🧠 Necessary Skills for Running a Business

Welcome back to the 29th edition of the Nord Media newsletter.

I was never one of those kids who had a crystal-clear vision of what I wanted my career to be.

Other kids were dead set on things like doctors, engineers, pilots, veterinarians, etc.

Me? I never resonated with just one single career option.

Sure, becoming a firefighter or a pro wrestler had to be every little boy’s dream (I mean, come on, they’re pretty awesome professions).

But again, I could never hone in on one singular path that called to me.

And this continued all the way into college, where I switched my major four times.

I was learning a TON.

I tried engineering, then computer science, decided it wasn’t for me, and found out I was a business guy, so I tried finance before finally settling on marketing.

Not the most conventional route I’ll say but it led me to realizing that I’ve always had a deep passion for learning.

Whether it be learning all the different subjects I had to take through the variety of majors or in my career through working for various marketing companies

The topics and lessons I learned were vastly different, but the fundamentals I gained through studying a variety of subjects are something I still carry with me while navigating my career today.

It wasn’t until I transitioned into my first leadership role that I realized I’ve spent years learning to lock down all the technical knowledge of marketing and running a business.

But why was I struggling to communicate with my own team?

Why was I freezing up when it came to networking with other people in the industry?

I had spent YEARS acquiring boatloads of knowledge, but I neglected to learn and practice the skills that I would need no matter what industry, career, or path I took.

These are known as “Evergreen Skills”

Evergreen skills are timeless abilities that stay valuable no matter how much technology changes or industries shift.

They’ll always be relevant because they’re the core of what makes us human.

Things like

• Understanding people,

• Solving problems,

• Communicating effectively,

• And Leading others.

Unlike technical skills that can sometimes become outdated as new information and software come along, these foundational skills are flexible and can be applied anywhere.

They will lead to long-term success and the skills that make you adaptable in any job or business, no matter what the future throws at you.

This Week’s Featured Partner - surefoot 🚀

What if your Shopify store could tell you what's wrong? The lead-up to BFCM can be overwhelming. You have multiple efforts happening to maximize the revenue. You're wondering if A/B testing would be a great way to push those revenue numbers up, but you're unsure where to start.

Enter the Usability Scorecard. It’s a playbook that shows where shoppers get confused and what changes will boost conversions. surefoot, a strategic UX & CRO agency, has crafted these Scorecards for brands like Peak Design, Brooklinen, and Mizzen & Main for over seven years.

Claim your free guide on how to run a Usability Scorecard and get actionable insights to improve your site now.

Exclusively for Nord readers, surefoot CEO Brian Schmitt is offering a personalized review with 10 testing ideas.

Don't miss out—start converting more shoppers now.

Top 3 Evergreen Skills for Business Owners

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

If done right, this will be your superpower as a business owner.

You should have the ability to

• See situations from different angles,

• Analyze the facts,

• and Make smart decisions.

Critical thinking involves objectively examining problems and weighing all possible options, while problem-solving involves identifying challenges and finding the best solutions.

As a business owner, this skill will help you navigate obstacles, spot opportunities, and make strategic decisions that lead to growth and sustainability.

To sharpen these skills, try activities that challenge your thinking, like

• Reading different viewpoints,

• Participating in debates,

• Or even doing complex puzzles.

You could also reflect on past decisions, understand what worked or didn’t, and get feedback from mentors, which can be really valuable.

I highly recommend taking courses or workshops that focus on decision-making and strategic thinking to boost your confidence.

2. Communication and Relationship Building

Good communication is at the heart of every successful business.

It’s how you share your ideas, motivate your team, and build strong connections with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Relationship building goes hand-in-hand with communication, focusing on networking, negotiating, and maintaining those connections over the long haul.

Strong communication is what will create a solid foundation for business relationships.

It’ll promote collaboration, trust, and loyalty—all necessary for maintaining a thriving business and encouraging growth.

To improve in these areas,

• Practice active listening by fully concentrating on others when they speak and responding thoughtfully.

• Engage in public speaking or join groups like Toastmasters to refine your verbal communication skills.

• Actively network by attending industry events, participating in online forums, and building relationships by offering value to others.

3. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Being adaptable means you can roll with the punches and adjust to new circumstances, while continuous learning helps you to stay curious and constantly seek personal and professional growth.

The world is constantly changing, and you need to evolve as it does.

Business owners who can adapt and are committed to learning will always find ways to navigate disruptions, stay ahead of industry trends, and refine their strategies.

This kind of flexibility is how you’ll achieve long-term resilience and constant innovation.

To become more adaptable:

• Regularly put yourself in new situations or learning environments. Your comfort zone isn’t a place where you can grow. Push your boundaries.

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies through publications, podcasts, or following thought leaders.

• Set aside time for ongoing skill development, whether through formal education, online courses, or self-study, to keep yourself agile and ready for whatever comes next.

Closing Thoughts

The world is evolving at lightning speed.

Critical thinking, communication, and adaptability are the skills that keep you on top, no matter what changes come your way.

These skills aren’t just for work; they're for life.

They help us build stronger relationships, make smarter decisions, and stay resilient when times get tough.

So, invest in these areas, stay curious, and embrace every chance to learn something new.

As always, it's been a pleasure writing to you this week.

I appreciate everyone who replies and shares their thoughts and feedback—it genuinely helps me make this newsletter better each time.

If there’s anything specific you’re eager to learn about, just let me know.

I’m excited to share what’s coming up next week!

Want to learn from me or connect on other platforms? 👇
 LinkedIn • Instagram • Twitter 

Thank you for reading! I appreciate you.
Sincerely,
Kody