When it comes to capacity development, everyone needs it. But it is very crucial for people that are planning to start up a business. Capacity development involves getting all the tools and skills needed to do their jobs effectively. It also involves improving on these skills from time to time. A lot of things change with time especially in the business and skills sector. Here is my experience to prove it

I remember back then in 2009 when I first learnt web designing as an apprentice. We used Microsoft Frontpage for HTML authoring and as a design environment. For graphics, we used Macromedia Fireworks 8. That was 10 years ago. But over these years, things have changed drastically in the web design industry. Frontpage became obsolete and better graphics softwares came out to replace Fireworks. Additionally, web CMS also came into fore, which was not there 10years ago. So to remain relevant as a web designer, I have to improve my skills by learning additional software and web design methodologies. And that is exactly part of capacity development. If I stuck with my old softwares, I will become irrelevant in the sector.

As an entrepreneur, or even an existing business owner, you need to improve on what you already know. You need to acquire new skills and improve on existing ones. You want to be up-to-date with modern business principles, tools and methodologies to enable you cope with the ever-changing business landscape.

There are many ways to build capacity as an entrepreneur. This article briefly explains 3 way you can do that.

3 ways to build capacity for entrepreneurs

1. Read books and business journals: There are many published materials to help you grow and expand your knowledge. Reading helps you to discover new landscapes in every sector. You get to see new horizons and explore uncharted territory. The mind becomes open to knew ideas when you read about your field and business. There are too many benefits of reading that you cant ignore. So search out for business journals and other materials published by successful entrepreneurs. Read their methods and try to apply the knowledge. The more you read, the more you discover endless possibilities that were not there before.

2. Attend seminars and workshops: Workshops help participants to gain experience and skill in their area of practice. Workshops provide many avenues to increase knowledge through hands-on training,lectures and other enlightenment programs. Beyond the knowledge and practicals skills gained during workshops, networking is another benefit of attending seminars and workshops. You have the opportunity to connect with great minds in your sector and let their experience rub off on you. When you gather all these experience and training, you are better equiipped to run a business or enhance one because you have built capacity through attending workshops

3. Apply to learn new skills or enhancement courses: There are organizations that provide outstanding training programs both in person and online. For example, Andela runs various training courses online. There courses vary from digital marketing, blogging, content creation to even webdesigning. These are certified causes taught by professionals in their field. Not just Andela, but there are well reputed organizations including Google that offer specialized professional courses in various fields. When you take advantage of these learning and skill acquisition programs, your skills and handling of business tools are enhanced. And you are better equipped to work on your business project; even a startup.

Conclusion

The world is in constant motion, so are the things in it. Technology continue to evolve and new ways of doing things are tried each day. If you as an aspiring entrepreneur is static in terms of knowledge, skills and methodologies, your business strategy will soon become obsolete and you get left behind. But when you develop capacity such as through the 3 ways explained above, you will be able to remain relevant in our ever-changing times. Capacity development is really a must for everyone!