One of the whole ideas of having a business is growing it, scaling it, taking it to the next level and usually that involves not just an investment of time and effort, but also, good, ole-fashioned money!

From spending on tools to make you go pro to investing in design that sets you apart from the competition to adding products that will bring in additional income streams, your mind is buzzing with ideas but you know that to do all of this, you need cold, hard cash.

How can you grow, like really, seriously power up,  your business without going broke? Or maxing out your credit card? Or taking out a second mortgage?

Here’s how we’re doing it without spending insanely:

1. Identify What Needs Fixing

One of the first things we do whenever we want to ramp things up in the business is to make a list of things we think need fixing – a better design, more freebies, newer killer offerings and so on. Then we rank the list in order of priority and see what each line item needs.

For us, one of the things we really needed to go pro and go big was a better designed website. So, based on my learning from B-School, we identified a list of things that we would like the new website to have and showcase and went with that.

Knowing what needs fixing allows a budget-savvy business owner to make an informed decision and tackle the important items first.

 2. Go Pro Without the Pricey Price Tag

Ooh, we did SO much of this. You see, going pro generally means forking out the wallet and while you, me and everyone else is prepared to do that, I don’t see why you shouldn’t do a bit of research to find a provider who not only meets all your needs but comes at a price you can afford.

I may get flak for this but growing your business and being premium doesn’t always mean pricey.

As a budget-savvy business owner, for me, premium means getting quality services at a sensible price.

The new website design is being designed by Revka Stearns of Berries and Cream who is insanely talented, incredibly patient and completely gets my vision and will have custom graphics by Karen Gunton who is one of THE most incredible visualiser ever and gorgeous photos by Neha of Tiny Love Photography.

We chose all of these amazing service providers because they provided EXCELLENT value and brought amazing energy and experience to their work. 

Please note, what may be reasonable and affordable to me may not be to you and again what is expensive and out-of-reach for me may not be the case for you.  Yes, how you perceive pricing is subjective. However, at the end of the day, what matters is whether or not you get great VALUE from your investment, regardless of how big or small it may be. 

3. Invest in Learning and Take Action

2013 has been the year of learning. We have learnt so much about growing our business, increasing our annual income and taking it close to that 6-figure mark. From investing in Marie’s B-School to now joining Leonie’s Amazing Biz+Life Academy, I’ve been constantly investing in growing my knowledge and learning because that my friend, is key to keeping a mind sharp and building a business as well. Again, all the learning in the world is pretty useless unless you apply it. You know that, right?

You’ll be seeing a lot of changes happen here, some visible and others behind-the-scenes, as a result of B-School and our newfound learning. I wouldn’t invest in another Academy or course unless I was sure I would apply what I learn. If you’ve taken a lot of courses, time to shake off that virtual dust off them and dig in deep and start taking massive action. NOW.

 

4. Grow Your Community, Tribe, Network

Call it community, tribe or network, you need to surround yourself with amazing, inspiring and encouraging people who while being uplifting can also be honest and straightforward. While this strategy effectively costs nothing, it is one of the BEST ways to grow your business.

When you’re in the midst of like-minded people who understand your goals and support you with resources, ideas and thoughts, you’re bound to be inspired to act.

That is one of the BIG reasons I’m joining The Amazing Biz+Life Academy and if growing your business with clarity and community is what you want too, I hope you’ll join with me. We can have our own little accountability group to support each other. Yes!

5. Give. More. Generously

Finally, and this may seem a little woo-woo to some of you, BUT let me say this, “it works”. The more you give, the more you get. Simple. Call it anything you want, but the fact is that everyone loves a generous soul. Someone who is truly, deeply and sincerely willing to help you. Be that person. It’ll help you grow your community, grow your business and grow your own self.

When you feel good, you do good. Nothing energizes me more than sending a thoughtful note to a friend who may be struggling with something in her business. Nothing inspires and excites me more than receiving a surprise in the mail from a friend who believes in me. {thank you, Natasha!}.

Giving more is a great way to grow your business and infuse it with fresh energy, passion and commitment.

What aspect of YOUR business do YOU want to grow? Share with me in the comments below.