It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the game, many entrepreneurs often wonder, "am I the best me I can be?" The answers are always varied. No matter where your answer falls on the spectrum, there is still room for improvement; maybe it's learning more about your field, or diving into another or even forming a deeper connection with your team or clients, the possibilities for self improvement are endless.
If you want to make it in this rollercoaster of a lifestyle, then it is crucial to expand and build valuable skills that will propel you forward. Here is a list of 5 skills, we believe every entrepreneur should possess to be successful:
1. Perseverance
Funny how a term developed in the 14th century is still relevant today. It goes to show just how important it really is. The life of an entrepreneur often consists of ups and downs. For example, you may be dealing with a challenging project, or your team may not see eye-to-eye on an idea, or you may have lost an important business deal. But, being able to take that energy and struggle into something positive to push forward, is key. Perseverance is encountering bumps along the road, and driving over them without looking back until you reach your destination.
Tip: If you're having an issue in the business, talk it out with someone, whether it be a business coach, a mentor or a member of staff to try and figure out a solution to reduce the damage to the overall business.
2. Communication/Networking
Communication is everyone's favourite soft skill (or at least it should be). It is heavily involved in the everyday life of an entrepreneur. When you're an efficient communicator, you can create strong connections with people in your inner circle (such as your team) and your outer circle (clients or strategic partners).
Tip: The next time you see a team member, ask them about their day and listen to them. Please take note of one thing they say and make sure to ask them about it the next time you see them. Creating a deeper personal connection with one member of your team could make a massive difference in the long run...for the both of you
3. Customer-focused/ Service-Oriented
Have you ever heard the phrase, "the customer is always right."? But what do they mean? And how do I execute that? When your company is "customer-focused" the success is concentrated on the customer, and not necessarily the business. By tailoring what you're selling to a customer's need, a partnership type relationship is formed between the customer and business, which not only makes the customer feel satisfied, but their needs are also met. When you focus on providing excellent service for your customers, they are more likely to recommend your solution to others, which further establishes your business.
Tip: Reach out to a customer who is using your solution and engage with them. If the customer is having an issue with your product or service, maybe provide a free service to make up for it to form a deeper connection with them.
4. Ambition
Those who are ambitious set reachable and risky goals for themselves but know that with hard work and determination, they will achieve them because they are motivated to do so. If an entrepreneur wants to push themselves and achieve more with their business, than ambition is a must need skill.
Tip: Take a piece of paper and write down what you want to accomplish in your business and three reasons as to why. Once you've done this, stick it up somewhere where you will see it every day, so it will remind you what you are working towards. Ask yourself each day, “Am I doing something today to reach my goals?”
5. Listening
The key to success is listening. There is a significant difference between listening and hearing, which can make or break a business. Listening takes focus and energy while hearing does not. You can hear about a customer saying their version of your product has defected, or you can listen to their concerns and understand on your end why a defective product was sold and how to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Tip: The next time you have a conversation with a client, take part in active listening. While they are talking with you, make sure to make direct eye contact and be present. Absorb what they are saying with an open mind, and give them the attention they are asking for. Be a sponge for constructive feedback. Knowing what your customers really think is invaluable to your business growth. Making the adjustments based on that feedback will ensure your business success is sustainable.
