Are You Taking the Knowledge in Your Head for Granted?

November 7, 2011 in Questions, Video Blog with 10 Comments

After walking a client through the 20 Points Business Analysis I’ve created I realized that I’m taking for granted the knowledge I have in my head.

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In the past I would frequently think, “I have nothing to offer anyone else.” or “Everyone knows what I know.” or similar thoughts. What I’ve come to learn is that is completely wrong. I understand that not everyone is an accountant or wants to be. However, I’ve made the false assumption that all business owners understand the basics of accounting, and that just isn’t true. Many know only very little. Some know nothing at all and don’t even understand why they should know the basics.

Fortunately I can help with that. But that’s not the point.

The point is I have been taking for granted the knowledge that is in my head. I’ve assumed everyone knows what I know to an extent. And they don’t.

And that got me wondering. Do you take for granted the knowledge you have in your head? Do you assume that everyone knows what you know? Can do what you do?

Because I’m hear to tell you they can’t. Yes, some can. But many can not.

I would love for you to share with us, me and the other members of this community, what knowledge you have that you’re taking for granted. Maybe there’s people right here, right now that can really use what you know.

~Ivan

  • http://jguitarnash.com Jim Woods

    Great video and thoughts Ivan. I think we all (especially accountants) make assumptions that we should not make. One assumption that I often make is that a business (or individual) has an idea about their current cash situation.

    The truth is many businesses do not know where they stand with their cash. I think often running a business becomes a shell game, selling items to buy more inventory and pay other bills. Is the business (or individual) setting anything aside for a rainy day? Are they thinking about long-term expansion or growth? Often I don’t think they are. It is REALLY easy to focus only on what is right in front of you, such as current utility bills or invoices that are due, not long-term growth for a business.

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      Too right, Sir. Too right!

      I’ve found it’s not just accountants, though. I am coming across more and more people with this issue of thinking what they know is not that important, not worth sharing. AND IT IS! I just want to bring attention to the need for what is in YOUR head!

      ~Ivan

  • http://fundamusic.com CurtisH

    I would be the idiot running his business with absolutely no clue about how to account (is that like “a-one, a-two, a-three, a-four?”).

    On the other hand, want to know how the singing voice works? How about conducting patterns in 7/4? I’m your man.

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      And you’re sharing that knowledge of music with folks over at fundamusic.com! Way to go, Curtis!

      ~Ivan

  • Matthew Allen Miller

    I’ve spent tons of my free time nerding out with health/fitness/nutrition blogs, podcasts, books, etc. and build a very solid knowledge base — probably solid enough to dish out good advice to almost any average person looking to improve their wellness. And I’ve been doing just that for free on facebook and in friendly conversations to those willing to listen. The problem (or what I THOUGHT was a problem) is that I have absolutely no formal education or credentials in any of these areas. And when I think in terms of the division between experts and non-experts, I’ve tended to think of myself on the side of the latter.

    I’m starting to think this way much less, and have started to take some serious steps in pursuing work as a trainer/wellness coach. I do think that there’s plenty of knowledge for me to acquire (and continue to acquire for life), but I believe that my self-education has taken me well beyond what most people know (and degrees and certifications are just pieces of paper).

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      “… just pieces of paper.” LOVE IT SIR! Couldn’t agree more. Just a warning… you’ll have to push extra hard to establish yourself without the “piece of paper”. I’m a huge believer in your ability should speak for itself, but a lot of people will only recognize ability if it has a “piece of paper” “proving” it. …At least that’s my experience.

      And from what you said above, I’m willing to bet you’re an expert… and not just the, “I know 10% more than most”… but a legitimate expert.

      Just last week I was in a meeting that showed me how much more I know than I give myself credit for. We were having a discussion (8 to 10 folks) and I kept thinking, “Why doesn’t everyone see this answer? It’s so clear!”

      Push forward, Sir! Share what you have with the world!

      ~Ivan

  • http://viewfromthetopcoaching.com Bryan Morris

    I see the same thing in people when it comes to there core strengths/talents. They are so natural to us that we assume everyone can do it. Often we looks at others and say, “What is wrong with that person. Why can’t they do that it is so easy.”

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      I’m one of those people who doesn’t see it in himself! I honestly thought people were insulting me when they called me “motivating, encouraging, or inspiring”. It wasn’t until I took this before a close group of friends and laid this out for them that they were able to convince me that this is just such a part of me that I assume EVERYONE does this. So when someone said I inspired them … it’d be like if someone said, “You’re a human.” … Well duh! Aren’t we all.

      My group showed me that no, not everyone is inspiring or motivating or encouraging. Even when they try.

      Love it, Sir!

      ~Ivan

  • Anonymous

    Ivan, I LOOOOOVE this! I think we (speaking in general terms) have a tendency to be acutely aware of our weaknesses but not so many of us are as aware of our strengths or internal knowledge. I’ve been told by numerous people in just the past week that I ask really good /challenging questions… now this isn’t exactly knowledge per-se, but I have the knowledge and skills on how to pose questions that cause others to think deeply on why they do things. I also have a natural ability to perceive body language and non-verbal cues – even when it is with someone I do not know. I am working toward a better knowledge of interpretation of these cues but I can pick up on the tiniest cue such as the wrinkling of a nose (this typically means the person is disgusted with someone or something they just heard).

    On a totally different topic, I just realized that I can listen to your videos while I’m getting ready for work! I usually listen to music in the morning, but I wanted to hear what you had to say and I didn’t have time to sit and watch the whole video so I just played it in the background while I was getting ready for work. I have no idea why I didn’t think of this sooner. It was definitely an a-ha moment for me. haha. :)

    Have a great day!

    • http://www.abetterwayofbusiness.com/ Ivan Bickett

      Yay! for listening while getting ready for work!

      And see… you pick up on those signs like the person is yelling… they’re so subtle, but you just get it. For me, someone MUST come right out and say what they want to say b/c I’m COMPLETELY oblivious otherwise!

      ~Ivan