Have you ever invested in business education that ended up being a huge waste of money? I know I have! In today’s hot seat episode, Vanessa Lust asks the all-to-common question: “How do I know what education is worth investing in?” Over the years I’ve developed a system that ensures I’m never wasting my hard-earned moolah, and it’s about time I shared it with you. The world of online education is growing on the daily, and getting more and more confusing, so tune in to hear how I make investment decisions EASILY and with major return on my investments.
If you’re too focused on all the tiny things in your business that aren’t good enough (um, hi SEO, Pinterest, Instagram, website, etc.), then you’re going to find yourself investing in everything without truly making sure it’s the right investment for you.
The first step to ensuring you’re investing wisely is getting clarity around what you want for your life and business.
These goals are not just about booking more weddings and taking pretty pictures. It’s BIGGER than that.
Do you desire to travel the world with a home in Paris where you host workshops for fellow artists?
Do you wish to take on fewer clients, so you can spend more time with your children and spouse?
Maybe your dream is to take a sabbatical every year over the holidays.
Or if the spotlight is for you, maybe you dream to write a best-selling book or speak on stages across the globe.
Whatever your biggest dreams and goals are, write them all out, and then refer to them often when making decisions (ESPECIALLY investment decisions). If the investment won’t take you towards your goal, then it’s probably not for you.
If your big goal is to take a sabbatical every year, then you probably need to hire a team to run things while you’re away.
If you desire to travel the world, then you either need to make passive income or find jobs that take you around the world.
If your dreams include best-selling books, stages, podcasts, courses, and more, then finding a way to network and make critical connections is the next step for you.
NOTE: If you’re not a photographer, then the same applies just in your trade.
If your work and experience you offer is already at luxury level, and you’re ready to charge luxury prices, but you just need a connection or two to get there, I recommend hiring a planner to do a styled shoot with you. Prove yourself to them, and serve them well with images and work that WOW them and make them want to work with you more.
Travel, destination workshops, and destination apprenticeships (pay to job shadow an industry leader) are my recommendations. Anything that involves actually DOING work in the places you want to book clients is going to be the best investment for you.
Invest in a team! Start with one team member who can take some big time-sucking tasks off your plate. It’s amazing what this can do for your overall well-being. You’ll find yourself with more time to do what you truly love!
You might be thinking, “but what if I don’t have the cash flow to hire a team or pay for a mastermind (or whatever path you’ve decided on)?” That’s where you might have to work backwards from your dream. If you don’t have the money yet, then you need to find ways to either charge more, or get more eyes on your work. Courses are a great starting point for the basics. You can check out my selection of courses here to get started.
When I’m about to invest in something (especially anything over $1,000) I do the following research to ensure I’m not just wasting my hard-earned money!
Finally, I get asked all the time what my thoughts are about $99 bundles. I say go for it! Even if one of the courses included in the bundle gives you one tip that books you one client, your investment was worth it.
This is mostly based on what your budget allows, but I always set aside at least 10% of my income per year to put towards coaching, a mastermind, or another form of business education.
There you have it, folks! My tried and true strategies for investing wisely in my business so that I don’t waste a cent on bogus education. I hear it all too often that people are in debt over education that did nothing for them. It’s time to end that cycle. I hope this gave you more clarity around the ever-growing world of online business education!
Vanessa Lust is a wedding and portrait photographer that loves documenting genuine moments of couples in love. Love and light is what inspires her, as well as movement and the beauty that surrounds us in this beautiful world. Vanessa is not only a business owner but a mother of three fast growing boys. She has been married to her partner in crime for over 16 years. Her favorite drink is a Chai Latte made with Almond milk. If she is not shooting a wedding you will find her spending time with her family with football or basketball in hand, cozied up with a good book or walking and just enjoying the fresh air.
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