Perhaps people are confident to go after their passion to start a business because they have acquired enough experience to do so or their training and educational background provided them with the knowledge and skills to make it happen. Still, this does not mean that business owners already know everything. They need to constantly update themselves with the latest trends and upgrade their proficiencies to move their ventures forward.
One of EO’s core values is Thirst for Learning, which is something every entrepreneur must have to keep going in their journey towards their goals. EO itself has executive-education programs that provide members with added resources and learnings. Several schools, professional groups and online sites offer short courses that help advance an entrepreneur’s competences. Some of them can run for a few days or weeks.
The personal and professional development of business owners can also lead to the growth of their enterprise as they are able to execute strategic plans of action and accelerate the progress of their productivity. Entrepreneurs can still continue their education and gain more expertise in different areas that may impact their businesses. Topics may revolve around, but are not limited, to the specialties below.
Leadership and Management
Graphic artists may open a design agency, health gurus can start a fitness gym, and lawyers and accountants can establish a consultancy firm. Basically, anyone can create a company based on their passion and expertise. However, running a business takes more than just proficiency in their field of work. It requires strong leadership and management skills to steer the venture towards success.
An entrepreneur must be able to look at things short-term and long-term, large-scale and micro-perspective. They need to grasp the nitty-gritty parts of human resource and operations. Being able to adapt to change is a skill that can be developed over time. Business owners must be able to think creatively and act strategically in any given situation.
There are many courses on entrepreneurship, leadership, business planning and management that are offered in academic institutions. They sharpen one’s mind to innovate, transform, manage risks, generate ideas and create breakthroughs in their business.
Finance
Not many business owners may be able to understand and know the financial aspect of an enterprise. Yet, it is important to be acquainted with cash flow as this is the lifeblood of a business. You may find short courses on entrepreneurial finance, principles of accounting, budget planning financial analysis, financial systems, taxation, asset management, auditing, and other investment and economics-related topics.
Marketing
Marketing is an aspect of business that entrepreneurs should be familiar with because it drives sales. However, marketing is a broad area to study. It encompasses branding, market research, advertising, public relations, events management and sales, including customer service. Business leaders can expand their understanding and know-how of promoting their brand, company, and products or services.
As the market evolves, business owners also have to stay attuned to the changes not only to conform to the demands of the times but also to introduce new ideas and cause disruption to the minds of customers.
Internet and digital space
A new trend in marketing that presents a new and wide-ranging arena is the digital space. Gone are the days when promoting and selling are done face-to-face or via traditional media. The advent of the internet and new media has created a whole different culture in pushing for one’s brand.
From blogging, web management, SEO, social media marketing, mobile applications, new software to online community management, the digital field is expanding by the minute and new information comes in by the second. Short courses on such topics can widen an entrepreneur’s comprehension of the digital age and how this can help grow their business.
Technology
New technological advancements happen across various industries, such as in food, hospitality, accounting, engineering, education and medicine, to name a few. Artificial intelligence is applied in communication, security, research, aeronautics and other fields of endeavour. Business owners can take special classes on technology courses that can be applied in their business.
Special Interests
To develop other aspects of your entrepreneurial self, you can also take short classes on public speaking, writing, languages and other special interests that can also add value to your organization.
The road of your entrepreneurial journey may be steep or filled with potholes. As long as you continue to improve yourself and pour the added knowledge you amass into your business, you can achieve the unimaginable. With more skills and competence, what you are able to attain in three years, you might be able to realise in a shorter time. Learning knows no age, so you can keep on acquiring expertise as you go along your journey.