I spent two days this week doing an introductory course in HOS – Human Operating Systems. I have been meaning to do it for a few years and I have always found a hundred and one reasons not to – too busy, too tired, too much other stuff going on. I have to say I am so glad I finally did this course and I should have done it years ago.
I think many of us small business owners fail to invest the time and money into increasing our skills. But the payoff is really there. It is very refreshing to get out of your business for a few days. To meet with other motivated, intelligent and positive people and to be challenged on an intellectual level.
As a bonus I often make new clients out of the people I meet who are doing the courses or attending the seminars. So I put it down as a marketing expense!
About 18 months ago I spent four days at an Anthony Robbins seminar in Sydney. For me there was a large degree of professional interest to see how he presented to such a large crowd and how he kept them involved and interested and he most certainly did. I got a huge amount out of that four day seminar – and it was worth every cent.
I intend to invest a lot more time and money into growing my own skill base. There is so much to learn and so many incredible courses and programmes on offer now it is truly amazing. So I say to all small business owners – you are your most valuable asset – invest in yourself.
No matter the line of business… or just “in life” generally… this is very good advice. Call me simplistic… but if we all listened to the aircraft emergency drill (apply your own mask before assisting others) and applied it to life… we’d have a pretty good thing going I think!
Jean.
One my favourite analogies – the good old oxygen mask. How can we help others if we can’t help ourselves? We need to stop thinking of it as selfish and start thinking of it as being generous. The more we help ourselves the more we will able to help others. Thanks Jean, AG
AG… my kids used to always look a bit worried when the oxygen mask drill came over the aircraft PA. I think they sometimes wondered if I “really would” put their mask on after I’d put on my own… I must admit some days I DID wonder myself! LOL (juuust kidding AB you were a perfect child!) 😉