You’re looking to advance your career. What’s the best way to stay ahead of the curve?

1 Boost your communication skills

Communication is key in any business, whether it’s with your clients, colleagues, managers, or stakeholders. You need to be able to express your ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt to different situations and audiences. To improve your communication skills, you can take online courses, join toastmasters, or practice with a mentor or a coach. You can also seek feedback from others and learn from your mistakes.

2 Build your network

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It’s about building meaningful and lasting relationships with people who can support your career growth and offer you new opportunities. To build your network, you can attend events, webinars, or workshops related to your field or interest, join professional associations or online communities, or volunteer for a cause you care about. You can also reach out to your existing contacts and ask for referrals, introductions, or advice.

3 Learn new skills

The world of business is constantly evolving, and so are the skills and knowledge you need to stay relevant and competitive. You can’t rely on your current qualifications or experience alone. You need to keep learning new skills, whether they are related to your core expertise, your industry, or your personal interests. To learn new skills, you can enroll in online courses, certifications, or degrees, read books, blogs, or podcasts, or take on new projects or challenges at work.

4 Seek feedback and mentorship

Feedback and mentorship are essential for your career development. They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set your goals, and overcome your challenges. You can seek feedback and mentorship from your managers, peers, clients, or mentors. You can also find mentors outside your organization, such as in your network, industry, or online platforms. You should be open to constructive criticism, ask for specific and actionable suggestions, and follow up on your progress.

5 Showcase your achievements

Your achievements are the evidence of your value and potential. You need to showcase them to your current and future employers, clients, or partners. You can showcase your achievements by updating your resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile, creating a personal website or blog, or sharing your success stories or testimonials on social media or newsletters. You can also showcase your achievements by applying for awards, grants, or scholarships, or speaking at events or podcasts.

6 Embrace change and innovation

Change and innovation are inevitable and necessary in business. You need to embrace them and adapt to them, rather than resist or fear them. You can embrace change and innovation by being curious, flexible, and proactive. You can also embrace change and innovation by seeking new opportunities, exploring new trends or technologies, or experimenting with new ideas or methods. You can also embrace change and innovation by collaborating with diverse and creative people, or joining or creating innovation teams or initiatives.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?