Did you know that September is Self-Improvement Month? You might not often think about self-improvement when it comes to your small business, but entrepreneurs and employees alike all have room to grow. Here are our top 5 ideas for enhancing your career goals.
Continuing Education
Whether you want to become an Excel expert, improve your business writing skills or learn Photoshop, you’ll find online courses that teach those subjects and more. Search for the subject you want to learn and choose the options that fits your budget and meets your needs. You’re likely to find everything from informal overview videos to TED talks to degree programs offered by major universities.
Podcasts
Turn your commute into a mobile classroom by listening to podcasts. These audio recordings are a little like a radio show on demand combined with an audiobook and can cover any topic under the sun. You’ll find podcasts you can download to your device along with those you can stream. Many are free, while others may have subscription fees.
There are countless sources for podcasts, and the best way to find the ones that will best appeal to you is to search online. An example search might include your location and the subject you’re looking for, like “Wichita entrepreneur podcast.” Check the search results to learn which options are available for you to hear the podcasts on each site.
Business Books
There are as many books on business as there are ways to read them, both paper and electronic. These days, you can add a reading app to your phone or tablet and read books on the go. Our favorite source is the local public library—did you know you can also borrow eBooks from most libraries? Search for your local library’s website to learn how to check out books for your mobile device along with the titles they have available.
Outsourcing
If you feel like you’re running out of hours in the day more often than not, it may be time to outsource some of your tasks. Whether you need a virtual assistant, new technology solutions, marketing, or a bookkeeper, find someone to help. It may be challenging to let some of your responsibilities go, so find the right expert. Then, you’ll have more time to focus on growing your business.
Meetups
Most localities have more than one business-related organization to join. These can include your local chamber of commerce, Rotary Club, or other groups that are related to business-related topics. Try searching “local business organization near me” to get started. You’re sure to find other like-minded people in your area to share ideas and referrals.
Conclusion
Improving yourself can benefit you in all aspects of your life—professional and personal. From solo reading to business societies, some savvy searching will help you find opportunities to celebrate Self-Improvement Month all September long.