Real-world learning

What real-world learning means and why it's important.

Real-world learning means continuing to learn and grow your skills throughout your life. It's like keeping your toolbox full and updated, no matter which career path you choose.

First, focus on gaining skills that are useful in many jobs. These are called "soft skills," like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They help you work well with others and handle challenges.

Next, keep learning job-specific skills (aka "hard skills"). Depending on your field, this might mean learning new computer programs, practicing public speaking, or understanding advanced science topics. Always be ready to add to what you know as your job changes.

Stay curious about your industry. Read, watch videos, or listen to podcasts about what's happening in your field. This helps you understand changes and challenges and prepares you to adapt.

Networking is also important. Build connections with people in your field. Attend events, join groups, or follow industry leaders online. These connections can help you find new opportunities or get advice.

Remember, learning doesn't stop after school. It's a lifelong journey that helps you stay competitive and satisfied in your career. Be open to change and grab opportunities to learn when they come your way. By doing so, you'll stay ready for whatever the future holds.

Which is better for me? Network building, or building an audience?

Audience building and network building are two ways to connect with people, but they serve different purposes.

Audience building is about attracting people to view or listen to your content. Think of a YouTuber or a musician. They gather fans who watch their videos or listen to their songs. These fans are their audience. The goal here is to engage, entertain, or inform. You create content that people want to consume. It's mostly a one-way relationship, with the creator sharing and the audience taking it in.

Network building is about creating connections with others, often for personal or professional growth. Here, you connect with people who can help you in your career. It might be a colleague, a mentor, or someone in the same field. Networking is a two-way street. You offer value to others, and they offer value back. It's about forming relationships where both sides benefit.

Which one is better depends on your goals. If you want to share your music, videos, or writing with as many people as possible, audience building is key. It gets your work noticed. If you aim to advance in your job, learn new skills, or find new opportunities, network building is more important. It helps you meet the right people and gain valuable contacts.

In summary, audience building is posting on Instagram or TikTok and getting likes/followers (can be both business and non-business). Network building is talking to people in that fit your lead segment (in business). Both are helpful in different contexts. Choose the one that suits your current needs. You might even use both, depending on what you want to achieve.

Resources for network building/audience building

Network building:

• Networking sites (LinkedIn, Email)

• In person networking (Meetup, Biz New Orleans, )

• Lead/cold email tools (Apollo, Lusha, Zoominfo, Hunter)

Audience building:

• Social media sites (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)

• In person events

• Content scheduling (Buffer, Hootsuite, Plann, internal scheduler when offered)