Using the Internet as a Learning Lab: How Continuous Growth Online Has Shaped My Journey as an Entrepreneur

Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that learning doesn’t stop after school or even after landing a job. It’s an ongoing process, a constant journey. When I look back—from my early days in finance to leading BizTravelSolutions and launching tech ventures like Global SUV and Global EVS—it’s clear that the ability to keep learning has been one of the biggest drivers of my success. And today, more than ever, the internet is the ultimate classroom for entrepreneurs like me who want to grow, adapt, and thrive.

When I was growing up, learning was a bit more old-fashioned. I was lucky to be part of educational experiences like the Babylon Village Youth Project, where we traveled to historical sites and learned through experience. I spent time with my grandmother, Gloria, who taught me about horses and patience. But formal and informal learning looked very different before the internet became what it is today.

Now, the world’s knowledge is at our fingertips 24/7, and that has changed the game completely. What used to take months of research or costly seminars can now happen in minutes through online courses, podcasts, webinars, and niche communities. For an entrepreneur juggling multiple responsibilities, this accessibility isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.

The Internet as an Entrepreneur’s Toolbox

For me, the internet is like a giant toolbox where I can pull out exactly what I need at the right time. Whether it’s learning a new software skill, understanding the latest trends in AI, or figuring out how to scale a remote team, there’s always something new to explore online.

One of the most valuable resources I’ve found is online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer specialized classes that fit my schedule and interests. I remember a time when trying to get up to speed on data analytics meant digging through textbooks or attending pricey workshops. Now I can watch a course on my own time and apply what I learn directly to my business.

Podcasts and newsletters have also become daily companions. They’re a way to stay connected with thought leaders, hear fresh ideas, and get inspired while commuting, exercising, or even during a short break. I’ve found that listening to interviews with other entrepreneurs and experts often sparks new approaches I hadn’t considered before.

Finding Niche Communities and Networks

One of the most underrated aspects of the internet is the power of niche communities. When you’re building something unique, it can feel isolating at times. But joining online groups focused on specific industries, technologies, or challenges changes that.

In recent years, I’ve become active in forums and LinkedIn groups centered on travel tech, fintech, and sustainable business. These spaces offer candid advice, troubleshooting help, and sometimes just a sense of camaraderie. You quickly realize that other entrepreneurs are facing the same hurdles, and together, you can share solutions.

These communities also help cut through the noise. There’s a lot of content online, but not all of it is relevant or trustworthy. Being part of a group where people vet information and share firsthand experience saves time and helps me focus on what really matters.

Experimentation and Real-Time Feedback

What makes learning on the internet especially powerful for entrepreneurs is the ability to experiment and get quick feedback. Unlike traditional education, where you learn first and then apply, online resources let you test ideas as you go.

In my businesses, I’ve tried new marketing strategies, technology integrations, and management practices by quickly gathering knowledge online and then putting it into practice. Sometimes it works perfectly. Other times, it’s a learning moment. Either way, I’m constantly iterating and improving.

This cycle of learn-apply-reflect-repeat keeps me sharp and adaptable. It’s a mindset more than a method—and the internet makes it possible on a scale that wasn’t imaginable a generation ago.

The Challenge of Staying Focused

Of course, the internet is also a double-edged sword. With so much content and so many opportunities to learn, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or distracted. I’ve found that discipline and clear goals are critical.

I try to set specific learning objectives based on what my business needs at the moment. That way, I avoid falling down rabbit holes of unrelated information. Time management tools and simple habits—like dedicating 30 minutes a day to learning—help me stay consistent.

It’s also important to balance online learning with real-world application and human interaction. Technology can’t replace mentorship, in-person networking, or hands-on experience. But it can amplify those efforts when used thoughtfully.

Looking Ahead: Lifelong Learning as a Business Strategy

If there’s one lesson I want to leave other entrepreneurs with, it’s this: Treat learning as a core part of your business strategy, not just a hobby or afterthought. The market shifts, technology evolves, and customer needs change rapidly. Staying curious and adaptable is how you keep pace.

The internet makes continuous growth possible for anyone willing to invest time and energy. You don’t have to have a big budget or formal education to access world-class knowledge and connect with experts. You just need the mindset to seek out new ideas, experiment boldly, and learn from every experience.

As I look back on my own journey—from my early passions in New York to leading a tech-driven travel company—I see a clear thread. It’s the commitment to growing, evolving, and never settling for what you already know. The internet has been a crucial partner in that journey, and I’m excited to keep exploring its possibilities for years to come.

In the end, entrepreneurship is a lifelong learning adventure. And the internet? It’s the best learning lab we’ve ever had.

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