Kamis, 25 September 2014

Discover Entrepreneur Resources Everywhere Around You

By Lessie Kaufman


The keys to running a successful business are innovation and creativity. That means seeing possible entrepreneur resources in places that other businesspeople might not even think to look. Read on for tips to discover value and potential in unexpected places, and find new ways to grow and strengthen your company by thinking outside the box.

Leverage the expertise of your personal network. Experts come in all shades and stripes. While your life might not be full of people with fancy degrees, there's a good chance you have friends and family with lots to teach you. Think about the wise people you're connected to socially, and how you can use their knowledge to help you and your business grow.

Your business probably has a board of directors, but do you? Recruit a personal advisory board of five people whose advice you trust. Meet with these sources of wisdom individually, twice a year, to get five different perspectives on your progress as an entrepreneur. This is one way to leverage the expertise of the people in your social circles to help your business.

Any business in your community where you have consumer confidence might be a good partner for your own company. Where do you enjoy being a customer? Entrepreneurs who only consider partners within their own industry or immediate field miss out on many potentially beneficial alliances.

A favorite dining spot might be the right partner for an awards ceremony in your field, willing to supply meals at cost to your gala guests in order to raise visibility and create buzz. Your favorite coffeehouse might be interested in donating morning pastries for your workforce in exchange for an ongoing contract to supply java for your meetings. Surprising alliances can be a win win scenario, and it never hurts to ask.

You may be missing potential resources within your own company. How well do you know your workforce? Make time for in-depth conversations with the people who work for you, and see what treasures might be hiding within the skill sets of the employees you've already hired. Many will have unique talents or special skills ideal for your projects, or for new growth ventures down the road.

Once you find an employee's unexplored potential, that passion translates into better work, longer hours, and more successful milestones, without you investing an extra dime. Ask your workforce what facets of their skills aren't challenged or engaged by the work they do each day, and listen to what they offer you. Try to look at your workers with new eyes, to see resources you might have missed.

Last but not least, look to the internet. Whether you are already a titan in your field, or are just starting out, there are resources online for you. When you have a burning question, log on to ask for advice or help with that specific issue. If you have a new idea, do some research online to see who else might be pursuing that business idea, and what you can learn from their approach to help you achieve your own dreams.




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