Forum Discussion

Sophiera's avatar
Sophiera
Contributor 4
1 month ago
Solved

What investment has had the biggest impact on your business?

I'm curious to hear from other business owners.

Looking back, what investment had the biggest impact on your business?

It could be a piece of equipment, software, training, marketing, a new hire, a vehicle, a website, or something completely unexpected.

What did you invest in, and how did it change your business?

I'm always interested in hearing what actually moved the needle for people.

  • DutchPopp's avatar
    DutchPopp
    30 days ago

    I would totally agree! We have between 5-7 trucks out on the road and we have them advertising constantly! People are always saying they see our trucks. I would also combine that with other marketing like Google, FB/Instagram, Print and get a whole game plan established.

8 Replies

  • HUGEHomePros's avatar
    HUGEHomePros
    Jobber Ambassador
    1 month ago

    I can certainly share a lot of things that didn't! I'd say in my trade, nothing beats a good work vehicle. I started my business out of a Mazda 3 hatch back and when i bought my Tacoma, my world opened up! Now I have a few different vehicles that are all good for different applications but you can really expand your capacity with a good work vehicle. Lately, I'm a HUGE fan of the Ford Transits that you can stand up in. Get the longer bed so you can comfortably haul sheet goods without having to strap it, you can fit almost a whole kitchen worth of cabinets and when you wrap it, it's a HUGE billboard. 

     

    • Sophiera's avatar
      Sophiera
      Contributor 4
      1 month ago

      Nice looking van! The wrap looks great and I can see why it is helpful, functional and great marketing! Thanks for sharing.

  • DutchPopp's avatar
    DutchPopp
    Contributor 2
    30 days ago

    I would totally agree! We have between 5-7 trucks out on the road and we have them advertising constantly! People are always saying they see our trucks. I would also combine that with other marketing like Google, FB/Instagram, Print and get a whole game plan established.

    • Sophiera's avatar
      Sophiera
      Contributor 4
      29 days ago

      I can definitely see how that would be a game changer. Having the ability to haul more materials, stay organized, and advertise everywhere you go is a pretty smart investment.

      For me as a residential designer, it's been software and technology that help me work more efficiently and serve clients across the country. Different businesses, but the same idea of finding tools that help you do more and better serve your customers.

      Thank you for sharing your experience. It's exciting to hear when someone finds that investment that really moves the needle for their business. It sounds like the combination of a strong social media presence and visible, real world marketing has been a great formula for you.

  • Chris_TopGreen's avatar
    Chris_TopGreen
    Contributor 2
    30 days ago

    I recently invested in a course offered by my Small Business Development Center. Going through the course and learning to think strategically about the business. John Maxwell says that the highest level of leadership is the ceiling of that business, the only way to grow the business is to raise the ceiling. I am moving from surviving to thriving in my business!

    Apart from that, the next best investment for us is a social media manager. For your business is the part of your role you don't understand that well or don't have time for.

    • Sophiera's avatar
      Sophiera
      Contributor 4
      29 days ago

      Thank you for sharing this, Chris. The idea of raising the leadership ceiling really resonates with me. As a solo business owner, I've realized that growing the business often requires me to grow right alongside it.

      I also appreciate your point about investing in areas outside our expertise. For me, one of the biggest lessons has been recognizing that trying to do everything myself isn't always the most effective path. There comes a point where bringing in support can help the business grow faster than simply working more hours.

      Congratulations on moving from surviving to thriving. That's an exciting milestone.

  • norvav's avatar
    norvav
    Contributor 2
    30 days ago

    As a grant writer and business operations consultant, my work involves managing large volumes of documents, deadlines, compliance requirements, and client communications. Investing in upgraded computer systems, cloud-based document management, and contract support allowed me to work more efficiently, serve more clients, and improve response times.

    The result was a 20% increase in revenue because I could take on additional projects without sacrificing quality or customer service. It also gave me the capacity to secure larger contracts and grants for clients.

    An unexpected benefit was that the additional revenue enabled me to expand my community impact by dedicating 5% of business profits to providing monthly hot meals and personal hygiene items for approximately 150 individuals experiencing homelessness.

    That investment didn't just improve operations—it increased capacity, revenue, client satisfaction, and community impact.

     

    • Sophiera's avatar
      Sophiera
      Contributor 4
      29 days ago

      Thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate how clearly you connected the investment to the results. It's easy to focus on the cost of an investment, but your example shows how the right systems and support can increase capacity and create opportunities that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

      I also love the fact that the growth of your business has allowed you to give back to your community in such a meaningful way. That's a wonderful example of how business success can create a positive impact beyond the business itself.