Many of the real skills you need to run a successful small business can’t be learned in a classroom setting. You can however develop them in places other than your own business. Learning opportunties are everywhere, if you look for the connections. Mike Michalowicz Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur shared an interesting list of six things you could do to improve your skills.

His list included:

  • Plan a big event
  • Become a Volunteer
  • Make a Crowd Laugh
  • Coach little league
  • Become a blogger
  • Learn a new language
He suggested that each of these experiences will help you develop skills you will need as a business owner.  From organizational skills to a great sense of humor, I think the list is pretty complete. The emphasis is really on experience.  Books and school will only take you so far.  At some point you have to put the lessons to the test, and these seemed like some excellent ways to do just that.  But there is always room for more.  What would you add to this list?