In the journey of an entrepreneur, there will always inevitably be the times when you have to learn something new.
Whether it’s how to set up and run your small business in the first place. Or how to do the marketing for it. Or the accounting. Whatever it is, you have to stretch beyond what you know right now, and learn a new skill or piece of knowledge.
I have just come back from a getaway in Tofino, BC, a town renowned for its crashing waves and surf culture. I decided to give surfing a shot, even though I was a little scared and unsure of how I could stand up to that wild, frothing ocean. Learning to surf was very much like any other learning experience, with the 3 same important steps to success…
1. Look to an expert
You could hire a consultant (or instructor – thanks Hannah from Surf Sister!). Purchase some online training. Find free information on a blog. Either way you do it, you are looking towards an expert in the field to help guide your efforts. If you simply grab your gear and jump into the ocean, you are not going to have a clue where to start. Learning with an instructor made me that much more confident when it came time to dip into the waves.
2. Just do it
Once you’ve absorbed your knowledge, it’s time to just go for it. No more dilly dallying. Get your feet wet. Swallow your fears. Once you’re in the waves with your board, the whole thing is a lot less scary. It’s actually really fun. Embrace the thrill of learning the ropes!
3. Fall, and then get right back up again
You’re going to fall. There’s no way around that. And that’s exactly the way it should be, as long as you keep going.
Of course you don’t get it perfectly the first time round. Or the second. Or the twenty second. But you just have to pick yourself up again. This is the only way to continue improving and learning. And eventually, you will ride that wave. How sweet it will be.
How have the above 3 steps have worked their way into your small business journey? I wanna hear it!
My name is Martina and I’m a 
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Martina: Loved this post and this list. I think all 3 of these things are great pieces of advice for anyone’s trying to succeed in the business world. I really appreciated the appoint you made about falling. It is so true. You have to fall if you ever really want to understand how to continually succeed and maintain success. It is all about learning. Great post.
Hi Sibyl,
The fear of falling/failing keeps many of us from trying in the first place. We gotta learn to embrace it as a crucial part of the learning process. Not being afraid to try new things is how you can propel your business forward. Thanks for your comment!
I’ve actually fallen many times in my life and that is how I learn and am still learning. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. I tend to make life difficult for myself because I know that is the only way to learn new things.
Love this post Martina.
Alison Dias-Laverty recently posted..Create your own DVD Slideshow
Love that quote Alison! And good on you for not taking the easy route 🙂
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