Investing in your business is a scary topic for a lot of business owners, including myself. The idea of spending money without any promise of getting anything in return can feel a little risky, especially when you’re in the beginning stage of building your business where you haven’t seen a lot of results yet and don’t necessarily have extra cash hanging around.
In my opinion, what makes investing so intimidating is not that I don’t want to spend money – I don’t know about you, but I have no problem with spending money! The problem is the fear of investing in the wrong things. I’m obviously not an expert when it comes to wise investments, but I’ve learned a few things about this particular topic during my first year as a small business owner that I’d like to share with you, and hopefully, you can prevent making some of the mistakes I made.
1. Invest in building a brand
Branding was something that took me a while to understand and buy into. After a lot of late-night googling about it, I finally took a leap of faith and invested in building a strong brand.
I ditched my DIY logo and went through a full branding experience with my super talented designer and friend — Brianne from Bee Creative Co.! When we began the branding process, I was only expecting a facelift for my visuals, but when she sent me her first draft I was genuinely surprised! Not only did she create a cohesive brand for me, but she incorporated my personality, vision, and values into something uniquely made just for me.
However, a strong brand needs more than pretty visuals. Messaging is a huge part of your brand too.
Visuals can make people STOP and be excited to learn more about you, but it’s what goes into your messaging that makes people want to STAY and invest in you. Chistina Scalers said that “we can inspire in our clients by being clear on who we are and what services we offer”.
There are so many things as small business owners that we can’t control, but we can and should invest in good copy and brand messaging that can do the heavy lifting for us in setting the tone with potential clients.
2. Invest in coaching
I was so skeptical about the idea of working with a coach. I mean, Google has all the answers, right?
Yes and no.
In this day and age, we’re not short on information. Everywhere we look, we see another new tactic and strategy that promises to deliver results. While we can pretty much find anything we want online, what the Internet can’t offer is the accountability and step-by-step plans that a coach can provide.
I was so lucky to stumble across Val’s Instagram one night. I sent her a DM about what working together would look like after binge-reading all her blog and IG posts. I’m such a stalker!
Choosing to work with Val was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business AND my life. Honestly, she’s more than a coach. She’s an encourager, a cheerleader, and a sweet friend! I feel so much more confident and capable every time I talk to her.
I highly suggest you invest in a coaching program or a mastermind if group coaching is more your thing – and if you do, be patient and find the right coach/program to join because it IS going to require big commitments both in time and money if you want to get the most out of it. Do some research. Ask questions before you commit to any coaching/mentorship program. And once you find a good fit, I promise you’ll never look back!
3. Invest in prayer
I had to throw this one in here because it literally changed how I view my business as a whole. Maybe praying is not your thing, but it’s a huge part of my life. I love being a business owner, but some days are just SO DANG HARD. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought about giving up.
You know what keeps me going?
His grace.
In 2 Cor 12:8, it says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
It’s so freeing to know that I don’t need to be perfect. In fact, His power is made perfect in MY weakness. It sounds so backwards, but guys…what if it’s not all up to us? What if there’s a more fulfilling way to build a business and live a joy-filled life – without running ourselves to the ground?
My business does NOT define me. My Creator does, and because of that, there is power in His words and prayers are necessary and effective. But what I love about my biz is that it gives me the opportunity to make an impact in the world by being what God made me to be.
What investments have you made for your business that you find to be valuable? And what do you think about mine?
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