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Four Behind-the-Scenes Skills Every Entrepreneur Needs

Our Concerns and Goals

Some of the concerns that we may have, when considering what is needed, as far as skill set for the entrepreneur, might include the following:

  • concern that we don’t have the skills we need;
  • concern that we cannot find the skills we need;
  • ensuring that we have the skills, or
  • ensuring that we have access to those who have the skills already.

Fortunately, we are going to cover these concerns and offer solutions or directions on how to find those solutions.

Those Four Areas for the Entrepreneur

There are more than four areas, but we are not aiming for being overloaded or overwhelmed, are we? I mean, after all, how much do we truly accomplish in that state? So, let’s keep it simple and start with the basics, even including things like understanding the meaning “brand” and what our brand is, before we start with our skill sets. But, I will save the in-depth discussion of brand definition for a later time. I am referencing it here so that you can add it to the list of important things to consider, in addition to your skills and resources.

Another area, to add to the list, before breaking this down into skills, is understanding what you need in your business website. By having a rough idea, even if your site is already perfectly developed, you will be able to understand what skill sets are needed, as we work through this short list.

Sales Stamina

Understanding your skill set (those skills that you possess) is one of the best places to start, even before going through these four essential skills needed for the entrepreneur.

Why isn’t that a separate section? Well, because I thought I would start with an example.

For example, I may personally possess many skills, but being a sales person is not necessarily one of them.

But, having the skills of a salesperson is basically a requirement for any entrepreneur.

For some of you, you already have this skill. And, it is likely a matter of refining the skill and getting better at what you already know how to do.

That probably goes without saying for any of the skills on this list!

For the rest of us, we have two options. We can either…

  1. learn how to sell (Yes, you ARE teachable!), or
  2. hire someone else or a team of experts to do it for us!

What you will notice, as you go through this article, is that those are basically the same two choices that every entrepreneur has, for those skills that are not a part of their natural skill set.


What skills do you need, as an entrepreneur?
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Fortunately, for those who are learning, there are many training programs available online and you can find some of them by Googling the topic. You can also find specific business coaches who can teach you, one-on-one, how to sell. As an example, I offer strategy coaching in areas other than selling. This is helpful coaching for any entrepreneur, with my extensive experience in business, but for selling, you may want to find a business coach who specializes in teaching you how to sell.

Have you been a bit lost in your business (or personal life)? Fortunately, Deborah is an I/O Psychology Expert and is here to help you figure out just that, the balance between the home and the work - work/life balance, that is!

So, go sign up for the no-obligation 15 min consultation to get the ball rolling today!

There are others, like me, who offer that one-on-one service, specifically for those of you who want to learn how to sell. Just be sure that you are specific about YOUR objectives (not the coach’s specific objectives) when you are requesting a consultation.

Bookkeeping Beginnings

Not all of us were cut out to be bookkeepers or accountants. Personally, it is something in which I excel and I not only personally enjoy it (not wanting to share the task with an employee), but it is something for which others have hired me to perform for them, as entrepreneurs.

But, I find that when I talk to other entrepreneurs, that I am not the rule of thumb. Most entrepreneurs that I have spoken to prefer what? They prefer to outsource this task.

This is probably one of the first job roles that you should consider outsourcing. Just be sure to interview the accountant thoroughly. It is not recommended that you hire your accountant off of Fiverr (no offense to Fiverr).

Keep in mind that it is possible that your accountant will need to have access to your financial records and even possibly your bank and do you really want to hand that over to someone to whom you are only paying $5?

No, this is a place that you should consider amping up how much you pay someone; ensure that they really do know what they are doing; or, just do it yourself.

While it is possible to do it with something as simple as a spreadsheet system and your bank checkbook, you may want to consider investing in software like QuickBooks. After all, software like that can often times walk even the most uninformed bookkeeper through the basics.

Then, again, QuickBooks can often be daunting to those who do not favor the technical side of things. So, buyers beware! Be sure to Google reviews and thoughts and opinions from those who are very similar to you when it comes to skill sets.

A great article that covers some of the basics of bookkeeping for the entrepreneur is found here. It gives you a place to start, whether you outsource this task, or learn (continue to learn) the skill, yourself, as the entrepreneur.

