When you’re building a house, you need a set of blueprints and the right toolset. Without the right materials and skills, the house won’t hold up. It’s the same way with entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking to start your own business, ministry, or online career, you need the right toolkit to thrive as an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurial characteristics make all the difference, especially in such a competitive landscape. While it might seem daunting, developing a new skill set is within your reach.
Here are some specific areas you can sharpen and stretch.
Growth mindset
We often hear about the importance of growth and having a “new mindset,” but what actually is a growth mindset?
Having a growth mindset vs a “fixed mindset” has to do with our thinking. For example, someone who views challenges as an opportunity for growth—rather than a setback—demonstrates the flexibility necessary to tackle projects with ease. However, moving from a fixed to growth mindset is best accomplished by following the moving of God’s Holy Spirit in us.
Romans 12:2 [NIV] says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Individuals who exemplify these leadership skills believe their abilities can be continually developed. Their circumstances, past thinking patterns, talent, or available resources don’t define them. Instead, those things are just at the start line in the race of life.
In contrast, a fixed mindset is stagnant. It believes that no matter what happens, some things are impossible to change. Stepping out of your comfort zone, putting in effort and hard work, or attempting to move forward is fruitless because nothing will ever transform.
However, if you’re already an entrepreneur or if you’re thinking about taking the jump to developing entrepreneurial skills—you’re likely off to a great start. You’re already thinking differently than others in your field. Continue to stretch those muscles by embracing failure, seeking opportunities for learning, and accepting feedback from others. Adopting change management strategies and exploring new business ideas will equip you to thrive.
Critical thinking
Strategic thinking orients you towards achieving attainable goals. Critical thinking involves careful planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Without strategic thinking, business administration falls by the wayside and project management becomes difficult.
Entrepreneurs have vision. Starting with a strong vision sets the tone for every other piece of the puzzle within your small business. Next, you must evaluate the investment, opportunity, impact, and results of your vision.
Writing out each of these steps in a brainstorming session can be helpful when evaluating new opportunities. While it’s impossible to know exactly how everything will turn out, it’s helpful to think through all potential scenarios.
Unlike more traditional lines of work, entrepreneurship comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Networking
Learning how to network is crucial, especially for entrepreneurs. Business networking is an underrated and underdeveloped skill for many individuals.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start—start small! Local networking is the best way to make connections right where you are while boosting your confidence and career prospects. Look for groups to join or ask friends and fellow professionals for recommended contacts.
Another option is to reach out online to individuals currently working in the field you desire. Consider asking:
- If you can conduct an informational interview: Come prepared with a list of questions connecting both to your entrepreneurship journey and their experiences.
- If you can stay in contact: Ask if you can meet again, and see if there’s anyone else they’d recommend you connect with, either in-person or online. You never know where just one conversation might lead!
Christian networking isn’t uncommon, and as you develop your professional networking skills, you’ll find the right group of people who will cheer you on.
Continual professional development
Unlike more traditional lines of work, entrepreneurship comes with its own unique set of challenges. Planning, communication skills, and leadership skills are all put to the test. To reach your full potential and explore career opportunities, it’s important to prioritize professional development.
Professional development looks like:
- Mentorship: Find a mentorship program or individual role model who can guide you on your journey. As a Christian, look for someone who has a strong faith and relies on God for strength and wisdom. If you know someone who seems like a good fit—reach out and let them know that you’d like to be a mentee. Life itself is a learning experience, and the advantages of mentorship abound.
- Self-improvement: Business classes are a great way to expand your toolkit. From accounting to communication and graphic design, an entire world of possibilities opens by learning new abilities. Many free online courses exist so you can develop new skills without breaking your budget.
- Success coaching: Different from a mentor, a success coach equips you to talk through challenges and explore solutions on the roadmap to accomplishment. Success coaches provide a formal line of support, as they’ve received training on how to help you explore where you’d like to go while empowering you to craft a plan for future professional success.
- Building faithfulness: Being a faithful servant isn’t always easy, but with God’s help, it’s possible. He calls us to be good stewards of our resources, even when we must wait longer than we think for our dreams and plans to come to fruition. Stay connected to a local church and look for opportunities to serve.
Taking the leap of faith to become an entrepreneur isn’t easy. However, with opportunities for learning around every corner, you have limitless options to develop your skills.
In no time, you’ll be achieving success and navigating challenges with your handy “tool kit.”
Download your free Entrepreneurial Spirit eBook.
As a current or budding entrepreneur, you know you have a God-given dream.
This ebook has the tools for the path ahead as you continue to step out with your startup. Plus, hear encouragement and wisdom from entrepreneurs just like you! From work-life balance and business strategy to following God’s voice and leaning into those leadership skills, it’s all inside.
