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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Finding Entrepreneur Resources All Around You

By Lessie Kaufman


The keys to running a successful business are innovation and creativity. That means seeing possible entrepreneur resources in places that other businesspeople might not even think to look. Read on for tips to discover value and potential in unexpected places, and find new ways to grow and strengthen your company by thinking outside the box.

Look to your own personal network of friends and family. It's not training or a degree that makes someone an expert, it's wisdom. Consider which friends and family members have something to teach you, and use the knowledge they share with you to grow your business, and becoming a better leader in your field.

Your business probably has a board of directors, but do you? Recruit a personal advisory board of five people whose advice you trust. Meet with these sources of wisdom individually, twice a year, to get five different perspectives on your progress as an entrepreneur. This is one way to leverage the expertise of the people in your social circles to help your business.

When looking for potential partnerships with other companies, consider where you like to go as a customer. Any business where you can feel confident about their service or product is a great potential ally for your own company. Narrow thinking cuts off possibilities, so keep an open mind about alliances, and look for partners outside your immediate industry or field.

Surprising partnerships can benefit both businesses. Your favorite restaurant might be a great partner to throw an awards ceremony for your field, willing to supply food for your gala at cost to raise their own visibility. Your regular coffee shop might be willing to donate breakfast pastries for your breakroom in exchange for steady business supplying lattes to your afternoon meetings. You never know until you ask.

You may find resources within your already hired staff. Which of your employees may have unexplored abilities in their skill set? Get to know the people powering your business, and you may find unique talents and skills ideal for special project application, or growth ventures. Invest time in searching out the hidden treasures within the people you've already hired, and you just might strike a jackpot of resources where you least expect it.

Once you discover someone's passion, you will find a source of energy that motivates them to work harder, work longer, and accomplish more for you and your business. Ask your employees which facets of their skills or abilities aren't being used by their daily tasks, and find out what they're capable of. You can get more from your workforce without spending a dime, if you look at your employees with fresh eyes and see them as untapped resources.

The world wide web is one of the ultimate resources at your fingertips. Business advice for everyone from new entrepreneurs to global thought leaders is waiting at the click of a mouse. Log on, and ask questions to get advice and help. Research your new ideas, to see if any other business people are working on similar projects. Someone else may be shooting for the same finish line, and you can learn from their approach, so you can pass them on the road.




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