Stay Ahead of the Game: The Power of CPD and Professional Qualifications for the Self-Employed

By Lydia McClelland | Associate Lecturer – Belfast Academy of Marketing? | Founder LMC Associates?

In today’s competitive business world, self-employed professionals face unique challenges. One of the key issues is staying ahead of the curve, especially in industries like marketing where trends shift rapidly. For self-employed individuals, there is no in-house training department or automatic career development. This is where Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and qualifications, such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and other qualification bodies become invaluable.??

When I stepped away from the corporate world in 2019, I had an initial nervousness around my ongoing CPD and how might I continue to develop and grow my skill set to ensure I remained current and up to date for future client assignments and what would investment in myself look like on an ongoing basis.??

Little did I realise that 5 years on from setting up the business, I would be more in control of my CPD than I had ever been before whilst an employee. As a self-employed individual, you’re in charge of your own destiny and can write the cheque to ensure you make it happen! There’s no asking the boss* for budget, permission to attend or asking for time ‘off’ to take that essential course.? Plus it makes that annual write up of your CPD statements for Chartered Marketer status must more interesting!??

*(Although I have to admit I always ask the ‘boss’. She’s very nice and always says yes to me!)?

What is CPD??

CPD refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge, and experience you gain both formally and informally. It is a method of continually developing your abilities to ensure they remain relevant and up-to-date, which is particularly important for those working for themselves.?

For self-employed professionals, CPD can be a mix of structured learning—such as attending courses, workshops, and seminars—as well as more informal development, including reading industry publications or networking with peers. Importantly, it is not a one-time effort but a continuous process that enables individuals to adapt to new challenges and opportunities in their field.?

Why is CPD Essential for the Self-Employed??

Maintaining Competitiveness?

Being self-employed means that you are your own brand. To ensure your clients continue to see value in your services, it is essential to demonstrate that you are up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your industry. CPD helps you stay ahead of competitors by equipping you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that can be applied to your business. Whether it’s mastering new digital tools, understanding changes in customer behaviour, or improving your marketing strategy, regular CPD can make all the difference in winning or retaining clients.?

Adapting to Change?

Markets evolve, and customer expectations shift. CPD ensures you are not left behind when new trends emerge. For instance, in marketing, keeping abreast of digital marketing strategies, analytics tools, and social media trends is crucial. CPD helps self-employed professionals develop new strategies, adapt to market changes, and remain relevant in the industry.?

Building Credibility and Trust?

As a self-employed professional, your reputation is everything. Having recognised qualifications, such as those offered by CIM, can significantly boost your credibility with clients. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence, providing reassurance to potential clients that you are knowledgeable, qualified, and serious about your work. CPD can further enhance this credibility by showing that you are committed to continuous improvement and staying informed about industry advancements.?

Boosting Confidence?

Running your own business can sometimes feel isolating, especially when faced with new challenges. CPD not only equips you with the knowledge and tools to handle these challenges but also instills a sense of confidence in your abilities. With enhanced skills, self-employed professionals can take on more complex projects, diversify their services, and increase their earning potential.?

The Role of Qualifications like CIM?

While CPD is important, gaining formal qualifications can provide an even greater edge. Organisations like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) offer highly respected certifications that are recognised worldwide. These qualifications go beyond the basics, providing in-depth training that enhances your strategic thinking and technical abilities.?

Some key benefits of investing in a CIM qualification include:??

Industry Recognition?

CIM is one of the most recognised names in the marketing industry, and holding a qualification from CIM immediately sets you apart as a professional. For the self-employed, having this mark of distinction can be a key selling point when pitching to clients or bidding for projects.?

Enhanced Knowledge and Skills?

CIM qualifications cover a wide range of topics, from digital marketing to brand management. This breadth of knowledge is crucial for self-employed professionals who often have to wear many hats. A CIM qualification ensures that you not only understand the principles of marketing but can apply them effectively in your business.?

Networking Opportunities?

One of the often-overlooked advantages of pursuing qualifications like those from CIM is the opportunity to network with other professionals. For self-employed individuals, these connections can be invaluable, whether for sharing best practices, collaborating on projects, or even securing new clients. Being part of a community like CIM gives you access to resources and individuals that can help you grow your business.?

Access to Ongoing Learning?

Once you’ve achieved a CIM qualification, the learning doesn’t stop there. CIM offers access to resources, webinars, and events that ensure you are always up to date with the latest in marketing. For self-employed professionals, this ongoing support can be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.?

How to Make CPD and Qualifications Work for You?

For self-employed professionals, time is often one of the most valuable resources. It’s important to incorporate CPD into your routine in a way that doesn’t disrupt your day-to-day operations. Here are a few tips to make CPD work for you:?

• Set Goals: Decide which areas of your business or skill set you’d like to improve and focus your CPD efforts there.?

• Plan Ahead: Schedule time for CPD activities such as reading industry publications or attending webinars. Even just 30 minutes a week can make a difference.?

• Leverage Technology: Make use of online learning platforms that offer flexibility, so you can fit CPD around your busy schedule.?

• Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your CPD activities and reflect on how they have impacted your business. This will not only help you see the benefits but also guide your future learning. And if you’re working towards Chartered Marketer status or working to retain Chartered Marketer status this will give you the evidence base to support your application or annual record.??

My advice, if you’ve been thinking about CPD or professional qualifications for some time now, don’t put it off any longer, just do it (as the famous brand tells us so!). By investing in your own development, you are not only enhancing your own skills but also ensuring your business remains relevant and profitable in a fast-changing world. CPD and professional qualifications are essential tools for maintaining competitiveness, adapting to change, and building a successful business.??

Lydia McClelland FCIM CMKtr is the Founder of LMC Associates offering business and marketing mentoring, training and consultancy. Lydia works as an associate Lecturer for Belfast Academy of Marketing.???