If you’re an entrepreneur and you’ve ever heard someone talking about the debate between Python 2 vs. Python 3 or what the future of modern programming and coding might look like, you could feel lost. Most people do, but there are some pretty strong cases often made as to why entrepreneurs and business owners might think about learning to code.
Coding used to be something that was associated only with tech geniuses, but that’s not the case anymore. Business owners are increasingly finding that having at least a basic knowledge of coding can be helpful in their everyday work.
Below are some reasons that you, as an entrepreneur, might start thinking about learning to code.
Coding is Everywhere.
Even if you don’t realize, as a business owner or entrepreneur, coding is all around you. You don’t have to be a tech company founder to find value in coding. Coding is at the core of all the software you use, such as your CRM platform or your HR software. When you have even a very basic understanding of coding, it can help you better interact with your business technology and optimize it.
Learning to code can also help you become more fluent in the language of technology. If you’re in the business world, this can be important. You’ll be empowered to make better technology-related decisions when you speak the language. For example, maybe you’re in the process of developing a new website. By having coding knowledge, you’ll be able to more critically think about how to make the process go faster, and the features you’d like to include versus the ones it’s okay to leave out.
You’ll Be Better Able to Evaluate Talent.
If you’re hiring someone for any technology-related role, whether it’s full-time or you need a contractor, knowing something about coding is going to help you be better prepared to evaluate candidates. For example, maybe your company wants to develop a new app. You’re not going to do the work in-house, but instead, you’re going to work with contractors or freelancers. If you know something about coding, you’re going to be able to make more informed decisions as to who to hire. You don’t have to know it all, but knowing something is good.
It will also help you have some understanding of what to expect during the development process and to manage your expectations realistically.
Additionally, there is a talent shortage right now when it comes to technology, including skilled developers. You can minimize the effects of this shortage on your business by learning to do some of the coding on your own.
If you currently have a tech team, even if it only consists of one person, if you know how to code it’s going to help you communicate with them more effectively, which can reduce bottlenecks in your business.
You Can Do Some of the Work Yourself.
Let’s say you want to make a change to your company app or website. It’s a fairly small change, but an important one. Do you want to have to wait for someone else to do it, or do you want to be able to do it yourself? You’ll save time and money if you can directly go in and make the changes you want without having to either give the work to your tech team or find someone outside of your company to do it.
Most businesses and entrepreneurs are constantly thinking of tweaks they’d like to make to their site or their app, and having coding knowledge simplifies that.
If you know about coding, you may even be able to build your own Minimum Viable Product. That again can save time and money and give you a head start on a project. Otherwise, having an MVP developed can cost thousands.
Improve Your Innovation.
When you’re coding, it will expand your ability to problem-solve and to see potential ways to do things differently and to innovate. It can definitely give you a competitive edge in terms of innovation, and that’s something most startup founders are always looking for.
When you’re an entrepreneur, you may be full of ideas and creativity, and by learning to code, you can take those ideas and turn them into something tangible.
While learning to code can be a big undertaking, an increasing number of entrepreneurs are finding it’s worth it to them to take the time and do it. It can strengthen their business, reduce their overhead costs, and help them be better innovators and critical thinkers.
