Friday, September 19, 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.

Experts can come in all sizes and colors, and not all of them have prestigious degrees or job titles. Chances are, you know a lot of people in your life who have something to teach you. What knowledge can you tap into through friend and family networks that can help you grow?

Do you have a personal board of directors? This isn't the same thing as a board for your company, this is an advisory group just for you as an individual and a businessperson. Make a list of five people you know who give great advice, from five different perspectives, and plan to meet with these individuals at least twice a year for private check ins about your progress and your goals.

When looking for potential partnerships with other companies, consider where you like to go as a customer. Any business where you can feel confident about their service or product is a great potential ally for your own company. Narrow thinking cuts off possibilities, so keep an open mind about alliances, and look for partners outside your immediate industry or field.

Surprising partnerships can benefit both businesses. Your favorite restaurant might be a great partner to throw an awards ceremony for your field, willing to supply food for your gala at cost to raise their own visibility. Your regular coffee shop might be willing to donate breakfast pastries for your breakroom in exchange for steady business supplying lattes to your afternoon meetings. You never know until you ask.

You may find resources within your already hired staff. Which of your employees may have unexplored abilities in their skill set? Get to know the people powering your business, and you may find unique talents and skills ideal for special project application, or growth ventures. Invest time in searching out the hidden treasures within the people you've already hired, and you just might strike a jackpot of resources where you least expect it.

Ask the people who you work with if there are sides of themselves that their jobs don't challenge. What more might they be capable of? If you can tap into someone's passion, they will work harder and put in more hours to accomplish a shared goal, without costing you a higher salary. Looking at your employees with fresh eyes can show you resources you didn't even realize you were missing.

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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