Running a business isn’t easy. This is something you will likely understand already if you are the owner of a business yourself.
While you will be skilled in lots of different areas, there may be some aspects of your business that you struggle with. After all, you’re only human, so you can’t be expected to know everything!
But to grow your business, it’s wise to take steps to grow in knowledge, So, while you may never become the master of every aspect of your business, there is still the chance that you’ll become more skilled in the areas that really matter.
There are lots of ways to improve your business knowledge and we have picked out some of the most common ways below.
#1: Take a business course
If you have the time and the finances to do so, it’s worth taking a business degree, as you will learn many aspects of running a business, including accounting, marketing, and staying compliant with business law.
If you don’t have the time to cope with the demands of a degree, look for other professional development courses online, such as the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Online Course which surprisingly isn’t a martial arts course but an accredited business course that incorporates 1-2-1 coaching within its program.
There may be courses happening within your local community too, be they one-day courses being led by other business owners or college courses that focus on particular subjects that could aid your development, such as financial management.
#2: Find a mentor
If you can find somebody willing to pass their business knowledge onto you, you will benefit from first-hand advice from somebody who understands the stresses and challenges of running a business.
Your mentor should be an experienced business person who understands something about the industry you are working in and who has the time to take you under their wing and support you with your business goals.
But where can you find a mentor? Well, you could use the services of the Association of Business Mentors or similar organisations online, or you could speak to people within your business network who may be willing to help you. You might also find a mentor on LinkedIn or via an online business forum, or at a business conference you attend when you’re busy networking.
#3: Listen to business podcasts
As a business owner, you might not have enough hours in the day to sit down with a book written by a business professional or to attend every seminar that is taking place within your local community. We aren’t suggesting you shouldn’t read business books or attend seminars, of course, as they can be valuable tools of information.
But if you don’t have a lot of time, tune into business podcasts while you’re on your daily commute or when you’re exercising before or after work. Find the podcasts that are related to your industry and that will benefit your learning. And if you find a particular podcaster that speaks to your situation, subscribe to their podcasts so you can keep up to date with new information.
And finally… bookmark our website!
Another way to improve your business knowledge is to read the many excellent articles that can be found on our website. Bookmark the site and browse our article pages to find the posts that are most relevant to your personal business needs. You can also sign up for daily insights by entering your email on the right-hand side of this page.
