The Power of Retreats

I want to share the power of retreats and how retreats have significantly boosted my business. Many people view retreats as mere ‘jollies’, but they can be much more than that if utilised effectively. If you’re planning to attend any business retreats this year, here’s how you can maximise their benefits.

When I first started in business, I was very strategic about my investments. I chose to spend money on retreats because I saw their potential to provide more value than courses or one-to-one coaching. I still invested in those other methods, but retreats stood out as particularly beneficial. Early on, I attended several smaller retreats, and as my business grew, I participated in larger ones and even hosted my own. This experience showed me not only how to get the most out of retreats but also how others can benefit from them.

So why did I choose retreats in the first place? 

Simply put, I couldn’t afford the high costs of the masterminds I was interested in. Many masterminds cost between $20,000 and $30,000, which was beyond my budget at the time. Additionally, some masterminds had entry requirements, like already earning six or seven figures, which I hadn’t achieved at that point. However, I knew the value of learning from people who were at a higher level than me.

To work around this, I identified key people whose masterminds I wanted to join and attended their retreats instead. These retreats attracted the same high-level individuals who joined their masterminds. By attending, I could still surround myself with successful people and learn from their experiences. Plus, retreats are tax-deductible as business training expenses, which made financial sense for me, especially since I love to travel.

Being in these rooms where high-level discussions took place was incredibly valuable. Hearing people talk about issues and strategies at a higher level helped elevate my own thinking and approach. I realised that those making significant money were not necessarily smarter or more privileged than me. By being around them and engaging in conversations, I saw that their success was achievable for me too.

I realised that if others can achieve success, so can I. It became much clearer when I was around people in real life. Seeing them deal with everyday struggles, like juggling kids or talking about their challenges, made me understand that they aren’t perfect. When you only see perfect images online, it’s easy to think they have some secret you don’t. But being with them in person changes that perspective.

Being around people running multi-million dollar businesses was eye-opening for me. When I was at the six-figure mark, my money mindset was focused on the idea that there’s no reason I couldn’t make more money, regardless of my background. However, being in a room with these successful people made me realise they’re just normal individuals. I could meet them at the school gates. This realisation made everything click for me, boosting my confidence that I could achieve similar success.

Interacting with them also accelerated my progress. I learned from their experiences and mistakes, which helped me avoid the same pitfalls. For instance, I hired my first tech virtual assistant (VA) much earlier than usual because I heard others say they wished they had done so sooner. This early move allowed my business to grow faster. I also hired staff earlier than most because I saw how delaying it hindered their growth. Being around these successful people gave me a roadmap to follow and helped me implement strategies faster.

Another significant benefit was the network I built. I wanted access not just to the host of the retreat but also to the other attendees. Networking with these people opened up many opportunities for me. Relationships formed in person are much stronger, and people tend to share opportunities with friends they trust. This networking aspect has continued to be the best part of the masterminds I now join, as it provides access to valuable connections.

Top tips for getting the most from retreats

Here are some tips to make the most of any retreats you attend in the next year or so. Many people go into retreats thinking they’ll just have fun, get drunk with friends, and maybe learn a thing or two. But there’s so much more you can gain if you approach it strategically.

Set Clear Goals: Before you go, know what you want to achieve.

Network Intentionally: Focus on building genuine relationships.

Learn from Others: Pay attention to the experiences and advice of others.

Implement Quickly: Apply what you learn as soon as possible.

The power of retreats cannot be underestimated when it comes to business growth. They offer an opportunity to learn from and network with high-level individuals, all while being a tax-deductible investment. 

If you’re planning to attend retreats, focus on maximising these benefits to propel your business forward.

If you would like more information of our next retreat, click here.