Natural Health Solutions - Planet Naturopath

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Smith, Founder of Planet Naturopath, located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a naturopath who works with clients around the world with virtual consultations. The big difference with my business that allows me to work virtually and not see physical clients is that I do very detailed functional medicine testing to understand the underlying cause of a client's health issues and not just treat the presenting symptoms.

Some types of tests I offer are detailed pathology testing, advanced stool testing to assess the microbiome and gut health, and detailed hormone testing. Most of these tests can be done anywhere in the world, and with the exception of the pathology, testing can be done in the comfort of your home, so you don't have to visit your doctor or a clinic.

Tell us about yourself

I changed careers in my 20's from a chef to going back to university to study to be a naturopath, and this was motivated by my own health challenges and a passion for health. That was 25 years ago, and my practice has evolved from a clinic seeing local clients to my current virtual practice seeing clients worldwide.

I am motivated to understand what the underlying cause is to help people improve their health. For some people, it is simply making some diet and lifestyle changes, but for many people who have complex health issues, things are not that simple. My motivation comes from seeing my clients get great results, especially if they have previously been struggling for many years with their health problems.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest business accomplishment has been able to transform my clinic into a virtual clinic 6 years ago. This not only enabled me to see clients worldwide, but I was able to live between Canada, where my wife is from, and my home country of Australia, and spend more time with my family and not have to travel to get to work.

Now with COVID disrupting businesses around the world, I found that my online business was not affected by all of the shutdowns that other health businesses experienced.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The paperwork and the administration side of things is my least favourite aspect of running a business, but still an important part of the business that has to be done right. I try to automate as much of this part of the business as possible, but it still takes up precious time.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Don't try and please everybody. Know your ideal client and focus on them.
2. Be organized and keep up with the admin on a regular basis.
3. Hire people to do the parts of the business that you don't have to do. Focus on being the expert. It took me too long to hire people to help with email and other admin tasks.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.planetnaturopath.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planetnaturopath/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/planetnaturopath/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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