It’s never too late to learn something new. Honing your business skills can help you maximize productivity and attain goals by providing strategic insight and applicable techniques. Don’t just take the time to learn something new. Knowledge unused is wasted. Implement what you learn and share it with others.
It doesn’t matter how you acquire information and new knowledge. However, it does matter that you actively pursue it and utilize it for the benefit of you and your business. Your business is a journey and just like with any trip, you see new things, learn new things and bring new things back with you. Make the most of your journey. Don’t just be a tourist; get to know the people and culture of where you are.
5 ways to hone your business skills:
1. Take a class online, live or via phone. Most of the time, these are cost-effective ways to acquire new information on a wide variety of topics. They are also convenient in terms of location and access.
2. Connect with a mentor. The wisdom that you gain from someone who has walked the walk is priceless. You can learn from their experiences and mistakes. You can expand on what has worked for them. Most importantly, you have emotional support and encouragement.
3. Read business magazines, books and reports. These are quick, yet powerful ways to discover quick tips, tools and techniques that will increase your knowledge and resources.
4. Join a business association related to your industry. Association memberships keep you aligned with best industry practices and legislation.
5. Sign up for a business retreat or convention out of town. Getting out of your “territory” and meeting new business owners is refreshing. You can see how things are done in other areas, expand your market base, collaborate with new connections and break the monotony of your daily routine.
Don’t get left behind. Failing to refresh yourself and ideas on a regular basis is a sure way to not only kill your creativity but dull your business senses. Use the venues above to keep your finger on the pulse of your target market, industry and relevance of your business. Your business skills are directly related to your business success.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com.
[...] Keeping your business skills strong. Small business consultant A.Michelle Blakeley has some suggestions for keeping your skills honed. Simplicity Mastered [...]
[...] Keeping your business skills strong. Small business consultant A.Michelle Blakeley has some suggestions for keeping your skills honed. Simplicity Mastered [...]
[...] Keeping your business skills strong. Small business consultant A.Michelle Blakeley has some suggestions for keeping your skills honed. Simplicity Mastered [...]
Great information.Thanks, I will add a new skill per month.
Thanks, Renee! Focus on what will increase the value of your services and what will help benefit your clients from using your services and strengthen your business.
Hi Michelle…I’m a new subscriber and this article made me think that so much of what we learn gets forgotten unless we apply it. I’ve read tons of books, watched videos and audio programs, but nothing works wonders for retention than actually teaching it to someone else or applying it and practicing. There’s something about the “art” of making a mistake, mis-applying the learning and getting it wrong, that, over time, has me get it right. To become an expert at your craft you must practice it thousands of times. Thanks for the wonderful insight,
Rick
Well said, Rick. There is a huge difference between knowledge and “applied knowledge.” Thanks so much for subscribing!
Hey, I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!…..I”ll be checking in on a regularly now….Keep up the good work!
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Thanks so much, Kera! I appreciate your feedback and kind words. All the best to you! AMB
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@Daily file – Thanks! My apologies for the delayed response. My new blog is at http://www.amichelleblakeley.com. You can subscribe to the RSS feed in the top right corner. All the vest to you! AMB
This is a wordpress theme (DePo Masthead) … and THANKS! My official blog is at http://www.amichelleblakeley.com. I can’t seem to let this one go, it was my first.
This is great! I think reading this, I loved every word. Seriously, keep posting the good information, bloggers like myself need it.
@Alphonse – My apologies for the delayed response. Thanks so much for the kind words! My new blog is at http://www.amichelleblakeley.com. You can subscribe to the RSS feed in the top right corner. All the vest to you! AMB
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Awesome blog articles. You definitely know what you are talking about here. Im so happy I was able to find this site. I look to see more awesome writing from you. Keep up the excellent work
@Financial planning – Thanks! I appreciate your comments and feedback! My apologies for the delayed response. My new blog is at http://www.amichelleblakeley.com. You can subscribe to the RSS feed in the top right corner. All the vest to you! AMB
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@Arthur – Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. My new blog is at http://www.amichelleblakeley.com. You can subscribe to the RSS feed in the top right corner. All the vest to you! AMB
A thoughtful opinion and ideas I will use on my blog. You’ve obviously spent a lot of time on this. Congratulations!
@Kitchen Gadgets – Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m glad you found the information helpful. AMB
I cling on to listening to the news broadcast speak about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i find some?
I’m not sure, Nathaniel. However, I will make note of your comment and post any information I come across. AMB
Loved your theme, care to share where you got it from?
I really liked reading your Your business skills have an expiration date Simplicity Masteredâ„¢ article. I’m brand-new to using WordPress platforms and running a blog, would love if you read through my web site.Thanks
Definitely, My hubby and i really like your current web-site! Now this is simply a fantastic blog post. I really look forward to reading through much more useful topics in which you may turn out to be writing in the long run. We have all acquired a whole lot from this. I am grateful. -Kathrine Holzman
Thanks so much for your kind words, Katherine. I appreciate the encouragement. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. AMB