Business resources would tell you that you don’t have to spend a dime when you want to make money. However, a lot of successful businesses in recent times have based their strategies on contrarian trading – that is, purposely choosing to pay additional money for certain products or services to eventually gain profit. Here are the top five things small entrepreneurs like you should be willing to pay more for to ultimately help your business double the investments you spent.
A Nonstop Flight, Extra Legroom
In today’s small business environment, you’ll get run over if you don’t move fast. Downtime can lead to wasted opportunities. The ability to bypass a layover or two, the power to avoid flight delays or cancellations, or the complete elimination of the need to transfer from one plane to another are well worth the price premium airlines put on flights.
And unless you’re a big honcho who’s willing to pay a sizable amount for a business class seat, you, the overly budget-conscious business traveler, are more likely to base your ticket-buying decisions solely on price. In effect, you might experience some discomfort. Taking it all out to the gods of airline seat design and airline money management is apparently a lost cause, since air travel is a basic commodity for people like you and you’re left with no choice but to fly with them. Even if you’re just flying economy class, don’t balk at paying a few extra dollars for “premium coach” seats with more legroom. Those additional inches can make a big difference, especially when you’re travelling in a long haul flight.
A Good Pair of Shoes
Being an entrepreneur means spending a lot of time on your feet – literally. Therefore, a comfortable pair of shoes is an absolute must to avoid blisters, sore feet, bunions, and other pedal impediments. Go to a store that specializes in professional-looking footwear and choose one that fits you best, regardless of whether it’s a pair of Louboutins or a customized pair from your local leather goods shop. With a good pair of shoes plus a large gulp of motivation, you’ll be ready to put one foot forward and break into the intimidating small business world you want to be in.
A Robust Business Telephone Service
A big aspect of your business communications involves running a PBX system; but since you’re just a small entrepreneur with not much money to spare, you probably have the most basic VoIP phone system set up. Truth is that you don’t have to be too stingy in this aspect of your business. Today, new demands for mobility, collaboration, and unified communications are changing the business landscape. On top of all these new technologies are companies just like RingCentral phone service providers , which help small entrepreneurs like you to stay abreast with the shift. Don’t use phones that fall short of your simplest needs.
A Comfortable Desk Chair
Understand that you’re spending nine hours on average sitting on your desk (make that 12 hours if you’re the hardcore honcho). A substandard chair just won’t do. Be ready to spend a little more for a nice office chair that can help increase your productivity. Ergonomic chairs are best for increasing comfort levels while you work, since they cut down the stress put on your lower spine and they promote good posture. Find one that works well with your specific needs and don’t hold back in paying for it.
A Premium Beer
There goes an unattributed quote which says, “Life’s too short to drink cheap beer.” It never hurts to reward yourself for a job well done. You know you’ve worked hard day and night to keep your small business running so, at the end of it all, why not spend money on something ridiculously expensive just because you know you deserve it?
Ego tripping aside, you need not gobble up all the pleasant liquid inside that shiny little bottle all by yourself. You have to share it with a prospect! Don’t hesitate on spending a little over what you intend to when you want to make some real money. Without the initial investment involved in indulging your prospects, it can be hard to propel your small business to its maximum potential. Besides, what’s a $348 bottle of Carlsberg Vintage 3 worth when compared to a closing a six-digit deal with a big client?