If we were granted extra hours in a day, I dare say we would ask for at least an extra 2-4 hours, but I think even if that was possible it would not be enough. So as an entrepreneur what would the issue be, is the challenge not having enough time or not having enough profit/money or both?
Professional growth is all about gaining new skills and work experience to help you reach new goals in your business/career. The times we are in, are characterised by an ever changing and evolving job market, therefore it is imperative to keep up with the trends in your line of business as this will keep you ahead of your peers.
Let’s look at a few pointers on what we should concentrate on with regards to our personal and professional growth as entrepreneurs.
What is your professional growth plan?
- What is your long-term goal:
focus on your long-term goal, is it a five-year plan? Where do you see yourself by then, what do you see as a benchmark for the success of your business, what is happening that tells you that you are where you aspired to be?
Break down the long-term goal into smaller goals and begin to tackle them one at a time, each milestone achieved should be celebrated as a win.
- Prioritise Learning:
As a busy entrepreneur building your business, time is of the essence and free time to join a class or learn a new skill and that’s understandable.
This is why it is important to create a plan/schedule dedicating some time to work on your personal development structure.
It could be an hour a week or 2 hours fortnightly each month, but it has to work for you and there needs to be consistency such that it becomes a habit. Put it in your calendar and keep that appointment with yourself.
- Research your options:
What would you need to take you one step forward, sometimes learning a skill would be okay and at other times perhaps getting a certification from a known body would increase your chances in your industry, there are lots of options and the internet has given us the power to research and see what fits best.
Go through it have a budget and see how this will get you to the next level.
- Get inspiration:
What motivates you, find a coach or a mentor or an accountability partner. Look into someone who has done it and succeeded at it and then consider how they got there. With an accountability partner you can be comfortable with critique and support one another.
Conclusion
For growth to occur it has to be gradual, consistent and it involves being intentional and paying attention with care. If you work within a corporate organisation, most likely your boss will create a professional development plan, set goals for you and follow up to see that you fulfil these within an agreed time frame. When you are your own boss, the responsibility falls on you to ensure that this happens for yourself, and your business.
Written by : Efe Ogundowole
