This article first appeared in News Letter on 21st November 2024.
As a business owner, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that once you’ve been in the game long enough, you’ve got it all figured out. You’ve faced the challenges, learned the lessons, and found your rhythm. But I’ve realised that standing still isn’t an option. Whether you’ve been running your business for two years or twenty, the need to keep learning, developing, and trying new approaches isn’t just to survive, but to grow your business too.
For me, that mindset of continuous learning is part of the DNA at FN Research. I’ve learned that success isn’t about settling into what you already know; it’s about staying curious, open, and adaptable. That’s why I really want to seek out opportunities to expand my skills and perspective. Recently, for example, I completed SOSTAC® and a leadership training programme, which both helped me reimagine how we approach strategy and planning both within my business and for the clients we support. It reminded me that there’s always something new to learn, no matter how much experience you already have.
But learning isn’t just about attending courses or gaining qualifications. It’s about challenging yourself to think differently and step outside your comfort zone. For business owners, this could mean experimenting with a new approach to marketing, testing a fresh business model, or diving deeper into what your customers really want through well-planned research. The willingness to embrace new ideas and adapt to changing circumstances is often what sets thriving businesses apart from those that… don’t thrive.
The pandemic was a real wake-up call for many of us. It proved that the world can change overnight, and those who adapt quickly will make it. At FN Research, we saw businesses that had traditionally avoided market research suddenly seeking insights to navigate uncharted waters. They realised they didn’t have all the answers, and by reaching out to learn more about their customers and market, they made smarter, more informed decisions.
Learning also means being open to feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. Some business owners avoid market research because they’re afraid of what they might uncover – customer dissatisfaction, pricing concerns, or brand issues. But ignoring those truths doesn’t make them go away. Facing them head-on gives you the chance to adapt, improve, and grow stronger.
Whether it’s understanding new methodologies in market research, gaining insights from other industries, or simply reading about new trends, I know that every piece of knowledge adds to the bigger picture. It’s not just about keeping up, it’s about staying ahead.
Seek out opportunities to grow, challenge yourself to try something new, and remember that staying curious is one of the most valuable traits you can have as a leader. Because the moment we stop learning is the moment we start falling behind.