Remember the training programs, seminars, and workshops you had to attend when you were on the corporate side of the table? You were expected to complete course after course for professional development and skill enhancement. Well, where do you get your training now that you are on your own? Do you learn from your clients? Are they the best teachers? What about your competitors? Here are six ways to educate yourself and keep your professional edge: - Learn from your clients. Discover what they are doing or not doing to keep up with the changing marketplace. Ask them to share what makes them unique or industry leaders.
- Join trade associations and networking groups that will keep you sharp and growing.
- Find a mentor or coachsomeone who is further along the business career path or more experienced. Learn from them. Soak up the knowledge they choose to impart and reciprocate as much as possible.
- Read everything that you can about your industry and clientele. Identify and research your potential customer base.
- Get the appropriate industry or specialty certifications.
- Attend seminars and workshops to increase your knowledge and exposure. The more you associate and mingle with people who have similar businesses like yours, the more you will learn just by rubbing shoulders with them and mutually sharing your successes and challenges.
Educating yourself is very important. Set aside money each year for professional development. Dont rest on past laurels or stop growing. If you do, you will lose competitive ground and be left behind. |
