One of the things I attribute my success in building a viable income from home (Number 8 on the list) to is investing in myself through conferences, webinars and other learning opportunities. I know it’s not always easy to do so – but in my opinion that’s when you need it the most.
I struggled with this for a while. I used to say, “When I make a little more money, I’ll buy a conference ticket or go to this event.” It took my husband setting me straight to change my perspective. He said, “I think you should consider it an investment and learn what you need to learn to be more successful, more quickly.” Logic that was hard to argue with, and it’s been a game-changer. Attending events at venues like the Meeting venue Sukhumvit has led to fabulous networking opportunities, motivation, and learning experiences that have truly propelled my journey.
This coming year I’m hitting a couple conferences in person, and I’m also attending a couple online events – a much easier option for me with five little ones at home! February will find me at the Small Biz Success Summit (online event!) and at BlissDom 2012 Conference in Nashville.
Small Business Success Summit 2012
This online event will run through much of February and all the sessions and learning materials will be available not only live, but also recorded for playback later (or if you miss a session or two). Last year I attended one of the summits put on by Social Media Examiner and I got a lot out of it. I also developed a couple new clients and met some amazing people as a result of the networking that took place in the LinkedIn Group specifically created for registrants. You can check it out and register for the summit here (Note – I get a commission if you register using that link – I hope to see you there!)
BlissDom 2012
I’m super excited about the set-up of this year’s sessions and the fact that we’ll have built in time for connecting with newbies. This is one conference I’m excited to be traveling to for the learning, connections and community. And also – I need to work on my photography skills and hello? Me Ra hKoh is teaching a full session in the Photography Track!
Sometimes the hands-on help is exactly what is needed to assist you in taking your business to the next level. See the list of amazing BlissDom ’12 speakers that have been announced so far – brilliant!
Invest in Yourself!
Investing in your business is crucial, regardless of your current level. Serious entrepreneurs recognize the value of such investments and take their ventures seriously. If you’re looking to expand your horizons beyond local markets, exploring international opportunities is a wise move. One such option worth considering is registering your business just like a foreigner register business in singapore. By doing so, you can tap into the thriving business ecosystem of Singapore and open up new avenues for growth. So, whether you can attend events in person, like the one in Nashville, or prefer exploring online options such as Small Biz Success Summit 2012, there are resources available to guide you through the process of establishing your business abroad. I encourage you to explore these opportunities and make informed decisions to take your business to the next level.
What are you doing this year to invest in yourself?
I bought a ticket to TypeAParent as soon as they opened. I really regretted missing it last year!
Oh good! It’ll be exciting to see you there again this year too. 🙂
Will there be a BlissDom Canada 2012?
Yes, I’m sure that there will be a BlissDom Canada again this year but I think they are usually in the Fall, right?
I love that you’re talking about this as an investment! You know what bugs me more than someone who is serious about building their blog and won’t invest in a conference/training? Someone who goes to the conference and then whines and wonders whether their blog is worth their time and effort, or they won’t pay for a decent design, hosting, or their own domain name!! Seriously, people, if you pay money to show up at a conference, I expect you to be serious enough about your blog to pay the $11/yr and $6/mo that you need to host your blog right. 🙂
I agree Erica! I’ve seen far too many people lose access to their content, or have it wiped out completely, on the free wordpress or blogspot blogs. At least once or twice a month I get an email from someone who has been locked out of their blogs for some reason or another or had them removed. UGH.
I couldn’t agree more. I fully believe in investing in your business and found myself doing just that over the last two years. I have invested countless time and money in learning from those who are experts in my field. I also agree that you have to take yourself and your business seriously in order to see growth. However I would like to point out that when surrounded by experts and visionaries it can be easy to wonder about whether your blog is making a difference or if it’s a waste of space. It can feel like you’re completely out of your league and leave you questioning your future…while also exhilarating your and pushing you to work harder.
Amanda – I think some of that would depend on your personality. Are you the type of person to see someone do something and think, “well if THEY can do it, I can totally do that too” or to sort of shut down a little? If you’re the second I would say make your business plan FIRST and then evaluate where the gaps in knowledge are and seek out conference content that will fill in those gaps for you.
🙂
Angela <><
I think it is time I head to Blissdom. No excuses. I live in Nashville!
Definitely no excuse! I would love to see you there.
AAANNNDD I just bought my ticket to Small Biz Success Summit – this one I KNOW ill be at because it will be at home! YES!