Refocusing Your Business With an “I Am No Good At” List
61 Days Ago
–> Written by Samuel in Online Business

Living in a world of instant information is a two-edged sword. On one hand, you be possible to find help on nearly any subject, from learning HTML to setting up an LLC. On the other hand, a little knowledge can be dangerous, convincing people that they know more than they actually do about a ceratin subordinate. We’ve all heard someone or other hint at to the necessity of “meta tags” during the term of search engines or try to confidently explain that they need more “RAM” so that their computer be possible to hold more photos. Most people make to think themselves “fine good at” most subjects and tasks.

This self-sufficiency is common among freelancers and entrepreneurs, driving them to do too many things themselves. Granted, an entrepreneur repeatedly has no choice on the other hand to do many things himself, and as helpful as this may be at seasons starting out, it is to a greater degree convenient that the “do-everything” attitude will hurt the advancement of your business. Many freelancers, entrepreneurs, and even small firms never reach their full potential because they continue to fill roles in which they are either inexperienced or unskilled, whether it be their service/product sacrifice or important tasks like accounting, marketing, or simple efficiency.

So in this vein of creating a business that functions in the best habitual method possible, I determine an issue it helpful to constantly keep a list (both mentally and written out) that reminds me of things “I am terrible at.” I call the list a “No Good At” list because I purposely want to have existence grating and avoid the trap of convincing myself that I could be enough certain things that I shouldn’t be doing. More often than not, you’ll be weeding out the matter you’re “proper okay” at so you can focus on the things that you are (or can be) a rockstar at. Although such a catalogue differs for every freelancer or entrepreneur, I have found that the more someone focuses on their primary skill (web building, advertising, writing, etc.), the better off they are. Part of my progression list looks something like this:

I Am No Good At:

• Illustration
• Accounting/Finances
• Email Correspondence
• Project Planning
• Business Organization
• Careful Proofreading
• Object Oriented Code
• PHP/Java
• Time Management
• Social Marketing

So what do you do with such a list? Your answer may vary according to your traffic. Some people would outsource anything outside their expertise. Others would spend countless hours and outside consulting to be up to speed in as many subjects as possible. Here’s a more according to the rules of logic process for dealing with your “No Good At” list.

1. Determine what you must be good at no matter what.
Certain aspects like email and time management will always have being a part of your business. Do your best to improve on these and exercise whatever tactics necessary. You just can’t get away outside of mastering specific profession skills.

2. Find some apt and trust them.
Just because I use Digg and StumbleUpon doesn’t plebeian I in fact understand social marketing. Or just for I’ve had my share of college math classes and have read The Intelligent Investor doesn’t mean that I should exist taking care of my company finances. Although it seems logical to do many things on your own (it’s called bootstrapping, upright?), relying on the expertise of others (and paying them when necessary) is usually a better exquisite. Experts often enjoy answering your questions or at least putting you in touch with those who can help.

3. Drop it altogether.
This is the toughest expedient to take, especially when it feels like you’re leaving money upon the table. But if a possible client comes to me with a job that requires high usage of illustration, PHP/Java, or OO design, I be inclined typically let them know that I don’t do that type of work. Sure, I could track down contractors to take care of of the like kind things. But if I can grow my business focusing on the things I am good at, why fill my time with work that is unrelated to my strengths? Great companies are built by focusing on a few things they do very, very well.

Whatever you accomplish, don’t fall into the trap of believing you have to bring about everything. Learn to rely on others or turn down certain opportunities. A focused business is a good one, and it begins with realizing what you are not good at.