What is Targeted Learning: Understand the Elements of Targeted Learning

The entrepreneurial pathway in business is one in which targeted learning takes on a tremendous amount of significance. Entrepreneurs strike out on their own, often heading into new territory in business, which involves an ongoing learning process, specific in that it is targeted learning. In other words, it is oriented towards achieving a specific goal.

There are three elements in targeted learning. These are the target, the objective and the goal.  

An entrepreneur may seek to exceed previous targets set by others in business. Perhaps he or she has a different vision beyond that of the majority, one oriented to the future. With this vision constantly in mind, he or she determines and establishes appropriate objectives, with the expectation that they will lead to the goal towards which he or she strives and will ultimately prove to be fruitful in terms of success and financial profit.   

Targeted learning often requires many steps, as certain basics are essentials that the entrepreneur must learn first. For example, a new business entrepreneur must learn computer basics. He or she may also need a basic understanding of spreadsheets, bookkeeping and accounting in order to proceed further towards creating financial objectives oriented to a specific business goal.

Targeted learning varies depending upon one’s learning curve. In other words, not everyone learns the same way, the same things or at the same pace. Some learn more easily and can see past the projects of previous entrepreneurs. (Perhaps they are the ones who have laid the basics for further entrepreneurial progress and development.) For example, new technology builds on older technology.   

Targeted learning means finding out how to avoid previous mistakes and pitfalls of others. For example, an entrepreneur actively engaged in business research, learns the previous errors others have made in a similar business, as well as how to circumvent or avoid these types of errors. At times, he or she learns that the previous pathways of other entrepreneurs have been futile. This may be immediately evident to a new business entrepreneur.

Targeted learning requires record keeping with respect to specific times or dates, as well as targets reached, objectives striven towards and short or long-term goals achieved.

Targeted learning involves persistence like staying oriented though it may entail brainstorming by a business-oriented entrepreneur or with a group of employees working under him or her. Targets, objectives and goals have a specific purpose and learning how to stay purpose-oriented in spite of problems encountered, issues of concern or frustration is not always easy.

Targeted learning offers an ongoing challenge, as well as positive, constructive motivation for an entrepreneur and others. It may involve specific incentives, reinforcement, rewards or bonuses, but the accomplishment or achievement of goals alone may have to suffice.

Entrepreneurs face and suffer misunderstanding or mockery from others. Rejection may be part of targeted learning. For example, a new freelancer may go through repeated bouts of rejection, while he or she strives towards establishing a higher ideal, regardless of the lack of acceptance of his or her project, an awkward situation or difficult circumstances. The entrepreneur learns by his or her own mistakes.  

When a business goal is worth achieving, establishing and adhering to learning targets with specific objectives in mind is essential. The objectives set by an entrepreneur will in turn lead to success in terms of achieving a goal.