Lifelong Learners: Unleashing Growth

I had the pleasure of giving a talk this week to a group of sales leaders about Falling in Love with Technology.

It was a daunting task at first because these were leaders in an organization that has been a significant part of my life, and the person who hired me for the gig knew me SOLELY based on their relationship with my mother.

Yes. It was nepotism at its finest.

My goal was simple though… deliver a talk that motivated and encouraged these leaders on the importance of seeing value in technology and believing in themselves and their ability to learn it.

I spoke for an hour, but one point stands out for me as something I think I’ll be repeating a LOT. I said to them (more or less):

I believe in every one of you. Sight unseen.

You can learn these techniques and you can learn how to use these tools.

If you were in the woods alone and cold. You would learn to make a fire.
If you were stuck with a flat tire in East Nowheresville USA… you would learn how to change it to your spare.

You’d do it because you have to. And technology is the same right now. We’ve got to learn it to succeed. And I know you have it in you.

And it’s true with all of you as well. I KNOW you have it in you. And I’ll be right here to help! Let’s get to this week’s Quest Log, shall we?

This week your main quest is to implement a learning routine. Staying at the forefront of industry knowledge and skills is not just important; it's a necessity.

Let’s be honest though. We all have trouble finding the time for this essential task amidst the whirlwind of daily responsibilities. However, dedicating time each week to learning and development is the key to unlocking new opportunities, driving innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge.

Here are practical strategies to seamlessly integrate continuous learning into your busy schedule:

Carve Out Learning Time

Just as you schedule meetings and work tasks, make learning a non-negotiable part of your weekly to-do list. Identify quieter periods in your week and block out time specifically for professional development. Early mornings, lunch breaks, or even dedicated slots on slower business days can be ideal. Consistency is key; even if it's just an hour a week, make this appointment with yourself sacred.

Leverage Online Learning Platforms

The digital age has made it easier than ever to access a wealth of knowledge from the comfort of your office or home. Some great examples:

YouTube is the second biggest search engine on the planet. You can learn to do almost anything there. (I’ve learned to change my oil, restart my furnace, and replace a ceiling fan alongside all of my various technology learning.)

Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer college-level courses that cover a vast range of topics, from digital marketing to financial management. Many of these courses are self-paced, allowing you to progress through modules as your schedule permits.

Attend Webinars and Virtual Conferences

Webinars and virtual conferences offer a dual benefit! They keep you updated on the latest trends and best practices in your industry while providing opportunities to network with peers and experts. Many of these events are free or offer early bird discounts, making them an accessible option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

Implement What You Learn

You’ll never retain what you have learned if you don’t take the time to apply your newfound knowledge. Start using that app. Implement that new technique. Do it right away and be consistent. This practice not only reinforces what you've learned but also ensures that your time spent on professional development translates into tangible benefits for your business.

Create a Learning Community

You’re not in this alone! Find and engage with a community of like-minded business owners who are equally committed to growth. (Perhaps in the Side Quest Solutions Community?) Sharing resources, experiences, and challenges enriches your learning experience and can lead to valuable collaborations.

Wrapping Up

Integrating learning into your weekly routine isn’t easy. It’s going to require a commitment. But the payoff in business growth and personal development will be immeasurable.

The most successful people are those who remain lifelong learners. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your efforts lead to significant impacts on your business and your professional journey.

Once you’ve completed your Main Quest share it with our community! Post your results in the Side Quest Solutions Facebook Group with the hashtag #MainQuestComplete!

All of my newsletter graphics are created in Canva. It’s an amazing tool.

Are you seeking a supportive space to share experiences, gain insights, and tackle challenges together?

Look no further! Our Side Quest Solutions Community on Facebook is your go-to hub.

It's more than just a group; it's a vibrant community where you can share struggles, exchange expertise, and seek answers to your burning questions.

Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, engage in meaningful conversations, and grow together. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a community that's as passionate about business success as you are. Join us now! 💼🚀🤝 

Your Side Quest this week is to start blogging on your Facebook page. (Yes. You read that correctly.)

I know that this is going to run counter to a LOT of the advice that has been given about social media in the last handful of years. But, times are changing and there is value in posting longer (and more thoughtful) content on your Facebook page.

