The One Thing That Will Help You Stay In the Top 5% of Your Industry
A lot of time management programs do not include learning in their schedules. However, in order for you to be in the top 5% of experts in your field, you need to be constantly innovating, and you can only do that as long you are feeding your mind knowledge.
Over the course of my professional career I worked for two companies in very similar fields. One of my bosses did not keep up on the latest advancements in the industry, while the other boss read trade publications, listened to books in her car, and followed what other experts in her field were doing. Today, the first company still uses old and outdated techniques, while the second is thriving always utilizing forward thinking. This is just one example of why learning is so powerful and important.
There are many ways to learn. You can learn by taking time to find out what your competitors are doing; visit their websites, read their books, and see their speeches. You may want to attend classes, study industry publications, or commit to hands-on coaching or training. I like to set aside time to watch videos as part of my learning regimen. There are a number of great videos online that help and serve me in my business. In order to keep with my schedule, I don’t watch videos here and there when they are emailed or shared by friends. Instead, I bookmark or write them down and watch them during my scheduled time.
Live events are also a great way to learn. I love them, so I include time to attend them in my Learning category. Events and conferences can be part of both the Learning and Marketing categories if they also have a networking element. But while live events have their place, remember they also shouldn’t be your sole source of education and networking. Hopping from event to event is not the formula for success. Take a balanced approach. This may mean some of you should increase the time you have currently allotted to Learning, while others might need to decrease that time. Evaluate your own situation and get strategic about it.
Technology today makes it easy to turn “dead time” into learning time. We all have time commuting, waiting in line, on our lunch break, or even exercising that we can use to multi-task and learn new things. I have many meetings 45 minutes or more away from my home, so during my drive time I have turned my car into a “roaming university.” I have audio books in my car and I listen to podcasts, my Ideal LifeVision, general success and productivity books, and industry specific content about speaking and training. You don’t have to use every spare second for Learning, there certainly is a place for music and novels as well, but think of ways you can maximize your moments to make the most of your time.
Another great benefit of learning is that being exposed to new ideas and concepts helps keep you on your A-game. After you’ve put in your Learning time, your brain is primed and up to speed with the latest and greatest information when it’s time for Marketing—all because you’ve exposed yourself to fresh ways of thinking. Inspiration will come more quickly, and you will be able to execute more effectively.
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This post is a portion of the Amazon.com Bestselling book“The Time Blueprint for Entrepreneurs” by Michelle McCullough. If you know you are ready work smarter and not harder, this quick read Kindle book is just a click away. Get it on Amazon.Bestselling author, Michelle McCullough is also a sought after business strategist and speaker. She’s the creator of “The Social Media Blueprint For Business” a digital marketing planning tool for entrepreneurs and small businesses. She’s been featured in numerous media outlets including entrepreneur.com and the 40 under 40. She’s also the host of a weekly radio show that hit over a million downloads at the beginning of 2015. As a mother of two young children she knows there’s no time to mess around. It’s time to Make It Happen. (Michelle’s motivational book “Make It Happen – The Success Practices for Peak Performers” will be out in 2015. Sign up for the Make It Happen Toolkit and you’ll be first to hear about it’s release!)