7 Hands-On Skills Worth Learning as a New Entrepreneur

Those who dream of starting a business consider it one of the most exciting ventures they could ever explore. But it also comes with a steep learning curve. Often, building something from the ground up requires mastering hands-on skills that many would not have anticipated. From managing finances and understanding legal requirements to marketing the brand and handling day-to-day operations, the responsibilities can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you have to prepare for.

As a new entrepreneur, you’ll quickly realise that running a business isn’t just about launching a brilliant product or service, and then letting people chance upon it. It’s equally about being able to manage all the moving parts that keep your business running.

One way to come closer to achieving the well-oiled machine you wish for is by learning key hands-on skills that can save you time and money as well as give you more control over the essential aspects of your business. Even when the time comes that you don’t practise these skills as often because you can delegate responsibilities to a bigger team, it helps to learn them so that you can be more thoughtful in your oversight.

With that in mind, here are some practical skills worth learning as a new entrepreneur:

1) Photography

Now that we’re in the digital age of doing business, high-quality visuals are essential for marketing, branding, and product presentation. Whether you’re selling physical products or promoting services, compelling images are critical for your website, social media, and marketing campaigns. You could plausibly hire a professional photographer if you have the budget, but it would also help to learn basic photography skills and learn how to achieve high-quality visuals of your own at a fraction of the cost.

With a good camera and basic editing skills, you can ably take photos that highlight your products or services in the best light. If you need a more controlled environment for your product photography, consider renting a London photography studio for the ideal lighting and setup to capture professional-quality images.

This is a particularly useful option for product shoots, the results of which will feature in your product catalogue or in your promotional materials. At the same time, you can work in a location most convenient for you.

2) Accounting and Bookkeeping

Basic financial literacy is also crucial for any entrepreneur. While it’s definitely advisable to hire an accountant for complex tax matters, having basic accounting and bookkeeping skills will allow you to manage your day-to-day financial operations with full clarity.

Being equipped with this skill will allow you to understand your cash flow, monitor your expenses, and stay on top of matters involving invoicing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. The more knowledgeable and in control you are of your business finances, the better equipped you are to avoid mistakes that could be costly to your business.

3) Basic Graphic Design

Another hands-on skill that’s worth learning as a new entrepreneur is basic graphic design. This will allow you to develop your branding elements and marketing materials without the need for an outside agency.

For instance, you can create a business logo, promotional materials, and social media graphics all on your own. This will save you money and ensure that your brand’s visual identity remains consistent. Moreover, you’ll be able to quickly create and modify visuals in-house when running limited-time promotions or launching new products, which you may not be able to do so easily if you depend on someone out of house.

4) Website Maintenance

An up-to-date and fully functioning website is a must-have for any business, especially now that it’s second nature for customers to search online if they need certain products or services. Whether you operate in e-commerce, services, or other industries, your website is often the first point of contact for them.

It’s quite common to outsource web development or maintenance, but it can also be expensive, especially for minor updates. If you can learn basic website maintenance, such as how to update your content or how to troubleshoot common issues, you’ll be able to keep your site running smoothly without constant external support.

5) Marketing and Social Media Management

Marketing is another essential aspect of growing your business, and in today’s world, much of it takes place online. Social media platforms, in particular, offer cost-effective ways for you to reach your potential customers. But if you want to truly use these platforms to your advantage, you’ll need a strong understanding of how they work.

With that in mind, it would be a good idea for you to learn at least the basics of digital marketing. Doing this will help you establish a strong brand presence and build a relationship with your audience even before you grow your company’s marketing team.

6) DIY Repairs and Maintenance

Every business, whether based at home or in an office, will inevitably require some form of maintenance or repair. If you know how to handle minor fixes on your own, it can save you the costs of calling in professionals for simple tasks like assembling furniture, basic plumbing, or even minor electrical work.

In addition, having the skills to fix minor issues such as leaky taps, repainting worn-out walls, or even installing new shelving can be helpful when you’re starting a new venture. You can be in charge of maintaining your workspace or retail space on the regular and ensure things run smoothly without unnecessary downtime.

7) Customer Service Skills

Customer service is at the heart of any successful business. In the UK, where personalised service is often expected, excellent customer care may be what distinguishes your business from those of your competitors. You could be handling customer inquiries, complaints, or feedback; regardless, having the skills to manage these interactions directly can significantly contribute to the long-term loyalty and trust of your customers.

An entrepreneur would be well served to learn basic customer service techniques, like active listening, conflict resolution, and timely communication, all so that they can better address their clients’ needs and concerns. Your efforts to start a culture of excellent customer service can do a lot to grow your new business and strengthen its longevity in your later years.

For someone who will be looked at as a leader in their organisation precisely because they know how to wear more than one hat, it would be good for you to develop the skills listed above. On top of saving you outsourcing costs when your finances may already be meagre, they’ll give you greater control over your business and its operations. Invest time in learning the skills mentioned in this article, and don’t hesitate to sharpen them whenever you get the opportunity.