How Outside Activities Hone Your Professional Skills

Are there things you can do outside of working hours that can strenghen your skills at work? What professional steps do you take to hone your skills and to make you a more valued employee or a stronger and sharper entrepreneur? Have you ever wondered how outside activities can hone your professional skills? They can.

Not all job development or skills development happens in the confines of your office. In fact, entrepreneurs and employees who excel are those who are dedicated to both their lives at work and their outside activities. Many of the things you do outside the office can help you sustain or heighten your professional and personal growth.

How Outside Activities Hone Your Professional Skills

1. Join an association in your professional niche. Doing this puts you in contact with other professionals in your niche area, gives you contacts with people outside of your office — or yourself if you’re a solopreneur — and gives you insight into what others are doing to excel.
2. Volunteering. If you have a unique talent that you can use in a volunteer capacity this is another way your outside activity can hone your professional skills. Say, you’re a social media marketer, you could volunteer with an organization with a mission you connect with. They would benefit from your skills and you can make new connections and continue to hone your skills.
3. Read. There is nothing more important a solopreneur or entrepreneur can do is to read. Lifelong learning keeps you sharp and in touch with the world around you. When is the last time you sat down and read a book?
4. Learn new software. Is there a new software program that would make your life on the job easier? Invest in it and learn to use it. Even honing your skills in Microsoft or Google documents can enhance your skill base.
5. Become a mentor. Did you have someone who helped you when you were starting out? If so, return the favor and be a mentor to someone who wants to learn to do what you do. When you mentor, you re-teach yourself skills you may have neglected.

When is the last time you practiced professional and personal development?