Becoming a better businessperson requires many skills sets. As a business owner and a businessperson, you must possess one thing in particular that seems elusive these days: an open mind.
Somehow, in this day and age of instant knowledge and ready platforms, the need to be open-minded has been shuffled to the back of the bus. People assume a level expertise and experience just because they read about it. If there is one lesson to be learned, it would be to never pass up an opportunity to hear an opportunity. Too many people pass on what could be the ‘Golden Opportunity’ simply because their ego, arrogance, or self-assessed expertise prevents them from taking a few minutes to stop and listen, or worse, to attend something in person.
Here are 7 ways to become a better businessperson:
- Set clear personal goals. Becoming a better businessperson means we need a path to what we want to achieve. Know your end game.
- Build your network. Relationships, as a former mentor said, are the key to success. You need them and they need you!
- Embrace continuous learning. A wise man once said that the “learned” were beautifully equipped to inherit a world that no longer exists, while the “learners” will be well equipped to handle anything. Learning never stops.
- Believe in yourself. Few are the folks who have an army behind them. Most people in business make do with one or two people, especially at the beginning. So, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?
- Do the hard work. It seems self-explanatory, but most people confuse working hard and doing the hard work. They are not the same! Doing the hard work means doing things that are personally difficult, that no one else is WILLING TO DO. Working hard is just working long hours.
- Be adaptable. Being ready to pivot as a businessperson is crucial. We all know what the definition of insanity is – it’s when you do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. If it ain’t working, move on.
- Refuse to be dismissive. Go to meetings. Listen to what people have to say. Be open-minded. Skip the arrogance and the ego. Only a fool thinks they have all the answers. If you truly want to be a better businessperson, you will take the time to learn from others and benefit from their education and experience. No other factor will make you a better businessperson or elevate your success more than learning from others. Full stop.
Being open-minded means you take the time, not waste the time. The greatest thing anyone can possess is knowledge. Finishing reading this blog is a good first step in your new and improved journey. Good start. Now what…?
