This weekend I’m in “school.” Yeah, I graduated more than a few years ago and got a diploma that’s buried somewhere in my garage. But I’m in school to keep my business alive and growing.
There’s no single secret to success, but constantly learning more is one of the keys.
Identify what’s stopping you from moving forward faster and then learn whatever you need to learn to fix it.
A year ago my business model was a mess and I was frustrated. I attended Nancy Marmolejo’s I Heart My Biz conference. Perfect fit. Got me inspired again and feeling like there was hope to make the shifts I needed to.
Three months ago I went to Adam Urbanski’s Overnight Authority to learn how to step up and get out there more. It’s working.
Today I’m at Lisa Marie Platske’s Leadership Success Summit. Follow me on Twitter if you want to see what I’m learning – http://twitter.com/MichelleShaeffer
And in the last 6 months or so I’ve joined a higher level mastermind group, enrolled in multiple video training courses, and am working one on one with several coaches. I’ve also read an average of 2 to 3 new business books a month (probably should read more but I just can’t give up the spy novels so my reading time is split).
Investing in yourself pays off. Big time.
If you want your business to grow, then get out there learn. Staying at the top of your game is a goal line that’s constantly moving.
Someone asked me the other day how I always have something to blog about. I keep learning. That’s it. I never stop reading, studying, and surrounding myself with great clients and smarter people to learn from.
Put in the time, effort, and whatever else it takes to keep learning. Don’t try to figure it out all by yourself. We’re blessed to live in a time when all the information we need is waiting for us to grab it.
If you’re reading this and thinking you can’t afford to keep learning, the truth is you can’t afford NOT to. And there are lots of free options that don’t involve traveling or big expenses (though attending live events is always one of the best things to get my business moving again–it’s not easy, but it’s always worth it).
Here are some things to consider:
- What blogs are you subscribed to, reading, and taking action on? Pick one or two on a topic you need to learn about and don’t just follow it but read daily and take action on what you read.
- What books are you reading? Remember the library? It’s free.
- There are hundreds (thousands?) of free webinars and teleseminars happening daily. Choose ones from knowledgeable sources and make time to listen in. Solo-e.com always has a list of great teleseminars.
Learn it in person. Learn it virtually. Get creative and figure out how to learn in whatever way works for you. Just do it.
So, what have YOU been working to learn lately?
Image Credit: lenm/StockFresh
Hey Michelle.
This is such an enlightening post. I believe we should always be open to learning and no matter how much we have learned, there is always something new to be studied.
Well, I love the strategies you have discussed here;definitely makes me want to know more about each!
I have been reading a lot of e books lately. I am on the verge of starting something serious, so I plan to study more about how people are doing it! Let’s hope our “graduation degree” takes us to greater heights! :)
Michelle, you are completely right in continuing education. The new age economy and business require continuous learning and applying or you are out. I love your approach to your business and others should learn from this
When we believe that we know everything about a topic we start a downhill slope to burnout. Awesome insight into business building Michelle!
I’m a life long learner myself! I love this post! Thanks! (subscribed too!) :)
Thanks Michelle. I believe there’s always something new to learn — whether it’s about our personal or professional lives. Gathering new information helps to stimulate and motivate! It’s good to exercise our brains and keep them in tip top shape. :)
If one does not continually invest in augmenting one’s knowledge, then it is clear that the world will pass that individual by. And, then, the ranks of the unemployed or the food stamp society will become your peer!
You are so right – the day we stop learning is the day we stop growing.
As a small business owner I make it a priority to educate myself on what is needed to break through the barriers and push my business forward.
I will never leave that philospohy behind!
You’re very, very right, Michelle.
Right now, I’m trying to squeeze in some writing tele-classes and, frankly, I wish a day had 72 hours!
Free is great, and I’ve learnt a lot through free materials, but I’ve come to the conclusion that a paid forum or mastermind group might be incredibly beneficial to one’s business.
MIchelle, I couldn’t agree more about the need to keep learning. A business can’t move forward if it’s owner is stuck in the same place year after year. You’ve inspired me to read more books. Two-three business books a month is impressive, BTW! I’m passing this post along to friends and clients who could use a little kick in the tail. Thanks!
Hi Michelle
I really appreciate you breaking down one of the most important components of doing business and that is “Education” …. there is so much FREE information out here, we just have to reach up and grab it.
You have to have a “Education Strategy” when you are in business. I order books every month and visit the library. on a regular basis. But I think what has helped me the most, is listening to audio education and training.
I’ve gotten some of my best ideas driving and listening to those people that are walking the walk .. guiding me all the way.!
Keep It Coming Michelle!
Nikki