Making Time For Training And Educational Opportunities

If our business is to grow, we must continue to learn each and every day.  If you do not take the time to invest in your knowledge, who will?  It is important that you recognize the importance of continuing education that can be achieved in creative ways other than formal lectures and classes.  

This can be a challenge when we encounter urgent emails, spam, sales calls from reps, surveys, payroll, training new hires and the list goes on.  Most of these interruptions are necessary but must be managed if we are to invest in our knowledge.  Taking formal classes are limited simply because of the time and resources necessary to acquire the information.

Today as never before, we must manage our limited time and resources so that we can continue to keep abreast of new technologies relevant to our goals.  A good example is reading online articles and in traditional printed publications.  It is important we take the time to subscribe to trade magazines and business publications that oftentimes have articles written by your peers sharing their experiences.  Setting aside the time to actually read them is the challenge.

We can take advantage of webinars offered freely or at low cost covering topics ranging from safety to carpet spotting to management principles.  Although some of these sessions are simply bait to lure you into purchasing enhanced services, they oftentimes can provide valuable information.  

And don’t forget the ads.  Always take the time to scan the advertisements for two main reasons: 

1) You might find a product or service that could revolutionize your business.

2) Advertisers are the ones who support the publication and expect interest or they will take their money elsewhere.

Consider setting aside at least an hour per week to catch up on trade news and peruse the articles or websites that capture your interest.  This means turning off your phone and ignoring email for that special time so that the hour is focused on learning not reacting.  Surely the world will go on for that hour and your company will be the better for it.  

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean.

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.