Creativity Craftiness

The creativity category includes your writing, your additional skills, like graphical skills, video skills, etc. The sky is the limit on what could be included in the category of creativity.

For the most part, this is the primary area of expertise that you use for your blog. It is likely that you have this skill covered if you are an entrepreneur who already has a blog.

Unless you have already outsourced this task to a person or team, you are likely using that very creativity, as an entrepreneur, to create and share that creativity with your blog audience. If so, then kudos! Keep doing what you are doing!

Here is a tip that may help you, in the blog arena (a common place where your creativity is shared): 3 Steps to Creating Your Blog Plan.

For those of you who are looking to add things like video to your blog, here is an idea. It is one that I have used, as well, and now I am an affiliate:




Video Maker FX for all of your quick, effective videos. Yes, I'm an affiliate, but I absolutely love this software! When it comes to the effective videos, It is definitely this software. The ROI (return-on-investment) is high (less time; better results)!




Other Skills Like Marketing, Social Media, and Technology

There are great technology bloggers out there who love what they do, but does that mean we all have that skill?

No. Not necessarily.

Personally, I have a background in technology. My answer, when interviewed and asked why I chose technology was “I don’t believe I chose technology. Instead, technology chose me.”

When you can answer in that way, related to your skill set or sets, you know you have pegged something that you are good at doing, as an entrepreneur.

Another area is marketing and social media marketing.

Many of us really enjoy connecting with our friends and associates on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and even LinkedIn. But, does that mean that we are the ones who should be in charge of our own social media marketing? Not necessarily.

As with all of these skills, it is a matter of determining if it is something that we are already good at doing (and just need improvement), something that we want to learn how to do, or something that we want to outsource.

In addition to that initial assessment, we need to balance our time, both business and personal, and figure out if we should be doing that task or if we have the financial means to outsource the task.

In many cases, especially because we are entrepreneurs, we will need to consider outsourcing many of these tasks and roles, especially if we have the means. It may be (and often is!) that we will make more money if we focus on our moneymaking skill, as entrepreneurs, and outsource these other tasks.

Hey, who says you cannot return and step in on some of these tasks, even if you have hired someone to do it? I mean, if you enjoy it and it is your company, go for it!

For those of you looking for some help in the marketing, specifically the SEO (search engine optimization) area and web analytics, consider this aid in improving that area of skill set with this program by some friends of mine, which I highly recommend (and not just because I am an affiliate!): SEO for your Blog! Bundle: Easy On-Page SEO + Easy Backlinks for SEO and also, add to that, the implementation of the concepts in DotComSecrets at amazon.com (affiliate). I've used these and can personally recommend it!

Conclusion

We started with a question of whether we had the skills or access to the skills that we need for the role of entrepreneur.

This is not a time to let your confidence wane. By no means!

However, it does not hurt to take an inventory and revitalize our business by taking that action, whether it is realizing that we already have what it takes or improving on our own skill set, or finding those who may be better at it than us.

Either way, it is a time to get moving, realizing that we are moving our business into a better place, and we will surely succeed, as a result.

About the author: Deborah is the “secret” SEO ninja and internet marketer from the very beginning (and sought after by the legendary Corey Rudl, and other industry pioneering greats). For more information about Deborah (aka Deborah E), visit the “About” page.

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • farhan says:

    Great Post and really helpful.
    Also You used good website template.
    I Liked Your Post And Also Like Your wpthemesfree.website Best WordPress Themes

    Thanks.

    • Thanks, Farhan. I appreciate your compliments. While I do use a WordPress theme, much of this is a customized CMS 😉 (I am a programmer, too.).

  • Sanjay says:

    Thanks Deborah for your wonderful article on the skills required by an Entrepreneur. The sales stamina part was really informative for me to train the sales team.

    Regards,
    Sanjay

  • Nice post. Social media skills and online marketing is a part I struggle with but I’m working on improving on that.

    • You know what, Odira! You are making the progress and that is the important thing. Keep on keepin on and I am confident you will get there!

  • Jeric Danao says:

    Interpersonal skills are one of the most underrated yet still one of the effective ways on how to understand a customer’s need. Some help desk services tend to rely on these skills since it’s actually considered a need in any industry especially in call centers. Thank you for sharing these ideals. I’m looking forward to see more for reference use. Kudos!

