Success Tips and Tax Advantages
Do you surround yourself with like-minded people who move your business forward? Are you clear on how to make smart investments in your business and in yourself? Do you understand the advantages of investing in your business before the end of the year (if not, consult your CPA).
I’m asking these questions because I believe it’s imperative to invest in yourself — not just sometimes but ALL OF THE TIME. I recently flew to LA and was interviewed by Ali Brown and James Roche on the Elevate web-cast. Not only was it a blast to share my story it was a nice reminder of how far I’ve come. Plus I was surrounded by amazingly successful entrepreneurs who understand what it really takes to be successful in business. The Elevate Webcast Lineup -from left to right– Tonia Gabrielle, Doreen Rainey, Angelique Rewers, Christina Hills, Lisa Manyon (me), Ali Brown & James Roche
Some of the takeaways from the webcast:
- You must invest in yourself to create your own economy
- True entrepreneurs are risk takers who don’t always know exactly how things will turn out
- You must have deep passion for your work and know you have a BIG mission to help others (while making a profit)
- Without the support of a like-minded community, you’ll likely remain stuck
- It takes money to make money and investments in your business are just that — investments — not expenses (often they are a tax write off)
James Roche, Lisa Manyon & Ali Brown
Here are some reasons you should consider investing in your business and yourself. The most valuable thing I’ve ever done for my business is to invest in the products, services and coaching that I needed to move my business forward. I continue to do this and believe in order to succeed you MUST invest in yourself and surround yourself with likeminded , successful people. The creative energy and ideas alone make it well worth your time and money.
If you’re concerned about making investments now, consider how it can benefit you. Are you committed to turning your dreams into reality and sharing your true voice? I recently shared information with my community about how investing now could be a potential tax advantage when you make the investment before the end of the year. Of course, you’ll want to check with your CPA to get the full scoop about how making investments now could be a tax advantage for you. So, why don’t pick up the phone and have that conversation? Then, take action and make an investment in yourself and your business.
I mentioned that one of the investment I’m making is a BIG website revamp for the New Year and I urge you to take an objective look at your website to make sure it’s supporting your business vision, mission and your ideal clients (especially if you honestly want your website to work for you). I feel really blessed to give women a voice to turn your ideas into something that matters. You’re probably already aware that I do that by writing web copy to build relationships, truly connect with your ideal clients and ultimately increase your income online. I’d love the opportunity to support you if it feels right — get the details here.
December 21st, 2011 at 7:59 am
Lisa,
This is so true. It always astonishes me when I hear entrepreneurs say “I can’t afford it.” The one investment that will always pay off is investing in yourself…
Terry
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December 21st, 2011 at 8:08 am
Terry,
It’s one of my pet peeves. The best investment we can ever make is in ourselves and being of service to others.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 21st, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Good stuff – I really agree with you Lisa!
1) Investing in myself: I’ve invested more in myself and my business than in anything else for the last several years. It has ALWAYS paid off in immeasurable ways.
2) Having a like minded community: This has been invaluable in moving me past barriers, obstacles and challenges in my business. At times, only the force of my community has pushed me forward when I feared I “couldn’t”.
3) Risk taking: If you are unwilling to take risks, you should have a W-2. Period. Not a judgment, just a fact. It’s a proven statistic that Entrepreneurs must be highly risk tolerant to succeed.
Thanks for sharing this experience and of course, your expertise with us!
Aprille
http://www.GetClickNow.com
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December 26th, 2011 at 8:18 am
Aprille,
I think FEAR is the number one thing that holds most people back. Congrats for continuing to invest in YOU.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 21st, 2011 at 6:27 pm
I don’t think you can understand the true value of surrounding yourself with like-minded people until you do it. Just being around successful people makes you want to be more successful. Being part of a community of entrepreneurs striving for the same goals is a must-have tool in your success bag.
When I first joined Ali Brown’s Millionaire Protege Club I had a good picture I was using on my bio. After seeing the professional quality of the other club member’s I immediately wanted a better photo actually I wanted a GREAT photo. So, I scheduled a professional photo shoot the next day. That’s just one small example of how investing in myself and being part of an AWESOME community has helped me elevate to the next level.
This was a great post!
