Continuing Education Journey

In today’s business world, to become and stay successful, and especially if you are an entrepreneur, you need to learn. You need to learn and be aware of new technologies, discoveries, news in multiple fields (yes, we live in an interdisciplinary, multitasking, and high demanding world). Luckily enough, those new technologies can help us to do that, to learn and advance ourselves. Help us to achieve our professional and personal goals. Even can help us to set those goals. And those, personal and professional, goals shall align. Shall align with what you really want from your life. You need to take into consideration what you want and what you have right now – in order to build a bridge that will connect that existing gap and develop a map so useful in navigating to new heights.

Learning on the go is a way to go in most cases now. (I have a strange feeling about the efficiency of such knowledge though). 

So, I have decided to shed some light on what I have done with my continuing education efforts. The journey started with working on a simple SWOT analysis of my, at that time, current situation and SWOT analysis of the perfected, desired, version of me. I read bios and paths to success of my fav bosses and influencers, news and projections in the industries I was interested in, to get a feeling of what is expected and needed. And just dreamed up what I want and what I need to get what I want. Compared two versions of me and created a list. List of all the topics I want to learn (I use Trello for this purpose) and joined my continuing education journey! 

There so many ways how to do it, I will share a few of my favorites (I will assume that you already got your undergrad): 

Graduate School

Join on-campus MBA or Executive MBA programs (as I did). Nothing can replace face-to-face energy driven information sharing and fruitful conversations with like-minded professionals who strive to learn new things and grow. Plus, professors’ expertise they share with you not always can be found in books, podcasts, case studies. So, if you have two years for self-advancement – research and find the program that fits your needs. I decided to get my EMBA at my alma matter (#EverLoyalBe) and haven’t regretted. One of the best ways I spend my weekends ??

PS don’t forget about the value of the network you build – the most determined and success driven make such calls and take such actions.

PPS Online programs can be an option too if you like to learn by yourself or just simply can’t find time to attend classes. 

Online Education Courses

We live in a world of Coursera, iTunes U, Udemy and many more. You create your own curriculum and then learn at the comfort of your couch. Very helpful when you need to learn about a particular subject very quickly. Plus, all the best schools have their courses there. And it’s generally free. I am a huge fan of it, especially learning about new things at the shower. 

Audiobooks

When you are driving or walking, the time best spend is to listen to inspirational or the books which make you contemplate. Create a list and listen. Try to stop the book to either visualize or memorize what you heard (generally it goes hand by hand). I usually switch between classic and modern literature to be on top of the things. They say it also does magic if you write a summary afterword or lessons learned. But as we all know, when can we find the time to do that, right?

Workshops

Local and regional accelerators, incubators, SBDCs, Chambers always try to identify the knowledge gap and fill it by inviting speakers to share their expertise on the defined topic. They send newsletters, post on their website, Facebook, Meetup and other venues to announce such workshops. Try to find the time and attend. You will learn, network and have a chance to ask your specific questions to experts and fellow business owners. However, be careful not to be sidetracked with what you are learning due to so many options. Such things happen.

Hardcopy books

My fav method. Build a library. Buy books ahead. Read. Dream. In my opinion and with my mind type, reading books is the most efficient way to learn. All your sensors are active, and you will have numerous ways to recall information. Plus, I am a firm believer that hardcopy books business will experience a renaissance soon. So

It’s up to your taste how you will learn (you just need to do it). Mix, combine, experiment but do it. Continuing education shall be at the top of your to-do list. As an entrepreneur, you have consciously embarked on the path of being innovative and taking greater risks in order to share your vision with the world, so putting yourself out of comfort zone will make you stand out among the multitude of other idea-driven individuals. Plus, our mind is a muscle and without proper training will die…

Creativity is nurtured by new ideas, so treat yours as a princess.

Share with me what other methods of continuing education you like, tried, loved, and hated. Love to learn from you!