  • piyush says:

    Great post.

    Creativity is the thing which you must need in each and every field!

    Thanks for writing this great post 🙂

    Piyush

  • Sreejith says:

    That was a good skill list.Very useful…Thank you

  • Kriti says:

    Hi Deborah,
    Thanks for writing this article. I must say the points you listed must be noted if you dream to be an entrepreneur, because if you yourself are not that creative then how you’ll get ideas and put them forward in your business.

  • Awesome post!
    I have always found bookkeeping a difficult task. Have to hire someone I guess.

  • hplindia says:

    creative post and thanks to this blog with us
    nice point you listed

  • I am unbashedly declaring my love for this site.. I came on this site for creating back links.. now I am on my 3rd article and 4th one open in my next tab.. Lot of important and truly relevant things are being covered.. it always feels fresh to hear a new perspective 🙂

  • ike madu says:

    Wow, you’ve said it all! – Ike Madu

  • Deborah,

    You make some interesting points about being not only an entrepreneur, but a successful one. It was a very honest overview and we agree wholeheartedly that we must learn to truly become successful.

    Thanks for this insightful article.

  • Michael says:

    Great post. We see a lot of business owners that suffer with business cashflow due to bad business planning. Its imperative to have a detailed business plan and adjust as your business grows and stay positive and focused.

    • I love how you said to “stay positive and focused” – so true! And, it is sad the number of business owners who suffer at all. Thank you for your feedback, Michael. -Deborah

  • Ch Rashid says:

    Thanks Deborah for your awesome content on the skills required by an Entrepreneur.

  • Hi Deborah,
    Thank you for sharing such good article for entrepreneurs. it has all the information what they want to know keep sharing such articles.
    Thanks.

  • A very detailed post.
    Among those skills, I think the ability to sell is the most important.

    If you know how to sell as an entrepreneur, then your pocket cannot run dry.

  • sham says:

    good articul thank you for posting.

  • Worth a share. Amazing

  • adrian mursa says:

    thanks for the tips. Great article

  • Roshan says:

    Nice tips to improve entrepreneurship.

  • JULIE says:

    That is a good post about skill list.Thanks for it.

  • John says:

    Great post. understanding your brand is one of the main goal and creativity is something everyone is need.
    Thanks for the post.

  • Salamat Shah says:

    There are more than four areas, but we are not aiming for being overloaded or overwhelmed, are we? I mean, after all, how much do we truly accomplish in that state?

  • Lim says:

    Hello,
    Good post. Social media skills and online marketing is the part I struggle with but Now i am working on improving on that.

  • Tony Ekuri says:

    Yeah, I absolutely agree with you, an entrepreneur must possess these four skills to succeed. Thanks for the share

  • The need for craftiness cannot be overemphasized. As an entrepreneur, craftiness is what will keep you above your competitors.

    Thanks for the information

    • Yes, being crafty helps one. Though, one has to differentiate between the scheming type and the creative type 🙂 Thank you, Apeh. -Deborah

  • Scott says:

    Love the alliterations. Keep it up.

  • Shalin says:

    keeping employees is also a talent that a entrepreneur must have. Especially employees working in startup companies tend to leave as they want. Startup employees are hard to keep in interested in the business as startups do not make money that fast. Organizational structure is made for such companies in a flat base to quickly replace employees.

    • While I agree with you on the grander scale, Shalin, that assumes that the entrepreneur HAS employees. This list is meant to be the absolute minimum for the solo entrepreneur. Obviously, for an organization, there are other skills needed and skills and skill sets needed by those employees hired, so that would branch out into an entirely different article (and more like an article series). Thank you for your input, Shalin. -Deborah

  • Lightbox says:

    Good skills list. Must to develop this skills to flourish your business.

    • Thank you, Lightbox. I’m glad you found it a good skills list, and I like your wording that the skills are useful to “flourish your business.” -Deborah

  • Steav Smith says:

    Very nice and informative article. Thanks for sharing the information. The part creativity is very important if you are trying to establish yourself as an entrepreneur. It will make you stand out among your competitor.

  • Sharon says:

    Nice article!

