Education Options to Grow Your Skills and Your Business

Continuous learning is important for any professional. For independent contractors who operate a solo business, it’s a must. In addition to continuing to hone skills in your area of expertise, you must understand how to operate a company. That involves how to market your services, how to budget your finances, and how to find land new contracts. Leveraging education opportunities is an essential part of your ongoing business activities.

You don’t have to enroll in a degree program or commit to extensive coursework to grow your skills. There are many options beyond degree-based education that can be fruitful and cost-effective. Online learning organizations like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer a wide range of learning opportunities for professionals, many specific to independents. Professional associations and societies often offer courses, workshops, or webinars for members. Some of these also offer formal certification programs that can expand your skill set and increase your marketing clout.

Learning and Education Options

In today’s digital environment, there is a wide range of learning opportunities. Many are available online in live, asynchronous, and “at your own pace” formats. Learning organizations generally offer three types of education programs.

1. Free Courses

There are many sources for free education. LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, for example, offer free courses for small business owners in addition to their paid curricula. YouTube can be a valuable source for specific how-to topics. Many professional associations offer free learning opportunities to members.

Local, state, and federal governments also offer educational programs. For example, the IRS has a list of online learning tools specifically for self-employed professionals. SCORE, a non-profit organization associated with the Small Business Administration, offers workshops on a variety of topics. Experts are available for one-on-one meetings and a mentorship program pairs professionals with appropriately experienced advisors. Your state, county, and town or city may also have free programs to help business owners.

Of note, along with guides and a robust blog, MBO Partners offers free educational webinars for independent professionals and the companies that engage them. MBO experts and guest specialists discuss topics that are relevant to businesses in today’s marketplace.

Check out: 10 Professional Development Tips to Grow Your Business

2. Paid Courses

LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer paid standalone courses for a wide range of work and life topics. In some cases, they have “tracks” of related courses that you can take in series if you choose to. Many colleges and universities offer courses live and online through their continuing education departments. Professional associations also have course curricula that are available at cost.

3. Certifications

Certificate programs focus on job-relevant skill development in technical and business management areas. Having one or more certifications in your area of expertise can be valuable to your business. Organizations that offer free and paid courses also offer a selection of certification programs. Universities, including top institutions like Stanford and Harvard, also offer certificates for a course of study.  Enterprises such as those in the technology space (for example, Microsoft) offer certificates that focus on specific products and associated skills.

Learn more: Top Certifications for Small Business Owners in 5 Key Skill Areas

Education Opportunities through Your Clients

As companies seek Client of Choice status and more firms implement formal direct sourcing programs, they want to create win-win environments for the independents they engage. As a result, learning options will become more and more available by way of the companies you work with. In addition to providing learning opportunities that focus on skills for specific projects, some enterprises are opening their learning and development programs to the independent talent they engage.

Consider access to learning opportunities as one of the factors in selecting the clients you want to work with. Access to such opportunities can be a valuable perk as a member of a client’s talent pool.