Introduction
Today, we are on our 9th element of the Law of MSMEs Success Foundations-LMSF.
That element is a discussion of the need for Continuous Learning. If we are agreed that there is need for adaptability for any business, then it must be true that continuous learning is non-negotiable! Unless of course one is doing business without the conscious need to succeed for growth or indeed legacy!What is continuous learning? To continuously learn is to be always looking forward to learn how everyday processes and actions can be done better than yesterday.
Even though some of us get put off by large volumes of how to manuals accompanying genuine machines or indeed other projects, there is really no other way to successfully and sustainably use a new machine other than learning from the user manual!
The case for continuous learning
With advancing technology in virtually every sector of human endeavour needing and wanting to always learn is now a literal matter of “life or death”.
To illustrate with a simple example, in times past being switch board operator was a job trained for and in demand in especially big corporates. Nowadays that has job has literally vanished together with the switchboard itself, gone and completely unnecessary. That is phenomenal when not very long ago, switch operators were needed! That example simply means that those who were previously safely employed as switchboard operators had no choice but to relearn how to do something else which is in demand or else they could starve to death out of hunger.
Sometimes people who have worked in a particular field and are very experienced and competent in that field do retire and want to do business. Even though qualified in their field of specialisation, doing business requires skills way beyond just one’s qualification which skills may be too expensive for a start-up and it may be necessary learn and relearn those skills at least the basic practical level.
Education whatever form and type is necessary for success all areas of life and so starting and running a business requires specific skills that must be learnt. However, given that change is the only constant in today’s world, successful MSME management does require an attitude of continuous learning otherwise the business will never grow!
These days are also referred to as knowledge economy era. In my view, the real difference between thriving and struggling businesses is appropriate knowledge. One of the things that we culturally have a weakness in as Zambians is to not to appreciate, Services as opposed to tangible products and Knowledge acquisition and so books, seminars and workshops are rarely invested into beyond corporate sponsorships for those in progressive corporations that put a premium on training.
I find it remarkable that people who willingly went to every corporate sponsored training when they were in the employment of a big corporate become hesitant to pay for training they need in their retirement business ventures! Ironically, those same hesitant education investors will gladly spend money wastefully in other areas like partying!
Conclusion
In conclusion therefore, I restate the importance of continuous learning in MSME management. There can be no progress for legacy and or solid growth in the absence of appropriate education. It is simply not possible to progress in ignorance because abundance emanates from education in a particular question and matter in issue. I urge you my dear reader to learn and relearn all that there is to learn about your business.
The return on ‘capital’ employed-ROCE never disappoints as far as investment in education is concerned. All the best as you decide to become a permanent student of business until death do you and learning part! Nahiti mwani!
The Author is Victor PM Nyasulu of VICTOR NYASULU Consult-VNc Partner @NS-CGMA. +260955746997. vpmn69@gmail.com
