Click here if you would rather listen to this article.
[audio:https://kendall.audioacrobat.com/download/ccf1eb61-c7ee-08a1-e685-ab104a0bc9b4.mp3]Have you noticed how every time you make the decision to up level your business, it requires a financial investment?
And that making this investment can feel like the biggest stretch you’ve ever had to make?
That’s how it was for me when I first started investing in getting mentoring. I remember how thrilling (and terrifying!) it was to invest in the kind of mentoring that represented where I wanted to BE with my business, not where I currently was.
That’s a critical distinction because if you’re not playing from the spot where you want to be, it can prove very difficult to make much — if any — measurable progress towards reaching your income goals.
Luckily, finding the money to invest in your growth can be a lot easier than you think. This is important because realistically, being without a mentor is not an option if you’re intention is to create a business that supports you and truly thrives.
I remember the first time I made a 6-figure investment with a mentor (yes, you read that number correctly) it lit a fire under me to launch a home study course I had completed and not yet marketed.
I was so motivated, that launch brought in over twice my investment in mentoring so I paid for the coaching AND had a healthy profit leftover!
Here is my favorite checklist of ways to quickly access the money you need to fuel the growth of your business.
Collect any and all unpaid monies owed to you from past clients
Create a VIP Day offer and send it out to your current list, even if that list is small
Call past and current clients to present an add-on service such as a VIP Day, “Quick Start” session or some other service that’s fast and simple to offer so you get a lot of “Yes’s”
Host a quick sale of any products or programs you may have laying around
Ask your family to invest in helping you grow your business (be sure to give them a specific time frame and pay back schedule so you’re in integrity)
Borrow money from your savings or retirement account (fact is, the return on your business investment is going to be much higher than current interest rates)
Take advantage of zero percent offers from credit cards that give you 6 and even 12 month pay back periods (just be sure to create a pay off schedule so you’re balance represents an investment, not a debt)
Triple the number of people you talk with this month to increase how many become your client (this one tip alone can be worth thousands to you!)
Offer a quick 3-5 session program to your current list
Raise your fees
Invite friends and colleagues over for a 1-day small event and make an offer
Follow up by phone with everyone you’ve met in the past 90-days, and either make them an offer or ask for a referral
Call at least 5 of your colleagues and let them know you’re accepting referrals
Reach out by telephone to everyone who signed up for your last program and make a special offer (they’ll love the personal touch and you’ll close sales)
Search your old purses, coat pockets and drawers for money you’ve stashed away in the past (I’m not kidding!)
Cash in any gift cards and deposit any checks you’ve been hanging on to
Look around your house or garage for items you can quickly sell on Ebay or Craig’s list (you’ll be amazed at how much, and how quickly, this can add up. Besides, you can always replace the item later on, after your business is thriving)
Where Your Intention Goes, Your Income Flows
There’s nothing like having a specific, measurable goal to give you fresh energy and motivation to achieve something amazing for yourself.
So rather than saying, “Someday, I’ll invest in mentoring when I can afford it” (which is not what an empowered woman entrepreneur would ever say) you want to decide that this is your moment.
Then, get clear on the amount you need and by when and do everything in your power — including the things that make you feel uncomfortable — to reach your number.
If you act as if your life depends on it, you’ll be amazed at what you accomplish, who you become in the process and the opportunity you give yourself to get your business to the next level!