I’m constantly amazed at the number of people who aren’t willing to invest capital into improving their own products, services, websites, personal growth, etc., but at the same time they expect others to spend their money to invest in those products, services & expertise.

Starting a business is risky, but it’s not risky if you’re not willing to invest a dime. I get bootstrapping, but there needs to be risk if you want the reward.

Earlier this year I joined a forum – a simple discussion forum – that cost me $500 dollars to join.

Without question, since making that investment, I’ve had my best three months of business in a long time. Not just a little better – remarkably better.

Since then, I’ve joined a mastermind/mentorship program that costs considerably more…actually a lot more. We’re just getting going and by the looks of it, it’s going to be a driver of nothing less than exponential growth.

The first and most important investment always needs to be in yourself.