I was asked to speak at Future Females in Berlin about investment strategies. Future Females is a global network and movement which provides a platform that connects, inspires and supports existing and aspiring female entrepreneurs. I am delighted to support this platform as I agree that there needs to be more focus and support to encourage and accelerate the success of female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in the world.
My talk last week in Berlin about investment strategies was not only about money, but also value and worth. I consider it as very important that women are not afraid of investing. Be brave and take the risk but do it wisely and prioritize! Investment is required to generate long term value. Investment means "spending": Spending money for your education, making smart purchasing decisions, investing in your business, your private finances and also investing your time and energy. Think wisely how you "spend" and whether your investments create long-term value for YOU.
My suggestions for long-term value generation are:
- If you aspire to create value, financial or not, you need to invest and take some risk. Be courageous! But think wisely whether your investments contribute to the values you want to achieve. Prioritize your investments and have in mind that time is also an investment.
- The return on your investment (cash flow in financial terms) is driven by value drivers. Invest in value drivers that, in the long run, generate cash flows which are higher than your initial investment - in order to generate long-term value. If some value drivers do not deliver, invest in others.
- Value is objective. You need to decide on your own what the value is that you want to generate. Value can be financial but it does not need to be. Invest in the value that you perceive to be important, be it your business, your private finances, your family, your passion etc.
Use your potential and invest in yourself and your values! Take the risk it will be worth it.
I would like to thank Future Females Berlin for having me and giving me the chance to share my knowledge with the awesome ladies that attended the event. #futurefemales
If you want to learn more about my work, please read my article on agile business strategies for startups and SMEs.