To be successful with a business, you need to create value - something that helps people or fills a void that people will exchange money for (in other words, a compelling product). There are many ways to create value. For instance: there is a difference in skill necessary between providing ice cream to people, and providing custom designed circuit boards, or personal development articles. The harder it is for people to replicate the creation of value that you perform, and the more value you provide, the more successful your business will be. Some types of products require a special set of skills (like custom designed circuit boards), and this set of skills might best be gained in the class room (i.e. getting a degree in electrical engineering). However, other sets of skills may be best gained through other avenues. For instance, Steve has read hundreds of personal development books, and has written numerous articles on personal development. He is an expert in this field not because he went to college for it, but because he built up his knowledge through years of effort. Or you may not need too special of skills for the particular type of value that you want to provide. It all depends on what kind of business you want to start.
|