5 Best Investments for Business Growth - The Content Experiment
investments for business growth

5 Best Investments for Business Growth

Here we are in a new year! It’s hard to believe 2016 is over and a new year is already here—and we’re a month in! As small business owners, we are always setting new goals for our brands. But before you set your next big intention, pull out your calendar and recap all the different things that you were involved in over the year. The first part of a new year is a wonderful time to review and reflect. Do an in depth inventory and determine the wins, the losses and everything in between.

This is an exercise that I do annually. After nine years of being in the photography and branding industry, I have participated in all sorts of business tools from courses to conferences. I have learned that sometimes you have to spend money to make money and move the needle of your business. From my experience, I have discovered these following investments were the most critical in growing my business.

One to One Mentorship

Be it with a strategist or coach, the opportunity to work one to one with a business expert is super valuable. This year I hired a business strategist to help me with my business model and marketing plan. I met with her virtually every other week and loved having access to her help, knowledge and experience. She dug into my business, asked questions about my process and my vision. She helped me refine my offerings, my pricing structure and create a plan for 2017. When you work alone most of the time, having another person on your team who is invested in your success is a complete game changer.

Group Mastermind

We all need support and accountability to succeed. A group mastermind is an exclusive community where you are all working together toward your own personal goals. This year I participated in a group mastermind led by a coach. It was another worthwhile business experience because the group provides meaningful feedback, helps you brainstorm new ideas, encourages you when you are stuck and helps keep you focused on the end goal. I felt part of a team and always had someone checking in on my progress. This helped keep me feeling inspired and on track.

In-Person Local Networking

Inquire about local networking groups or meetups. It is healthy to get out of your office and meet people in the flesh. This face to face interaction is huge for establishing trust and building relationships. It also enables you to practice public speaking, networking skills and sales. Plus, you may encounter new opportunities to collaborate or develop partnerships at a local level. I have found huge success from meeting people offline. I have made strong friendships and built a strong referral network.

Professional Photography

Yes, I am a photographer and obviously believe in visual storytelling. But as a business owner, I see the power of images and how it can communicate your brand story. We live in a visual world and strong, impactful photos can help your brand rise above the noise and connect with your ideal client. Brand photos can share not only what you do but how it feels to work with you. Plus, when you invest in your photos, you are sending the message that you are a legitimate professional and an expert in your industry.

Copywriter

Content is king! It is so important to communicate your voice and message in an authentic manner. Our world is a noisy one so to attract the right people, we need to be compelling and persuasive in our pitches, launches, presentations, etc. As solopreneurs, sometimes we can’t wear all the hats in our business. Sometimes we are just too close to our work and have trouble communicating our services effectively. Hiring an expert wordsmith to either write your copy for you or teach you how to tap into your unique voice is a valuable investment that has long term effects. After investing in a copywriter for my website, I felt so much more confident that my message was clear and unique to me.

As you work your way through 2017, think about what you want to invest in to build your brand. How do you like to learn? Where do you see gaps and room for growth? Where do you want to take your brand in the next five years? Then consider these options mentioned above. Depending on if you’re new or seasoned in business, you may not be able to participate in all of these ideas. But I encourage you to try one or two. In any case, any investment in YOU and your business is a good one.

Listen to the Podcast

Reach Your Audience at Every Stage. Get the Client Journey Ebook Now!

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Share on Social Media

More from the Blog

What Opt-in Do You Need to Grow Your Business?
What Opt-in Do You Need to Grow Your Business?
Every business needs an email list. Every. Single. One. Some (those who...
best social media platform
Which Social Platform is the Best Choice for Your Business?
You can’t possibly do it all and be everywhere. Even if you...
get started with content creation
Get Started with your Content Creation Today
One thing I strongly believe in and encourage for content creators is...
expert strategies not what you need
Expert Strategies May Not Be What Your Business Needs
We all follow some of the big names in our industry; those...
How email marketing can help elevate your brand
How Email Marketing Can Help Elevate Your Brand
You've probably heard about how important email is to your content and...

Pin It on Pinterest