by Deanna Newsome | Featured Contributor
I get it. You’re proud of the fact that you are building your business from the ground up. You may have built your first website with no prior WordPress experience. You might have even learned how to edit and upload videos to YouTube and have most likely figured out how to format your email newsletter all by yourself. And if you are really brave (and patient) you are logging some serious time setting up your shoppingcart solution.
You should definitely feel proud of everything you’ve managed to accomplish in your business. It’s also important to keep in mind that doing “all” the work yourself does come with a price.
So many solo-preneurs are working too many hours. They suffer from burnout and frustration—and not because running a business is hard, but simply because they’re unwilling to truly invest in their business.
Why are so many small business owners unwilling to invest in their businesses? They have a scarcity mindset. With this type of mindset prevents people from taking the steps—and making the investments—that will have the massive impact on their business. And maybe this is true for you, too.
In my experience working with new and aspiring women entrepreneurs I’ve discovered that there are three common investments that my clients are hesitant to make.
Outsourcing
The biggest objection to outsourcing you’ll hear is “I can’t afford it.” You’ve probably heard—or even said it. But the truth is, if you’re a serious business owner, you can’t afford not to outsource.
The time you free up by not doing those repetitive, everyday tasks is time you’ll spend more profitably, by:
- Creating new products and programs.
- Upping your copywriting skills.
- Creating video and audio content.
- Connecting with your ideal audience on social media or networking events
- Working with more clients either one on one or in a group setting.
- Or just enjoying your life!
Try to never look at outsourcing as an expense.It is an important investment in your business. In fact, if you’re not getting a return on your investment, examine what you’re outsourcing and to whom, because there may be some things you can tweak to up your return.
Automation
Your a solo-preneur who doesn’t want to spend loads of money on fancy tools. I get it. I’ve been there before. Most of us start out using low-cost tools with very limited features. Here is the most common example I see, you are using PayPal exclusively for product sales, and manually adding buyers to your Aweber mailing list each time you receive a new sale.
That’s a totally acceptable solution while time is easier to come by than money. But you’ll quickly outgrow it and you simply won’t have the time.
The problem is, too many entrepreneurs don’t realize the benefits of true automation and don’t pick the right tools to achieve it.
Not only is trying to “make do” with limited systems costing you sales, but it costs actual dollars, too. You (or your virtual assistant) will spend extra time simply getting it all to work and play nicely, rather than letting the actual tools do the heavy lifting.
Make sure you recognize when it’s time to up-level your marketing tools to include true funnel automation like what’s offered with Ontraport, Infusionsoft, and even Aweber, and watch your income increase dramatically!
Coaching
It is possible to build your business solely on your own. You can pay attention to what others are doing and reverse engineer their systems. You can read books and blogs and attend webinars then maybe invest in a few carefully chosen training programs.
But there will come a time when your growth will flat line, and you’ll struggle to reach that next level. That’s completely normal, to be expected, and all businesses go through it. But it’s also the right time to invest in coaching. And yes, even coaches have (and need) coaches. A coach can help you see past your own blind spots, work through the blocks and limiting beliefs that are holding you back, and support you as you build a business you love—on your own terms.
Don’t be afraid to invest in your business. Wise investments such as coaching, automation, and outsourcing will pay for themselves many times over.
Photo credit: Johnny Silvercloud
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Deanna Newsome, Marketing & Technology Expert and the brains behind Margaritas and Mommyhood.
Deanna is a marketing and technology maven based in San Diego, CA with over 10 years in all things online business. She specializes in helping new and aspiring women entrepreneuers eliminate tech-overwhelm, achieve time & financial freedom, and build thriving online businesses. In her free time she enjoys reading, the occassional dance party with her kids, and just about anything diy.
Connect with Deanna: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Deanna Newsome, Marketing & Technology Expert and the brains behind MargaritasandMommyhood.com.
Deanna is a marketing and technology maven based in San Diego, CA with over 10 years in all things online business. She specializes in helping new and aspiring women entrepreneurs eliminate tech-overwhelm, achieve time & financial freedom, and build thriving online businesses. In her free time she enjoys reading, the occasional dance party with her kids, and just about anything diy.
