There Is Always Need To Learn

I have only started working since I graduated in the year 2000. My background is accounting and finance with a post grad in computer science. After nearly ten years in the IT industry, I got involve in the hospitality and residential building industry.

At the beginning, I came into the business as the bean counter and IT guy.  As the business expands, I have to start dabble in the business side of things, especially in project management. Since I am already a project manager in my full time job, it is not a problem. The biggest challenge is understanding the hospitality and building industry.

When I first started, I could not differentiate between materials nor its usage. My business partners has been patient with me and work allocation never really demanded me to have any industrial knowledge. Nonetheless, I have never like to fall behind or needing people to tip toe around me.

Whenever I have the chance, I would grab a copy of the materials pamphlets given by our suppliers. I made sure I read whatever I can from it. The vendor's sales person are a perfect source of information. Being their customers, they are more than willing to share their knowledge and opinion. There is really no such thing as asking a stupid question. As far as these sales person are concerned, not all their customers are familiar with the industry. As such, they are used to strange and out-of-this-world type of questions. I even asked for samples and test out whatever vendor has claimed to be working. Through testing, I was able to provide feedback and understand the products better.

Spending time with the vendor actually helps two things. One is my understanding and also building up relationships. I was able to make my order more accurately and getting better deals from them. Of course, being a good paymaster helps a lot as well.

As a matter of fact, I actually find myself studying a lot harder than during my school days. In school I was not really sure how it will impact my life. In business, your knowledge determines the success of your deal and each decision's effectiveness.

Regardless which industry you are in, it is never too late to start learning. To be successful in your industry, all you need is to know 10% more than your competitor.