As an entrepreneur, there are many skills you will need to learn to take your business to the next level and make it run as efficiently and effectively as possible. Some skills are more important than others, and it’s important to know these to ensure you’re giving your business the resources and support it needs to succeed in the long term.

Tag along as we take you through a rundown of the top five (5) skills every entrepreneur needs to take their business to the next level.

• Be A Master Communicator

Communication is crucial for developing relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, investors, and even competitors. Strong communication skills can help inspire confidence in team members as well as build trust with clients or investors. In fact, being a great communicator can make or break your business! If you’re looking to build strong relationships with people inside and outside of your organization, then communication should be at the top of your priority list.

• Know Your Numbers

Without an accurate financial picture, entrepreneurs are flying blind. In fact, many new business owners will realize they’re actually losing money—or not making enough of it—only after digging in and taking a closer look at their numbers.

So, get real: That means knowing how much cash you’re bringing in, how much you spend on overhead costs and payroll, and exactly where that money is going each month. It also means understanding your balance sheet—the value of all your assets versus your liabilities (including debt). Only then can you make smart decisions about what resources to invest in and which ones to cut back on.

• Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

You’re not going to get there unless you know where it is, so write down goals for yourself, your team, and your company that are specific, measurable, and realistic. You need these things in place before you can think about how you might achieve them. And then revisit them often.

Regularly reviewing your goals – particularly those around key performance indicators (KPIs) – will help keep you focused on what really matters. You could try these out; If necessary, revise your targets as appropriate. It’s okay if some change over time; with new information and ideas, it should happen naturally (and regularly). Your plan is fluid by nature; don’t be afraid of change or new ideas; be prepared for them, so they don’t derail you completely.

• Develop Strong Relationships

You can’t do everything on your own. In fact, you might need help with just about everything. The more relationships you cultivate in your entrepreneurial journey, both personally and professionally, the easier things will be down the road. Do not get stuck in a “me against them mentality”—it won’t work!

It is important to foster strong working relationships and personal connections at every chance possible; moreover, it is essential that entrepreneurs are able to communicate their ideas effectively in order for these relationships to flourish.

The most successful entrepreneurs know how to build and maintain positive relationships with everyone they encounter. They understand that a good relationship is one where both parties gain something from each other, whether it’s an honest opinion or a helping hand.

The bottom line: don’t be afraid to reach out! You never know what kind of opportunity might present itself as you continue building your network of contacts. Your network will be invaluable as you move forward on your entrepreneurial journey.

Go Outside Your Comfort Zone

When you become an entrepreneur, there will be plenty of opportunities where you have no idea what you’re doing—and that’s okay!