Why Every Business Owner Should Learn to Code
Before we dive deep into this, I'd like to share a secret. Don't worry, nothing about a hidden treasure, just a little glimpse into my personal life; my loyal companion is a Goldie - Max. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Travis, what's the connection between your dog and coding?" Well, Max is smart. He knows how to fetch my paper, settle on his mat, and even open doors. That alone is impressive, right? But imagine if Max had the ability to tackle a Rubik's Cube, or even better, develop a Python-based AI Model. That's what learning to code does for business owners - it turns ordinary into extraordinary.
Navigate Your Business Ship in Digital Seas
My grandpa used to say, "In business, what you don't understand, can sink your ship." In today's digital age, not knowing how to code is like trying to sail in uncharted waters without a compass. You may float around aimlessly or worse, hit an iceberg. Coding skills won't suddenly turn you into the seasoned captain of a Panamax container ship, but they will give you a navigational tool, a compass of sorts, that can help you understand the technological challenges your business might face and find intelligent solutions for them.
Coding, Your Magic Wand for Productivity
Imagine having the power to automate tedious tasks with just a few lines of code. Coding is like that magic wand which can help you streamline processes in your business. You know, that feeling when you successfully teach Max (remember my Golden Retriever?) a new trick - that’s how your employees are going to feel when they can finish their tasks in half the time, thanks to a few automation tricks you've coded. Mere mortals called programmers, armed with languages like Python or JavaScript, have been making humans look like slackers for years, automating everything from emails to reports, and freeing up valuable time for the more important aspects of business.
Invent Rather Than Spend
Take it from me, being at the mercy of other people’s software solutions can be a frustrating experience. You either pay a ton and settle for what they offer, or compromise on essentials because they’re not on the menu. Learning to code, even a bit, can help you customise your own unique tools for your business. For instance, you could create a custom CRM tailored to your sales team's specific needs, instead of getting stuck with an expensive off-the-shelf alternative with loads of bells and whistles you’ll never use. A bit of programming can help you trim that expenditure and invest it in areas of your business that directly contribute to growth.
Talk the Talk with Tech Teams
Now, coding won't turn you into the Steve Jobs of the tech world overnight. But a little understanding can go a long way in bridging the gap between you as a business owner, and the technical jargon your IT or tech team throws at you. No longer will meetings feel like an alien invasion, with the techies from Mars speaking a language only they understand, and you poor Earthlings left scratching your head. Once you learn their lingo, you will be able to put forth your requirements and pain points more effectively, saving not just money, but also your sanity.
Awesome Resume, Better Opportunities
While I’m not suggesting a career switch, learning to code can make your business resume stand out like a red Ferrari in a parking full of gray sedans. In a world that’s becoming more tech-centric by the day, adding coding skills can give your business a competitive edge. Moreover, you can unlock new partnerships, or venture into markets previously inaccessible due to technical constraints. Coding is not just a skill, but a new language to communicate with the business world, and trust me, the audience this language reaches, is quite vast and varied.
So, whether you’ve been running a business for decades or just starting out, coding can prove to be a game-changer. Luckily for us, learning to code today is easier than ever. There are thousands of online tutorials and courses at your disposal - just a few clicks or taps away. So go on, give it a try; and while you’re at it, don’t forget to have fun and experiment. Imagine, if a Golden Retriever like Max can fetch papers, open doors, and even learn to respond to hand signals, what we, as humans can achieve with coding is virtually limitless.