Entrepreneurship Without a Degree: Achieve Success Without College

Many are under the impression that having a college degree is the only way to achieve success in business. However, with a combination of hard work, ambition, and embracing available resources, it is possible to launch and sustain a successful business without the need for an expensive four-year degree. The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce has put together a list of things you can do to ensure success without going to school. Let's take a look.

Not Doing Everything Yourself

There is no need to attempt to do everything yourself when starting out as an entrepreneur. You can outsource tasks like accounting, marketing, website design and maintenance, customer service, and more. There are numerous platforms where you can find experienced freelancers who can take care of these aspects for you at an affordable rate. If you’ll be hiring a manager to help with important tasks, it’s important to learn how to delegate.

Use PDF Tools to Streamline Your Operations

Business documents should be organized in folders so they are easy to locate when needed, along with being backed up on secure cloud storage systems like Dropbox or Google Drive for added security measures. Additionally, having access to quality PDF tools can help reduce file sizes without affecting file quality, which will make storing and sharing them easier within teams. Give this tool from Adobe Acrobat a try when you need a quick way to change the format of your files from Word to PDF.

Make Beneficial Connections

Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Get out there and connect with potential partners, investors, or other entrepreneurs who are already established in your desired industry. These relationships can be invaluable in terms of gaining knowledge, resources, and advice while helping you move closer to achieving your goals. If you feel out of practice, look for ways to build your confidence as a networking pro.

Utilize Free Online Courses and Certifications

Although a college degree isn’t necessary for business success, it doesn’t mean that you should neglect to learn about key topics that will affect your enterprise. Take advantage of free online courses and certifications offered by various universities and organizations on topics including finance and accounting, marketing strategies and tactics, and operations management. This will help you grow your knowledge and your confidence.

Invest in the Right Software

Working with efficient software suites is essential for any business to succeed without wasting valuable time or resources. Invest in quality software solutions that provide seamless integrations between different departments within your company while also providing secure storage systems so that all data is safe from external threats. These might include accounting tools, BPM tools, or apps that help you stay on top of invoicing.

Form an LLC

Forming a limited liability company is incredibly important, as it allows your business to separate itself from your assets while providing legal protection against negligence claims if something goes wrong while running the company. Contact your local government office to learn more about what type of formation best suits your needs before getting started on this process. You can also consider hiring a formation service to file the paperwork.

Becoming successful without needing a college degree isn't impossible; it just requires some careful planning and the right tools. Making smart decisions — like not doing everything alone and making good use of online resources like PDF tools — can help you save money and time, two of the most important aspects of running a successful business. You'll also need to look for ways to learn more about your industry so you can stay on top of trends and increase your overall knowledge.