I’m a sucker for professional development.
Love it. LOVE. IT.
Could listen to podcasts, read blogs, watch webinars, download templates and follow courses forever. And actually did for many years.
I was a bit of a professional development junkie for a while there. I have a Dropbox folder overflowing with lead magnet templates, best newsletter subject lines, social media ad swipe copy, sales page masterclasses, workbooks, seasonal sales formulas… you name it; I’ve invested in it.
And I nearly invested again recently. A clever Facebook ad led me to a flashy sales page offering over 16k worth of professional development products for an insane 99% off. I read the sales page and very nearly check out and then I remembered: the program is only as good as the work you put in. And investing in the program is NOT the same as putting the work in. I most assuredly have the same or very similar trainings/books/templates/swipe copy/courses, etc as what this new offering was promising to provide so if I actually wanted to freshen things up or find a new idea, I could just browse the Dropbox folder till I found something to suit.
I think sometimes in business, we can forget that the “formula” is really very simple. And it’s no great secret.
Share what you love. Show people how it can help them.
Repeat.
I’m in no way opposed to paying for great services or professional development support, and if you’re just starting out, a wise investment can reap enormous benefits for your business. But the program you buy or the coach you hire will never (EVER) replace you. It will never replace your experience or the relationships that you foster.
You are the secret sauce in your business.
