As a small business owner or independent professional, you're already wearing countless hats. You’re the CEO, the marketing department, customer service - the list goes on! It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, focusing on what you already know and do well. But in today’s quickly changing world, there’s one thing that can make all the difference between staying still and moving forward: a commitment to continuous learning and the courage to ‘have a go’ at something new.

Running a small business is like being on a never-ending learning curve. New technologies, trends, and customer expectations are constantly emerging, and the businesses that adapt are the ones that succeed. Learning isn’t just about adding new skills to your toolkit; it’s about staying relevant, competitive, and resilient.

Think about it: when was the last time you learned something new that genuinely excited you? Maybe it was a new social media strategy that suddenly made your posts pop, or a fresh approach to customer service that had clients singing your praises. That spark of excitement is what fuels growth. It’s not just about keeping up with the times—it’s about staying ahead of them.

September is ‘Festival of Learning - Have a Go’ Month, and there’s no better time to dive into something new. Whether it’s exploring a new platform, testing a different marketing tactic, or even taking a course on a topic you’ve never tackled before, the simple act of trying can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

For small businesses, ‘having a go’ might mean experimenting with a new product line, revamping your branding, or dipping your toes into digital advertising. Sure, it’s a little scary—what if it doesn’t work out? But here’s the thing: every time you try something new, you learn. Even if it doesn’t go the way you hoped, you gain valuable insights that can shape your future strategies.

In the world of social media, staying still isn’t an option. Algorithms change, platforms evolve, and audience behaviors shift. The same is true for any business. If you’re not learning and evolving, you’re falling behind.

Here’s how you can integrate learning and ‘having a go’ into your business strategy:

1. Set Learning Goals: Just like you set business goals, set goals for learning. What new skills do you want to learn this month? What industry trends do you need to get familiar with? Having clear learning objectives will keep you focused and motivated.

2. Start Small, Think Big: You don’t have to change your entire business at once. Start with small experiments—like trying out a new social media tool or offering a new service to a select group of customers. Small steps can lead to big changes over time.

3. Join the Learning Community: Engage with other small business owners and professionals who are also on a learning journey. Share experiences, exchange tips, and support each other. The ‘Festival of Learning’ is a great opportunity to connect with others who are eager to grow.

4. See Failure as Part of the Process: Not everything you try will work out, and that’s okay. Failure is a natural part of learning. What’s important is that you learn from those failures and keep moving forward.

5. Celebrate Your Wins: Whether it’s mastering a new skill, launching a successful campaign, or just trying something outside your comfort zone, take time to celebrate your achievements. Every win, no matter how small, is a step towards long-term success.

As small business owners, we often feel like we need to have all the answers, but the truth is, the most successful businesses are the ones that are constantly learning and evolving. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone this September. Embrace the ‘Festival of Learning - Have a Go’ Month. Try something new, pick up a new skill, or simply dive into a topic you’ve always been curious about.

Remember, every time you learn something new or ‘have a go’ at something different, you’re investing in the future of your business. And in today’s fast-paced world, that’s an investment you can’t afford not to make.

My favourite platforms for learning:

• Google Digital Garage
• Open Learn
• Meta Blueprint
• Microsoft Learn