As a small business owner, your success depends upon a wide variety of factors — your ability to authentically connect with and book your prospective clients, your expertise and artistry, your client experience, and more. Being small business owners requires us to wear many hats — one of which involves continuous learning and growth. No matter your years of experience, or whether your business is new or established, continuous learning can make a meaningful difference in how your business evolves, grows, and succeeds in the years ahead. Today, I’m excited to share 7 types of education to explore pursuing in 2024.

7 Types of Business Education to Pursue in 2024

Welcome to Episode 201 of the Brand It, Build It Podcast: 7 Types of Business Education to Pursue in 2024. I’m your host, Kelly Zugay, and today, I’m excited to explore a variety of ways you can continue learning and growing as a small business owner. The landscape of small business ownership has changed so much over the past decade, and will, of course, continue to evolve. So, how can you stay ahead of the curve and better ensure your success moving forward? Here are 7 types of business education to consider:

1. Continuous Self-Reflection: As a small business owner, it’s essential to know what your strengths and weaknesses are — and to be aware that pursuing continuous learning and growth isn’t a sign of weakness, but of strength. What areas of your business do you feel strong in? Where do you need more growth? By reflecting on your business journey, and being honest about what is going well and what could be improved upon, you can set yourself up for success moving forward.
2. Online Courses and Webinars: Enroll in online courses or attend webinars designed for your field, or led by professionals whose business you admire. Additionally, resources like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses in a range of small business topics.
3. Networking Events: Attend in-person conferences, seminars, and local business networking events. Connecting with fellow small business owners — both within and beyond your field — can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and a chance to learn from their experiences.
4. Business Books: Read books on business strategy, small business marketing, and more. The 4-Hour Work Week, The e-Myth, and This is Marketing are just a few books we recommend.
5. Mentorship: Seek mentors who have experience in your field or have successfully navigated similar challenges. A mentor can provide guidance, share their knowledge and expertise, and offer valuable feedback. Having someone see and assess your business from a blank canvas can be extremely beneficial. Whether you pursue one-on-one mentorship or a group mentorship program, surrounding yourself with people in your industry is likely to generate creative ideas and open you and your business up to possibilities and plans you may not have otherwise considered.
6. Podcasts and Audiobooks: Listen to business podcasts and audiobooks about business. Consider searching on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts for specific topics or for answers to questions you have had. You’ll likely discover podcast episodes or industry professionals you hadn’t heard of before.
7. Stay Informed About Industry Trends: What blogs, resources, or newsletters are centered on your industry? Where you can go to learn about what is trending in your unique field — or how you can expect your industry to change or evolve in the months and years ahead? For small business owners, being open to change is extremely helpful.

Whether it’s mastering new photography skills and techniques for luxury weddings, staying on top of the latest trends in sustainable event planning, or improving our digital marketing skills, every new skill we acquire enhances our value proposition as business owners and opens doors to new opportunities. I am so hopeful today’s episode equips you to confidently pursue small business education you may not have otherwise considered. Thanks for tuning in!

Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is the best small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, and founders. Weekly, brief, actionable episodes will equip you to build a successful, sustainable small business. Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided award-winning custom brand and Showit web design and completely customizable Showit website templates for small businesses worldwide.