What do you need most in your business?

Recently I was reading a web forum about business bloggers, and it was fascinating to read anonymous feedback from readers for a variety of sites. One piece of advice that was repeated several times over was to improve skills, whether that be photography, web design, writing or industry specific skills like painting, DIY or design.

And it got me thinking, how much of the time do we reflect on what we need versus fall victim to marketing?

Now, I don’t believe marketing is inherently bad or evil, just that one of the major tenets is to create need.

Instead of being swayed by the latest promotion or offer, begin in a place of real need.

Here are some questions you can use to reflect on what you need in your business:

Question 1: If you could wave a magic wand and fix one thing in your business what would it be?

Question 2: If you never had to worry about one aspect of your business again, what would that be?

Question 3: What skill would you like to gain or improve?

Don’t overthink this, what comes to your mind first?

Got it? Great.

Next is to begin the process of educating yourself on those things. I always recommend starting with the free advice because there is no shortage of gurus out there, and it’s worth taking the time to find the one you’ll work with best.

As you begin to research, consider how you learn best. Some of us love online learning, and sometimes we need in person support. For some programs, a group setting is really beneficial, in other cases private is best. It’s all going to vary based on your personality and what you’re learning.

Remember, spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on programs in the wrong format won’t substitute for the right program in the right format – even if it’s more expensive up front.

(P.S. It’s a common misconception that expensive is better, but buying 5 cheap or misfitting sweaters won’t replace one great sweater that fits just right.)