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.
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.
For example, a favorite dining establishment might be an ideal partner for an awards gala in your field. Ask if that restaurant might supply food to your guests at cost in order to raise visibility and reach new potential customers. The coffee shop you go to regularly may be happy to stock your company breakroom with free pastries in exchange for a reliable, exclusive contract to supply java to your meetings. Think creatively about possible win win scenarios, and remember that it never hurts to ask.
Look within your employees' skill sets for hidden treasures. Make time to really get to know the people who work for you, and what they have to offer. Above and beyond the existing duties of their job description, most members of the workforce have lots of unique skills and talents you may be able to utilize on special projects and new ventures.
Once you discover someone's passion, you will find a source of energy that motivates them to work harder, work longer, and accomplish more for you and your business. Ask your employees which facets of their skills or abilities aren't being used by their daily tasks, and find out what they're capable of. You can get more from your workforce without spending a dime, if you look at your employees with fresh eyes and see them as untapped resources.
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.
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.
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.
For example, a favorite dining establishment might be an ideal partner for an awards gala in your field. Ask if that restaurant might supply food to your guests at cost in order to raise visibility and reach new potential customers. The coffee shop you go to regularly may be happy to stock your company breakroom with free pastries in exchange for a reliable, exclusive contract to supply java to your meetings. Think creatively about possible win win scenarios, and remember that it never hurts to ask.
Look within your employees' skill sets for hidden treasures. Make time to really get to know the people who work for you, and what they have to offer. Above and beyond the existing duties of their job description, most members of the workforce have lots of unique skills and talents you may be able to utilize on special projects and new ventures.
Once you discover someone's passion, you will find a source of energy that motivates them to work harder, work longer, and accomplish more for you and your business. Ask your employees which facets of their skills or abilities aren't being used by their daily tasks, and find out what they're capable of. You can get more from your workforce without spending a dime, if you look at your employees with fresh eyes and see them as untapped resources.
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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