"Invest"

If you are an entrepreneur or planning on exploring the world of business ownership, then you must learn one invaluable skill and that is the ability to invest in yourself.

Invest Time: First, take time to think.  If you constantly have ideas running through your head then take the time to sit with your ideas and write them out.  You are essentially investing the necessary time to develop your business idea into a business plan. You can list your ideas, your goals and a timeline.  You should list the benefits and risks to make sure that you are properly prepared for the upcoming challenges.   Invest time in research as well and see where you fit in to the existing business landscape.  Never stop learning and invest time in reading, meeting people and doing what you need to do to stay current with your field. Before you decide to put yourself and your idea out there, make sure that you have carved out time in your schedule that can be specifically dedicated to your business.     

Invest Money: There are a lot of free resources available to help budding entrepreneurs set up their business basics.  You should absolutely take advantage of everything that you can before you start investing money so that you can essentially, “test the waters” on running your business.  However, at some point you have to ask yourself if you want paying clients. If yes, then be the first one.  Invest in resources that require money.  Invest in a new outfit for the networking reception, headshots for your online profiles, or upgrade your free resources to paid resources.  Invest in a professional development or career coach to help you grow your business and properly market your business skills.  You may even want to invest in a lawyer to structure your business entity and plan for future tax liability. Eventually, you have to put more in if you want to get more out.   

Invest Heart: Build confidence in your self and build confidence in your business.  If you heart is not in it, then don’t take the risk because you will not be able to reap the reward.  Believe in yourself if your want others to believe in you.  Part of building your brand is building yourself as the brand owner.  Both are continual processes and even I am still evolving.  I recently learned two important lessons from my clients and from my consultants: (1) Don’t discount your self and (2) Don’t allow others to stifle you.  In other words, know your value! Recognize the value of your service, the value of your time, and the value of your voice. 

Invest (Time+Money+Heart)= You as a successful entrepreneur!