Relying on the Experts

Have you ever heard the phrase, Jack of all trades, master of none? What it implies is that someone who tries to be sort of good at everything, will never be incredibly good at anything. Basically, anyone looking for a diverse set of skills and a wide breadth of knowledge will never be an expert.

That describes entrepreneurs exactly.

Throughout my career, I have worked in sales, debt restructuring, and in the dental industry, and I would certainly never label myself an expert in any of those fields. In order to find success in those markets, I needed to identify and lean on people who had dedicated their entire careers to those areas. I relied on the experts.

I always come back to the mantra of, “If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” I, for one, always try to put myself in a group that I can learn from. I will never be a dentist myself, but when I went to found byte, you can bet your ass I found some. It all comes down to whom you are networking with.

I discussed this a bit in a recent Forbes piece titled Lessons for Budding Crypto Entrepreneurs. I am no crypto currency expert, and I honestly do not expect myself to become one. That being said, success requires knowledge, and therefore I have been consulting with crypto experts on the future and potential of Crypto Entrepreneurship. My goal is not to fully understand the market myself, but rather to gain a basic knowledge of this global currency and to forge connections with people who know more about it than I do. If, in the future, a crypto entrepreneurial opportunity presents itself, I will already have experts in place that I can lean on.

The point is to understand everything just enough, but to have reinforcements waiting in the wings. Do you have a question about bitcoin? I can’t answer you, but I know who can. That same attitude has worked for me in every market I have started a business in. Understanding where your knowledge limits are can only serve you well. Instead of spending time and effort become an expert in any one area, learn just enough to identify an expert when you see one, and then make them your resource. 

This is how you will find diverse and lasting success.