“To know what to do is wisdom. To know how to do it is skill. But doing it, as it should be done, tops the other two virtues.” Learning what to do and how to do it; reading online articles, taking courses, following blogs can provide you with valuable information; but is there any substitute for taking that first business start-up step for yourself?
There is of course much to be gained by learning from the experiences of others and the knowledge they can pass on to you from further along the business learning curve. As well as imparting valuable information, possible contacts and processes that you can apply to your own business, learning and research is often a catalyst for further inspiration and ideas. Something to drive you forward. Perhaps you can see a new way of doing things by modifying existing management within your own organisation?
It can be useful to not only grasp the business basics, but also to understand the importance of applying what you’ve learned, whether it is concerned with people management or product promotion and marketing. And in order to apply what you’ve learned you need to take that first step and start your business.
Once you are on your way you will find that every day you need to solve problems and learn new things. Indeed, this is one of the great things; the most exciting aspects of running your own business. My experience has shown that the small business world is generally extremely supportive with a lot of help available once you establish a network within your chosen industry/area. There will be people out there with time to talk and something useful and helpful to say.
Of course there will be some things that no research can prepare you for. The harder edges of managing people; the inevitable grumpy customers; the emotional stresses and financial strains that lead you to really question the courage of your convictions.
Ultimately, it’s all about a good combination. Have the idea. Arm yourself with business basics for your plan together with as much relevant research as possible. Start to gather your network of contacts. And go for it.
“Individuals ‘wishing they could’ are certain to be passed by those ‘thinking they can.”
About the author