A lot of new entrepreneurs start off strong in one area. They've had successful careers, and now they're ready for their own business. They have deep expertise in their previous career space. They have skills that made them successful employees. They carry these into their new businesses. But?... They only have part of the picture.
To be a successful business owner, you need new skills. And not just that, but a balanced portfolio of strengths.
[Photo credit: Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash]
Balance is key. Achieving that balance is part of the challenge of your first year in business.
One thing I often look at with new clients is where they're strong and where they might need to develop. We focus on four main areas that drive successful businesses:
Defining strategy & direction
Connecting with customers
Creating & delivering your product
Getting things done
In most cases clients are strong in "creating your product" but have significant gaps in the other areas. Those gaps can create long-term issues.
Where are you strong? Where do you need to develop?