Here's how you can pinpoint the skills small business owners need for career growth.

All businesses require specific skills to function correctly. Let’s talk something simple… An electrical business. Well electricians. That was easy. But creating clients needs a different skill. And managing payroll needs a different skill. As does accounts receivable. And don’t forget supplies. And that’s just a small sampling for a small business. It’s important for small businesses owners to identify and understand all the aspects of their business. You can’t manage people unless you know what they’re doing.

Here is a stepwise approach to identify your upskilling or reskilling opportunities: 1. Be watchful of industry trends and latest developments 2. Identify the scenarios, risks and opportunities based on the new developments in your industry or related domains. 3. Perform a skill-gap analysis, preferably with help of your mentor or coach. 4. Prepare a 'personal development plan' to acquire the priority skills - either for yourself or your core team members. 5. Progress with the skill development and applications in your work - preferably with help of professional mentors. 6. Check the improvements in business operations, work output or technology led changes. 7 . Improve and repeat the process every year.

Feedback has long been essential for personal and professional growth, offering insights into past performance. Traditionally, it focuses on what has been done well and areas needing improvement. A newer concept, "feedforward," shifts this focus towards future actions and improvements. Unlike feedback, feedforward is positive and growth-oriented, encouraging proactive goal setting. It involves seeking advice on upcoming tasks, fostering better preparation and anticipation of challenges. This approach not only aids skill development but also strengthens team relationships, creating a supportive environment focused on potential and growth, ultimately driving collective success.

In my experience, continuous learning is crucial for small business owners aiming for career growth. The business landscape constantly evolves, so staying current with industry trends is imperative. Dedicate time to online courses, workshops, or reading industry-related materials. This commitment to education enhances your skills and signals to your team and customers that you are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and adapting to change. I've found that this ongoing learning not only boosts my expertise but also inspires confidence and innovation within my business.

In my experience, smart networking is vital for small business owners seeking career growth. It's not just about expanding your contact list but also about learning. Surround yourself with other business owners and professionals who offer different perspectives and experiences. These interactions can teach you new strategies, introduce you to innovative tools, and provide valuable insights into managing and growing a small business effectively. I've found that networking smartly not only broadens my knowledge but also opens up opportunities for collaboration and growth, making it an essential part of my professional development.

In my experience, implementing new skills is crucial for real growth in a small business. It's one thing to learn new techniques, but applying them is where the magic happens. Start small by integrating new methods into your daily operations and closely monitor their impact. Adjust as needed based on what you observe. Over time, these small, incremental changes can lead to significant advancements in your business's performance and your personal development. This practical application turns learning into tangible results, driving both business success and personal growth.

Ok small business peeps, this is the hard one. When you’re up to your elbows in your respective business alligators (electrical, plumbing, photography, taxes, etc), and then you go home to your household alligators, you don’t always have time to set aside to reflect on your progress. Here’s one thing that works for me. On days I commute, I set that time aside to reflect on what I learned that day. If I am working from home I shut down my computer 5-10 minutes early. Maybe I learned a new way to analyze a financial problem. Maybe I found a great filter for taking photos in bright sunlight. Maybe I went down a rabbit hole and it cost me hours of unproductive time (failures are excellent learning opportunities!). Use these things to grow!