Back to school again.
Running an organization is a great way to learn stuff that you would never have an opportunity to do otherwise. A very expensive way to learn, but when your money is at stake the learning curve is sharp and short.
However senior you are in your line of work, if your attitude is that ‘I know everything’, you would not go far as a businessman.
It is important to be open to questioning your knowledge, accepting that you don’t know it all and being open to learn.
Learning No 7:
You know nothing!
There is no educational or professional certification that can prepare you for running an entrepreneurial venture.
All the knowledge you have built up about traditional, large organizations and businesses, counts for nothing when you set up your own organization.
You may structure your business plan basis many management theories and models. You may decide to be thoroughly professional in your approach.
However, when your back’s against the wall, with bills, overheads and salaries to pay and your inward payment being delayed by the client, all the theory and planning gets tossed out of the window.
What you’re left with is learning.
Learning a completely new side of business and indeed, of life.
Learning to innovate.
Learning to compromise.
Learning to manage the situation.
Learning the ability to firefight.
Everyday you would learn something that no business school manual covers. There are no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions to these problems. And only you can figure out the solution. It’s scary, but if you survive it’s also very fulfilling.
As I mentioned before, there is a vast difference between being a good professional and being a good businessman.
You will realize it for yourself, only once you begin.
TO BE CONTINUED…
(This is part 5 of a series of blogs on my learnings as an entrepreneur)
Read Part 6 here
photo credit: tokyoform via photopin cc
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