    I’ve found there’s a lot of information online to help with specific social media skills or other skills that may need assistance, but discussing the need for good bookkeeping is very much overlooked.

    You make an interesting point on whether to have this outsourced to a reliable accountant, or do it yourself. Even though I have bookkeeping experience, I believe making the decision early to outsource this will save a lot of headache down the track.

    After all, if we’re venturing into this type of work, surely we want to spend our time on the more creative side of the business? : )

  • Yaqub Nipu says:

    Hello Deborah Anderson,
    I read your full article and get knowledge about what is the required skill need as a entrepreneur? you are right about the bookkeeping section but not every owner outsource their task. they can hire an bookkeeper or an accountant.

  • James says:

    Hi Deborah,
    I think creativity is the most important factor. Aside the creativity factor, the impetus to move forward is another essential factor.
    Thanks for sharing.

  • Jacob D says:

    A very informative and enlightening blog on four skills entrepreneur needs.

    I agree with all your skills-Sales, Accounting, Creativity and Tech Savvy.

    I am sure this guide must have helped many to excel in their businesses.

    • Jacob,

      Thank you for your feedback.

      That type of response is appreciated (and needed!).

      -Deborah

      • Jacob D says:

        Anytime Deborah!

        We should appreciate good things about others, and motivate people.
        On the contrary, the motivator is another skill for anyone to be successful in business. Motivate your staff, your business network, your customers, and your competition.

        Will read your other articles and come back to you on them.

        • Couldn’t agree more, Jacob!

          And, we are revamping a few things but looking forward to publishing some new articles for you to read then. Thank you!
          I look forward to your future comments and please do let me know how I can help support and encourage you, as well. Until then…

    • farhan May 13, 2017 @ 2:31

      Great Post and really helpful.
      Also You used good website template.
      I Liked Your Post And Also Like Your wpthemesfree.website Best Wordpress Themes

      Thanks.

      • Deborah Anderson May 16, 2017 @ 0:13

        Thanks, Farhan. I appreciate your compliments. While I do use a Wordpress theme, much of this is a customized CMS 😉 (I am a programmer, too.).

    • Sanjay May 15, 2017 @ 22:43

      Thanks Deborah for your wonderful article on the skills required by an Entrepreneur. The sales stamina part was really informative for me to train the sales team.

      Regards,
      Sanjay

      • Deborah Anderson May 16, 2017 @ 0:13

        Thank, Sanjay. I appreciate the feedback. Keep us posted on all of your successes!

    • Odira Ndubuisi May 16, 2017 @ 0:29

      Nice post. Social media skills and online marketing is a part I struggle with but I’m working on improving on that.

      • Deborah Anderson Jun 7, 2017 @ 4:14

        You know what, Odira! You are making the progress and that is the important thing. Keep on keepin on and I am confident you will get there!

    • Jeric Danao May 18, 2017 @ 3:38

      Interpersonal skills are one of the most underrated yet still one of the effective ways on how to understand a customer’s need. Some help desk services tend to rely on these skills since it’s actually considered a need in any industry especially in call centers. Thank you for sharing these ideals. I’m looking forward to see more for reference use. Kudos!

      • Deborah Anderson Jun 7, 2017 @ 4:13

        I agree, Jeric! It is underrated and yet so important and can almost move mountains in and of itself! Thanks for your feedback!

    • piyush May 19, 2017 @ 3:53

      Great post.

      Creativity is the thing which you must need in each and every field!

      Thanks for writing this great post 🙂

      Piyush

      • Deborah Anderson Jun 7, 2017 @ 4:12

        Yes, creativity is truly a helpful skill to have. And, it is fun 😉 Thank you!

    • Sreejith May 21, 2017 @ 0:15

      That was a good skill list.Very useful…Thank you

    • Kriti Jun 6, 2017 @ 2:38

      Hi Deborah,
      Thanks for writing this article. I must say the points you listed must be noted if you dream to be an entrepreneur, because if you yourself are not that creative then how you’ll get ideas and put them forward in your business.

    • Pranav Rajput Jun 21, 2017 @ 9:03

      Awesome post!
      I have always found bookkeeping a difficult task. Have to hire someone I guess.

