Biz info overwhelm! How to take action

Small business advice is big business 

There’s an entire industry that tells you how to start your business, run your business, grow your business and every conceivable topic in between. You can choose from a smorgasbord of seminars, webinars, blogs, tips, magazines, podcasts, expos, books, TV shows and radio shows. If you actually took every piece of advice (and it worked) you’d be instantly rich, working four hours per week as a social media whiz and inspiring leader – all while being blissfully happy.

But that’s not the reality for most. Something in the system isn’t working. Maybe it’s because many advisors/writers/experts/gurus are equally interested in selling themselves. Also, business owners struggle with implementing recommendations because of time restraints, daily operations and lack of specific expertise. 

Learning is a vital part of being a business owner, so regular education is a must, but it can easily become a waste of time and money if you don’t have a strategy. 

Suggested strategies to help you take action

• Do just one thing.

When you attend a seminar or read a great article, be realistic. Implement just one idea and see it through right to completion.

• Be choosy.

It’s a buyers’ market, so pick sources that are relevant to your current needs.

• Work with your preferences.

Do you like podcasts? Books? Seminars? Networking? Choose the medium you most enjoy because you’ll be more likely to commit to it.

• Decide if you need ideas or instructions at this moment

Some sources give ‘big picture’ business information others give ‘how to’. Pick the one you need right now.

• Cool your jets.

After seeing a presenter, you may feel inspired to implement a big new initiative. But maybe that initiative isn’t the highest business priority right now, so align new initiatives with your current business plan, and you’re more likely to see it through to completion.

• Find your guru.

There are lots of gurus out there, take your time finding presenters and writers that suit your style.

• Build a library.

If you find information that is possibly relevant but not currently needed, file it for later, when that issue is a priority.

• Keep it real.

Focus on information that gives you practical information to take away and implement, rather than complex theories.

• Know where you’re at.

Your needs and knowledge change as you evolve as a business owner. As you outgrow your knowledge, be ready to find more.

• Stay within your budget.

There are lots of inexpensive and free resources if you are on a tight budget.

• Take a buddy.

If a business colleague or team member learns with you, you’re more likely to participate in education, retain information and implement ideas. Also, it’s more fun.

• It’s about you.

Beware of advisors that clearly care more about themselves and their ego, than you. 

The best business owners live by education, they tap into pertinent, relevant and insightful information because it’s a building block to a successful business. But rather than fishing with a dragnet, they get better results by planning ahead, knowing what they need, being realistic and putting their new knowledge into action. You can too. 

How do you implement business ideas? What are your top tips for taking action?