In addition to networking, continue to use tools such as social media to stay present and active within the community and industry to maintain a level of authority and expertise. 

5. Above and Beyond. When one goes above and beyond what they are asked of, they stand out and exceed expectations demonstrating how they have a competitive advantage over others. 

6. Strategize. Once you determine your strengths, strategize on your game plan for demonstrating how you will stand out from the crowd. What is your goal to put yourself out there? How will you get employers to notice you? Look at what is missing in an existing company or industry and be the person to fill that gap.

7. Uniqueness. “Find a new, amazing area of practice, and be the first dietitian to get passionate about it while being a mentor to others that become interested in the same area,” advises Jan Patenaude, RDN, CLT, Certified LEAP Therapist and LEAP mentor, Twitter: @DineRight. 

Following these tips can help you be extraordinary and create that competitive advantage where you are indispensable and an asset to one’s team. You can either get that raise or get that dream job.  

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.