What do you do if you want to enhance your small business skills through continuing education?

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin ?? Online courses are a convenient and affordable way to gain new skills or refresh existing ones. ?? There are plenty of platforms offering courses in marketing, accounting, management, and more. Choose ones that fit your level and schedule, and learn at your own pace. Many also offer certificates you can add to your resume or portfolio. Boost your skills and stay competitive! ???? #LifelongLearning #CareerDevelopment

Here’s the scoop. First up, online courses are your best friend – platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer tons of courses on everything from marketing to finance. Next, don’t sleep on webinars and workshops – they’re a great way to learn from industry experts without leaving your couch. Networking events? Yep, they count too – you’ll learn heaps just by chatting with fellow business owners and sharing ideas. And hey, never underestimate the power of good old-fashioned books – hit up your local bookstore or library for some top-notch business reads. So, whether it’s online, in-person, or on paper, there’s a world of learning out there waiting for you! And one more thing, study other businesses too & blogs.

Embrace every learning opportunity with earnestness. I've come to recognize the adaptability of many online courses, tailored to diverse subjects, situations, and cultures. One of the notable benefits of online learning is the autonomy it grants—you chart your own course, deciding when and how to engage with your studies. Moreover, the abundance of free online classes presents a valuable resource. Currently, I'm enrolled in an informative LinkedIn course, accessible at no cost—all I require is internet access at home, and I'm set to delve into the material.

Online courses are an excellent way to keep up new technology in your industry and to enhance your skillset. The courses can be assigned with an assessment quiz with a minimum attainment. They can also be done on the users time.

To deliver a quality one-hour lesson, instructors typically invest a minimum of six hours in preparation, if not more. Thus, participating in a one-hour class entails benefiting from the extensive effort put forth by others. This affords you the opportunity to glean insights from their experiences and perspectives. Personally, I integrate learning into my daily routine by tuning into webinars while attending to household chores. It's crucial for business individuals to seize every learning opportunity available. Learning from one's own mistakes can be costly; therefore, whenever feasible, opt to learn from the mistakes and experiences of others.

Recomiendo a Mike Michalowicz. Todos sus libros son oro molido para cualquier emprendedor, al aplicar sus métodos he obtenido resultados grandiosos en varias ocasiones.

I always make it a point to ask my friends: 'Which book are you currently reading?' or 'What have you learned today?' After all, life is an ongoing journey of learning. To cease learning is to cease leading and excelling; instead, one stagnates. It's often said that if you want to conceal something, put it in a book—a sentiment many of us can relate to. However, this doesn't have to be the case. We can shift the narrative by committing to daily learning. It doesn't require hours of reading each day; just dedicating 30 minutes daily can yield significant results.

If you're keen on enhancing your small business skills through reading, books and magazines are excellent resources. Books offer deep dives into specific topics, providing comprehensive guidance and knowledge. Magazines, on the other hand, are great for keeping up with the latest trends and news in your industry. You can access a wealth of books and magazines at libraries, bookstores, or online. Choose materials that align with your interests and business goals. From my experience, regularly updating your knowledge through these sources can significantly improve your understanding and keep you ahead in your field.

Books and magazines offer a wealth of knowledge for small business owners. They provide in-depth insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship and keep you updated on industry trends. "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz offers practical advice for navigating the challenges of building and running a startup. "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel explores how to create innovative businesses that go from zero to becoming monopolies. "No Rules Rules" by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer delves into Netflix's unique corporate culture and management principles. These books provide valuable lessons and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

I couldn't agree more with the value of books and magazines for small business owners. I'd like to add another dimension to this: audiobooks. They offer a unique advantage, especially for busy entrepreneurs. With audiobooks, you can transform your commute, workout, or even daily chores into productive learning time. They allow you to absorb valuable insights while doing other things, making the most of your day. If a particular section resonates with you, it's easy to rewind and listen again. Plus, if you find an audiobook particularly beneficial, you can always complement it with a hard copy for note-taking and reference. Audiobooks are a fantastic tool to optimize your time and continue your education.

If you value face-to-face learning and practical experiences, consider attending workshops and seminars related to your small business. These events are excellent for gaining specific skills or a broad overview of a topic relevant to your industry. They also provide a valuable opportunity to network with other business owners and professionals, allowing you to exchange ideas and gather feedback. You can find these events locally or, if your budget allows travel to seminars in other areas to expand your learning and networking opportunities. From my experience, participating in these sessions can significantly enhance your business acumen and provide fresh perspectives that drive business growth.

While books and online courses offer a wealth of information, often having genuine conversations in a room of like-minded people learning the same things is a gold mine! You can find seminars for small businesses through your Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commissions, SBA website, in local business news blogs or publications, and sometimes the local library. When you attend a seminar, make it a point to walk away with at least two contacts you can stay in touch with afterward to build the relationship with other small business owners. Also meet the instructor to find out of other opportunities coming soon.

Everyone needs both someone they look up to and someone who looks up to them. Success in business isn't a solo journey; it requires humility to seek help when needed. Seek a mentor for industry expertise, a coach for clarity in tough decisions, and build a network for accountability and support. That's why having mentors and mentees is crucial.

In the US you can get free, professional, confidential business consulting from either SCORE.org or a SBDC in your state. Both organizations receive funding from the SBA and can advise you on things like business planning, strategic growth planning, financial and budget information, how to become bankable, marketing strategy and more. Most states have an online form you can fill out and they will reach out to you. There are a ton of resources on their websites too!

Seeking the guidance of mentors and coaches can greatly enhance your small business skills. These professionals bring valuable experience and can offer personalized advice, support, and feedback. They help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and devise strategies to overcome challenges. This personalized attention can accelerate your growth and learning in ways that self-study or large courses cannot. You can find mentors and coaches through your professional network, online platforms, or by joining organizations that offer mentoring programs. From my experience, having a mentor or coach has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of running a small business successfully.

I've found that small business owners in particular are usually happy to share their knowledge. When we come from a place of abundance it creates a energy that is good for everyone involved. Places like SCORE or The Hive in Wichita, Kansas in particular are full of small business owners who want to help the next generation develop!

In India, there's a burgeoning trend of alternative MBA colleges tailored to students keen on blending academic pursuits with entrepreneurial aspirations. These institutions are meticulously crafted to cater to individuals seeking to both deepen their knowledge and kickstart their own ventures. Moreover, these programs offer invaluable exposure to the vibrant venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) ecosystems, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with firsthand encounters with investors, mentors, and industry experts. This exposure not only demystifies the intricacies of securing funding but also fosters networking opportunities crucial for future business endeavors.

FREE - You DO NOT need money to learn. It is absolutely insane how much free information is online. You just have to find it and that's easy! 1. Follow people who do what you want to do really well 2. Join their email lists 3. Check out their YouTubes 4. Read those emails and take advantage of freebies