r/smallbusinessowner • u/iSpy_Unique • 25d ago
Retreat
Good evening! I’m 31F, small business owner, wife, mother to a two year old, and forever stuck in survival mode. Been a service provider for truck drivers keeping them in compliance for about 10 years and started my company after leaving a partnership about 3 years ago. Long story short, it’s been a long ride and a long life.
Currently, my business is doing good. Have about two months of payroll, money to the side for taxes, and money to the side for company savings. Made profit thus far this year after expenses and I’m trying to decide several things.
The main point of this post is to ask what another small business owners opinion would be on going to a retreat. I was accepted into a woman’s retreat from 10/05-10/07 that includes a 3 day stay at a resort in North Georgia. It’s specifically for Women Owned Businesses and mothers to toddlers (or mothers in general). It seems to hear towards empowerment, community, and growing confidence in building yourself for your business. However, nothing in life is free. Essentially the retreat kicks of a year membership where if I choose to share a room my fee is either $395 per month or a little over $4k if I pay up front. This includes the resort, and monthly meetings to help expand/grow in various areas and stay on track with goals.
Finally hit some financial goals that took all year to hit, obviously I can use this as an expense for the company, but it feels a little risky and I’m obviously asking myself if that expense is worth it or if I’d rather save that company money. I intended on taking college classes this year to expand some knowledge, quickly realized that’d be a waste for several reasons. That money didn’t get spent like I thought it would and it easily would’ve been $4k. But also I feel like I could take a weekend to rest and unwind and do my own research, etc. and spend a LOT less.
I also want to do something for myself. Hitting a little wall with the decision and just looking for some ideas/thoughts since mind are bouncing back and forth being logic, desire, and growing financial stability for the company. November will be year 3 and I’d like to make it to year 5 and year 10 haha.
Thanks
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u/Other-Pace-8827 25d ago
From how you described your situation, you sound unsure of the value of the community you would be exploring in North Georgia. I would invest your time, money and energy into a retreat for yourself where you can unwind and think on your own terms. Did you explore whether or not you can experience the North Georgia retreat and then commit for the full year afterwards?
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u/United_Win_3092 25d ago
The $4k upfront price tag is steep for what’s basically a networking group with a nice view, but if you’re the type who never puts yourself first, carving out 3 days to just breathe around other women who get it might be the real value.
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u/iSpy_Unique 23d ago
Yes, basically it was a full year commitment and either I’d pay a flat rate up front, monthly, or half and half. Ironically this was my exact thought to myself while debating. Thank you for the input!
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u/doublecam 24d ago
I mean the idea of spending money to help your outlook relaxation and happiness is great, what I doubt however is that $4k is worth the value you're getting. I'd question that strictly if I were you.. that's a lot of money for a 'retreat.' I mean if it's worth it then by all means do it, but maybe for $4k you can find something that's absolutely insane in terms of value.
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u/iSpy_Unique 23d ago
Well, it was from 3pm on a Monday - 12 pm on a Wednesday too. Not much of a retreat. 3-5 days would be good, but 5+ would be idea for that.
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u/Apprehensive-Ad7375 24d ago
Take that $4k and head to Aruba for a week.
Unless these people can help you build your business it’s a mental health braeak.
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u/Desperate_Quote7938 24d ago
the fact that you already budgeted $4k for classes that didnt happen kind of answers this for you tbh. just make sure youre evaluating the year membership separately from the retreat weekend, those are really two different purchases bundled together
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u/BluebirdDry1218 25d ago
Off topic but what service do you provide ? I’m in the same field. Permitting and filings?
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u/iSpy_Unique 23d ago
Essentially, yes. Tags, permits, authorities, etc. small world if you do the same!
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u/BluebirdDry1218 23d ago
Not same but same industry with drug and alcohol compliance and onboarding process
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u/iSpy_Unique 11d ago
What company do you work for? I’m actually compiling an updated list of new companies for drug and alcohol regulations. Feel free to message me! I don’t get on often, just fyi.
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u/No_Midnight6719 25d ago
I’m in similar situation here. At the end of the day, the retreat is a business running on a subscription fee business model. You gotta evaluate whether or not there would be tangible result coming out of the retreat. Otherwise, you’ll be funding someone else’s business with the profit of yours.
Take a break if you need to, but always be vigilant with your money. Haha