What do Skills have to do with Your Success?

Starting and running a business is exciting and most of the time a little (or a lot) scary.  Every day there's work to be done...some tasks are in our comfort zone and some aren't.  It's only natural that we avoid the work we don't understand or is more challenging to us.

Preparation is key whether you're just launching your business or ramping up to the next level.  Take some time to analyze your skill set...what do you need for your craft and what do you need for the business side of your business.

No doubt you are accomplished at your craft whether you're a graphic artist, web designer, or plumber.  You feel confident reviewing the scope of work to land your dream client, and jump starting your creative juices to finish in time, and your attention to details keep clients coming back for more.

But back to the Business of Business....I see very accomplished business women struggle when it comes to their business skills.

At a minimum business owners need these skills:

Sales - We're all selling something

Marketing - How customers find us

Bookkeeping - Tracking the in & out of money

Customer Service - Creating a tribe of evangelists

Master these skills even if you will end up hiring or outsourcing some of these tasks...a smart entrepreneur can do everything.  And when you build a firm foundation you'll confidently and skillfully maneuver your business in a new direction, drop products that aren't profitable, or improve your sales.

"Without passion, all the skill in the world won't lift you above craft.  Without skill, all the passion in the world will leave  you eager but floundering.  Combining the two is the essence of the creative life."  The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp