From Hospital Dietitian to LinkedIn Luminary: An Interview with Lina Breik

Have you ever followed someone on social media and felt like you’ve known them for years? You engage with their posts often enough that each time you open your chosen app, the first post the algorithm shows you is theirs. You know deep down that in real life, you could easily share a coffee with this person just as easily as you could with your closest confidants. This is the experience I have had recently with the amazing Lina Breik AKA The Tube Dietitian.

I have followed Lina on LinkedIn for a little while now, and to say her posts are engaging is an understatement. I have enjoyed the insights Lina shares not just as a dietitian, but as a mum and entrepreneur. I reached out to see if Lina would come on to my podcast ‘How to Build a Profitable Nutrition Business’. My goal was to discuss Lina’s journey from hospital dietitian in Melbourne, to busy entrepreneur filling a critical gap in the health service, while residing in Singapore. We did cover these topics and so much more.

If you’d like to listen to the full episode either click here for your favourite podcast platform, or listen above.

Bridging the Gap: From Hospital to Home

Lina's career began in clinical nutrition at various hospitals in Victoria, Australia. With over a decade of experience, she climbed the ranks to manage a team of 35 dietitians at Eastern Health. Her focus shifted when she identified a gap in care for adults living with home feeding tubes, prompting her to start Tube Dietitian as the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020.

"The hospitals were in chaos, and outpatient care was neglected," Lina recalls. "I thought, why not start a private service to help these patients at home?"

Embracing the Niche: The Birth of Tube Dietitian

Lina’s business began as a side hustle, taking on clients during weekends and weeknights. Her dedication quickly paid off as referrals from hospitals continued to pour in. Within a year, she had built a substantial client base, even while balancing a full-time hospital job. This dedication allowed her to focus solely on Tube Dietitian after leaving the hospital scene.

"Once I saw the potential and the steady stream of referrals, I knew it was time to make Tube Dietitian my full-time focus," Lina explains.

Mastering the Business of Nutrition

One of the standout aspects of Lina's success is her strategic use of LinkedIn to build her brand and attract clients. Her engaging content and personal stories have made her a prominent figure in the nutrition space.

"People buy from people. Building a personal brand on LinkedIn has been crucial for my business," Lina emphasizes.

Her posts, often a mix of professional insights and personal anecdotes, resonate with a wide audience, including fellow dietitians and potential clients.

The Power of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

Lina attributes much of her success to the guidance of a business coach, who helped her navigate the complexities of running a profitable business.

"The amount of information a business coach can provide is invaluable," she says. "It’s not just about managing money but also about delegating tasks and staying accountable."

This mentorship allowed Lina to streamline her operations, particularly crucial when she moved to Singapore. The geographical shift forced her to optimise her business processes, ensuring that everything ran smoothly even in her absence.

Three Key Strategies for Success

Lina shared three key strategies that have been instrumental in growing Tube Dietitian:

1. Building a Personal Brand: "Talk about your passions and expertise. People need to know who you are and what you stand for."
2. Offering Free Valuable Content: "I started a monthly newsletter, Pump, which has been a great way to build relationships and trust with my audience."
3. Investing in a Business Coach: "Having a fresh perspective on your business can elevate your thinking and help you implement effective strategies."

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on her journey, Lina shared some valuable lessons for aspiring nutrition entrepreneurs:

1. Invest in Clinical Management Software: "Using Google Workspace was not sustainable. A proper clinic management software can save time and improve efficiency."
2. Think Long-Term About Investments: "Early on, I spent money on short-term marketing events instead of long-term investments like business coaching. Think about where your money will have the most impact."
3. Separate Business and Personal Finances: "Open a separate bank account for your business and manage your finances carefully. This helps in making informed business decisions."

Lina Breik’s journey from a hospital dietitian to a leading figure in the niche of home tube feeding is a testament to the power of passion, strategic branding, and continuous learning. Her story provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to build a profitable nutrition business.

For those interested in learning more about Lina and Tube Dietitian, visit TubeDietitian.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. Subscribe to her newsletter, Pump, for the latest insights and stories in the world of home tube feeding.

Tune in next time for more inspiring stories and practical advice on "How to Build a Profitable Nutrition Business." If you found this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe to help other nutrition professionals make an impact on the world.