Succeeding in business used to be a case of being really good at one skill or area and milking it for all its value. Today, we are fast becoming a skills economy driving trends in employment and even the way we approach entrepreneurship.
Tech Savviness.
As the adage goes: “if you’re not online, you don’t exist.” Today’s entrepreneurs need to take to the internet to increase their presence and to remain relevant in an evolving business landscape.
Companies like Amazon, Netflix, Airbnb and more are a testament to the disruptive impact of technology and the new image of what it means to be a skilled, successful professional. Think about today’s Mark Zuckerberg versus a banker from the 90s.
Financial Forecasting.
Largely, forecasting and planning your financial goals will give you a clearer idea of resources required and ways to measure success. It can also provide assurance to investors as a testament to the thorough research and planning you have done when included in business plans.
Automation.
The need for efficiency is often the general problem new businesses aim to resolve across all markets and industries. Assure that your proposed solution is more efficient than what’s readily available in the market to instill the need for it.
Sales.
As the popular saying goes learn to sell or go home, sales is a must skill and one of the most important, if not the most important because no business can last without customers or sales.
How to use leverage.
Turn a competitive market landscape into an advantageous one by leveraging on long-established systems your business proposes an alternative to. Learn from the mistakes of predecessors once you discover their product or service loopholes.
Hone Your Pitch to Investors.
Stand out in a broad mix of budding entrepreneurs by mastering the art and science behind a solid investor pitch that can determine the acceleration of growth for your business. Get comfortable talking about your ideas and receiving feedback or questions from peers, partners, and advisors before setting out to make a good impression to potential customers and eventually investors.
Copywriting.
This is the process of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing. The product, called copy, is written content that aims to increase brand awareness and ultimately persuade a person or group to take a particular action. This skill is a must have because as an entrepreneur advertising is inevitable.