Whether you have already founded a startup company or dream of doing so in the near future, entrepreneurial skills are a must. Running your own business is a complicated challenge, and you need to master many different tasks in order to be successful. From product development to marketing and finance, there’s a lot to learn!
This might sound intimidating, but the good news is that there are a wide variety of tactics you can employ to get you where you need to be. Here are just a few of the most effective ones.
Go back to college
In many cases, there’s no better place to learn than college. You have the benefit of studying under professors who are experts in their field, plus you get access to well-stocked libraries and all sorts of other useful facilities, events, and services. The choice of courses is very broad nowadays, with a mix of classic programs such as the MBA and newer offerings such as master’s courses in entrepreneurship. This means you’re sure to find a program that meets your needs.
Attend corporate events
One of the best ways to both meet people and keep up to date with all the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and your chosen industry is to attend corporate events. This could be anything from conferences and workshops to networking events and trade fairs, depending on the field you work in. Don’t forget that once you’ve established your company, you also have the choice to put on corporate events yourself as a fantastic way to meet people, raise your profile, and learn more. It sounds like a big task, but once you’ve found a great venue and top speakers, people are sure to want to attend.
Search for a mentor
For those who prefer a more personalized touch, finding a mentor could be just what you need to up your entrepreneurial game. It does involve putting yourself out there, but the results can be more than worth the initial discomfort. Try to choose someone who is working in a similar role to that which you are aiming for, and reach out to them via email or social media. Send a short elevator pitch about what you’re hoping to achieve – and what you’ll be bringing to the table – and see what they say. If they turn you down, don’t be discouraged. Simply move on to the next person, and you’re sure to find a successful match before long.
Follow an intensive self-study program
College isn’t for everyone. If you don’t have the time or the money for a degree, a great alternative is to put together your own self-study program. This has the added benefit of complete flexibility and personalization, enabling you to tailor your studies to your exact needs, interests, and preferred learning styles. Some of the resources you can use include:
- Books from your local library or bought online
- Podcasts
- Online blogs
- Industry magazines
- YouTube videos
- Short online courses
- Social media
It takes a bit of self-discipline. However this method is a convenient way to fit studying around your existing work and life commitments.