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December 26th, 2011 at 8:17 am
Tonya,
I think you are correct that often people don’t understand the importance of up-leveling and investing in themselves until they actually do it. I’ve continually invested in high-level mentors in order to grow my business and to stretch myself personally and professionally. It has made all the difference.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 24th, 2011 at 12:29 am
No matter what the economy does, your intestment in yourself will keep paying dividends!
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December 26th, 2011 at 8:08 am
Rhonda,
So true. Thanks for stopping by and for doing what you do.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 26th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
This is a great time of year to think about how you’ve invested, what your ROI is, and what you need to do to challenge yourself for next year. Once a person says to me “I can’t afford XXX” I know in my gut their thinking and mindset is so small that they are right – they CAN’T afford it! Stepping up can be a huge motivator, for sure.
Sue
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December 28th, 2011 at 8:06 am
Sue,
That reminds me of the quote (I believe by Henry Ford) – If you believe you can or you believe you cannot you are right.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 27th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Lisa
I love so much about this: True entrepreneurs are risk takers who don’t always know exactly how things will turn out; You must have deep passion for your work and know you have a BIG mission to help others (while making a profit); Without the support of a like-minded community, you’ll likely remain stuck
All very good reasons for investing in ourselves!
Thanks
Trudy
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December 28th, 2011 at 8:07 am
Trudy,
I truly believe that. If I always knew how things were going to turn out I wouldn’t make any headway.
Taking risks, investing in myself and knowing it will all be OK no matter what is what keeps me going.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 27th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Oh, and big congrats on being interviewed by Ali Brown and James Roche on the Elevate web-cast!
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December 28th, 2011 at 8:08 am
Thanks Trudy,
It was a true honor and I had a lot of fun sharing bits of my journey that people hadn’t heard yet.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 28th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Lisa – I agree! It’s a huge pet peeve of mine when people say “I can’t afford it” – because they can, they just don’t want to (Especially when it comes to their website!).
I recently had a client who had been putting off her website redesign for a long time tell us that since hiring Bourn Creative to redesign her site, her traffic is up by 400%, bounce rates are reduced by 50%, and product sales are up by 600%!
Seriously, how people can think the investment isn’t worth it astounds me!
Investing in yourself and your business is the greatest gift you can give yourself. It makes a statement that you believe you’re worth it.
If you aren’t confident enough in your abilities and your business to invest in in yourself and your business, how can you expect other people to invest their money with you?
When you show the universe you KNOW you’re worth it, everyone else will follow suit and securing new business will become easier too!
Great post!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
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December 31st, 2011 at 9:29 am
Hi Jennifer,
I agree wholeheartedly! I often have the same resistance to investing in copywriting. It baffles me when people try to find the cheapest, quickest solution instead of investing in getting things done the right way from the beginning. I’m often told by clients that they wish they would have hired me to begin with because they have nightmare stories about the service and copy (or lack thereof) that they received elsewhere. It always saddens me to hear this because I’m so passionate about helping people build relationships, attract their ideal clients and ultimately make money online with GREAT copy and strategy. I know the same it true for you with web design and the’s why Bourn Creative is one of the only web companies I refer to.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 30th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Great Points, Lisa, and congratulations on a great webcast! XO, Katherine.
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December 31st, 2011 at 9:26 am
Thanks Katherine,
The webcast was a lot of fun. I love sharing possibilities with people.
Write on!~
Lisa
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December 31st, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Lisa,
I am with you all the way on this one! I am also doing a lot of writing about this subject as of Dec ’11 and a “few” dentists have actually contacted me saying “You struck a nerve. I need to think more about this investment”! Let’s see what 2012 brings. Maybe they will take a step forward and stop thinking about investing in themself!”
CONGRATS to you for being a part of the live webcast!!!
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
Dental Practice Solutions
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December 31st, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I agree! I think Tonja said it well, you don’t understand the value until you try it. Since investing in a professional mastermind group, I can’t imagine not doing it every year. It’s a vital part of my business. Thanks ~Debbie. Congrats on your webcast.
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December 31st, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Lisa,
Great post. The people who want free are an interesting breed as well.
The funny thing is they never act on the free. It is only when you invest in yourself that you take action and move forward.
Mitch
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