Inspiration: What to Do If No One Will Buy Your Lemonade?
Saturday, January 19th, 2013
4 commentsI originally wrote this piece for my entrepreneurial nutrition group (Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group), as I’m the Incoming Director of PR and Marketing…but then I realized that this same thought process and go get ‘em ‘tude can be used in any area of your life. Sharing this does make me feel a tad vulnerable (for some odd reason), but this is me–on a platter. So, for all of you looking for life changes–whether health,personal or business related–I hope this piece offers some inspiration 
xx Corinne
Sometimes, we feel as if we’ve been handed the finest lemons on the planet and that we’ve juiced the best lemonade from them, but yet, no one wants to buy the lemonade… This is how I felt when I ended my internship and Masters program about 3 years ago. Here I was—highly educated from a top-notch program and eager to work, yet I couldn’t find a full-time job—worth beans. I was perplexed. Heck, I had some of the best lemonade in the country, but no one seemed to be thirsty.
At first, I was a tad depressed (I’m not going to lie), but that lasted for a minute. I pulled myself up and began to change my thinking. Perhaps it wasn’t that no one wanted to buy my lemonade, perhaps it was because no one knew it existed. Therefore, home delivery had to be an option.
Once this realization set in, my thinking and actions changed. And once my actions changed, my life started to change. After all, this was a new era, a new job market, an ever-changing world-wide web. Gigs just weren’t going to come to me; I had to go to them. I needed to differentiate myself from the pack. Therefore, I started researching different company’s that I’d like to work for—what they did, who hired, what made them different, and the list goes on.
Once I found company’s I admired, I figured out how I could work with them or for them; got the hiring managers contact info online or by phone; and sent in a proposal letter/email of what I could offer and why it would benefit THEM. The results were outstanding. For example, I wrote in to a nearby country club, offering weight loss group programs as well as individual consults. I gave a bulleted list of what I could do for them and bullets on data, referencing how nutrition benefits clubs in terms of revenue. After sending the email, I got a reply, which got me a call, which landed me an interview, and an hour after that interview—they wanted to work with me. You can apply this same momentum in any of your goals! Make a goal, set up an action plan, and do it!!! 
Why am I telling you all of this? Quite frankly, because it’s important to keep in mind that we, as entrepreneurs and go-getters, need to go after our dreams–for real! I’ve come to terms with the fact that no one is going to hand me anything. And, that we need to put ourselves out there, be good at what we do, believe in ourselves, and conquer the world. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. In fact, it’s hard. But nothing—that’s that good—comes over night. I remind myself of this—all the time!
Speaking of opportunities, I have yet to land a job that I applied to. My opportunities have always been through referrals, proposals, key contacts, or persistence. Maybe that says something about me, on paper (haha), or perhaps it’s just how the job market is changing. Either way, we need to differentiate ourselves from the pack, know our strengths, and hit the pavement running. There are always opportunities; it just depends on how persistent we want to be, and if we decide to seize them once the door open—that is, once we get it to open.
I get emails all the time from new RDs who ask, “How did you get to where you are?” I tell them what I’ve told you here—a heck of a lot of persistence, dedication, and a strong love for what I do. I then tell them that I’m not even close to where I want to be. I’m still growing and learning, as we all are—no matter what stage we’re at in our career.
Ultimately, don’t be afraid to go after what you want—whatever it is! The worst thing that can happen is you hear, “NO.” And really, that’s not that bad. Whatever you want to do—take that fitness class, join that painting or mediation class, land a new gig—sign up, register, send that pitch, write that proposal, make that phone call and most importantly, do it well. If you never make the choice to take that chance, then things will never change. Lastly, always remember that you may have the best lemonade from the finest lemons on the planet, but if no one knows you’re selling your lemonade, how in the world do you expect people to buy it? Go get ‘em!
I’m one of those RDs who emailed you, asking how you got where you are today. What a motivational and inspirational article. Thank you, Corinne!
Thank you Hannah!!!
I am a new RD as well, always looking for new opportunities. Great article, very inspiring and insightful! Thank you!
My pleasure! Rock on lady! Glad to hear you’re with me! xo