Many small business owners are experts in their business service or product - whether it's bookkeeping, designing dog products, or delivering fitness programs. But they're not experts at business management, and this lack is the reason for at least some of the large number of failures among small businesses.

So what can small business owners do to improve business management skills? Here are five of the most convenient ways to upgrade your skills and become more knowledgeable about managing your business.

Teleseminars - There are dozens of free business teleseminars and webinars that you can sign up for. Become a continuous learner and in the space of just a few months you can learn valuable information that will be useful in your business.

Networking Events - Keep an eye on business networking events in your town which may feature guest speakers on a variety of business-related topics. These events can include business groups, presentations, workshops, and other gatherings. For the price of a lunch or dinner you can learn more about the featured speaker's area of expertise. You may even land a new customer by networking with others who are attending the event.

Mastermind Group - Napoleon Hill, in "Think and Grow Rich", described a Mastermind Group as "the coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony." Working with other small business owners will help you uncover your existing management skills and learn new ones. You will build on your current level of knowledge and success through the magic of multiple heads creating something much bigger than any one individual.

Coaching - Hiring a business coach is another way to learn management skills, as well as to have someone to hold you accountable. You can develop your business quicker by working from your strengths (your product or service) and hiring people to help you with what you're weak at (business management).

Night School - If you're committed to learning business management skills, your local school board or college may be of help. Many night schools offer small business education courses that teach entrepreneurs about the management side of their business. For the price of the course and a time investment, you can attend classes filled with other entrepreneurs, and learn from your classmates as well as your instructor. Some instructors will provide additional training as well.

These are some of the ways that you can work towards strengthening your business management skills. Becoming more knowledgeable about managing your venture will greatly improve the chances that your business will succeed.

Lack of managerial expertise is one of the single highest causes of business failure. Many small business managers are experts in their industry but lack management skills and knowledge. We can help. While you focus on your strengths and your product and/or service, we can develop a customized business plan and marketing program that suits your goals. From accessing our business management skills, Route One Research Services can help you gain a competitive advantage to help your business thrive. Contact us either through info@routeoneresearch.com, or at (604) 731-2785. Mention that you saw this article, and receive a FREE subscription to our newsletter filled with valuable business planning and marketing information designed to help you maximize the success of your business.