“Success doesn't come to you…you go to it." Marva Collins. Ms. Collins’ advice is inspiring, but it also presents a challenge. How do we find our way to this place called “success”? The correct path may seem difficult to find and navigate. Keeping current with trends in the field can be tough as there are always new products, angles, or strategies to keep up with. Successful ventures are comprised of many elements, but they all have one thing in common – a mindset that works to develop and move forward. One way to customize your pathway is to take advantage of resources designed to equip and educate. It is important to be proactive to achieve and maintain success. Options abound, and continued learning avenues offer unexpected flexibility and benefits.
In addition to helpful information, they can provide networking and other perks, such as new clients, vendors, and connections. Here are a few examples:
Online Offerings
The virtual learning community offers nearly every class, webinar, certification, and college degree imaginable. Courses are designed to be convenient for today’s lifestyle. Most require a fee, but there are low cost and free ones too, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Open CourseWare - http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm and Poynter’s New University - http://www.newsu.org/.
MIT offers free course materials, minus the instructor and class interaction, so motivated individuals can glean much from classes ranging from aeronautics to writing. Poynter’s has a range of moderate to low cost options on everything from creative writing to journalism, HTML and more.
Local Resources
Seminars, adult education courses, and regional college campus offerings can provide valuable hands on learning, certifications, and other information. Whether you are looking to complete a degree or gain knowledge in a specific area, such as marketing, help may be closer than you think. Check local papers and businesses for seminars and other offerings.
Specialized Publications
Whatever you do to make a living, there’s a trade magazine, book, website, blog, or forum for it. Print and online periodicals contain informative articles and advertisements that can yield further connections, potential vendors and customers, and current news on what’s happening in the field. Websites, blogs, and forums can open doors to an online community where there is support, clients, and other great resources.
Trade Shows and Conventions
Consider attending local and regional events that showcase companies, products, equipment, and services. Much can be gained by attending workshops, talking to vendors and colleagues, and watching live demonstrations. Knowledge obtained here is usually on par with classes elsewhere. Exchanging ideas and resources with others can reap big results.
Groups and Associations
Joining a professional group or trade association lends credibility to an occupation or a business. It demonstrates an initiative and a desire for accountability to your clients. Membership benefits include discounts, continuing education, resources and info, certification, trade shows, and other events. If there are no local groups in your area, look for regional, national, or online ones. They can still provide valuable information, interaction, and brainstorming opportunities with experts and colleagues. Most continued education resources can be found online, through a local chamber of commerce, or other specialized groups. Use them to help you to stay current and to provide a well-rounded plan to pave your very own path to success.
Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu/
Thanks so much for allowing me to share today. It's a pleasure to be a part of this great informational site!
Great info and tips here. Thanks Karen!
Hi Karen,
Great, informative post. Thanks so much for your thorough coverage.
No excuse not to stay informed!
There are so much useful information, resource guides and tips here. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing such "golden-nuggets."
Jessica, Thanks a bunch! Good to see you.
Jen, Appreciate you stopping by. Thanks!
Alex, Exactly. There are so many resources at our fingertips.
Shopgirl, Thanks! Hope you find something helpful.
Angela, I hope that one will pay off for you! :)
Thanks all, for your thoughts,
Karen
You have given me a few more options for the need I feel to take a class. Thank you,dear friend.
"It is important to be proactive to achieve and maintain success. Options abound, and continued learning avenues offer unexpected flexibility and benefits." Absolutely! Thanks for the heads up on the free on-line offerings. Definitely of interest. I always appreciate the timely information you share, Karen! God bless!
Some great ideas and resource ideas for writers. Thanks for the post.
Thanks Karen! Wow, who knew?
I think I'm going to head on over to that M.I.T. place... ;)
I love the opening quote! As usual, you've offered some meaty morsels. Thank you.
Cecelia,
So glad to be of help. You'll have to let me know how it goes!
Maria,
I'm glad you agree! There are so many wonderful options out there for us!
Clarissa,
Thanks so much. Hope you find it useful!
Kathleen,
I do too! Thought it was really interesting and full of angles.
Thanks all,
Karen
Good to know, and thanks for such an informative post!
Thanks a ton Karen for such a wonderful post. Its a pleasure to have you on our blog. :)
Lydia,
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful. :)
E-junkie,
Thanks for inviting me! Really enjoy your site.
Have a great weekend,
Karen
Hi Karen -
Great post! I didn't know so much was available for little cash outlay.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan,
There are so many great options out there! Thanks for coming by.
Happy weekend,
Karen
It seems like I'm ALWAYS learning from you. What a fantastic post. I love that quote too. Love you, amigo. Thanks for all you do to help our community. :-)
Robyn,
Thank you for your kind words and support. Glad this is helpful!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Karen
Smart post, Karen. Oddly, I only recently realized that life is a continuous journey of learning. The more we learn, the more we grow and thrive, and the happier we become. Stephen Covey (author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People") calls this "sharpening the saw."
Nihara,
Thanks so much. We are always learning something, aren't we? I hope to never stop. "Sharpening the saw", I like that!
Have a great week,
Karen
Nihara,
Thanks so much. We are always learning something, aren't we? I hope to never stop. "Sharpening the saw", I like that!
Have a great week,
Karen
Smart post, Karen. Oddly, I only recently realized that life is a continuous journey of learning. The more we learn, the more we grow and thrive, and the happier we become. Stephen Covey (author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People") calls this "sharpening the saw."
You have given me a few more options for the need I feel to take a class. Thank you,dear friend.