Five Ideas for Investing in Yourself in 2012

No matter what your growth goals are for 2012, your chances of reaching them (and your future business goals) are better if you take time to invest in yourself. After all, you are the driving force behind your business, so your success will be directly affected by the power and direction you bring to it.

Here are some suggestions for investing in your business’s most important asset in the coming year—YOU!

Hiring a Mentor / Joining a Mastermind

Whether you feel like you’ve got the hang of your day-to-day challenges and you’re ready to take your business to the next level or you’re in need of direction to overhaul the way you run the show, a mentor or mastermind can provide the fix you need in 2012.

The in-depth, personalized attention a mentor can give to your business and the way you run it will allow you to access a new level of clarity and understand your professional and personal self in a whole new way.

The focused attention on specific business skills you’ll gain from a mastermind (think: online marketing strategies, networking smarter, attracting more ideal clients) will give you the skills you need to tackle various problems that crop up in 2012 and beyond.

Attending an Event or a Retreat

Business-focused conferences, retreats, and other events offer a double return on your investment. In addition to introducing you to concrete skills and techniques you can start applying to your business immediately, these events will provide a hearty dose of energy and inspiration.

Being in the same room with other like-minded business owners gives you a unique opportunity to share ideas, commiserate, communicate, and renew your commitment to what you do. Chances are, you’ll return home with valuable skills and a refreshed drive to apply them to your business.

Delegating to Free Your Time

If you can’t remember the last time you weren’t multitasking, chances are it’s time to start delegating some of your work to team members. Done well, delegation improves efficiency, streamlines work, and gives you a chance to rest and renew yourself.

Building Meaningful Connections

Mention “networking” these days, and most people think of LinkedIn and other social networking sites. But stepping away from your computer screen and taking some time to build actual, human relationships with people can pay off in a big way for your business.

Think of it this way: online, we tend to connect with people with whom we know we have certain things in common. In person, you can connect with people you’d never encounter online—and discover commonalities you never would have gleaned from a social media profile. Casual conversation (at events, retreats, and even parties) can lead to a world of wonderful relationships, for you and your business.

Take Personal Time

When you work out, your muscles actually gain strength in the rest period following intense activity. That’s when they recover and repair themselves. Take a hint from your body and give yourself a chance to catch your breath.

Many of us are programmed to exert ourselves until we collapse, but in periods of rest and reflection, we’re often able to see problems—and recognize solutions—more clearly.

How do you plan to invest in yourself in 2012? Click here to fill out our survey and you’ll have the chance to be featured on our blog!

If you like this post, you might also like:

1. How to Get Into the Zone for 2012: Interview with Tim Goodenough
2. 3 Key Ingredients to Grow and Thrive in 2012
3. Preparing for Business in 2012: Take Inventory Now