the benefits of lifelong learning for entrepreneurs

Being an entrepreneur is challenging - but most entrepreneurs wouldn't want to do anything else. The flexibility, creativity, and the challenges make it a career path that attracts a certain type of personality.

However, what makes someone a successful entrepreneur is often the work they put in. Incorporating lifelong learning into your year-long plans and goals is a sure-fire way to stay abreast of what is happening next in your industry while staying competitive with new skills.

In this post I'll talk about 3 benefits of lifelong learning specific to entrepreneurs.

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benefits to your business

For your business to keep up with the changes in your industry, you as its captain need to know where the industry is going. Having certain skills and knowledge can attract higher levels of employees and clientele, driving your business growth.

For small business owners, learning certain skills can save you money. For example, you can learn to plan and execute a successful social media strategy without hiring a social media manager or manage your finances without needing to pay an accountant. Even if you do hire people for these roles, your background knowledge will make you more comfortable in understanding their strategies without wanting to micromanage them.

It's also important to be aware of different benefits that you offer as an employer, and how that might attract talented people to work for you. One example is offering life insurance as a benefit option. On top of that, did you know you can use life insurance as an investment strategy? Regularly reading about topics such as why people do or do not invest in life insurance, as summarized in this PHP Agency reviews article, can help you adjust your own plans going forward.

flexible learning goals

Lifelong learning these days covers not only every topic you could think of, but you can also find courses and other learning venues tailored to your specific goals. Before you embark on any type of training, you need to think about what your learning goals are - what do you want to achieve for your business?

Identify areas in which your knowledge or skills are preventing your business from moving forward. What areas could you save money in, if you acquired new knowledge or skill? What do you currently outsource that you could realistically learn to do yourself (and do it well)? Consider these before deciding on the training you need.

Once you decide on your learning goals, search for a program tailored to it. Rather than a general accounting course, find one that is specific to small businesses, to your type of business, or to your industry.

variety of learning venues

It's important that you take some time to think about the best type of learning for you - not only for the time you have available but for you personally. There are many online teaching venues these days, including Coursera and Udemy, with new ones every year. For example, you can learn new skills online with Teach Ours. Spend time online looking at different sites and comparing costs and features.

Would you learn best in a synchronized online course, with a community of fellow students and a schedule of when to log on to classes?

Or would you prefer an asynchronized course where you can review materials at your own speed, but still benefit from course assessments and a variety of learning style tools? Finally, you can learn informally by reading books and watching videos or workshops. 

Lastly, you can choose to study for a certificate or diploma through a college or university.