Being successful is hard work and not everyone likes hard work. It might be safe to say that many people are lazy, they do just enough to get by. I remember when I finished high school I knew I had to go to college so I could get a good job. When I went to work I found out I needed a master’s degree so I could keep my job so I went back to college. I began to notice that education never stopped except after college I would have to be responsible for my education. To stay competitive in the job market I would have to continue to learn and grow. Sometimes I had to learn things that weren’t interesting but were important to my career survival. Not only hasn’t this changed but it’s changing every day or maybe every minute. In my travels I often hear business owners saying, “I’m glad I’ll be out of this business soon so I won’t have to do that social media thing.” Chances are once they get out of business social media will still be chasing them, especially if they want to communicate with the rest of the world.

Here are 8 things you can do right away:

1. Always be curious and interested in the world around you. It may be more exciting than you think. Dive into your life, get excited. Excitement is catching. People who are exciting are fun to be around and very motivating. Look out around you, what do you see, what’s out there waiting for you? Think about an event you’re going to attend in the future and get excited. What is going on in your life at this moment that can make you excited?

2. Read articles that keep you current with changes in your industry. What you remember from the 90′s might not help you. Read articles from industry experts, join LinkedIn or check out Facebook. If you’re in the flooring industry join us on Fabulous Floors Magazine facebook page and join the discussions. If you want to give “red hot customer service” you have to know your products.

3. If training is offered to you, particularly for free, take it. Taking classes will help motivate you and improve your outlook on life. Look for training classes in your community, are there free classes you can take or some for very little money?

4. Take a college class and brush up on your writing skills or take any class that helps you to think. You know the old saying, learn it, teach it, do it. Or is the new expression, Teach It, Tech It, Learn It, Lead It, by the way, this is a great blog. Whatever you learn, share it with everyone; if you can teach it you probably understand it.

5. Be responsible for your own education and learning. This may mean investing your own money so you can stay in the game and remain employable. It’s a competitive world out there and the winners will be those who keep up on technology.

6. Question what you know and what’s new. What could you learn that would make you “more employable?” What are younger people studying in college, what skills do you need to master if you’re going to remain employable?

7. Whenever possible take a sales class even if you don’t sell professionally. We are all salespeople and always selling something including ourselves.

8. Listen and learn from others. Check out blogs that interest you and watch TV shows that do more than amuse. Check out YouTube for something you want to learn. I love YouTube you can learn everything from horseback riding to knitting.

I love this quote:

The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.
Tom Bodett

Lisbeth Calandrino
Fabulous Floors
Associate Publisher &
Director of Consumer Research
lcalandrino@nycap.rr.com