How to Get Your Foot in the Supplement Industry Door
Quite often I get emails and messages asking how to get your foot in the supplement industry. While the fitness and supplement industry is fairly large, breaking in can be difficult. While some brands are looking to grow their sales team, many are going the route of working with distributors or being an e-commerce brand solely to keep their costs down and not need to pay salesmen to go out and push the brand.
So, how do you get your foot in the door? Try some of the options in this article. If you want to get in bad enough, keep trying until someone finally opens the door for you and lets you in.
What is the Supplement Industry?
The supplement industry refers to the business sector involved in the production, marketing, and sale of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet and typically include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, or other substances. These products come in various forms such as pills, capsules, powders, liquids, and more.
The goal of dietary supplements is to provide nutrients that may be lacking or insufficient in a person’s diet. While some supplements have been shown to be beneficial for certain individuals, it’s important to note that they are not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet.
What Makes the Supplement Industry a Great Career Choice?
I’ve been in the supplement industry for over 20 years. And while the industry as a whole has it’s ups and downs, I keep my head down, focus on my niche and specialty. Do I regret going into the supplement industry as a career path? No. Are there things I’d like to change with it? Absolutely. But overall, I made a good choice and it may be a good choice for you too.
The supplement industry can be considered a great career choice for several reasons:
- Growing Market: The demand for dietary supplements has been steadily increasing as more people are becoming health-conscious and seeking ways to improve their well-being. This growing market provides ample opportunities for career growth within the industry.
- Innovation and Research: The supplement industry is dynamic and often at the forefront of innovation and scientific research. Individuals in this field have the chance to contribute to the development of new and improved products, leveraging the latest scientific findings to create innovative supplements.
- Diverse Roles: The industry offers a wide range of career paths, including research and development, quality control, regulatory affairs, marketing, sales, and more. This diversity allows individuals to find a role that aligns with their skills and interests.
- Contribution to Health and Wellness: Working in the supplement industry allows individuals to contribute to people’s health and wellness. Many supplements are designed to address specific health needs and deficiencies, making it a rewarding industry for those passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Global Opportunities: The supplement industry is not limited to a specific geographic location. It operates globally, providing opportunities for individuals to work in different regions and markets, gaining diverse experiences and perspectives.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The industry also presents opportunities for entrepreneurship. Individuals with innovative ideas can start their own supplement companies or contribute to the growth of startups within the industry.
- Regulatory Compliance: With increasing emphasis on consumer safety and regulatory compliance, there is a need for professionals who understand and can navigate the regulatory landscape. This creates opportunities for individuals with expertise in regulatory affairs and compliance.
- Continuous Learning: The field is ever-evolving with new scientific discoveries and advancements. This environment encourages continuous learning, making it appealing to individuals who enjoy staying updated on the latest developments in nutrition and health.
It’s important to note that while the supplement industry has its advantages, individuals should also be aware of potential challenges and ethical considerations. Additionally, a background in relevant fields such as nutrition, biochemistry, or business may be beneficial for pursuing a successful career in the supplement industry.
Ways for You To Break into the Supplement Industry
Below are some great ways that you can break into the supplement industry if you think it’s a career path you want to go down?
1. Write
A great way to get your foot in the supplement industry door is to offer to write. This can be in the form of articles, blog posts, forum posts, etc. This is the method I actually used (by accident) to get into the supplement industry.
By sharing your knowledge with others, you’ll be able to showcase what you are capable of and how a brand can utilize what you have to offer. If you are good with ingredients, write about different ingredients. If you are up to speed on industry trends, then write about what’s going on in the industry or what to look for in the coming year. Getting your words on paper (or online) is a great way to get out in front of brands and grab their attention.
2. Compete
If you are a competitor, you already have a leg up on everyone else as brands are probably going to see you when on stage and in contest photos. I will say this, everyone THINKS they are a bodybuilder, but not everyone can do it at the next level. So, if you aren’t winning shows, there’s a good chance that no company is going to look at you.
However, if you can catch their eye and bring value to their brand, you have a shot at landing a gig and get your foot in the supplement industry door. But, don’t think just because you have a body that fits the industry, that you’re a shoe-in.
3. Brand Ambassador
I’ll be honest, personally, I’m not a fan of brand ambassadors. Many of them think they are “athletes” of a brand and all you really are is an “influencer” in a sense. The brand may pay you monetarily (very little), but most of them will simply give you supplements each month. This is, however, a great way to break into the industry. If you can show the brand that you get engagement and talk intelligently about the products, they might have something lined up for you if you give it enough time. If this is the route you take, just keep hustling and working with the brand to get their products out in front of your audience.
4. Network
Network with as many people as you can in the industry. Talk to them on LinkedIn and tell them you are looking to get into the industry and was curious if they had any opportunities where you are able to showcase your talents. Go to your local supplement store (that you’re hopefully buying from) and ask if they have contact information for any of the supplement reps that come in that they would be willing to share. If you get the information, send them an email introducing yourself and asking who would be the best person to contact about becoming part of their team.
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