The easiest way to invest in your business is to invest in yourself.

Here are three simple ways you can do that and yield big results.

1. Contact One New Person a Week

There’s a great adage that says, “your network is your net worth.” That is pretty true. While some people may be self-made, it’s difficult to get where you’re going without an army of people who have helped you along the way.

Naturally, a stronger network is a more effective network, so aim to add to yours on a regular basis. This doesn’t have to take up a ton of time or effort. A simple goal of making one new connection a week is great.

This can be achieved in many different ways. Join a social or athletic club and strike up a conversation. Collect a business card at a networking event and follow up via email. Ask someone to go to lunch who you’ve never dined with before. Hand out your card at an open house. The possibilities are endless, and so are the opportunities to connect!

2. Take Care of Yourself

Let’s keep the clichés going. How about this one? “Your health is your wealth.” Corny, but true. So make sure you nurture your largest and longest-term investment by taking the time to care for your body and mind.

Again, this doesn’t have to involve significant changes. Simple substitutions can make a big difference. Leave the car or Uber behind if you can walk or bike somewhere. Order the fish instead of red meat once a week. You can even make eating healthy fun by involving the whole family. Hit a farmer’s market on the weekend, then go home and see who makes the best smoothie. Or implement Meatless Mondays and learn how to cook vegan-friendly fare together.

You can take the family angle a step further by helping your kids practice their given sports after work or walking the dog together at sunset.

3. Continue to Learn

As you might have noticed, the economy, consumer spending and homebuying trends continue to change. While real estate, market and economic cycles tend to follow a general pattern, anyone tuned in to the market today can tell you things can be very unpredictable. A rate cut spurred by a global pandemic and the longest upcycle in U.S. history are just two examples of how difficult it is to continue as business as usual when global influences are swirling around you.

This is why it’s so important to sharpen your skills. New competitors are entering the marketplace every day. You need to stand out from the pack. Make sure you’re up on the latest technologies. This applies to both consumer technologies and those within our industry. If you don’t know how to utilize APM’s current offerings, that is a good place to start.

You can refine your general skills from there. This can extend to a variety of subjects, including sales, public speaking, video producing, marketing, website building, networking, writing and more. Open Culture alone has more than 1,200 free online courses!

Then there are the professional organizations that require continuing education. APM’s Spring Summit is one place you can receive valuable training that can elevate your skills, enhance your brand and open your mind to new ways of doing business. The APM Spring Summit is an industry event designed to deliver education about the current economic situation and the way it’s impacting the housing industry and to provide some education around some valuable tools and technology. These Summits, held in late March through April, are quickly approaching, so make sure you register today to secure your spot!