Why did you become a Consultant for The 1:1 Diet?
“I had been on Plan before but hadn’t been in the right frame of mind to see it through. However, as we went into the first lockdown at the end of March 2020, I thought this would be a great opportunity to focus on myself. I was really worried about being overweight amid this pandemic and went on Plan with my Consultant, Gemma.
“Gemma’s positivity was infectious and within no time at all, I’d lost four stone in four months. I clicked with Gemma immediately, as she also has young children and was working from home too, so I could easily relate to her.
“Gemma thought I’d make a great Consultant, as I could empathise with people and share my experience of being on Plan.
“I took the plunge and, in May 2020, qualified as a Consultant. It was a great time to concentrate on this new business opportunity, as I was at home and could do all my training online with Zoom. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time!”
Did you always want to be your own boss?
“I have a part-time job, but I loved the idea of running my own business as a side hustle. The 1:1 Diet allows me to work the hours that suit me.
“I usually see clients in the evening, which fits in with my family life. The 1:1 Diet business model is flexible, and I can fine-tune my business to my working week.
“During this third lockdown, I’ve noticed an uptake in the number of people approaching me for help which is positive. I love helping people and being on a weight loss journey myself, means that I can relate to how they feel.”
Do you make a living out of this business?
“Before I had children, I was earning a good wage. When my children came along, I decided to go part-time just to be able to pick the kids up from school and spend more time at home.
“Now I am a Consultant with The 1:1 Diet, I’m able to make up the wage I was earning before the children came along. It means that I have more available money and can top up my earnings, which is a great benefit.”
What are the key attributes that make you a successful Consultant?
“I remember feeling so demoralised about being overweight, and my weight seemed to impact every aspect of my life. As a busy working mum, I remember putting myself way down in my list of priorities; everything else came before me. I can thoroughly empathise with people who are going through all the emotional baggage about being overweight.
“As a Consultant, you have to be a good listener. When I meet someone for the first time, it’s important to understand why they want to lose weight and what sort of result they would like to achieve on their journey.
“It’s also vital to make sure you check-in with clients regularly and provide motivational support. I make sure that I hold meetings via Facebook Live or Zoom. I also spend time chatting to my clients when I deliver their product, social distancing on the doorstep.”
How have you changed your business model during COVID-19?
“I qualified as a Consultant in May, 2020, during the first wave of COVID-19, but didn’t start consulting until June as I was still on my weight loss journey. I wanted to feel confident to show how I achieved my amazing weight loss.
“I was still on Plan when I signed up my first customer, which was exciting as we went through the process together. I showed her how easy it was to follow. I have since lost a further two stone.”
What key challenges have you had to face during lockdown?
“The main challenge is not being able to see people face to face. I’m a real people person and love sitting down with a cuppa, having a chat and finding out how people are getting on.
“During the pandemic, I’ve made sure that I’m always available online, and regularly check in with clients as I know that people tend to have their good days and bad days.”
How many people are in your team?
“I have big plans for the future. I’ve three people in my team which I intend to grow. I would love to support new Consultants and show them the benefits of this fantastic business.”
What have been your career highlights at The 1:1 Diet?
“The best thing about this job is seeing people achieve their weight loss goals and I’ve had dieters achieving up to three stone weight loss, hitting their milestones during a very short period of time.
“Seeing their before and after photographs is so rewarding too. I’m excited to be supporting people at the beginning of their weight loss journey and helping existing clients maintain their weight loss through mentoring, regular doorstep interactions and virtual check-ins. I was also incredibly proud to achieve a Guiding Star Award after only four-and-a-half months into the role.”
What words of encouragement would you give anyone considering a career change at the moment?
“I can honestly say, if you’re thinking about a career change, if you love helping people, then this is such a rewarding job.
“The training and support from head office is second to none and, even in lockdown, I’ve been able to take full advantage of the online training and qualify as a Consultant.
“I’ve also met an incredible bunch of people, through networking and have formed some great friendships. Everyone is so helpful!”
What do you think the future holds for your business?
“I’d love to grow my team and keep supporting people with their weight loss goals. Gemma and her team are inspirational, and I want to continue to inspire people and learn as much as I can from my support network.”
Natalie’s three top tips for being a successful Consultant…
Being empathetic with a dieter’s journey and support the highs and lows, gains and plateaus of weight loss, because it isn’t plain sailing.
Be there for your dieters - you never know when someone might be struggling.
Put yourself out there on social media and advertise - I found this daunting at first but people respond to people - I share my pictures, as well as my dieters, as this is so motivating to others.
Want to know more about the business opportunity with The 1:1 Diet? Check out our Become a Consultant page and get the low-down on how to be a great weight loss cheerer-onner.