Carry on Learning

Times are tough for the small business, we know that. During these times it's natural to focus energy on sales and cost-cutting, and things like marketing and training are often the first things to be sacrificed. But, even though formal training now feels like a luxury you can't afford, it's more important than ever to keep on learning. Learning makes us more creative, more efficient, and more professional. So how can we keep on learning when there simply is no budget for training?

Firstly it is important to remember that learning is different from training. We need to keep our eyes open for the natural opportunities around us. Whether it is partnering with another business, or taking on a project that is slightly different to our normal line of work, our normal working life offers more learning opportunities than we realise. The key is to take a moment to think, both before and after your new activity. Think about what you could learn before you begin, and then reflect upon what you have learned after the event, and identify how you can apply that in the future.

The second great way to keep learning is to use your network and associations. Attending low-cost events at places like your local Chamber of Commerce, or attending networking meetings that have themes, provide two very real benefits: you will learn new skills (or fresh your thinking), AND you will meet new people some of whom could be your potential customers, or introduce you to potential customers.

Thirdly, you should make use of the vast array of useful material available by social media sites such as You Tube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Whatever you want to learn there is bound to be a guide to it somewhere on the Internet, and most of it is free.

In this modern age, it is easy to overlook what still remains one of the very best ways of learning – reading. Whether it's an old-fashioned paperback or an e-book downloaded onto your Kindle, keep a business book handy, and dip into it daily. You could even offer to review a book for a website dedicated to your profession, which will not only focus your learning but also give you a little bit of free PR.

It is worth remembering that we tend to learn things when we either want to or need to, so take yourself out of your comfort zone, and for your own good as well as that of your business, take an hour to learn something new this week.

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