Stay Well Informed
It’s important to know your industry:
- Subscribe to industry publications that focus on your business.
- Network with other entrepreneurs in similar industries.
- Look for information on the Internet. Watch for opportunities to interact with business or industry experts.
- Subscribe to Internet newsgroups that focus on your industry.
- Read newspapers - local and national - to track business trends.
- Talk to your customers and clients. What issues are troubling them? What is their mission? What factors do they think will affect their business in the future?
- Invest in training: attend a conference/seminar on a subject that affects your business. Once there, doesn’t be a wallflower. Strike up conversations with other participants.
- Visit or call your city library or check out the library at a nearby college. Find out what resources they offer for someone interested in a business like yours.
- Recognize that at some point you may not know everything about your business. Seek guidance consultants or hire employees who can compensate for the gaps in your knowledge.
- Cultivate your curiosity. Don't be afraid to try new things.
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