To help young professionals stay updated and relevant in their field, we asked nine CEOs and CTOs to share their best strategies. From embracing continuous learning and team growth to prioritizing customer service to adapt to changes, these leaders provide a wealth of insights on staying ahead amidst evolving trends and technological advancements.
Embrace Continuous Learning and Team Growth
Utilize Multiple Resources in Digital Marketing
Incorporate Learning into Daily Routines
Schedule Regular Mentor Meetings
Leverage Online Platforms and Professional Networking
Follow Industry Thought Leaders on Social Media
Use Comprehensive Online Resources
Participate in Online Classes and Industry Events
Prioritize Customer Service to Adapt to Changes
Embrace Continuous Learning and Team Growth
In my tenure as a CTO, continuous learning has been indispensable. One practice I swear by is dedicating time weekly to explore recent publications and reputable tech blogs and engaging in online communities and forums related to my field.
This creates a space for knowledge exchange and staying abreast of emerging trends. Also, enrolling in online courses for new technologies has been beneficial. It's not just about staying updated; it's about embracing a culture of continuous learning and sharing this ethos with my team, fostering a collective growth mentality.
Alex Bobes, CTO, Extremoo
Utilize Multiple Resources in Digital Marketing
In SEO and digital marketing, there are several ways to stay updated on emerging trends. This is especially important in any field involving Google, as Google makes many updates to its algorithm throughout the year, each time representing a new learning need.
1. Official sources in the field, for example, the official website or X (Twitter) account.
2. Industry news websites.
3. Newsletters from other professionals in the field.
4. LinkedIn - grow your network of professionals in your field. Follow those people who post a lot.
Jack Genesin, SEO Consultant, Jack Genesin Consulting
Incorporate Learning into Daily Routines
In this fast-paced, digital era, constant learning is my secret weapon. I subscribe to RSS feeds of top industry news outlets, such as Forbes and TechCrunch, for my daily dose of updates on the fly.
However, to give a more creative touch, I've also designed a "Learning Lunch" routine. Every lunch break, instead of simply mindlessly scrolling through social media, I pick an informative podcast or a TED Talk on relevant topics to accompany my meal.
This keeps me satiated with knowledge and turns a routine part of my day into a productive learning opportunity. One might say I enjoy a “meal plan” of a different flavor!
Precious Abacan, Content Marketer, Softlist
Schedule Regular Mentor Meetings
Schedule monthly mentor meetings. Every month, I meet with members of our advisory board to discuss updates, news, and advancements in their field so that I can stay informed.
One of our advisors is knowledgeable about SEO and AI, another is an expert in the affiliate marketing space, and another, Eric Ries, wrote the book, The Lean Startup.
Every time I meet with them, I have an agenda with specific issues our business is facing. By sharing the issue, inevitably the conversation turns to something like, "Hey, have you heard of this company doing this thing? You should check them out."
Everyone's an expert in something. Tap into the expertise of your mentors and advisors to help you stay at the forefront of your field.
Brett Farmiloe, CEO, Featured
Leverage Online Platforms and Professional Networking
Embracing continuous learning through online platforms has been pivotal. For example, utilizing LinkedIn Learning and Coursera provides access to many courses across various topics, enabling the exploration of emerging trends and skills in the staffing industry.
Podcasts and webinars, particularly those focused on HR technology, recruitment strategies, and talent management, offer insights into the latest industry developments. Networking within professional groups and attending industry conferences, even virtually, facilitates learning from peers and industry leaders.
This ensures an understanding of evolving practices and tools within talent acquisition and management, which is crucial for staying competitive and innovative in the dynamic staffing landscape.
Carlos Trillo, Founder and CEO, Evinex
Follow Industry Thought Leaders on Social Media
As a young professional in the ever-changing industry of digital marketing, it is tough to stay on top of trends, new tools, and changes in best practices.
My best friend, for staying up to date, is X (formerly Twitter, kind of ironic). I try to follow thought leaders in my industry to see what kinds of ideas they are cooking up.
This influences the algorithm of my "For You" feed, which will show me even more related content from people I might not be following.
Matthew Johnson, Paid Media Manager, MWI
Use Comprehensive Online Resources
In our book services and publishing startup, I stay updated and relevant through "BookTech Hub," a comprehensive online resource. This platform merges industry news, emerging technologies, and trends in the publishing world, providing instant access to vital information.
It serves as a continuous learning hub with webinars, articles, and case studies on significant topics from AI in publishing to changing reader habits. Its interactive community promotes networking and idea exchange with industry peers.
Utilizing BookTech Hub, our team remains informed, inspired, and ready to innovate, successfully navigating the dynamic literary landscape and expecting industry shifts, always prepared for the next exciting chapter!
Participate in Online Classes and Industry Events
As a student in my early twenties aspiring to make it in the professional world, I have discovered several tactics and tools that have been quite beneficial in keeping myself informed and updated within my chosen field. This is important given the constantly changing nature of trends and technological advances.
I have been utilizing online classes offered by platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy. A diverse selection of courses is available, allowing me to gain knowledge regarding the most recent developments and technology within my field of interest.
Building a professional network, even throughout the academic years, has proven to be of the utmost significance. Whenever possible, I try to make an effort to participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars that apply to my field of interest. Networking has proven to be very helpful.
Leo Dahlgren Yukio, Growth Strategist, Codific
Prioritize Customer Service to Adapt to Changes
We stay updated in our photography business amidst growing trends and technological advancement by focusing on a high level of customer service. With all the dialogue around AI and the potential for clients to curate their own images, we face some challenges moving into the future.
We need to show clients why we are necessary for their marketing needs. When we talk about customer service, we are talking about being a true partner to our clients. We need to understand their business, marketing strategies, and goals.
By immersing ourselves in their business, we can become an extension of it and have a deeper understanding of how to achieve their goals. We make it easy to work with us by creating detailed production schedules, providing clear direction, paying attention to minor details, and taking the responsibility to run the photoshoot on site.
By focusing on great customer service and ownership of the project, we can compete with emerging trends in the industry.
Megan Lowdon, Director of Operations, Robert Lowdon Photography
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