I know that people go to college for years and years in order to get their business degrees and learn all the rules and regulations and philosophies regarding how to run a successful business. While some us running our own home businesses might have that education and training, others of us do not. And, it can be somewhat intimidating thinking that there are so many things we do NOT know about business. BUT, learning and knowing all the rules and regulations does not mean that we have to follow and incorporate them all in our little entrepreneurial operations.
I do like to read business books and magazines occasionally, especially ones that relate to my specific field. I figure there is plenty that I can learn from experts and specialists. Still, they do not know my specific situation and, by nature, I am someone who is also going to learn a fair amount through trial and error. Just because I KNOW the rules, certainly does not mean that I have to apply them all to my own situation. Besides, history has proven that is often the ordinary risk-taking entrepreneur who comes up with new and productive ways to do things.
So, we need not be afraid of finding out more about the specifics of business and, I think we do not need to be intimidated either—after all, knowledge is power. Learning the rules, the strategies, the philosophies of how other people “do business” can be a positive effort and benefit our businesses in the short and long term. Especially, if you are someone who is coming from a non-business background. And, we do not have to follow any of the rules with either don’t think fit or just don’t like! (Unless, of course, it’s a LAW.)
See Also: Following Through
Is Your Business Mission-Driven or Profit-Driven?
Do You Know and Understand Market Conditions?