Continuous learning is important to any business owner. It doesn’t matter whether you have an online or offline business – you’ll need to acquire skills and knowledge for the rest of your business life if you want to stay successful. In fact, it’s also true for your personal life, too. You may have heard the terms, ‘lifelong learning’ and ‘learning never ends,’ and, they’re varying avenues you can seek out knowledge. Here’re eight ways to stay apprised of industry changes that can lead to collaborative and joint venture opportunities, so you can adapt to the ever changing needs of the online business world.

“Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.” ~Jim Rohn

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Finding Learning Communities

Social media – Use social media to research groups within your niche. Join the ones where your peers hang out, that you feel aligned with, where you will be supported and can support others. The pay off is that you’ll learn with others by participating in discussions in a collaborative setting. Plus, there’s the likelihood that you’ll be invited to partake in joint ventures.

Local groups – While we may be living a ‘new normal’ life, local groups are still in play. So, check out ones in your local area. They’re a great place to connect with others within your field and find support to grow your business. Don’t forget your local chamber of commerce, another useful organization where you can get involved in collaborative learning opportunities.

Industry events– If you subscribe to industry publications, you’ll be notified of industry events and opportunities for collaborative learning events. Sometimes these are weekend retreats, other times you can take part in ‘members’ only online forums, where you’ll learn from your peers and other experts.

Mastermind group – The advantages of being in a mastermind group is group participation. Be it brainstorming, providing feedback, or accountability, members support each other to elevate their thinking. Napoleon Hill, author of, Think and Grow Rich, actually coined the term. And, In an article in leaders.com, the author states that: “In Think and Grow Rich, Hill describes a mastermind as the “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” He says that when a group of minds come together, they essentially create an unseen, powerful force—a mastermind.”

Creating Learning Communities

Inner circle – This is the same as a mastermind group, in my opinion. Still, if you have a strong following, you could start your own inner circle and offer a 6-12-month immersive experience, that’s designed to support others to grow their business, through personal and business development. While this would be a new income stream, you’ll be involved with some of the most switched-on and driven individuals, who you’ll also learn from.

Social media groups – There’s never been an easier time to start your own social media group where you can cultivate a community, attract your target clients/customers and manage the direction of conversation. Here’s an indepth article about the benefits of running your own social media groups.

Local Meetup events – Meetup.com springs to mind. Here you’ll find support to help you grow your business. They’re events happening on just about any topic you can think of and you have the option to meet up online or in-person events. A great place to share, network, and learn.

Teach a course – Now this might seem counterproductive, but, it’s amazing what you can learn from those whom you teach. Plan a course around something you are an expert in, of course, make it interactive – gamification is a fabulous way, and incentivise students to engage. You can further teach courses and classes at your local community college or university, too. Many invite expert business owners to teach.

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Collaborative learning opportunities abound both online and offline. If you keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground, you’ll find opportunities. When people from various industries and with different specialties interact, you’ll be blown away by what you can accomplish and learn together.

© Cherry-Ann Carew

Cherry-Ann Carew is an Online Business Coach, who supports emerging business owners simplify their start-up journey and helps existing businesses scale to the next level, so that they can earn uncapped income and live life on their terms.