    • hplindia Jun 22, 2017 @ 23:55

      creative post and thanks to this blog with us
      nice point you listed

    • Cindy Thompson Jul 2, 2017 @ 17:52

      I am unbashedly declaring my love for this site.. I came on this site for creating back links.. now I am on my 3rd article and 4th one open in my next tab.. Lot of important and truly relevant things are being covered.. it always feels fresh to hear a new perspective 🙂

      • Deborah Anderson Jul 2, 2017 @ 18:47

        Oh, Cindy, you can unabashedly love this site to pieces 🙂 Thank you for your feedback and your kind words 🙂 -Deborah

    • ike madu Jul 10, 2017 @ 18:27

      Wow, you’ve said it all! – Ike Madu

    • Unrivaled Review Jul 20, 2017 @ 2:08

      Deborah,

      You make some interesting points about being not only an entrepreneur, but a successful one. It was a very honest overview and we agree wholeheartedly that we must learn to truly become successful.

      Thanks for this insightful article.

      • Deborah Anderson Jul 20, 2017 @ 3:31

        Thank you, Unrivaled Review. I appreciate your feedback! -Deborah

    • Michael Jul 21, 2017 @ 3:49

      Great post. We see a lot of business owners that suffer with business cashflow due to bad business planning. Its imperative to have a detailed business plan and adjust as your business grows and stay positive and focused.

      • Deborah Anderson Jul 21, 2017 @ 4:45

        I love how you said to “stay positive and focused” – so true! And, it is sad the number of business owners who suffer at all. Thank you for your feedback, Michael. -Deborah

    • Ch Rashid Jul 24, 2017 @ 5:57

      Thanks Deborah for your awesome content on the skills required by an Entrepreneur.

      • Deborah Anderson Jul 24, 2017 @ 6:54

        You are welcome, CH. I am glad I could be of service. -Deborah

    • Vaishali Sharma Jul 25, 2017 @ 23:37

      Hi Deborah,
      Thank you for sharing such good article for entrepreneurs. it has all the information what they want to know keep sharing such articles.
      Thanks.

      • Deborah Anderson Jul 26, 2017 @ 0:55

        Sure thing, Vaishali. Oh, that is awesome. And, will keep trying to share sharable articles 😉 -Deborah

    • Anyaogu Ikechukwu Aug 9, 2017 @ 16:25

      A very detailed post.
      Among those skills, I think the ability to sell is the most important.

      If you know how to sell as an entrepreneur, then your pocket cannot run dry.

      • Deborah Anderson Aug 9, 2017 @ 17:57

        Yes, the ability to sell is a very important one and oftentimes one that does not get enough focus. Thank you, Anyaogu. -Deborah

    • sham Aug 24, 2017 @ 2:30

      good articul thank you for posting.

    • huzaifa bukhari Aug 29, 2017 @ 11:23

      Worth a share. Amazing

      • Deborah Anderson Aug 30, 2017 @ 0:58

        Well, I am glad to hear it is worth a share. Thank you, Huzaifa. -Deborah

    • adrian mursa Sep 8, 2017 @ 18:29

      thanks for the tips. Great article

    • Roshan Sep 9, 2017 @ 16:21

      Nice tips to improve entrepreneurship.

      • Deborah Anderson Sep 9, 2017 @ 17:05

        That is great that the entrepreneurship tips helped, Roshan! -Deborah

    • JULIE Sep 17, 2017 @ 23:38

      That is a good post about skill list.Thanks for it.

      • Deborah Anderson Sep 18, 2017 @ 0:07

        I’m glad you found that to be the case, Julie. Thank you.

    • John Sep 20, 2017 @ 0:53

      Great post. understanding your brand is one of the main goal and creativity is something everyone is need.
      Thanks for the post.

      • Deborah Anderson Sep 20, 2017 @ 1:06

        So true, John, that understanding one’s brand is a primary goal. Thank you. -Deborah

    • Salamat Shah Sep 20, 2017 @ 12:34

      There are more than four areas, but we are not aiming for being overloaded or overwhelmed, are we? I mean, after all, how much do we truly accomplish in that state?

      • Deborah Anderson Sep 20, 2017 @ 13:08

        That is true, Salamat. It is helpful to focus on a few at a time, master them, and then add others. Glad you caught that! -Deborah

    • Lim Sep 21, 2017 @ 3:47

      Hello,
      Good post. Social media skills and online marketing is the part I struggle with but Now i am working on improving on that.

