If you’re a new business owner, you’re likely struggling with making ends meet—not trying to choose the best business coach or the equipment you need for your business. But while making ends meeting is important (trust me, I know!), it’s important to invest in yourself and your business to help you grow. Because if you’re just going through the same motions every week or every month, business will remain stagnant and you won’t get anywhere fast. Here are some ways to invest in yourself and your business, and I can attest to the fact that they work!
[bctt tweet=”Don’t just go through the motions in business. Invest in what works so you can grow.” username=”WriteSolutions1″]
Coaching
One of the best decisions I made as a business owner was to hire a coach. She helped me move my business forward in ways I never would have been able to do on my own. And while the coaching sessions did force me to reinvest in my business financially, it was worth it—times 1,000.
Hiring a coach doesn’t have to break the bank and it doesn’t have to be a long commitment. Many coaches offer small packages that offer one-on-one service in small doses. If nothing else, go through a discovery session with a coach or two—ones who offer clarity and value from the start. Expect to pay for these sessions and come to them with a list of items you’d like to discuss so you get the most out of them.
[bctt tweet=”Hiring a coach could be one of the best biz decisions you make yet.” username=”WriteSolutions1″]
Business Tools
Finding the right tools to help you in your business will help you run more efficiently and look more professional. Some of these tools are free, but many are not. Don’t shy away from a tool just because there’s a price tag attached to it. From social media to accounting to scheduling to workflow, there’s likely a tool for exactly what you’re looking for. I have a list of some of the tools I use in my own business, none of which I could live without. But if you’re struggling to find a tool that has a specific function, don’t be afraid to reach out to your accountability buddy or in a Facebook group. You’d be surprised at what’s out there.
[bctt tweet=”Biz tools are great, but don’t shy away just because there’s a fee involved.” username=”WriteSolutions1″]
Professional Development
Professional development can include taking a course that’s related to your field, attending a conference in town or networking with other business owners. But it can also be reading industry-specific books that help you overcome mindset blocks or solve a particular problem you’re having. In about two weeks I’ll be attending The Savvy Experience, one of my biggest and most exciting professional development investments I’ve made in my business. It wasn’t easy for me to hit “go” on this one, but I know the experience will be like no other and it will do amazing things for my business and for me as a business owner.
Time
There is nothing more precious than time. Am I right? If you’re a parent, you probably understand this more than anyone. My own daughter just started her freshman year of high school and I am shocked at how quickly she got there. Seems like just yesterday that I was changing diapers. <sniff>
Give yourself the investment of time in your business. Realize that it’s going to take time to grow and that you’re not going to become a millionaire overnight (no matter what those business “gurus” try to tell you). Set aside time every week to work ON and IN your business—on the marketing and planning side. It’s hard to take that time away from client work, but it’s absolutely critical to your success.
How have you invested in your business lately? I’d love to hear about the tools you’ve used, the professional development you found valuable and your experience with coaching and really taking the time to be IN your business.