As I help clients with business challenges, it is encouraging to watch many of our business clients depend on the varied talents of the team members.

Often times, our business clients derive valuable knowledge and wisdom from others in their industry and from similarly situated trade groups.  This is natural.  Many of these people have gained experience in their business/industry which they are willing to share with others.  What a great way to learn from the mistakes and fortunes of others.

We all can also learn from people who may appear to be different.  These differences are likely unlimited but could include age, business industry, socially, economically, politically, etc.

As we talk with our business clients about strategy, business growth, business opportunities, etc., it becomes even more obvious that most business owners enjoy learning and enjoy the challenge of business management.  Thus, it seems evident that at times we all could learn from those around us who are not even in our own industry.

As you ponder this year on how to grow your business, how to better manage your business and employees, how to improve your company profitability, and how to overall get better at what you do, consider seeking out those business leaders who may be totally different from you or your industry.  What will you learn this year?  Who might you learn from this year?  Enjoy the adventure of learning and improving your business!