Once again I ride the Seth Express to jump start my blog. He just has such great --- and timely --- ideas.
We’ve all been hit by decreases in our revenue and projects, often leaving us with open time in our schedules. Of course, we need to use that time for additional business development efforts for when things open up again, but even that effort sometimes doesn’t take up the day.
So what are you doing with your “slack time”? What can you “build” over the next year that will put that slack to good use, and create an “asset” that you'll own forever?
Godin offers two suggestions:
1. Learn something. Become an expert. For free, using nothing but time, you can master PowerPoint, polish your PhotoShop skills, or even learn Spanish so you can be more valuable to metro and western clients. Volunteer your skills to a non-profit organization or club, and then help them succeed. It feels good and it will pay off both now and later.
2. Develop a following; earn a reputation. Use current social networking tools (such as LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, or even Twitter) to connect with people, both personally and professionally. Post commentary and useful answers on discussion boards where your expertise is valued. Build a permission asset in the form of an email newsletter or a fascinating blog that people want to read. Start an industry or neighborhood book club. Write articles on matters you like and those tapping into your expertise, and offer them to appropriate online publications. Volunteer to speak to groups large and small for no fee. The “reputation capital” you gain will far outweigh any honorarium you might be paid. Set a goal to not just attend conventions, but to earn the right to speak at them.
If you were as serious about these two endeavors as you are about doing your job (eight hours a day on a slow day), imagine how much more powerful and in demand you'll be a year from now.
Beats the alternative, by far.
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized."
--Sun Tzu, Ancient Chinese general, "The Art of War"