The quest for relevance is often futile. I think most of us have our hearts in the right place – we want to be helpful. Leaders have a vested interest in ensuring that the next generation can avoid their mistakes and leverage their many years of experience.
At the same time, striving to be “relevant,” can be seen as fruitlessly trying to reclaim our youth, terrified to be left behind by the fast-paced business world. A world where, maybe, we’re not top dogs anymore. And the thought of being obsolete and inessential is just too much.
The quest for relevance isn’t completely futile and, with the thought of a recession threatening our job security, maybe you need it now more than ever.
Here’s how you can remain a relevant, valuable professional no matter what.
7 Strategies for Maintaining Professional Relevancy
#1 – Be a Lifelong Learner
If there’s one way to guarantee your relevancy, it’s to ceaselessly invest in yourself. You do that by committing yourself to lifelong learning. You don’t even have to focus solely on professional development. Just stay sharp! Pick up new hobbies. Learn new skills. Read books on topics you’ve always wanted to learn more about.
Being a lifelong learner sets the stage for relevancy. It gives you that reflex and enthusiasm to know more, do more, and be more – a reflex that will serve you well in any career.
#2 – Keep Up with the New Tech
There isn’t a single industry that technology doesn’t touch. It’s moving fast, too. The workplace isn’t the same as it was twenty, ten, or even five years ago. And yet, the older we get, the more set in our ways we tend to be. But listen, you’ve got to stay on top of the systems and technologies being utilized by your industry. It can be frustrating, grueling work to figure out something new, but it’s how you prevent yourself from being left behind by a fast-paced industry.
#3 – Go Where the Professionals Go
Are you keeping up with your industry and where it’s headed? Follow the professionals and thought leaders you work with an admire. Go to trade shows. Travel to that conference. Visit conventions. Join in on workshops and industry-relevant lectures.
Not only are you out there and engaging in professional development from the best and brightest in your industry, but you’re creating opportunities to get your name out there.
#4 – Assess Today’s Client
Technology is changing. Our industries are changing. And, most importantly, your client is changing. What they need now may not be what it’s always been. In your position, no matter what you do, what service you provide, or what you sell, if you know what your customer wants and needs, you’ll always be indispensable. Talk to your clientele. Ask what they need, what challenges they’re facing, and how you can best meet them where they are.
#5 – Develop Your Specializations
You set yourself apart from the pack through specialization. It’s always better develop expertise in areas few others have mastered. It makes you more marketable and desirable. Even if you don’t plan on leaving your current position, staying on top of what attracts employers means you’ll always be a top candidate no matter where your career takes you.
#6 – Communicate Like a Leader
Don’t underestimate the power of excellent communication skills. It’s not just about being clear, honest, and timely: in today’s global business world, you’ve got to be able to navigate cultural conventions and nuance. Your power in conflict resolution, delegation, negotiation, and collaboration will either make you an asset to your team or a liability.
#7 – Prioritize Networking
Most people put networking at the very bottom of their priority list. For one thing, it can seem very phony on top of taking up valuable time you’d rather spend doing anything else. Networking doesn’t have to be a slog, though. Take advantage of today’s digitally connected world!
Utilize professional social media like LinkedIn or grow your Twitter following. Follow respected professionals in your field and look for opportunities to create engagement. Networking keeps your finger on the pulse of your industry. You’ll know what people are talking about, how the industry is advancing and changing, and what – and who – you need to know to stay on top.
It’s not just about social media, either. Networking also means reaching out to fellow professionals, establishing mentoring relationships, and presenting yourself as someone worth talking to.
What are your strategies for staying indispensable in your industry? Share in the comments!