Here's how you can conquer challenges and obstacles when acquiring new skills in digital strategy.

I started my digital marketing journey after I turned 40. The first two years were hands-on learning for me. There are two types of training: classroom and on-the-job training. The ratio will be 70:30 in the initial phase. Then, the skew changes. Make sure you go back to classroom training at regular intervals to build on-the-job efficiency.

The amount of free courses offered by and/or subsidized by Google is staggering. Platforms like Coursera offer many certificates/degrees/classes that vary across all manner of marketing, digital marketing, strategy, etc. If interested, Google has offerings for all skill levels and has been known generally for being one of the best at providing programs that generate real world ready skills.

When acquiring new skills in digital strategy, the first step is to perform a skill mapping exercise. Identify the skills critical to your role and those that are emerging in the industry. Compare these with your current skill set to pinpoint gaps. This approach provides a clear roadmap of what you need to learn and helps prioritize learning based on relevance and urgency. It also allows for targeted development, ensuring you're not only improving but also staying aligned with industry demands and technological advancements.

If you want to get started and get ahead in digital strategy, understanding computational and algorithmic thinking is crucial, even if you’re not a programmer. Otherwise it's a bit like trying to be an expert in geopolitics without ever having traveled abroad. It will also help across all the areas you need at work: ?? Strategic Insight: Break down complex problems for more effective strategies. ?? Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage data for optimized decision-making. ?? Collaboration: Improve communication with tech people and teams for shared understanding. ?? Future-Proofing: Understand AI and automation trends better. Even as AI takes on more of the grunt work, understanding how it works makes you work better with it.

Setting learning goals is essential for growth. A skills maturity matrix can help outline your path, not just as 'a strategist', but across various disciplines a strategist needs in detail. ?? Entry-Level: Master basic research, data analysis, and strategic thinking. ?? Mid-Level: Develop advanced skills in market analysis, digital strategy, and client management. ?? Senior-Level: Hone expertise in brand strategy, innovation, and cross-functional leadership. ?? Chief-Level: Achieve mastery in vision setting, industry foresight, and organizational influence. Mapping out your growth path across more than one area of development helps you stay focused and ensures continuous and balanced development in every stage of your career.

Finding the right resources is crucial for effective learning in digital strategy. There's a wealth of information available online, from free tutorials on YouTube to comprehensive courses on e-learning platforms. Books and industry blogs can also provide in-depth insights and case studies. The key is to select resources that match your learning style and skill level: ?? Hands-On Learning: Look for interactive courses or workshops where you can work on real-life projects. ?? Reading: Seek out authoritative texts and articles for in-depth understanding. ?? Networking: Connect with experts and influencers personally for insights and mentorship. Choose wisely and make the most of your learning journey!

Stop theorizing and start DOing. You can read and study for years and still not learn as much as you will by utilizing your skillset for a month. Here are a few ways to get hands on practice: - Create a website or blog on a site like Wix (this costs $0) - Volunteer to work with a company or nonprofit (you can pay to learn or you can learn for $0!) - Create an online store with a platform like system.io (this also costs $0) - Create a youtube channel or volunteer your time with a content creator. (Youtube is the second most popular search engine and it is owned by the most popular search engine - Google. You can learn to maximize them both... for $0.) You have all the tools you need Just get to it!

Theory is important, but practice is where you truly master new skills. Apply what you've learned about digital strategy by working on projects, whether it's creating a content marketing plan for a hypothetical company, optimizing a friend's website for search engines, or writing and publishing reports and opinion pieces. This hands-on experience will: ?? Reinforce Knowledge: Understand the nuances of strategy implementation. ?? Build Confidence: Gain practical skills and insights. ?? Enhance Portfolio: Showcase your work to potential employers or clients. Always seek ways to apply your learning practically to truly excel in your field.

Engaging with a community of digital strategy professionals can significantly enhance your learning experience. Join online forums, attend webinars, and participate in local meetups to connect with others in the field. These platforms allow you to: ?? Ask Questions: Gain insights and feedback on your work. ?? Share Experiences: Learn from the successes and challenges of peers. ?? Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry changes and trends. ?? Network: Access mentorship and job opportunities. Remember, learning is a social activity, and insights from peers can be as valuable as formal education.