Learning new skills that you can channel into your business doesn't have to be super costly; in fact, there are many ways to incorporate learning a new skill into your regular routine so you can master a technique without dramatically altering your schedule.
Seven entrepreneurs from FounderSociety (FS) who appreciate learning new skills to implement into their businesses share their recommendations for fitting this exercise into one's busy schedule.
Q. What is one effective technique for mastering a new business skill?
1. Iterate
You won't be a master at a new skill right away, but most new skills don't require that you wait until you have it all figured out--instead, you can iterate as you learn. Try a basic strategy and note results. You can tweak your approach as you seek out new resources like webinars, books, and connecting with others who can help. You'll learn more through imperfection. —Laurie Davis, eFlirt
2. Utilize Your Toolkit
I think that skill mastery varies per individual learning style and how well we can integrate everything we've ever learned and been exposed to, and effectively utilize it in the present moment. Don't be afraid to go all in. I like to roll up my sleeves and use whatever tools I have to learn. Use the whole toolkit, not one tool. —Angela Delmedico, Elev8 Consulting Group
3. Continually Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
One of the best ways to get better at a new skill is to simply do it. A great example of this would be public speaking or engaging with others: many people in business are shy or terrified of public speaking. However, after you put yourself out there a few times, it will start to become easier and a part of your daily routine. No matter the skill, don't let your comfort zone hold you back. —Zac Johnson, Blogging.org
4. Implement on a Small Scale
Once you decide what skill you want to learn, it's important to implement it right away, even on a small scale. After you have practiced it a bit and feel comfortable, ask a current client if they are willing to be your test run and implement that skill right away on a small scale. I have found real-life testing, no matter the skill, is far better than reading or studying. —Marty McDonald, Bad Rhino Inc.
5. Build It Into Your Schedule
I've found that setting recurring calendar invitations to practice a new skill reminds me to actually take the time to learn it on a regular basis. —Lisa Curtis, Kuli Kuli
6. Measure to Achieve Positive Velocity
Find an objective measure of success for the skill. Your weekly goal should be to achieve positive velocity. Don’t aim for your ideal goal every week; rather, aim to see consistent or accelerated improvement from week to week. Evaluate weekly using your objective measure to see whether gains were made. If not, iterate your strategy until you achieve positive velocity each week. —Yaniv Eyny, PIPsRewards, Novelution.com
7. Learn With Others
Mastering a new skill takes time, dedication, and motivation. To help stay on track, find an accountability partner. This partner can be someone you trust to help keep you focused or, better yet, someone who is also looking to learn the skill. By working with a partner, it becomes increasingly difficult to push educational tasks aside. —Antonio Calabrese, Boonle