I’m not suggesting you write 2000-word epics either. There is a balance, but finding that balance can have significant strategic value. Here are some reasons why:

Long Term Visibility

Social media posts are often thought to be ephemeral. But, blog posts can stand the test of time and build visibility over time. They are, obviously longer, and will have more weight and authority behind them. They will work just like blog posts on other platforms to help draw audiences in after they are posted.

Versatility of Content

Facebook allows for a variety of content formats, including text, images, videos, and links (even emojis). This versatility means you can make your short blog posts more engaging by incorporating multimedia elements. This not only makes your content more appealing but also caters to different preferences among your audience.

Immediate Feedback

Posting on Facebook allows you to receive immediate feedback from your audience. Comments and reactions can provide valuable insights into what your followers are interested in. This feedback can guide your content strategy, both on and off Facebook.

Builds Your Brand’s Voice

Blog posts are longer than traditional social media captions. You can use them to showcase your brand's voice, personality, and values. This will help establish a relationship of trust and will build recognition from your followers.

Conclusion

Starting to create blog posts on your Facebook Page, even if they are shorter, is a valuable strategy for anyone looking to enhance their online presence. It's an approachable way to engage with your audience, increase visibility, and build your brand without significant investment.

Google has relaunched and rebranded Google Bard as Google Gemini. Your guess as to why they changed the name is as good as mine, but now is a great time to investigate the tool.

Chat GPT and Google Gemini may seem very similar on the surface, but some key differences make it worthwhile to keep them both in your arsenal as a small business owner.

The biggest difference is that you can go into the settings and enable an extension that will allow Google Gemini to use YouTube in its work. This will make it an amazing tool for finding out HOW to do things. This is because it will give you both a written example and a YouTube video to go along with it.

Take some time this week and give Google Gemini a try!

Below are seven days of social media posts all about the value of learning! These are written to be generic. Adapt them! use them word for word! Go wild!

Day 1: Motivational Quote

Post: "Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets. – Leonardo da Vinci. Let's start this week by embracing the endless possibilities that learning brings to our personal and professional lives. What new skill or knowledge are you planning to explore this week?"

Visual: An eye-catching image of an open book or a light bulb to symbolize ideas and learning.

Day 2: Industry Insight

Post: "In a world that's changing so rapidly, the one thing that remains constant is the value of learning. This week, we challenge you to learn one new thing related to your industry. It could be a technology trend, a soft skill, or an innovative process. How will this new knowledge empower you?"

Visual: A graphic showing a growth curve or an infographic highlighting recent trends in your industry.

Day 3: Learning Tip

Post: "Effective learning isn't just about consuming information; it's about engaging with it actively. Try the Feynman Technique this week: Pick a concept, study it, then explain it in simple terms as if teaching someone else. It’s a powerful way to deepen your understanding. What concept will you choose?"

Visual: A simple, step-by-step visual of the Feynman Technique.

Day 4: Question for Engagement

Post: "What's one book, article, podcast, or video that has significantly impacted your professional journey? Share your recommendations and let's create a community learning list. Your insights could spark a learning journey for someone else!"

Visual: A collage of popular books, podcasts, or educational platforms logos.

Day 5: Success Story

Post: "Learning leads to growth and innovation. This week, we're highlighting stories of individuals who have transformed their careers through continuous learning. Do you have a story to share? How has learning opened new doors for you?"

Visual: Before-and-after visuals representing career growth or transformation.

Day 6: Challenge Post

Post: "Weekend Challenge: Dedicate an hour this weekend to learn something outside of your comfort zone. It could be a new hobby, a language, or a skill unrelated to your work. Expanding your horizons can spark creativity in unexpected ways. Ready to accept the challenge?"

Visual: An inspirational image encouraging adventure or exploration, like a person hiking or trying something new.

Day 7: Reflective Post

Post: "As we wrap up this week, take a moment to reflect on your learning journey. What did you discover? How has it influenced your perspective or approach? Remember, the journey of learning is ongoing, and every step forward is a step towards growth."

Visual: A peaceful, reflective image, such as a serene landscape or a quiet study space.