The Savvy Entrepreneur

This is the third installment in the Doing Your Best series.

It’s not a contradiction to say (and believe) that you are the best person offering the type of service you do, but that you still have lots to learn. Among other qualities, this attitude will keep you humble, modest, teachable, open-minded, fresh, adaptable, experienced, mature and cutting-edge. It also makes you approachable — no one wants to be around a know-it-all!

Being a lifelong student adds more legitimacy to your business. I’m not saying it’s time to get your MBA or have a Master’s (I don’t), but it does mean that you want to achieve a level of education people (potential clients, colleagues, referral partners, and especially your competition) can recognize and trust.

Leadership and communication are 2 of the most important skills you need to master in order to effectively run your small business, to stay ahead of your competition, to gain the respect of your peers, to be a recognized professional in your field and to improve your personal life.

Staying abreast of industry changes is absolutely essential to maintaining a successful small business. One good way to demonstrate this is by joining professional organizations or seeking industry certifications. Talk the talk, and people will know you are competent and trustworthy.

So, if you want to stay on top of your industry, you must learn and study everyday. This doesn’t mean poring over books for hours or taking intensive courses. It does mean:

• taking a few minutes each day to read online or a latest industry-specific magazine
• getting to know your target market’s needs and fears
• knowing what your competition is up to
• always searching for the best ways to deliver the most current sales information and strategies to your clients
• finding out all you can about your industry

How are you being a lifelong student in your business?

Stay tuned for the final lesson in the series, Part 4 — Don’t Sell Yourself Short.