4 friends, few lessons

I met up with a few friends the other day and it was such an amazing time of laughter, recaps and so many discussions on life learnings. My mental notes were super-activated and I took so many notes that night. Even after saying our goodbyes, I thought about the conversations as I drove home that night. If there's something I always appreciate, it's the company of positive-energy, like-minded, forward thinking people. It has a way of energizing you and propelling you towards positive thoughts and actions.

There were a number of discussion points, some I would explore in this article, for anyone who's on their career journey, business venture and life generally. Perhaps lessons for everyone of us.

Here we go.

1 - Skills and experience are more important than certifications

Sometimes, in the pursuit of badges and certificates, it's easy to miss the important part of pursuing certifications - the knowledge. While embarking on our various careers, the acquisition of knowlege, development of skills, and building of experience equips us for landing career opportunities. These matter a lot. Does this mean certificates are not important? No! But certificates alone are not enough. So while you chase after credentials and certificates, ensure you're really learning and advancing in your skills, as this is what positions you for career success.

2 - Demand what you deserve, don't be intimidated

We explored how people may feel intimidated to pursue opportunities that seem far to reach. A higher salary, admission into a prestigious school, a lifetime international opportunity, placement in a top company, a job in a very reputable company, or other opportunities out there. It's never a crime to go for it, no matter how big it seems. As a matter of fact, if you don't demand what you deserve, you may just be missing out of opportunities of a lifetime. If there's anything to take out of this, you're not too small for what you're aiming for. Even if you don't get it, you will learn a lot from trying. Sometimes you need to BIG yourself up, take up some extra confidence and you will be surprised how far you can go.

3 - Discern your own path

The temptation to do what Joe Bloggs is doing, or blindly following the path that Mary Smith has taken may not be the right pathway for you. What do you want to do? Why do you want it? Why does it matter to you? What do you need to do to get there? What help do you need? Everyone has their one unique path including you. So when you see others pursuing after their own goals, define yours too, and stay on your lane. Hovering from lane to lane slows you down, and might eventually get you nowhere.

4 - You can monetise your value

The only reason any company employs you is because your skills are required. When you work, you're rewarded for it through salaries and other benefits. That's a simple example of how your value is monetized. But there are so many other ways you can monetize your value. Your knowledge (through teaching others), your experience (through coaching/consulting etc), and so many other ways. If you've ever considered a second source of income, especially as a freelancer or entrepreneur, these are opportunities you can explore. Note - there are other ways to generate additional income, these are only some of many examples out there, you may want to carry out some research to explore other options.

5 - Leave a track record of credibility

Bad record is tough to clear. It's the reason many people struggle to get credit facilities, due to bad credit history. Having a bad career record can also impact your career ambition negatively. Can this be avoided? Definitely! One way to do this is to act with wisdom and leave a track record of credibility wherever you find yourself, even if it's through volunteering. The immediate benefits may not always show, but they eventually do. Leaving a good track record creates opportunities for you in the future. On the other hand, negative consequences can haunt you, and take a lifetime to clear. A huge part of leaving a good track records, is also being a good citizen, and obeying the laws. Stay away from trouble, and people who will only get you into trouble.

6 - Maximise opportunties

Some opportunities never come twice. As we embark on our ambitions, opportunities of various sizes will come. An introduction, a referral, a mentor, a coach, a job opportunity, some funding, an advice etc. What are you doing with the opportunities you have? You finally got that job, what are you doing with it? Someone accepted to mentor you, why are you not making yourself available to leverage the opportunity? A friend agreed to offer you some career support but you took it for granted, do you think you will ever get a second opportunity? Let's take opportunities more seriously, and share this message with others in our social and professional circles.

7 - Celebrate your wins

I feel like I've said this in a previous article, and I beleive it's still very relevant. Over the years, you may feel you've not quite hit some of your major life and career milestones. It's fine! While it's good to assess where you are vs where you need to be, appreciate the steps you've taken so far as well, and let that propel you to do even more. You're your own first cheerleader, and it's important you learn to appreciate yourself. This is an important ingrideient in being confident in yourself.

As I bring this to a close, I am really grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. Friends, colleagues, alumni, fellow entrepreneurs and other contacts we have in our networks are great resources should we need support too.

I hope you found the lessons above a good read, which one triggered your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.