Are Certifications and Licenses Crucial to Developing My Business?
Not unless you use them!
I’m sure you weren’t expecting that answer. These benchmarks of validation and competency only hold value in so far as you use them and if your business is prepared to make the most of the access they provide.
To that point, here are two important factors to consider:
Capacity
Capacity is how many resources are at your disposal to get the work done. Raw materials, staff (both manpower and man hours), physical space, etc. all factor into your business's capacity. The time, talent and funding are at your disposal but without investment, they are not infinite.
So when considering a certification or license that could position you to access greater opportunity ask yourself...
Is the license relevant and aligned with your primary area of business? If not, don’t waste your time chasing the clout or prestige.
If you were to receive a contract tomorrow, could you execute it successfully? If so, a certification or license is an excellent way to enhance your capacity.
Is your business capable of devoting consistent and efficient time (say one hour weekly) to cultivating relationships with the appropriate contracting officer/division head?
Don’t have a business of your own? Go back and read those bullet points again using your career as your business, new job opportunities as a career path, and relationship cultivation is important no matter what your profession or role within an organization you own or do not.
Costs
Valuable licenses and certifications often require financial investment. Can you responsibly afford to process the paperwork for the license? Can you realistically recoup the costs of the certification/license in one contract?
If the answer is HONESTLY yes to all of these questions, you should be in good shape. If not, I would strongly suggest you consider working on getting to yes on all or most so that you can put your best foot forward.
Note: Yes, I am aware that some industries require a license as a necessity to conduct business within the sector. Prioritize and schedule out a plan of action and build up your credentials based on on your costs and capacity as it is TODAY not what you dream it would be if only you had this or that credential.
Get it done,
Naomi D.