It’s easy to get caught up in your passions when starting a small business, but too many entrepreneurs forget that running a business is a separate skill from whatever industry you pursue. Your excitement and expertise will carry you far, but there are some skills every new small business owner needs to know. Before you get carried away starting your new company, here are just a handful of skills most small business owners will use at some point or another. 

1. Graphic Design

Even if you don’t design your own graphics, branding, and other marketing materials, having an eye for graphic design will help you hire the right experts. Many small business owners handle their own design when just starting out, and there are countless resources you can use to get acquainted. You want your visual materials to convey a certain message, which makes them essential to your brand. You can research business trends to see what’s working in your industry, but don’t forget to add your own flair and style.

2. Communication

Communication may seem like a simple, basic skill, but you’ll use it often. It’s important that you know how to communicate your ideas and intentions simply and succinctly, both in person and in writing. Having clear communication skills will help you develop crucial business relationships and help you establish yourself as an experienced professional. You also need to know how to communicate with different people. Communicating and negotiating with your suppliers will be different from communicating with employees to make sure their needs are met. You also need to know how to communicate with your audience to get your brand across and foster genuine connections.

3. Delegation

As your business grows and your responsibilities increase, you’ll most likely have to learn how to delegate your tasks successfully to thrive. Giving up control can be difficult, especially if you go a long time handling everything yourself, but it can give you a lot of freedom back to enjoy the tasks you actually like. You can start small, like outsourcing marketing campaigns to a professional freelancer. You can hire someone to work part-time in your storefront, or to help pack orders a day or two a week. You’ll be surprised at how freeing it is to offload some of those annoying tasks that take up a lot of your brain power.

4. Financial Literacy

Basic financial literacy skills are important for every small business owner, especially before they invest anything in their business. This will help you learn if you’re in a place to start a business, how to invest safely, and how to utilize the vast variety of financial tools available to you. This skill will also help you research unique opportunities you may qualify for, like loans and grants. A lot of these financing options can get competitive, so the more you know, the more likely you are to put together a business plan and an application that helps you stand out. 

5. Customer Service

How you deal with customers can make or break your business. Learning how to satisfy customers, when standing your ground on your policies is appropriate, and how to keep loyal customers coming back are all essential skills, even if you’re not the one handling customer service forever. 

6. Critical Self Reflection

Learning to take criticism is another useful skill for small business owners, but so is learning how to critically reflect on your own progress. This is how you evaluate your goals, your abilities, and how to alter a game plan that fits your needs. This is how you’ll learn to manage your time and your tasks, and it will help you get your business where you want over the years. 

It can take all your energy just to keep a company running, but learning essential skills can make the process faster and easier. By setting aside some time to improve those skills, you’re investing in yourself and your company’s growth.