As an independent consultant, you’re your own investor of time, money, and attention. But are you investing at the level of your goals, or are you treating your business like a paycheck?In this episode, Melisa unpacks how to approach business investments for the coming year with a CEO mindset, not an employee mindset. She breaks down the five-step strategy to build a clear, aligned investment plan and highlights the most common (and costly) mistakes consultants make when it comes to investing in their business.You’ll hear Melisa share personal stories (including a rookie mistake with her new product launch) and walk you through how to evaluate the real ROI of an investment, beyond just dollars in or out.If you’re deciding where to invest in 2026 or wondering if you even should,  this episode will give you the tools to make those decisions like a business owner, not just a billable resource.What you will learn in this episode:[05:34] The difference between investments and expenses and how to reframe how you think about each[09:15] Why not investing is the #1 mistake that stalls your consulting business[12:26] The “employee mindset” traps that keep you stuck recreating a corporate paycheck[17:00] A 5-step strategy for building your investment plan for the year ahead[24:30] How to evaluate investments based on ROI, not fear and make decisions more quickly[27:52] Why making investment decisions isn't about affordability, it's about commitment and resourcefulnessTune in to Episode 249 for practical tools and mindset shifts that will help you make smart, strategic investments and unlock your next level as an independent consulting business owner.Mentioned ResourcesCompanion Resource: Quarterly Business PlannerFull Show Notes: https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-249Melisa’s Books, Planners & Journals: https://linktr.ee/melisalibermanRelated Podcast Episode: ️Episode 155 - Choosing the Best Strategy for Your Stage of Business Growth, https://shownotes.melisaliberman.com/episode-155/#more-2153 Join the 2026 Lead Gen Sprint, http://www.consultantsprint.com/ Want help achieving your consulting business goals? Melisa can help. Click here for more on coaching tailored to you as an independent consulting business owner.