From Passion Project to Profit Machine: My Journey of Business Investment
"How did she do it?!"
Eight years ago, I started my beauty blog as a passion project. It was a creative outlet, a hobby, a place where I could share my love for beauty products. Fast forward to today, and I’m moving to London, determined to transform my blog into a serious revenue stream to cover my rent and living expenses.
Every other blogger I followed seemed to be achieving incredible success. They were launching online courses, selling out masterminds, and turning their humble blogs into lucrative businesses, consistently raking in $10K+ months.
What was their secret?
I became obsessed with finding out. I stalked my favorite bloggers on Instagram, devoured every interview they gave, and meticulously analyzed their marketing strategies. Soon, I noticed a common thread: the women who succeeded didn’t do it alone. They invested in their businesses, leveraging resources and playing a game I didn’t even know existed.
If I wanted similar results, I had to follow suit.
The Turning Point: Investing in My Business
Until that moment, I was piecing together growth strategies from free webinars, articles, and opt-ins, thinking everything I needed was just a Google search away. However, I quickly realized that much of the free information was outdated, incomplete, or disorganized. I had the right strategies but not in the right order, and I was frustrated by the lack of results.
The successful bloggers I admired weren’t winging it. They were investing in their business, hiring mentors, and enrolling in programs—even when they didn’t have the money. I knew I had to do the same.
Reluctantly, I took out my credit card and signed up for a $700 online course on monetizing my blog with digital products. At the time, $700 was more than my rent, and I had to opt for a payment plan because I didn’t have that kind of money lying around. I was terrified as I made the first payment, but I knew in my heart that if I wanted to succeed, I had to think and act like a successful person.
Three months later, I had made back my entire investment—and more. It took me eight years to reach $1K months, but within one year of taking that course, I was making $3.5K months. That was four years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.
Overcoming the Fear of Investing in Your Business
I understand the fear of investing in your business—I’ve been there. But now, I kick myself for not doing it sooner. Think of all the money I left on the table during those eight years and all those sleepless nights wondering when I’d finally achieve my dreams.
When I finally invested in my business, my fears didn’t come true. My dreams did.
So, how can you overcome the fear and start investing in your business today?
1. Identify What You Need Help With
The biggest fear when investing in your business is making the wrong investment. I’ve experienced both successful investments and costly mistakes. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Step 1: Get Clear on What Your Business Needs
There are countless things you could invest in for your business: a new team member, a mastermind, an online course, or advanced email marketing software. Before spending your money, ask yourself: what will move the needle forward in my business the most?
When I invested in that $700 course, I needed an automated lead generation system and a framework for building online courses. The course provided both, and I made my investment back within two months.
The other game-changing investment was a leadership training program. I had the right strategies but was afraid of going live, selling, and showing up as the leader of my business. The program helped me overcome my fears, allowing me to use the strategies effectively and achieve results.
On the other hand, investments made out of a fear of missing out or because I thought I needed a coach rarely worked. Every path to success is different, and no one knows better than you what’s right for your business. Get clear on what your business needs right now and invest in that.
Step 2: Get Recommendations Before Investing
The investments I regret the most were made out of scarcity or fear of missing out. Urgent deadlines and big discounts can push you to buy, but not always for the right reasons. Even good programs can be a waste if they’re not what your business needs at the moment.
The best investments I made came through recommendations. I knew people who had gone through the programs and saw their results firsthand. Despite my fear of spending the money, I knew the programs worked and that I’d see similar results if I followed the steps.
Step 3: Ensure a Good Guarantee
Coaching programs often don’t offer refunds because the coach can’t get their time and advice back. However, I’ve seen a trend of high-priced programs offering minimal one-on-one coaching and no accountability.
Before investing, make sure the program offers a good guarantee. Either get your money back if it’s a course or software or pay based on results.
2. Treat Investing in Your Business Like Any Other Investment
Think about the money you invested in your college education or a loan for your dream house. Why hesitate when it comes to investing in your business? Building your business is as important as your education or home, and you should treat it the same way.
Even if you don’t have the money lying around, there are options. You can apply for a grant or loan, use a credit card, ask relatives for help, or sell something. If you’d do any of these to pay for college or buy a house, you owe it to yourself to do the same for your business.
3. Focus on Your Vision, Not Your Fear
Fear is paralyzing. Focusing on what could go wrong or whether you’ll make the investment back keeps you stuck in anxiety. Instead, focus on your vision for your business and life.
Why do you want to build this business? To make money? Make a difference in the world? Have more free time with family? Work from anywhere? How would your life improve if your vision came true?
Whenever fear creeps in, reconnect with your vision. Ask yourself, “What would the person who has already achieved this do?” Hint: it’s usually the thing you’re most afraid of doing.
4. Trust Yourself
People often ask, “If I invest in this, will I get results?” The truth is, that success comes from responsibility. Coaches and mentors provide tools and resources, but it’s up to you to use them and get results.
If you’re asking, “Will I get results?”, you might actually be saying, “I don’t trust myself to get results.” This is your chance to build that trust. The only way to break through fear and self-doubt is to make that investment and commit to seeing it through.
I wouldn’t have the business and life I have today if I hadn’t invested in my business and sought help from coaches and mentors. The same is possible for you. Trust your vision and go for it. Get clear on what you need, ask for recommendations, and ensure a good guarantee. Then, take the leap. You’ll make back the investment tenfold.