Written By: Cheryl Ellemberg, www.abdpromotions.com, www.ABDwebsiteDesign.com

Adaptation is a skill that small business owners need to have in order to survive an ever changing world.  In previous blog posts, I have written about becoming the change you want to see in the world.  Your adaptation skills will determine whether or not you can be successful.

Trust Your Instincts  In this world where information now comes to you through blogs, emails, television, and as we place more and more emphasis on the importance of learning in an academic setting, we forget to trust our instincts.  Inherently, we know what we need.  With a preponderance of information coming at us through Twitter , Linked In , YouTube, Facebook ABD , Facebook GPP, Foursquare, Google+ ? , it becoming increasingly difficult to know what is right for us.  You know what is best for you.  Trust that.

Good Decision Making Skills Happen Over Time  How do you know if you have made the right decision?  Over time, you begin to learn what works and what doesn’t.  When marketing for your business, see what works for you.  Big corporations have the benefit of hiring staff members with various skills sets to continue to be successful.  As a small business owner, you can be successful too by knowing what you are good at (competency), what you need to learn and what you need from others.

Critical Thinking is Essential  Often, we have to make decisions based on information we have at hand.  Should I spend money on marketing, when I am just starting out?  The answer will be:  Will you get a return on your investment?  Do I have room to experiment?  Do I need this money to pay bills?  What is the balance between investing in your business vs. staying “in the black”?  Usually, there are more questions generated when you are critically thinking about what makes sense for you.

Create a Process for Learning  We are not going to be experts in everything we do.  In fact, I find that “experts” tend to be subjective based on the importance of the information shared and the value of that information to the person receiving that information.   A former mentor of mine once told me that 90% of the people out there could be good at 90% of the skills.  The difference will be – are you willing to work at it?  What process have you created for your self so you can be proficient at running a small business?

Awareness of Your Surroundings  The small business owners who are the most successful are the ones who are aware of what is going on around them.  Our world economy changes.   Our local economy changes.  Competition is all around us.  What is it that you can do to provide to your niche that is different than those around you?  How will you adapt to your surroundings?

I have been intrigued all my life learning about leadership, success, discipline, and the value of hard work.  Immigrants could come to this country with very little money and become successful because of these skill sets.  How well do you adapt to your surroundings?

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” ~ George Sheehan