It’s no hardship to say something like “it is important to be honest when dealing with your customers and clients.” That’s not a controversial statement because it is, of course, quite true – other than shady businesses that deal in deception, like card sharks or Wall Street bankers, most of the best business opportunities arise from referrals and repeat customers, of which you will receive zero if you begin treating your customers dishonestly.
Just as important, however, and far less frequently discussed, is the importance of being honest with yourself. You’re a human being, and no matter how talented and intelligent you are, you will have some areas in which you excel just as you will have some in which you are less adept. There’s no shame in that whatsoever – nobody expects you to be perfect, and you shouldn’t either.
Undertaking an honest assessment of your skills, abilities, and preferences will open up some important opportunities for you. By understanding your strengths, you can focus yourself on applying those to your business situations. Understanding your weaker areas can allow you to bolster those before they negatively impact your quest to secure your own personal, independent earnings.
As noted above, nobody expects you to be perfect, and nobody can do everything. That’s why a strong team which complements your strengths can provide you with your right solution, giving you knowledge to draw on when you don’t have the answer, and strength to lean on when you’re stressed and unsure of how to react.
When building your team, you want to remember your assessment to help you know what skills you need to achieve your goals. Of course, in any circumstance, you’re looking for a team that is knowledgeable in the industry in which you’re specialized, and communicates that knowledge well to both industry insiders and brand new clients. Drawing on the accumulated knowledge of an industry veteran can yield huge dividends by allowing you to avoid novice mistakes and focus your energies directly on the areas that will generate the best results.
In order to know what your business needs, you need to start by knowing yourself, knowing your industry, and knowing your particular business. Getting advice and feedback from a smart, knowledgeable team can accelerate that process, setting you all the more quickly on the path towards financial security and business success.
