NEVER STOP GROWING (OR LEARNING)
Small business goals
Did you write down your goals when you took the leap into entrepreneurship? As you continue down the path, your business will evolve, and so will your goals. It’s important to take time regularly (annually or quarterly) to set business goals. Business goals should be SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Setting goals renews our enthusiasm for what we’re doing and reminds us of how far we’ve come.
On the other side of the same coin, we encourage you to celebrate your accomplishments! So often we’re swept up in what’s next, we forget to take stock of what we have achieved. Accomplishments aren’t just ticking off business to-dos. Maybe you helped someone out, made a significant donation or even just tried something new. Sit down. Raise a glass. Feel good.
Sharpening the saw (professional development)
Working on yourself is key to long-term success in business and in your personal life. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways busy entrepreneurs can learn and stay ahead of the curve. There are online courses on everything these days: how to grow your business, build a local and/or global network, become a bookkeeping whiz, get a handle on modern marketing, and (finally) understand how to analyze your digital data.
Take time to talk to other entrepreneurs about what has helped them develop their professional skills.
Says True North client Shelley Hayes about starting her business, Empowerment Inc, “I was going crazy trying to do everything myself.” She wanted mentors, a support system and real business takeaways she wouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars for. Shelley found everything she was looking for in ATBX - a small business accelerator program in Calgary, Alberta.
We’re also big fans of Mount Royal and SAIT’s Continuing Ed classes focused on entrepreneurship.
Small business networking tips
Get out into the world! Meeting new people can give you new ideas, and open up opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Sometimes, talking to other people about how they got their business off the ground can open your mind, answer a question or inspire solidarity.
