10 Ways to Enhance Your Career and Professional Development

[Monirul Islam]

In today's competitive job market, it's important to take proactive measures to enhance professional development. Your goals must center on a clear focus, brand, and targeted audience in order to be successful.

Here are 10 ways to enhance your professional development:

1. Understand Your Business Model
Have a clear vision on what you want your business to accomplish. Create the blueprint regarding the products and services that you want your business to incorporate, to help clients and customers recognize that you are knowledgeable about your market. Devise a mission statement for your business with an action plan that identifies clear and direct goals.

2. Invest In Your Brand and Reputation
It may seem like a daunting challenge to establish your brand among so many who are strong in your industry. Forbes emphasizes that your brand is the quickest way for your audience to know your product and service, as well as your reputation. The details that center on customer service, the quality of what you are selling, and how you deal with conflicts will establish your brand.

3. Diversify Your Skill Set
As a new business, you want to offer as many services as you can. This might involve diversifying your skill set to attract clientele from several areas in your defined industry. If there is cutting edge technology that is integral to make your business or start-up more profitable, it might be in your best interest to invest time in trying to learn these skills through classes, online tutorials, or through a colleague.

4. Buy Your Own Domain Name
Purchasing your own domain name will allow you to brand your product or service in an efficient fashion. Having a web address that is easy to remember will allow clients to quickly access your website. According to Neosites, a business where you can purchase your domain name, creating this personalization will add credibility, permanence, and accessibility to your business. You can also optimize searches when you have your own domain name.

5. Establish a Blog or Website
Establishing a website for your business is key in this technological savvy environment. A website offers convenience and flexibility for you and your clients. When you do build your website, your personal and business information needs protection. Consider investing in LifeLock to protect your data and identity. In case there is a breach, you have taken the precautions to protect yourself from hackers or security issues.

6. Seek Mentorship
Learning about your industry may require you to consult others who have more experience. Although some may be hesitant to offer their expertise, you will not know until you ask. Entrepreneur magazine establishes that a mentor can provide professional guidance and connections that will offer a way to think about your business in a novel way. Professional associations may be a great way to land a mentor.

7. Endorse Others
Professional websites like LinkedIn will help you endorse others and also garner recommendations for yourself. Do not be afraid to recognize other people in your industry or offer recommendations for different services on your website. Goodwill goes a long way in promoting your business, and by endorsing other reputable businesses, it lends to your credibility.

8. Network Via Social Media
Use Facebook and Twitter to create an online profile for yourself and your business. The account setup is simple and according to Pagemodo you must offer credible content and actively engage with your followers. If a client has a question on a product or service on these social media platforms, answer their requests, otherwise the silence will register in a public way and may make others think twice about retaining your services.

9. Attend Conferences
To learn about your industry, it is imperative that you attend conferences to gain knowledge and insight into new technologies, products and services related to your business. By investing in a conference, you can connect with others who share the same interests, and learn information that will help you brand your business better.

10. Take New Risks
A business pursuit is a huge undertaking and you must be prepared to abandon and develop ideas with efficiency. With experience, you learn that certain risks will catapult you into further success, while other ventures may set you back.

Investing in your professional and career development requires planning, persistence, and the resources necessary to help place you in the best position to grow your business. With a clear focus and goals, you can become a leading individual in your industry. Start today and invest in yourself to pave the way for your success.

Source: http://athgo.org/10-ways-to-enhance-your-career-and-professional-development/