The Best Career Decision You'll Ever Make

To excel at any profession, in which but a few arrive at mediocrity, is the most decisive mark of what is called genius or superior talents. - Adam Smith

Professional development doesn't happen by accident. In fact, research says it take years (5-10) and thousands of hours (10,000+) to become an expert at something, and we can never stop learning.

That is true in marketing as much as any other industry, if not more so.

I know all the excuses for taking a break from learning, because I've used them:

1. I've got kids.
2. I've worked hard enough this week.
3. My favorite program is on tonight.
4. I just don't feel like it.

But unless you make a concerted effort to learn and grow, you will find yourself standing in a puddle of mediocrity while your peers and your competitors surpass you in knowledge and talent. This means not only constantly practicing in your field, but also having the foresight to acknowledge when we made a mistake and the courage to learn from it.

If you want to really give your personal and professional development a shot in the arm, find someone to collaborate with who will force you challenge your assumptions. Find someone who can help motivate you to experiment. This can be one person or a group of people; quantity isn't nearly as important as quality.

Unchain Your Brain
My brother Gannon has put together a very insightful series on lifelong learning and becoming an expert; No MBA is required. It is a long but worthwhile read.
Part 1: Learn to Learn
Part 2: Reading
Part 3: Collaboration

Refresh Dallas
If you're in the Dallas area and you have some influence over the design or implementation of any website, Refresh Dallas has a presentation that you must attend.

You needn't be a designer, a usability specialist, an information architect, or an experience planner. You only need be concerned about delivering results for your client.

Day: Thursday, January 10, 2008
Time: 7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.
Subject: Multivariate testing

"Learn how to test designs with almost infinite variations, using real users, for a dollar a day. Avoid arguments with designers by letting the public tell you which words and images work the best. Increase revenue and/or profits, and then walk into the meeting with the data to back it up. Bryan J Busch will walk you through the process of multivariate testing."

Click HERE to RSVP.

About Refresh Dallas
Refresh is a community of designers and developers working to refresh the creative, technical and professional aspects of new media endeavors in the Dallas area.

Hope to see you there! - Cam Beck

Comments

[Lisa Braithwaite]

Excuses, excuses! I purchased a 10-session marketing course about two months ago, and I haven't gotten past the first chapter. And I wonder why it takes people so long to get through my 7-week e-course! I just need to make time for it, prioritize it, and get it done. Thanks for the reminder!

[Gavin Heaton]

Thanks for the links to life long learning! Great stuff. And Happy New Year to all you chaotic folk!