Should you niche down as expert or influencer? The answer to this question and other important media tips shared in this post!

If you know me, you know I love animal prints…especially leopard.

But this post isn’t about fashion or style…it’s actually about whether you should niche down or be a generalist.

And here’s the analogy:

Although I love when leopard appears somewhere on my clothing, it’s not all I wear. But when I find just the right item…it makes me feel “at home”. Similarly, I feel invigorated — almost gleeful — when I do a TV interview, but that’s not all I do.

So I’m often asked the question about whether it’s essential to NICHE DOWN and be known for ONE thing and have a SPECIALTY.
And my answer is (warning…you may not like this): it depends.

Some of the RDs I coach FEEL SO PRESSURED about locking themselves into ONE path, whether it’s seeing private patients, working with brands, working with media, launching a podcast or writing a book.

But if you’re just starting out (and this includes RD2Be’s) you can enjoy the freedom of exploring a variety of experiences and when you discover that ONE SKILL that makes YOU feel “at home,” you can dig deeper, stand out, build your brand and make a name for yourself.

If you already have a specialty or a professional focus then go for it — write stories, reach out to brands, pitch to media to let them know you can be  relied upon as a credible resource. Although you may feel like you’re not ready to get your name in the news, if  you have a clear, credible message — media is looking for you.

But if you’re feeling like you don’t know where to begin, take the time to do some soul searching and think about what you would really love to do and ask yourself this question: WHAT DO I WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR?

Just an IMPORTANT REMINDER: You already have the degree, the knowledge and the ability to grab your dream job…let me know if you need my help reaching for it!