Did you know that being a businessperson doesn’t always require an MBA? Although a degree provides structured learning, entrepreneurs can access a wealth of alternative resources to gain the knowledge needed to start and grow a business. On the contrary, entrepreneurship nowadays is more about determination, adaptability, and problem-solving—and the skills necessary to succeed can be developed through non-traditional paths.
This guide will teach you how to become an entrepreneur without a business degree. It will cover alternative routes, such as online courses, mentorship programs, and networking.
What Is an Entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs are people who identify a need or gap in the market and take on the risk of creating a business to meet that need. This process involves innovation, leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. While a business degree can provide a foundation in these areas, practical experience and self-education can offer an equally strong footing.
Best Practices for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Tip #1: Learn the Fundamentals Through Online Courses
The internet has revolutionized education, and business training is no exception. Today, countless online resources offer high-quality education in everything from financial management to marketing strategy. Online courses offer the skills needed to get your business off the ground.
Explore Free and Paid Platforms
Numerous free and paid online platforms allow aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about business. Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of courses taught by experienced professionals and professors from leading universities. These courses often include video lectures, quizzes, and project-based learning to help you apply what you’ve learned.
Many platforms offer courses in specific areas, such as finance, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and business management. If you’re interested in learning how to create a business plan or understand business law, you can find focused lessons on those topics.
Take Advantage of Certification Programs
For a more structured learning experience, consider pursuing certification programs. Google’s Digital Marketing Certificate or HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing Certification provides in-depth training recognized by employers and industry professionals. These certifications can help you build credibility when presenting yourself to potential investors, clients, or business partners.
Another worthwhile benefit of joining certification programs is that they often offer opportunities for hands-on practice. This allows you to test your knowledge in real-world situations, which is invaluable for developing business acumen.
Tip #2: Find People Who Can Guide You
One of the most valuable resources for any entrepreneur is mentorship. A mentor who has experience in business can provide invaluable insights, helping you navigate challenges and make informed decisions. While formal education can teach you theories, mentors can offer practical advice and share lessons from their own experiences.
Seek Mentors in Your Industry
Finding the right mentor is key to maximizing the relationship. Ideally, you should look for a mentor with experience in your industry. They will have a better understanding of the challenges you might face and can offer advice based on their own journey.
To find one, start networking within your community or industry. Attend local business events, join online groups related to your field, or participate in industry-specific meetups. Platforms like LinkedIn can also be valuable for connecting with potential mentors. When reaching out, be clear about your goals and how you believe the mentor can help you.
Join Entrepreneurial Communities
These communities, both online and offline, provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals who are also on their entrepreneurial journey. Organizations like SCORE and the Young Entrepreneur Council offer mentorship programs that connect you with experienced professionals willing to provide guidance.
Being part of a community also gives you access to group discussions, workshops, and seminars, which can enhance your learning and expose you to different perspectives. Through these interactions, you’ll likely meet groups and individuals who can mentor you informally or become long-term business advisors.
Tip #3: Leverage Networking for Opportunities
The importance of building a network cannot be understated, especially for those without formal business training. Your network can be a source of new clients, partnerships, and even investors. Networking is more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about creating meaningful relationships that can support your business growth.
Attend Networking Events
One of the best ways to build a network is by attending business-related events, such as conferences, trade shows, or local business meetups. These events attract a diverse group of professionals, from fellow entrepreneurs to potential customers. Networking events allow you to share your business ideas, get feedback, and find opportunities to collaborate.
Be sure to approach them with the right mindset. Rather than focusing solely on what others can offer you, think about how you can add value to their businesses. Networking is a two-way street, and building genuine relationships will lead to long-term benefits.
Utilize Social Media for Business Networking
Social media platforms can be powerful tools for networking. LinkedIn, in particular, is designed for professional connections and offers features like groups, industry news, and direct messaging to help you connect with potential business partners or mentors.
You can build a presence in your industry by consistently sharing valuable content, commenting on relevant posts, and engaging in discussions. Over time, this presence can lead to opportunities, such as partnerships or speaking engagements. Don’t underestimate the power of your online network—it can be just as impactful as face-to-face interactions.
Tip #4: Develop Practical Business Skills Through Experience
While formal education can teach theory, nothing beats hands-on experience in learning how to run a business. Many successful entrepreneurs have started their businesses by jumping in and learning as they go. You don’t need to have all the answers before you start—what’s important is your willingness to learn from your mistakes and adapt quickly.
Start a Side Hustle
This is one way to gain practical experience without fully committing to a business venture. A side hustle allows you to test your business idea on a smaller scale while still maintaining your current job. This can provide valuable insights into your target market, business operations, and financial management without the pressure of making your business a full-time endeavor.
Whether freelancing, selling products online, or offering consulting services, a side hustle can help refine your business skills. Over time, you’ll learn how to manage clients, create workflows, and budget effectively—all of which are critical skills for any entrepreneur.
Volunteer or Intern with Small Businesses
Many small business owners are open to taking on enthusiastic individuals eager to learn. By working in a small business environment, you can see firsthand how day-to-day operations are managed, decisions are made, and challenges are overcome.
If you cannot secure an internship, consider volunteering. This not only helps you gain experience but also allows you to build connections with business owners and professionals who may become part of your future network.
Tip #5: Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
One key trait of a successful entrepreneur is resilience. Entrepreneurship will always be filled with challenges and setbacks, but how you respond to these obstacles will determine your success. Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs have faced failure, but they viewed it as a learning experience rather than a defeat.
Adopt a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. This mindset is critical for entrepreneurs, as it encourages them to view failures and mistakes as opportunities for growth. Rather than being discouraged by setbacks, you should analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future.
For example, if a marketing campaign didn’t generate the expected results, take the time to evaluate why. Was it the message, the audience targeting, or the platform used? By identifying the issue and making adjustments, you can improve your strategy moving forward.
Learn from the Success and Failures of Others
Apart from learning from your own mistakes, take the time to study the successes and failures of other entrepreneurs. There are countless case studies, interviews, and books written by successful business owners who share their insights. By learning from their experiences, you can avoid common pitfalls and adopt proven successful strategies.
Tip #6: Stay Committed to Lifelong Learning
The only constant in life is change— the same idea applies to business. Committing to lifelong learning and being informed about the latest trends and technologies is important for growing and staying afloat as an entrepreneur for years to come.
Keep Up with Industry Trends
Make it a habit to read industry publications, follow thought leaders on social media, and attend webinars or workshops. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business remains competitive. By continuously learning, you’ll be able to adapt to new market conditions and seize emerging opportunities down the line.
Invest in Your Personal Development
Communication, leadership, and problem-solving are always a must for any entrepreneur. Attend seminars, read books on personal development, and seek opportunities to refine these skills. The more well-rounded you are as a leader, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the complexities of running a business.
The Bottomline
While a business degree can provide a strong foundation, it is by no means a requirement for how to become an entrepreneur. By leveraging online courses, mentorship, networking, and hands-on experience, you can build the skills needed to succeed in business. Embrace failure as part of the journey and stay committed to lifelong learning. Being an entrepreneur is about more than just academic credentials—it’s also about perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
Reach Your Full Potential
Mission III Management provides impactful marketing solutions for anyone looking to do business and entrepreneurship in Houston, TX. Our team is dedicated to supporting clients through strategic campaign execution, customer acquisition, and business development. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, we are here to support your success.
Contact us to start turning your entrepreneurial ambitions into tangible achievements.