IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS SKILLS

Choose two methods which you use most often.

42% of the voters prefer to read books and research on the web in order to improve their business skills. These two methods are probably the most popular because it is less costly than the other methods listed with the key advantage of reading topics of interest at our leisure. Or is the real reason it feels safer to be comfortably hidden in our own home or behind our computer?

The interactive method of communicating by exchanging information with friends and colleagues totaled 32%. This is what networking is all about, to be open-minded, sharing information and to come up with fresh ideas. This is a fun way of learning as this does not feel like ‘work’ and you go back home fully energized.

Enrolling in business classes totaled 8%. The cost, the commitment or just the idea of studying have to be taken seriously before taking the plunge. However, this could be necessary especially for one wanting to change fields.

Hiring a personal coach and participating in a Mentoring program each had a response rate of 8%. It could be possible that many do not even inquire about these methods and are not aware of the amount of help they offer. These methods are particularly helpful when one realizes she needs to be pointed in the right direction but does not know where or how to go about it. You will find coaches and mentors very supportive and will answer your questions.

A mere 2% receive guidance from their boss. Is our boss too busy to spend time to give advice or share their expertise with us? Are we afraid to approach and ask our boss for guidance thinking it would affect our bonus or promotion as this could mean that we are not able to fulfill our job requirements?

There is no single way to get information and varying circumstances in our lives and career force us to incorporate each method to answer our specific needs. The important goal is to keep informed and continue to develop new skills.

The good thing for us at EuropeanPWN, is that we cover most of the methods listed above to improve our skills with monthly networking events, mentoring programs and our website full of information. Helpful findings are at our fingertips from our very own proactive and benevolent members; the Think Tanks Group offering helpful tools and tips on specific topics; postings of information, articles and job offers; the Business Xchange allows you to find a particular service or product; and new features are created on the platform on a continuous basis. I encourage you to log in frequently and make full use of the information available to you. You may participate at your leisure and be involved as much or as little as your busy schedule allows you to be.

Ingrid Loren
Community Manager