What my home buying class reminded me about business
The other day I was sitting in an EIGHT HOUR home-buying class through Portland Housing Center.
On paper + digital accounts, I am no where near being able to buy a house. Especially in Portland!
Paying $99 to register for PHC's program + this class felt BIG, because honestly the last few months have not been my best financially.
Planning to spend 8 hours on the screen for class, without any children, not working on the side was also an investment. Time is so valuable. Plus my ADHD is not a fan of sitting and class and learning and big words.
Eventually I'll be invited to give PHC $1,000.
They will turn around and likely grant me $5,000 for a down payment, but this is all over time and through a thorough process that may take years.
I know when I sit across the screen from the Home Buying Counselor in a few weeks, they pull up my debt : income ratio and my credit report…I will likely feel twinges of insecurity.
“Who do I think I am to be joining a home buying program right now? I can barely get by, my credit cards + debt has soared this year, and my income is shaky at best. You're just a broke ass single mom.”
These fears have surfaced quite a few times 🙃
But here's what I know…
This immense investment of time + even money will be worth it.
It will not be an over night or even next month worth it type of Return Of Investment… it may take 2 years.
But me choosing to invest and move towards this now, with consistency + dedication, is going to get me there eventually.
It dawned on me: this is sooooo much like building a brand and growing a business.
It is SO RARE to start a business and become a $3k or $5k or $10k / month income earner over night. For most people it takes years to replace their standard salary with their business's income + profit.
But what are the steps you need to take to get there? What are the investments of time + money you need to work towards your goals?
I am asking you, First name / friend, but I am also asking me.
In order to move towards our goals in business (and life), we have to literally move towards them. Start making decisions + ACTING like you're on your way there.
Some examples of this for my own Branding Photography + Social Marketing Business has been…
Posting consistent content on Social Media
Writing consistent Blog Posts
Creating helpful, resourceful freebie-downloads for my ideal client
Writing out who my ideal client is
Building my portfolio with discounted packages (this was early on!)
Writing out emails to my email list (even if it's just my mom on there!)
Investing in education + training to further my knowledge and expertise
Having brand photos done every season
These are some of my own steps I have taken and need to consistently take, in order to move the needle in my business forward, where I want it to go.
What about you?
If you'd like some guidance or help in:
creating a content strategy
building your own freebie
building an email list
having brand photos done!
Please, submit an inquiry or book an email, these are my specialties — I am here to serve you!
