Every time I think I have my business running smoothly, I hear about something new, or at least new to me, that could help my clients or my business. Even though I am already too busy, my curiosity typically gets the better of me and I end up checking it out.  

I usually do a mental categorizing of the new information putting in into three distinct areas; immediate use, long-term possibility and not interested. I don’t have too many not interested items because I have found that although I have no intention of taking my business or clients in a certain direction today, many times I have had to re-research information, products or services that I previously discounted.  

One that immediately comes to mind is the potential benefits of LinkedIn. I originally reviewed it, signed up and thought it seemed – fun, for a lack of better word. It wasn’t until several months later when I realized the opportunities for my clients and the wealth of knowledge I could gain from the services and information associated with LinkedIn. My clients are job seekers and by introducing them to LinkedIn, many have found contacts for companies they were interested in. Others have cut and pasted much of their resume on to their profile and have successfully found jobs this way. 

Curiosity keeps me motivated, keeps my work fresh and keeps my clients informed with the latest information on products, sites, and services that can assist their job search, career change or coaching needs. My curiosity has led me to attend numerous webinars and teleseminars that focus on various niches related to resume writing, coaching, career management, and small business ownership. I have also gotten involved in national and local social networks because of my curiosity, that have provided outstanding information about industry trends, regulations, computer and technical information, hiring manager and recruiter interests and expectations and many, many other topics.  

All of this curiosity has given me information which is invaluable to my business, and along the way I have met many wonderful people. 

Take a look at your curiosity level? How would you rank it? Are there new areas of potential interest passing you by because that you feel you just don’t have time to investigate? Many fields of expertise require periodic certifications updates by attending classes and workshops. However, you can voluntarily take classes as well to improve your expertise in your field and industry. 

What areas can you improve upon to increase your work performance? If you are in sales there are many avenues such as the Dale Carnegie and Stephen Covey programs, the Six Sigma certifications or try Toastmasters it offers an effective public speaking program and there are many others. The courses don’t need to be directly related to your industry or field but can be used to expand your professional development. 

Local colleges and even adult education programs in your local communities can offer ways to peak your curiosity and add to your professional development. Courses such as computer proficiency, becoming a licensed contractor, developing business plans, expanding your grammar and writing abilities, improving your organizational skills and more can directly improve your performance at work. Check into your industry or field associations they are a great source of information and often advertise programs and ways to improve your expertise. 

There are also lectures you can sit in on at local colleges, industry magazines, and self-improvement and business related books that can expand your knowledge. Even your local PBS channel can be a quality source for learning. In my area, the PBS station offers business and economic based television programs on the weekends which include presentations from well known corporate CEO’s, given to our local Economics Club, that are extremely interesting and informative. 

By continuing to find ways to improve your skills, knowledge and industry expertise you are increasing your professional potential and adding value to your resume. It also keeps work interesting and provides you with a new perspective, which can give you confidence to try new things and might just land you a promotion or new job opportunity. Be curious and keep learning!