Ok- Tell me what your 3 strongest business skills are. Now tell me what you are trying to learn as you grow your business. How do these areas of learning contribute to the bottom line of your business?

Far too many small business owners think they need to learn it all and become experts in everything in order to be successful or hopefully grow their business.  Why do you need to know all of these things? Well, because you should.  Hmmm.....I believe that to an extent.

Now let me tell you what I really think of the situation. I think that in order to cultivate a successful business you need a few things.

1. "You need to know a little bit about a lot of stuff." That is 100% of what I tell people about myself all the time. I know a little bit about a lot of "stuff" and do you want to know why or how? I get out of the house! I go networking! I get involved in a variety if activities! Finally, I ask a whole lot of questions.
2. You need to determine who the experts are. Then you need to align yourself with them. Go to their talks. Comment on their blogs. Follow their discussion on a variety of forums. Find out where they get their information and then call upon them when you get stuck. If they are worth their salt - they will offer advice, information and service to you.
3. You need to be willing to take risks. Yes, that's right risks. Growing a business is not easy and it's not a sure thing. Failure, setbacks or nagging problems, although not pleasant, are an opportunity to learn and you should take full advantage of that. What worked? What didn't work? How can you improve? WHO should you call for help? (Hint- go back to #2.)

The long and the short of it is that you should focus on what you do well and call on those who can fill in the gaps. Learn enough to be confident to know what you don't know. My definition of self-esteem is to acknowledge both your strengths and your weaknesses. As long as you can do both of those things, then you have a chance at success. If you think you know it all or think you ought to know it all.... You will burn out before you start.

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