Lisa Ann Jones, MA, RD, LDN
Nutrition Entrepreneur
TV Host and Producer “Healthwise with Lisa Jones”
Phone Number: 267-474-9061
www.healthwisewithlisajones.com
mobiledietitian@aol.com
Are you a solo, partnership or corporation?
I am a solo practitioner.
Why did you decide to set up your own practice?
I decided to start my own practice while I was working full time at the School District of Philadelphia in 2001.
How did you set up your own practice?
I gradually starting setting up my own practice by seeing clients after work hours as well as weekends. The next thing I knew I had a solid foundation to go out on my own.
How did you get your clients?
I partnered with several different doctors in my area to start a referral basis. I also listed my services on various websites and waiting for the phone to start ringing. Soon after…it did!!
Did any find you on the Find a Dietitian feature on the
ADA website?
Yes, I find the ADA website to be very helpful. I have generated many good leads from it as well as long term clients.
What courses did you take to learn how to set up your own business?
Immaculata University offered a weekend course on starting your own business back which inspired me. I also purchased Kathy Helm’s book as well.
Did you use your own name or a fictitious name?
I used my own name.
Do you still work for a hospital or company?
No, but I do accept work from the R.D. Network when they need assistance. They are a great company to work for and can help aspiring dietitians who wish to start doing their own consulting work.
How often do you submit tax forms to the IRS?
Great question, I pay my accountant to do it and I see him on a quarterly basis.
What forms do you use?
1099
Did you take out a small business loan from a bank?
No, I started off small and kept a full-time job going for 2 years while building my practice so this wasn’t needed.
How have your family and friends helped you?
My brother is an IT professional so he does my website for free (which is a huge savings). He also designs client databases for me as well. In general, my family and friends have been a great source of referrals for me.
What business expenses are you going to write off your income tax?
Travel expenses, computer, fax, copier, business supplies, and meetings etc.
Did you take advantage of benefits an ADA offers?
(life insurance, health insurance, Medical malpractice insurance, etc.)
I have medical malpractice insurance with them.
What DPGs do you belong to?
I belong to DBC and NE. The DPGs have been very helpful in connecting with other dietitians on the same path as well as allowing me to have great mentors along the way.
There are pros and cons to every situation.
Do you like having your own practice?
I love having my own practice and making my own schedule. In terms of cons, I would have to say that sometimes I work too much.
How many hours do you work for yourself?
Definitely, 40 plus!!
What are your clients like?
My clients can vary…ranging from corporations to private practice clients.
Some people take all comers. Others deliberately do not seek new clients or decline offers as they don’t have the time.
What is your plan, are you going to take on more clients?
At this time, I am still taking on new clients and if I am too busy I refer them to other dietitians in the area that I have networked with.
How did you gain the knowledge to become a business?
My mom successfully ran her own business for over 20 years. I grew up watching and couldn’t help but want to have my own business like her.
Where did you learn about the services you offer?
During my internship, I did part of my community rotation with a private practice dietitian. It gave me a solid foundation on what types of services I wanted to offer.
Are you satisfied with your business advisor, tax accountant, etc., if any?
How can a RD contact any of them?
I use the same tax accountant and business advisor my mom did when she owned her own business so I trust their services. I would be happy to share their contact information.
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