    • Tony Ekuri Sep 21, 2017 @ 9:08

      Yeah, I absolutely agree with you, an entrepreneur must possess these four skills to succeed. Thanks for the share

    • Apeh Ikechukwu Sep 26, 2017 @ 19:50

      The need for craftiness cannot be overemphasized. As an entrepreneur, craftiness is what will keep you above your competitors.

      Thanks for the information

      • Deborah Anderson Sep 26, 2017 @ 20:12

        Yes, being crafty helps one. Though, one has to differentiate between the scheming type and the creative type 🙂 Thank you, Apeh. -Deborah

    • Scott Sep 28, 2017 @ 11:48

      Love the alliterations. Keep it up.

      • Deborah Anderson Sep 28, 2017 @ 12:12

        Hope to add more articles similar to this in format. Thank you, Scott. -Deborah

    • Shalin Oct 2, 2017 @ 2:46

      keeping employees is also a talent that a entrepreneur must have. Especially employees working in startup companies tend to leave as they want. Startup employees are hard to keep in interested in the business as startups do not make money that fast. Organizational structure is made for such companies in a flat base to quickly replace employees.

      • Deborah Anderson Oct 2, 2017 @ 3:15

        While I agree with you on the grander scale, Shalin, that assumes that the entrepreneur HAS employees. This list is meant to be the absolute minimum for the solo entrepreneur. Obviously, for an organization, there are other skills needed and skills and skill sets needed by those employees hired, so that would branch out into an entirely different article (and more like an article series). Thank you for your input, Shalin. -Deborah

    • Lightbox Oct 5, 2017 @ 8:00

      Good skills list. Must to develop this skills to flourish your business.

      • Deborah Anderson Oct 5, 2017 @ 9:34

        Thank you, Lightbox. I’m glad you found it a good skills list, and I like your wording that the skills are useful to “flourish your business.” -Deborah

    • Steav Smith Oct 18, 2017 @ 0:15

      Very nice and informative article. Thanks for sharing the information. The part creativity is very important if you are trying to establish yourself as an entrepreneur. It will make you stand out among your competitor.

    • Sharon Oct 22, 2017 @ 18:10

      Nice article!

      I’ve found there’s a lot of information online to help with specific social media skills or other skills that may need assistance, but discussing the need for good bookkeeping is very much overlooked.

      You make an interesting point on whether to have this outsourced to a reliable accountant, or do it yourself. Even though I have bookkeeping experience, I believe making the decision early to outsource this will save a lot of headache down the track.

      After all, if we’re venturing into this type of work, surely we want to spend our time on the more creative side of the business? : )

    • Yaqub Nipu Oct 24, 2017 @ 22:50

      Hello Deborah Anderson,
      I read your full article and get knowledge about what is the required skill need as a entrepreneur? you are right about the bookkeeping section but not every owner outsource their task. they can hire an bookkeeper or an accountant.

    • James Oct 31, 2017 @ 5:44

      Hi Deborah,
      I think creativity is the most important factor. Aside the creativity factor, the impetus to move forward is another essential factor.
      Thanks for sharing.

    • Jacob D Jun 3, 2022 @ 5:12

      A very informative and enlightening blog on four skills entrepreneur needs.

      I agree with all your skills-Sales, Accounting, Creativity and Tech Savvy.

      I am sure this guide must have helped many to excel in their businesses.

      • Deborah Anderson Jun 3, 2022 @ 5:53

        Jacob,

        Thank you for your feedback.

        That type of response is appreciated (and needed!).

        -Deborah

        • Jacob D Jun 14, 2022 @ 23:33

          Anytime Deborah!

          We should appreciate good things about others, and motivate people.
          On the contrary, the motivator is another skill for anyone to be successful in business. Motivate your staff, your business network, your customers, and your competition.

          Will read your other articles and come back to you on them.

          • Deborah Anderson Jun 15, 2022 @ 12:03

            Couldn’t agree more, Jacob!

            And, we are revamping a few things but looking forward to publishing some new articles for you to read then. Thank you!
            I look forward to your future comments and please do let me know how I can help support and encourage you, as well. Until then…

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