Five Things I Do Every Day

by Thomas M. Schmitz


Engage
Minewould not be much of a career if I didn’t engage in actual work. Like attorneys and doctors, I approach my profession as a practice and I strive to give every client my best effort. The nice thing about working is that it gives you experience. Every new task, project or client helps me to accomplish even better work.


Learn
I go out of my way to learn something new every day. While it's easy to think in terms of learning practical applications such as new skills or techniques, gathering industry information is important too. Keep up with your professional culture. Stay abreast of the business climate. Understand the newest rules and regulations. Know which competitors are growing or struggling. Know who's hiring, even if you're not looking for a new job.


Knowing everything you can about your work, profession and industry prepares you to recognize and take advantage of opportunities.


Network
Who you know is more important than what you know. Yes, it's a worn, tired cliche. I don't care; it's true. Meeting other members of your profession helps you to learn about what's going on in your industry, which will lead to new opportunities. It's where trade secrets and little known techniques get passed along. But the best reason to network? It's fun. There's nothing like going to the occasional after-work party, conference or event to renew excitement and recharge your mental batteries.


Teach
Teaching serves two important purposes. First, sharing your knowledge with others is admirable, it’s a contribution to your profession. And when you teach you become an expert. Organizing your knowledge and experience into coherent communicable bits forces you to understand what you know. The act of presenting itself reinforces your knowledge and will make you more comfortable and reliable during other types ofhigh-pressure situations.


When you teach people they perceive you as the expert and as a leader. That's a good reputation to foster, especially when you're pursuing new clients or career growth. Whether you’re training a fellow employee, presenting at a conference or lecturing at your local community college, teaching gives back far more than it takes.


Evangelize
Do you cheer for your profession? Do you volunteer at conferences and events? Do you serve on an industry group or association committee?


If you love your work then you owe it to yourself and your profession to tell other people, often and enthusiastically. If you desire progress in your career, seek opportunities to serve. Volunteer. Organize. Produce events. Like teachers, evangelistsbecome recognized as experts. Colleagues desire to meet them and to become friends.