Business Owner--Educate Thyself!

Remember the training programs, seminars, and workshops you had to attend when you were on the corporate side of the table? You were expected to complete course after course for professional development and skill enhancement. Well, where do you get your training now that you are on your own? Do you learn from your clients? Are they the best teachers? What about your competitors?

Here are six ways to educate yourself and keep your professional edge:

  • Learn from your clients. Discover what they are doing or not doing to keep up with the changing marketplace. Ask them to share what makes them unique or industry leaders.
  • Join trade associations and networking groups that will keep you sharp and growing.
  • Find a mentor or coach-someone who is further along the business career path or more experienced. Learn from them. Soak up the knowledge they choose to impart and reciprocate as much as possible.
  • Read everything that you can about your industry and clientele. Identify and research your potential customer base.
  • Get the appropriate industry or specialty certifications.
  • Attend seminars and workshops to increase your knowledge and exposure. The more you associate and mingle with people who have similar businesses like yours, the more you will learn just by rubbing shoulders with them and mutually sharing your successes and challenges.
  • Educating yourself is very important. Set aside money each year for professional development. Don't rest on past laurels or stop growing. If you do, you will lose competitive ground and be left behind.

    Roy DeBrule, entrepreneur and seasoned executive in the financial services industry, has helped small business owners for over 25 years to successfully tackle overwhelming business challenges through his clear strategic perspective and a proven ability to evaluate the feasibility of goals. His guiding principle is that everyone, especially executive management needs to embrace one vision.

    Roy is the President and co-founder of RADSGroup Organizational Consultants, a Stamford, CT based human resources and organizational consulting firm to small and medium-sized businesses. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and is available to speak at management conferences and leadership retreats. To discover how Roy and the RADSGroup can transform your business, visit: http://www.radsgroup.com/

    recurring maid service Wilmette ..
    In The News:

    Google's discontinued Nest thermostats still secretly upload home data to company servers despite losing smart features, raising serious privacy concerns.
    New Android malware NGate steals NFC payment codes in real-time, allowing criminals to withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Learn protection tips.
    DoorDash confirms data breach exposing customer names, emails, addresses after social engineering attack. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
    Concerned about Google's AI scanning your Gmail? Learn how to disable Gemini features that access your emails, Drive files and Chat messages for privacy.
    Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.
    Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.
    A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.
    South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.
    Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALLĀ·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.
    Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.
    Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.
    NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.
    Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.
    Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.
    Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.
    Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.
    Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.
    Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.
    New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.
    Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.
    The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.
    Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.
    Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

    Hone Your Edge, Stay Focused

    A common hazard faced by new entrepreneurs is a lack... Read More

    Increase Profits With a Small Investment of Time and No Money

    The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More

    In Home Daycare Businesses for Profit

    To have one of the popular in home daycare businesses.... Read More

    How to Successfully Avoid Becoming One of The 80% of Small Businesses That Will FAIL

    It's a commonly quoted statistic: 80% of all small businesses... Read More

    QSR Quick Service - Fast Food Restaurants Labor Situation in United States

    One of the major complaints in the QSR Quick Service-Fast... Read More

    Small Business Newsletter Dilemma: Which Day Do I Send?

    If you're just ramping up your small business email newsletter,... Read More

    Looking for a Business to Run in the New Revitalized Downtown Area?

    Looking for a place to add a Quick Lube away... Read More

    Fleet Washing Expansion Considerations

    Many times small businesses want to expand their businesses and... Read More

    The Perfect Mission Statement

    One way to determine your companies mission statement is based... Read More

    Why Clean Mobile Homes for a Business?

    Manufactured and Mobile Home owners know that the weather this... Read More

    Bad Regulators Cost Small Businesses

    When a regulator finds a target to go after to... Read More

    Family Business and Conflicts

    What is a Family Business? A family business is basically... Read More

    How to let go of your EGO

    When does your ego get in the way?Let's go back... Read More

    Marketing a New or Small Business on a Budget

    There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing... Read More

    Using Excel Payroll Sheet to Make Payroll System Easier

    For the employees, payday is the brightest day; they finally... Read More

    Starting a Small Business? ?Tips from a Veteran

    Congratulations, you are starting a small business! You are taking... Read More

    Big Successes Never Happen Overnight

    Treat your business as a serious, full-time business and be... Read More

    Small Business Essentials: Start Here

    Thinking of starting a business on line? If so there... Read More

    Window Cleaning Business Start Up

    Should you buy a business opportunity or Franchise if you... Read More

    Private Franchising is not Real a Real Franchise

    One major issue not being addressed right now in the... Read More

    The Responsibility Conundrum - Where art Thou?

    Mr/Ms, 'not me' is often on holidays in your business.... Read More

    Is It Recess Yet?! Confessions of a Self Employed Workaholic

    I have a confession to make. My name is Caroline... Read More

    Expanding Franchisee Advice

    Franchisor expansion policies are not as simple as one might... Read More

    Small Business Failures in America - Cash Flow Issues

    We are noticing an increase in the length of time... Read More

    Computer Related Habits From Small Business Owner - Be Prepared, Avoid Despair

    Aside from the fear of losing a spreadsheet or research... Read More

    last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..