with MBA’s more successful? Absolutely not. This is just one way to learn valuable skills that will help your business thrive. But there are many others! Here seven other ways you can learn how to run a business without going back to school. Seven reasons why you don’t need an MBA! 1. Read Books Books are a great tool. They give us the benefit of someone else’s lessons and experiences. They distill and transport so much valuable information. I believe that entrepreneurs—actually everyone—should read books. There’s a reason why classes always have an assigned textbook! Here’s a great list of business books to get you started:
Software Advice's Essential Entrepreneur Bookshelf from Software Advice
2. Read Blogs
If
books aren’t your thing, there are a lot of excellent blogs, both about
businesses and about more industry-specific skills. Build your own curated
collection of the best blogs in your industry and read them regularly. You can
even participate in discussion in the comment section. You can learn a lot this
way.
Here
is a list of business specific blogs to get you started:
3. Get a Mentor
Who
do you know that has already done what you want to do? Reach out to them for
advice and help. If you don’t know them already, introduce yourself! Everyone
started at the beginning and everyone got help along the way. Most
entrepreneurs and business leaders are very happy to give back and help out
someone younger or less experienced.
If
you don’t have anyone in mind, try one of the services below to find someone
who can share useful advice with you:
- Wisewords - One on one advice from someone that’s done exactly what you want to do.
- Clarity - On demand business advice for entrepreneurs.
4. Get Hired
Do
the job first. Get hired in your field and learn what you need to know before
going out on your own. Not will you get free training, but you’ll actually get
paid for it! While you’re learning the ropes of the business and your industry,
you’ll also be building your network and making valuable connections that can
help you in the future.
5. Take a class
You
don’t have to go to school to start a business but you can take a highly
relevant class online. If you’re missing a valuable skill take a course online
to fill the gap. You can be in charge of your own learning and only take
classes that will truly benefit you.
Here
are a few websites that specialize in online learning:
- Lynda.com - Easy-to-follow video tutorials help you learn software, business, creative skills, and more. Become a member and get unlimited access to all their courses.
- Coursera - Take the world’s best courses, online, for free.
- Udacity – Courses that are courses are built in partnership with technology leaders and are relevant to industry needs. View for free or enroll and get certified.
- Academic Earth - Free online college courses from top universities.
6. Trial and Error
Let’s
face it. The best way to learn about running a business is by running a
business. There is no greater teacher than experience. Whether you have an MBA
or no formal education whatsoever, you will make plenty of mistakes. What you
do with those mistakes is what matters most and this is often the quickest way
to learn.
7. Hire a Boss
Smart
entrepreneurs surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are.
Hire employees who will push you forward and keep you on track. Great leaders
aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something. Have an amazing product
by no idea how to get it to market? Hire someone who knows how to do just that
and let them lead you.
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