Train Like a Warrior, Think Like an Owner: Mastering the 5 Business Fundamentals

As a former soldier, I learned that every warrior, regardless of their role, masters core skills: shooting, moving, communicating, navigation, and first aid. These fundamentals ensure survival. Business is no different. Over-specialization and reliance on costly external vendors can leave you vulnerable. I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs delegate critical tasks—operations, marketing, logistics, sales, accounting—because they “don’t understand” them, only to face poor results, fire vendors, and repeat the cycle. It’s a costly mistake.

Mastering the basics doesn’t mean becoming an expert in everything, but having enough knowledge to control costs, spot inefficiencies, and drive margins is critical—especially when preparing for an acquisition. With free resources like YouTube, AI tools, and the web, there’s no excuse not to build these skills. Here’s how to do it on a budget:

• Why Core Skills Matter for Acquisitions

A working knowledge of operations, marketing, logistics, sales, and accounting empowers you to make smart decisions, streamline processes, and boost profitability fast. It’s about setting yourself up for success post-acquisition, not just closing the deal.

•  Low-Cost Ways to Build Expertise

1.  Operations: Learn lean principles via free resources like Coursera’s “Introduction to Operations Management” or YouTube’s LeanVlog. Shadow your team or manage a small project to see processes in action.

2.  Marketing: Dive into digital tools with HubSpot’s free CRM or Google Analytics’ free courses. Test low-budget social media ads to grasp what drives engagement.

3.  Logistics: Explore supply chain basics through free webinars on SupplyChainBrain or APICS. Talk to suppliers or your logistics team to uncover cost-saving opportunities.

4.  Sales: Sharpen your skills with free LinkedIn Learning sales courses (available with a trial) or podcasts like “The Sales Podcast” by Wes Schaeffer. Practice closing deals through team role-plays.

5.  Accounting: Master financial basics with free tools like Wave’s accounting software or QuickBooks’ tutorials. Review your P&L monthly and ask your accountant to explain key metrics.

• Quick Wins for Margin Growth

•  Cross-Train: Spend time in each department to understand their challenges. This builds insight and reveals cost-cutting opportunities.

•  Use Data: Track KPIs with free tools like Google Sheets to spot trends and eliminate waste.

•  Network: Join local business groups or the Owners In Honor community to exchange ideas with peers—it’s free and practical.

Investing time in these core disciplines preps you for a smoother acquisition and drives sustainable profits