You know your basic skill set when you started your business. You may not have realized all of the soft skills you would need. Let’s discuss 5 soft skills required for running an online service business.
What Are Soft Skills
True to form today I am starting with a definition to ground our discussion about this topic.
“Soft skills, often referred to as interpersonal or people skills, are a set of personal attributes and qualities that enable individuals to effectively interact with others, work well in groups, and navigate various social and professional situations.”
MSI management and Strategy institue
As you can see, these skills are highly valued and needed to have a successful business. Soft skills can also encompass many different facets of interactions with others.
Another Definition of Soft Skills
“Soft skills encompass qualities like communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for building positive relationships and navigating social situations.”
Soft Skills Required
If you stopped and closed your eyes right at this moment and thought about“soft skills,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? If, like me, you may have thought of communication. Communication revolves around all other interactions with clients and team members.
What are some other words that come to mind, for you?
There are numerous soft skills essential or required for business.
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Teamwork & Leadership
- Flexibility (or Adaptability)
- Emotional Intelligence
- Conflict Management
There are, of course, many other skills that could have been listed. I wanted to focus on the most common soft skills that come to our minds.
Communication
This soft skill is one of the foundations of other soft skills in my opinion. If there is no communication then everything else breaks down.
According to Forbes:
Forbes says: “Here are some examples of communication skills:
- Here are some examples of communication skills:
- Active listening
- Verbal communication
- Nonverbal communication
- Written communication
- Presentation skills”
Source: Indeed
Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is an essential soft skill needed by a business owner. In business, there will be many opportunities where this skill is needed.
“Problem solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution.” -asq
Whether it is working with a client or a team member there are times when you will be called upon to solve an issue. You may be called upon to help with strategy or to help a client solve a problem.
Example: During my digital marketing agency year I had times when an issue may come up like a team member not understanding what the client wanted. In this case, I would reread what was sent to us, define the problem (or misunderstanding), figure out the solution (how to explain it to the team members in a way they understand it), and present options to my team allowing them to choose from a couple of solutions.
The important part to remember when problem-solving is to help others feel empowered by giving them options to choose from whenever you are able to do so. You can solve the problem, however, by giving them a choice so they feel equipped and empowered to make the final choice to solve the problem so they feel they maintain some control in their work on the project.
Problem-solving involves several key skills:
- Ability to take apart a problem
- Discern what the problem is (taking the problem apart and figuring out all components of the issue)
- Determine possible solutions to fix the problem
- Ability to present solution(s)
- Implement solution(s)
Time Management
Time management is key for any online service business owner. It is especially important for those who perform services to help others with time management. Some of these online service providers may include:
- Online Business Manager
- Project Managers
- Social Media Managers
- Virtual Assistants.
These are a few types of online service businesses that help others with time management. It would be imperative that they be able to perform and help others with time management in their businesses.
Time management involves the ability to perform your tasks in a way that makes the most of your time, skills, and tools. It can involve using a digital and paper calendar, as well as, many other tools such as a project management system.
Teamwork & Leadership
Both teamwork and leadership are required soft skills you need in business. Being able to lead your team is required if you wish to have a successful business endeavor. It also requires that you help create an atmosphere of teamwork as well. Simply leading alone is not enough. At times you must dig in and help the team so they know you are part of the team desiring to bring success to the company’s clients and projects.
Flexibility
Flexibility means being able to be open to change. If I’m truly honest, this soft skill is one of the most difficult skills for me. I’ve had to learn to be flexible but usually at the end of great trials or difficulties. Now, I know that if I am flexible and do not push my will on others the outcome is usually much better. The outcome can include that on relationships as well.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is necessary to work with other human beings. Whether they be on your team or working with your clients.
Defining Emotional Intelligence
Two different definitions but bother express the meaning of this term.
- the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.”emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success” -Oxford Languages
I rather like the simplicity of Mental Health America’s definition below.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.
mental health america
Conflict Management
Conflict management can involve many of the soft skills we already discussed. In helping to resolve conflict you may use problem-solving techniques. You most certainly would use forms of communication and hopefully some emotional intelligence. Lastly, you would also need to show leadership skills when you manage conflicts. So, I think if I simply leave you with the definition you already know what it means by now.
Conflict management is the practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts sensibly, fairly, and efficiently. Since conflicts in a business are a natural part of the workplace, it is important that there are people who understand conflicts and know how to resolve them. -Study.com
Workshop Opportunity
Before I sign off I have a great opportunity for you. I’m doing a Free Workshop every month and this month’s is really good: 7 Ways to Attract New Clients. I hope you will join me on Thursday, the 18th @12:00 PM
What You Will Learn In This Month’s Workshop:
- How To Research
- What Is the Problem You Solve
- Filling Out Storyboards
- Location of Your Prospective Clients
- What Groups Posting Can Do
- SEO Blogging
- And More + Q & A
Are You Using Soft Skills?
We’ve discussed many soft skills today that I hope you found useful. Are you using these skills in your daily work life? I’d love to hear how.
