mercredi 24 septembre 2014

Finding Entrepreneur Resources All Around You

By Lessie Kaufman


Entrepreneurial innovation and creative thinking are the core of running any business. Here are some tips for finding entrepreneur resources in unexpected places. Seek potential and value in places where your competitors or peers might not, and discover unique ways to strengthen your company.

Experts can come in all sizes and colors, and not all of them have prestigious degrees or job titles. Chances are, you know a lot of people in your life who have something to teach you. What knowledge can you tap into through friend and family networks that can help you grow?

Consider recruiting a personal board of directors, not for your company, but simply for yourself as an individual. Identify five people in your life, with five varied perspectives, whose advice you trust. Schedule private coffee chats with each of these individual advisers at least twice per year, and talk with them about your goals and your individual progress as an entrepreneur.

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.

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.

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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