Get Smart About Your Business
In my day job, I spend a lot of time with professionals of all ages, both in the office and through the work I do in alumni career development. And one thing I say over and over again is that, no matter how long you plan to stay where you are, you need to get smart about your business.
What do I mean by that? I work in higher education, so it’s my responsibility to get as smart as I possibly can on the issues and trends affecting the industry of higher education and my institution in particular. If you work in marketing, medicine, finance, or any other industry, you should do the same. In fact, I think a great litmus test of whether you want to move into an industry is to ask yourself: am I curious enough about this work that I would want to study and learn all there is to know about it? If not, that’s probably not a great place for you.
And yet, I'm constantly astounded by people’s lack of curiosity about their work. There have been a lot of major moves in higher education over the past few years, from the dismantling of DEI to the impact of AI to the complete overhaul of college athletics and more. Currently there is a big move toward 3-year degrees. Will it take hold? Who knows. But if it does, it will completely disrupt the work and business of higher education at all levels. It's baffling to me when I mention these things to people who work in higher education and they have no idea what I’m talking about. All that tells me is they don’t care about their work.
In this day and age, research isn’t hard. Finding information isn’t hard. There is no excuse for not knowing what is happening to the thing you profess to care about.
I feel the same way about this writing journey I’m on. A week or so ago I attended the North Carolina Writer’s Network spring conference. It’s a terrific day of learning and networking that I try to participate in every year. I had the chance to sit in on sessions led by two different agents, one on editing and thinking like an agent, and the other more on the business of the publishing world. Additionally I got to participate in a 1-page live feedback session which was both terrifying and illuminating.
Certainly, there are people of all experience levels who attend these events. And, not everyone can afford to. But I’m always struck by those who clearly have done zero homework on how publishing works, how books get made, or the resources readily available to them. Why don’t they know what Manuscript Wish List is, the abundant knowledge provided by The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast, the fee-based resources available through Manuscript Academy and other places? These are simple internet searches regarding the business and process of writing anyone can do.
We no longer live in a world where you can just show up and expect to get promoted, supported, and mentored. The individual has to take responsibility for his or her work and career path. Yes, we all need other people to be successful. But the responsibility falls on you to build those relationships, to show up for and with other people so they will show up for and with you.
So this week, I challenge you:
What is one thing you don’t know about your industry, organization, or work?
What is one step you can take to get smarter about whatever that is?
You may not be in the industry, organization, or role you inhabit now, forever. But in this world of change and disruption one thing is certain: a bias toward curiosity and lifelong learning is one of the most important skill sets you must cultivate to be successful. You have to care and get curious about the things you say matter to you. You have to get smart on your business, if you want to be successful, no matter the industry or journey you are on.