Knowledge is perhaps the most important skill in life. Knowledge can dictate so much of our success that it’s important to always be seeking more of it. As an entrepreneur, you should be learning something new each day; and while that “something” could relate to business or marketing or management, it doesn’t have to.

Take the example of Silly Putty. During World War II, U.S. scientists were given the task of finding a potential rubber substitute. In one of their experiments, they reacted boric acid with silicone oil and the silicone polymer we all know and love was created. With no apparent military use, it was eventually marketed as a toy. It has since found use in the medical field and in space.

There are three important points to take away from this story:

1. It’s okay if the result you come up with is not what you initially intended.
2. Just because your result isn’t what you intended, it doesn’t mean it’s not valuable.
3. Pursuing a result is going to bring more results (intended or otherwise) than not pursuing anything.

In business, we have to be looking for answers. Whether through online courses, traditional education, books, mentors, or other channels, we’re not going to find ways to improve our businesses without putting in the effort. Serendipity most often comes to those who are already looking and working; very rarely will a solution just drop out of the sky (a la Sir Isaac Newton).

There are plenty of ways for you to continue your education, and here are a few to consider:

• Learn On Your Own There are thousands of blogs online or books you can check out to learn about whatever you want to learn about. Podcasts, social media sites, and other avenues make it easy and inexpensive (or even free) to gain valuable insight.
• Learn In A Classroom There are plenty of colleges and universities that offer night classes or other part-time options. While this will cost some money, it will give you access to a structure and a system that may help your learning process.
• Learn At A Conference A weekend seminar or an annual conference are great ways to learn about what’s going on in the world today. It will cost you, but for a good conference, the payoff can be worth it. (Alternatively, start or sponsor your own conference or try to present at one. Nothing will incentivize your learning more than having to give a lecture.)

Continual learning will help you stay sharp and may give your business the edge it needs to succeed.