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.
Look to your own personal network of friends and family. It's not training or a degree that makes someone an expert, it's wisdom. Consider which friends and family members have something to teach you, and use the knowledge they share with you to grow your business, and becoming a better leader in your field.
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.
What businesses in your community do you spend money at as a customer? Any place where you have confidence in the product or service being sold can be a potential partner for your company. Too many business owners don't consider alliances with anyone outside their own direct field or industry. Thinking narrowly cuts off potentially beneficial relationships.
A favorite dining spot might be the right partner for an awards ceremony in your field, willing to supply meals at cost to your gala guests in order to raise visibility and create buzz. Your favorite coffeehouse might be interested in donating morning pastries for your workforce in exchange for an ongoing contract to supply java for your meetings. Surprising alliances can be a win win scenario, and it never hurts to ask.
You may be missing potential resources within your own company. How well do you know your workforce? Make time for in-depth conversations with the people who work for you, and see what treasures might be hiding within the skill sets of the employees you've already hired. Many will have unique talents or special skills ideal for your projects, or for new growth ventures down the road.
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.
The world wide web is one of the ultimate resources at your fingertips. Business advice for everyone from new entrepreneurs to global thought leaders is waiting at the click of a mouse. Log on, and ask questions to get advice and help. Research your new ideas, to see if any other business people are working on similar projects. Someone else may be shooting for the same finish line, and you can learn from their approach, so you can pass them on the road.
Look to your own personal network of friends and family. It's not training or a degree that makes someone an expert, it's wisdom. Consider which friends and family members have something to teach you, and use the knowledge they share with you to grow your business, and becoming a better leader in your field.
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.
What businesses in your community do you spend money at as a customer? Any place where you have confidence in the product or service being sold can be a potential partner for your company. Too many business owners don't consider alliances with anyone outside their own direct field or industry. Thinking narrowly cuts off potentially beneficial relationships.
A favorite dining spot might be the right partner for an awards ceremony in your field, willing to supply meals at cost to your gala guests in order to raise visibility and create buzz. Your favorite coffeehouse might be interested in donating morning pastries for your workforce in exchange for an ongoing contract to supply java for your meetings. Surprising alliances can be a win win scenario, and it never hurts to ask.
You may be missing potential resources within your own company. How well do you know your workforce? Make time for in-depth conversations with the people who work for you, and see what treasures might be hiding within the skill sets of the employees you've already hired. Many will have unique talents or special skills ideal for your projects, or for new growth ventures down the road.
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.
The world wide web is one of the ultimate resources at your fingertips. Business advice for everyone from new entrepreneurs to global thought leaders is waiting at the click of a mouse. Log on, and ask questions to get advice and help. Research your new ideas, to see if any other business people are working on similar projects. Someone else may be shooting for the same finish line, and you can learn from their approach, so you can pass them on the road.
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