A great entrepreneur knows that learning never stops when it comes to business. Even those that have run multiple successful companies will find that they are still learning and there are always ways that you can make yourself a smarter, more capable and flexible business person. It is this desire to improve that separates the great from the good entrepreneurs, no matter what level you are currently at. So, if you are looking to become a better entrepreneur in 2019 then what are some effective methods? Read on for a few suggestions to find out how you could improve this year.
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1. Improve Your Communication Skills
Communication is key to success when you are an entrepreneur, and there are always improvements to your communication skills that can be made. In addition to being able to speak to people, this also will include the ability to listen and portray positive body language. You can improve communication skills through practice, through reading from reputable sources and even from attending courses.
2. Take Risks
Every entrepreneur will make mistakes, but it is how you react to these mistakes and how you learn from them that makes you a great business person. Being able to identify a risk that is worth taking is a valuable skill and one that is only learned through failure.
3. Improve Confidence
In a similar vein, a lack of confidence can also stop an entrepreneur from growing both as a business owner and as a person, as your judgment will be clouded by fear and other negative thoughts. Confidence can be difficult to improve, but a few good options include stepping out of your comfort zone on a regular basis, managing your stress effectively and leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
4. Immerse Yourself In Entrepreneurship
One of the best ways to improve as an entrepreneur is to commit further to this way of life. You can do this by reading books, joining online communities, attending industry events, networking and generally making this a more important aspect of your daily life.
5. Continue To Network
Leading on from this, you should always be networking as an entrepreneur as you never know when the next important connection will come along. The more time that you spend networking, the more opportunities will present themselves, and the bigger your personal brand will grow.
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6. Seek Feedback
This one can be difficult, but if you are to be more successful, then you will need to seek out and learn from constructive criticism. You should be seeking this from those that you work alongside each day as well as from your current customer base.
7. Find A Mentor
This tip is particularly helpful for less experienced entrepreneurs. Finding a mentor can be highly valuable as they can provide expertise to help you guide the ship as well as provide emotional support and introduce you to their network.
8. Learn Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a methodology that has been around since the 1980s which uses statistics to identify errors and find solutions to all kinds of processes. Six Sigma clients come from all industries and knowing how to apply this methodology will help you to make shrewd business decisions and streamline the operation.
9. Improve Your Organizational & Time Management Skills
Staying organized and making effective use of your time is crucial as an entrepreneur. Fortunately, these are skills which can be improved by making them a priority and through the use of technology. Use organizational and time management apps where absolutely everything is recorded and scheduled so that you know how each minute of the day will be spent. It is then a matter of familiarizing yourself with the day ahead the night before and in the morning.
10. Look After Yourself
Although everything on this list refers to putting in work and going the extra mile, it is also vital that you are looking after yourself. This is so that you can avoid burnout, but also so that you can be happy and enjoy your work. Looking after yourself will involve regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, but you must also be able to switch off and enjoy spending time with loved ones without thinking about work.
These 10 tips will help any entrepreneur to be a more successful business person in 2019. It can take a lot of hard work, effort and stepping outside of your comfort zone in order to improve, but these are all traits of the best entrepreneurs in the world and ways to keep moving forwards in the world of business.