Skills You Need to Start Your Own Business

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If you, like so many people, are looking to escape the daily grind of the nine to fine, and the appeal of working for yourself is growing stronger by the day, then it might be time to start seriously thinking about starting your own business. Not only will you be able to pursue your passion, but you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to maintain a healthy work-like balance. Before you hand in your resignation though, it’s worth thinking about whether there are any skills you can gain now, alongside your current job, before you kiss goodbye to a regular salary. Below are some things you might want to consider when planning to become an entrepreneur.

Resilience

Though this might seem somewhat ephemeral as a skill, resilience is definitely something you need to work on developing. Having a thick skin is an integral part of going freelance. Whether you’re starting a more conventional business or working as a sole trader, the ability to roll with the punches and take setbacks on the chin is an important one. Remember, the bigger the obstacle you’re facing, the higher you have to jump. If you are the kind of person who takes feedback personally and is easily put off doing things because they’re too difficult, you probably wouldn’t be reading this now. So you’ve already got some inner grit. To start your own business though, you will really need to channel it.

Upskill Yourself

If you are going to be a business of one (at least to begin with) you will want to consider training yourself or going on courses for certain skills. Digital marketing is a huge part of business growth today and can make or break a start-up. However brilliant your inventions or services are, if no one knows about them you will never make a living from pursuing your passion. If you can design posters for online promotions, make videos and write blogs – basically generate the content surrounding your business, you will position yourself well when it comes to marketing. Although initially it might feel like something outside your wheelhouse, think about signing up for a Photoshop Training Course so you can learn how to facilitate online promotions yourself, without the need to get in an expert.

Outsource When Necessary

Of course, we aren’t suggesting you can fulfil every position in a company, however small. Getting training and keeping certain things in-house is a great way to save money and also generate work that you’re happy being associated with your business. However, there are times when you will need to get in a professional. Knowing when to say yes and when to delegate is a key skill for managers and entrepreneurs, and one you will need to exercise when starting your own business. Professionals are able to work from all over the world remotely, and so outsourcing for services, such as HR, IT specialists and administrative assistants is becoming much more feasible for small companies and start-ups. Before you write an initial budget, do some research into the services you will need to outsource so these can be included in your costs.

Communication Skills

How do you communicate with others? Good communication is a vital skill when you’re starting your own business – especially if, as a sole trader, you re going to be the only face of the business at least to start with. How you deal with stakeholders is going to be very different from how you discuss things with your partner. Make sure that your email correspondence is polite but, perhaps more importantly, appropriate to the person you are communicating with. It’s something professional accountants learn when they’re training and so it’s definitely something you should bear in mind, especially if you’ve ever been guilty of sending an email all in caps!

Website Maintenance

If you’re are planning to become a contractor, you might think that a website is an irrelevance or an unnecessary expense for your business. However, having an online presence which allows people to contact you, shows examples of your work and gives testimonials is an invaluable asset to your and your business. Although word-of-mouth recommendations are still a key part of marketing for many contractors, people who are now beginning to own homes and therefore will need to work with you look online as their first port of call. If you’re not there, you’re missing business.

Drive and determination are key to taking your first steps into the world of entrepreneurship, however, put some time and effort into laying a strong foundation of skills before you dive in headfirst.