Landing Your First Public Health Contract: Strategies That Work

04/03/25 • 22 min

🎙️ Welcome back to The Dr. Des Show and our Business of Public Health Insider Sessions with Doc B!
In this third session, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we landed our very first public health consulting clients. If you’ve ever wondered how to get started in public health consulting, find clients, or secure contracts, this episode is packed with firsthand experiences and strategies that worked for us.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The different ways public health consultants land their first clients.
The role of networking, relationships, and referrals in getting hired.
How applying to RFPs and RFQs can get your foot in the door.
The exact steps we took to turn one client into a growing business.
The importance of knowing your worth and pricing your services properly.
🔥 Why You Should Listen:
Real-World Advice: Hear exactly how we secured our first contracts and how you can do the same.
Actionable Steps: Learn where to find contracts, how to approach potential clients, and how to pitch your services.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Don't make the same mistakes we did—learn from our experiences!
Industry Secrets: Discover how word-of-mouth and strategic networking can transform your career.
🚀 Bonus Discussion:
We also dive into imposter syndrome in public health, why public health professionals are underpaid, and how to transition from full-time employment to consulting—without feeling lost in the process.
👉🏽 Don’t forget! If you want access to the full episode series, click this link and we'll send the final episode your way 😉 https://www.publichealthclub.com/bphsinsidersignup
🎧 Listen, Learn, and Start Landing Your Own Contracts!
📩 Ready to take the next step? Join us April 11, 2025 for the Business of Public Health Summit in Atlanta GA! Secure Your Ticket Here: https://www.publichealthclub.com/business-of-public-health-summit
See you in the next episode!

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/

Previous Episode

Mastering Time, Money, and Growth as a Public Health Entrepreneur

Welcome back to The Dr. Des Show! We’re diving into Episode 2 of our special four-part Business of Public Health Summit Insider series with Dr. Brittny James! 🎙️
In this episode, we’re getting real about starting, building, and sustaining a business in public health. Dr. Brittny James shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, how she manages her time and finances, and why having a plan (not just a business plan) is everything when scaling a business.
We also talk about:
✅ The mindset shift from 9-5 to full-time entrepreneur
✅ Why time management and systems are crucial
✅ The biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make
✅ The importance of networking & getting in the room
✅ Balancing business with life, relationships, and mental health
🔥 PLUS – We’re dropping gems about what to expect at The Business of Public Health Summit on April 11th (tickets are moving fast – grab yours now!).
Why You Should Listen:
💡 Real Talk – No fluff! We’re giving you the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship in public health.
📌 Actionable Advice – Not just theory. We break down what it really takes to succeed.
🗣 Exclusive Insider Access – Get insights from successful public health entrepreneurs.
🎟 Summit Sneak Peek – Learn how to make the most out of the event, including who to connect with and what questions to ask.
👉 Want to binge all four episodes? Click the link below and we'll give you early access 😉 https://www.publichealthclub.com/bphsinsidersignup
Connect with Us:
📌 Follow Dr. Des:https://www.instagram.com/desireecourtneyj/?hl=en
📌 Follow Dr. Brittny James: https://www.instagram.com/imbrittjamesbih/?hl=en
🎟 Grab Your Ticket to the Business of Public Health Summit! →https://www.publichealthclub.com/business-of-public-health-summit
🚀 Ready to take your consulting or public health business to the next level?
Tune in now!

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/

Next Episode

The Future of Public Health: Where Do We Go From Here?

🎙 Final Episode: The Future of Public Health – Where Do We Go From Here?
In this power-packed final episode of the Business of Public Health Summit Insider Series, Dr. Des and Dr. Brittny James are keeping it real about the future of public health! 🚀 From career pivots to building financial success, they break down what’s next in the field and how YOU can stay ahead.
With federal job uncertainty, the rise of consulting & entrepreneurship, and the need for public health professionals to create their own opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the evolving workforce! 🔥
🎯 Key Takeaways:
🔍 The Future of Public Health Careers – What’s changing, and how can you prepare?
💼 From Federal to Financial Freedom – How to leverage government experience for consulting & private sector roles.
📲 Social Media = Career Growth? – Why public health professionals must embrace digital platforms to share insights & expand influence.
🚪 Create Your Own Opportunities – Don’t wait for a seat at the table—build your own!
💰 Impact & Income – How to make a difference while securing financial success in public health.
🎟 Join Us at the Business of Public Health Summit!
📅 April 11th | Atlanta, GA
This isn’t just a conference—it’s an experience! ✨ Connect with industry leaders, mentors, and fellow public health professionals ready to help you take your career to the next level. If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, what are you waiting for? ⏳
🔗https://www.publichealthclub.com/business-of-public-health-summit
🎧 Listen, Learn & Level Up!
Catch the full 4-part series leading up to the summit! If you’re serious about growing in public health, this episode is your roadmap to success! 🚀

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/