Today, I wanted to talk about the 5 necessary business skills that I’ve discovered that can truly make or break your success as an entrepreneur. These hold true regardless of the type of business you own – whether you’re a freelancer, online business owner, or even have a physical business to tend to.
Here’s a sneak peak at the 5 topics we cover in this episode – listen in to hear more explanation of why they’re so important, and how you can make it work for your business!
#1: Writing
As business owners, we’re definitely caught up entirely in the communication era! Emails, ads, tweets, product descriptions – we’re constantly faced with really important written communications. And each area of writing has a different impact on your business. Because of this, I’ve noticed that when my writing improves, my business improves.
#2: Speaking
In my opinion, speaking is just as important as writing, since it allows you to communicate in a whole new way.
Sometimes, people even connect with your mission a bit better when they hear it spoken vs written out. One of the reasons this makes such a difference is because, when you’re speaking, people can really get to know you and your personality a bit better.
#3: Listening
At first, I thought this one would be “sales,” but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that listening is the foundational skill.
If you’re able to listen to someone’s pain points, you’ll be able to figure out what they need help with. You’ll also be able to more quickly pinpoint the win-win situation that benefits your clients and your business. It’s a skill that a lot of us just don’t practice enough…
#4: Hiring
Hiring is key for a number of reasons, whether you’re hiring full time, part time, or looking for help with just a small project.
But in order to really hire the right talent, you have to have those writing, speaking, and listening skills honed down pretty good.
For example: you’ll first need to write an ad that attracts the right applicants. Then, you have to be to-the-point and engaging when you speak to them during the interviews. Finally, being able to listen allows you to understand what they’re really saying… not to mention helping you determine right away if they’ve been truthful on their resumes!
#5: Adapting and Learning
Ahh, this one can be so tough at times!
But definitely as an entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn to go with the flow when things change unexpectedly. And this is true no matter where you are!
Marketing is changing, your clients are changing, and even you are changing! Having a spirit of adaptability as one of your skill sets is key in preventing burnout and staying focused on your real goals.
Now, all five of these skills are called upon daily to help in my own business… but they’re also lifelong skills that you can continue to improve and sharpen personally.
I’d love to see what skills you feel strong in – and which you want to practice and hone in on a little more.
