Engage in Life-Long Learning for Business Success
“Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity” – (Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University).
This statement rings loud and true today. Business leaders and entrepreneurs must stay up to date and be informed about all aspects of business life if they are to succeed. Reading books is a great self-led way to stay informed through deep learning. To complement and supplement books, reading insightful articles can help you engage in lifelong learning and keep pace with constant developments.
For example, each year an outlook is developed on what is believed will be the top trends in business. This year blockchain, artificial intelligence and live social media interactions are among the top trends driving business. While all trends may not be applicable to your business, some may be and it is important to keep up to date. A trend like live social media interactions is one that your business should definitely consider as video (with the added perk of community and social interaction) becomes even more prevalent and appealing to customers. Do an online search for the articles below for more information on the top business trends for 2018.
The Top Business Trends that will drive success in 2018, Ian Altman, Forbes.com
5 Business Trends to follow for a Successful 2018, En Jeffrey Hayzlett, Entrepreneur.com
The Top 5 Business Trends to watch in 2018, Ian Altman, Inc.com,
The summary of five articles below which were taken from a compilation on Fundera Ledger by Georgia McIntyre, entitled 18 Of The All-Time Best Business Articles Every Entrepreneur Should Read, will also whet your reading appetite and should be added to your reading list. These articles contain timeless advice which will make you first look inwards and then outwards to improve your business. The articles below can be found by doing an online search. Some of the best articles in the complete list are only available by subscription to journals like the Harvard Business Review which may be a great investment for your business.
“Why You Hate Work”
In the New York Times’ “Why You Hate Work,” Tony Schwartz and Christine Porath look into what the modern employee needs to be fulfilled while in the workplace. If you’re wondering how you can make your employees happier at work, this is one of the best business articles to read. Schwartz and Porath dive deep into what motivates people – and what pushes them away. Or if you’re one of those 9-to-5 employees who hate your job, this might be one of the best business articles to inspire you to take your career into your own hands.
“Mentally Strong People: The 13 Things They Avoid”
“Mentally Strong People: The 13 Things They Avoid” is one of the most popular business articles around. Why? Because this article features an overwhelmingly accurate list by clinical social worker Amy Morin on what to avoid if you want to be a better leader. You might find that, without knowing it, you spend so much time and energy on thoughts and actions that will hold you back in the long run – like wasting time trying to prevent change, or worrying about pleasing others. This is one of the best business articles to figure out the things you do that are setting both you and your business back.
“The Top 5 Reasons Why ‘The Customer Is Always Right’ Is Wrong”
You’ve heard it before – or maybe you’ve said it yourself: “The customer is always right.” In his Huffington Post article, Alexander Kjerulf explains why “the customer is always right” shouldn’t be your motto as a small business owner. If you deal with customers in your day-to-day operations, this business article deserves your attention. You’ll not only realize why you might be treating your customers wrong, but you also might find that you’re making your employees worse-off along the way.
“How to Demotivate Your Best Employees”
Another one of the best business articles from Harvard Business Review? “How to Demotivate Your Best Employees.” This article highlights the things that you think are motivating your best employees to be even better, but are actually discouraging them. The article looks at a study done on employee incentives at 5 commercial businesses – and you might be surprised by the results. An “Employee of the Month” award program? Don’t do one. Read the article to learn why.
In this knowledge sharing world, we have an incredible opportunity to learn from others. If you come across great articles share them with your employees, friends, colleagues via email or social media as we all seek to engage in lifelong learning.
Compiled by Shellecia Brooks-Johnson
