Keep Current in Your Industry

Today’s Million Dollar Tip, is something you may or may not be doing. But, it’s important enough to be a reminder. Stay current with what’s going on in your industry. Take and make the time to learn, and see what others are doing, and how they’re doing it. 
 
Some professionals have to do it to keep their jobs or license.
Entrepreneurs, and small business owners are sometimes so busy “getting” and “doing” all the work, that they put learning and continuing education on the back burner.
 
I’ve come to learn that connecting with experts, and those who may know more than you in a certain subject, is an important part of growth and expansion. It may be costly, but doesn’t it cost you every time you lose a job, customer or quote? 
 
If our role as a business owner is to help clients solve problems, my thought is to have all the tools (or as many as possible) in your tool belt to help get the job done, and done well. You may not have all the tools at hand — all the time. Some you may have to borrow (a colleague’s advice). Some you may have to rent (hiring an expert ). Some you may send away for (CD’s, books, programs). And frankly, some you may have to dust off and re-sharpen (proposals or ideas that were brilliant that you may have forgotten)!
 
For me, it’s spot coaching on areas I’d like to learn more about. I’m reading, listening, and working with experts to grow my solid knowledge base to new levels.
 
For some learning is an excuse to not do the work. For me, it’s inspiration to be able to help more.