Leverage What You Have

Working with leaders and entrepreneurs globally, we have seen they sometimes bypass what they have, because they are looking for something new or shiny. The reality is that most of them have many more resources or much more knowledge than than they think they have.

When you take the time to evaluate what you really need, then think about what is it you already have, you, too, may realize you have more than what you need.

In many cases, entrepreneurs and leaders who evaluate what they have realize they might even have more work than they can handle. We’re not saying that you should not look for things or continue to add information or resources to your organization. What we mean is that before you spend the time, money, effort or resources on a new idea, think about what you have in place already that you could leverage to maximize the business you could grow.

Here is an example: We often hear leaders or entrepreneurs say, “I need a new connection in XYZ organization or XYZ Company.” My first question, faced with a statement like this is, “Do you know anyone that works there? Do you think, from your past experience or within your network, might know someone that works there? Did you think about your high school, your college, your neighborhood, your religious institution, or anywhere that you’ve been that may have a connection or know someone that works there?”

It is a simple exercise, and a good way to understand that you may have far more resources and connections than you think you have.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

Think about the resources you have today.

What resources have you had in the past that could contribute to the things or resources you need today?

What other tools or strategies have you used to leverage what you already have?

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Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.