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Hi Reader,

I was talking email with a couple of colleagues the other day, and I got pretty excited. One of them wanted to know why I like email so much. Here's my answer:

THIS WEEK'S EDGE

THE ASSET NOBODY TAUGHT US TO BUILD

Every 9-5 job we've ever had came with built-in access to patients, clients, or colleagues. And when we left — or when they downsized, restructured, or moved on — that access to patients went away too. All those relationships we built, all the trust we earned, and the people we served disappeared. No bueno.

Here's the framework I want you to carry with you for the rest of your career: your email list is the only professional asset you own outright.

Your employer owns your patient list. LinkedIn owns your connections. Instagram owns your followers. But your email list is yours. It moves with you from job to job, setting to setting, and career pivot to career pivot. No algorithm can bury it. No platform can shut it down. No employer can take it when you leave.

Email lists aren't just for RDs in private practice. They're for every RD in every setting.

Start building your email list now, even if you have no idea what you'd send...even if you're happily employed and never plan to leave...ven if you only have five subscribers for the first six months!

The people who build the most flexible, resilient careers all have one thing in common: they started building their list before they needed it.

5-MINUTE MOMENTUM

THE ONE QUESTION THAT WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

In copywriting, there's a concept called Voice of Customer (VOC) Data. Essentially, VOC Data means any words or phrases that come straight from the customer's mouth. VOC Data is gold, because the easiest way to get more customers is to find new customers who are very similar to your current customers.

So...what does that have to do with your nutrition business?

Anytime you create a product, whether it's a free lead magnet or a paid product, ask your paying customers this question: "What's going on in your life today that let you to [purchase/download] this [product/course/counseling session, etc.]?

The answers will give you the exact words and phrases you can use to market your products and services to future customers.

5 Minute Action Step: Add the phrase above to the thank-you page on your best-selling product or service today.

TRIED & TRUE

A FREE TOOL FOR GROWING YOUR EMAIL LIST

I've literally tried all of the major email systems, and I use Kit (formerly ConverKit) as my email service provider. Kit offers a free newsletter account for creators with up to 10,000 subscribers, and they offer a Creator Network to help you grow your list. If you don't have an email service provider, get your free Kit Account today.

FREE KIT ACCOUNT

GO DEEPER

WHY EVERY RD NEEDS AN EMAIL LIST

What will an email list actually do for your RD career, and how can you start building one, even if you're not in private practice or selling anything? Answers to these questions and more in this week's deep dive at The RD CEO. 👓 Read it here.​

READ IT HERE

Have a question about growing your income or your influence as an RD? I want to help you strategize and implement efficiently, and I might even feature you in my upcoming "Ask Julie" column in this newsletter. (You can remain anonymous if you'd like.) So hit reply and send me your questions. I'm rooting for you. 😊

To your success,
​

Julie Cunningham, MPH, RD, CDCES Helping dietitians build income & influence, one step at a time. Creator of The RD CEO & The RD's Edge