As an entrepreneur, you’ve made the bold choice to lead your own career. You’ll develop professionally and adapt and grow as you run your business. But you also need to make a point to learn as much as you can. The lifestyle of an entrepreneur demands constant professional development as you seek out new opportunities for growth, overcome challenges and chase trends in the ever-changing business world.
Why Entrepreneurs Need Side Projects
Your startup will need your constant attention in the beginning; you won’t have time for side projects. As it grows and becomes more successful, you will hopefully find that the work begins to plateau, and it’s easier to delegate responsibilities to your team.
Meanwhile, you’ll have enough time and energy to work on a something new. It doesn’t need to be highly profitable, and you don’t even need to lead. It can be as simple as publishing a own book or creating an online course. Side projects give you the opportunity to stretch creative muscles that you do not normally use in your startup. If your primary source of income should dry up, a profitable side project could take its place.
Going Back To School
An entrepreneur never stops learning. Taking classes is an excellent way to keep your skills up-to-date. Online courses are becoming increasingly more advanced and more useful for entrepreneurs. Many are run by accredited instructors who are always available to answer questions and clarify concepts. Look for online courses that allow you to network with other students and participate in group discussions and projects.
While it’s more time consuming, taking classes at your local community college is highly valuable. Many of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs meet their trusted business partners in college. If your college days have passed, you are still at liberty to take classes, network and benefit from the clubs and services available on campus.
The classes you select do not have to have anything to do with your industry. A painting class might be the perfect way to relax at the end of the week – and getting creative will help you think outside the box. There’s no need to take a difficult class for which you will not have time to study; you’re busy running your business, after all. Take a fun class and look forward to it all week while you’re working hard at your business.
Meeting New People For Professional Development
If you have not already, get to know your local Chamber of Commerce, and get involved with any business associations and industry groups in your area. You’ll meet more experienced entrepreneurs from whom you can learn, as well as fresh new talent to add to your team.
Wherever you go, be receptive to meeting new people, even if they may not have an obvious impact on your career. Sometimes, being around others in your industry and those with whom you work can give you tunnel vision. Meeting new people enriches your life in general, but it also exposes you to new perspectives – an asset for exploring undiscovered markets and understanding customers from all walks of life.
Skills become outdated, markets dry up, but a well-learned entrepreneur always adapts. Nurture your professional development, and you’ll always find ways to turn a profit.