Technology is changing every second of every day. Years ago, people would have laughed at the ideas of Facebook and Twitter… which are now taking the industry by storm. What does this mean? The internet is subject to rapid change. How does this affect you? You need to know how to adjust.

The more people limit themselves to one area of expertise, the more risk they’re taking. New technologies are consistently being replaced by newer technologies… so, how can you ensure you’ll be around with them?

Education.

The modern education model has changed today. College degrees are important, yes… but with so many people walking around with degrees in their back pocket, it’s important that you take your education to the next level and pursue knowledge on your own. Old-school tactics like driving to the library and reading a book are still applicable today – along with some newer methods. Take a few hours to search out some blogs that really focus on YOU and providing YOU the resources and knowledge you need to enhance your abilities. Schedule a block of time each week (preferably each day) to scan through these blogs and read articles, engage in tutorials, and watch screencasts. Read manuals, try things on your own… get out of your comfort zone. Pursue new technologies like your career depends on it. The truth is, it does.

Experience.

Millions of people are subscribed to various how-to sites. The average subscriber signs in, finds something of interest, and then skims through the article to SEE how to perform that task… but they don’t UNDERSTAND how. Why? They didn’t really engage. It’s important to follow along as you read. Open your IDE and type each line of code yourself or launch PhotoShop and design each aspect yourself… get involved. Practice is experience, speed-reading is not. I strongly believe these tutorials and how-to’s (found all over the internet) are the best business investment you can make. Best of all, they’re free. We’ll be sure to post a list of these educational websites for you soon.

Maintain a Global View.

Think BIG. Think on your own. Listen to other people think. It’s crucial that freelancers maintain a global view and never think small. Those who focus on one area of expertise are eventually replaced. Keep tabs on some of the larger companies… try to understand and think about “what’s next” and prepare for it. I’m pretty sure all of us would rather ride the wave of a new technology than get washed ashore.

Ready, set, GO!

Being a freelancer and consultant, I see my friends and colleagues limiting their view of technology to a single source, technology stack, business practice, or methodology. In doing so, they leave themselves no room to expand and they offer no versatility. Specialist are comfortable. Comfort breeds complacency. Complacency sucks. Go learn, and expand your future!

More Articles

Contracts: Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Just Thinking: SEO or S-E-SHMO? The Blind Leading The Blind.

In The News: Apple Changing Adverts

FREEBIE: Colorful Twitter Background

Magento: 11 Reasons Why It’s Awesome

Freelancer’s Toolbox: 5 Great Apps For Freelancers

RocketLance: Another Job Board… Seriously?

Outsourcing: Time To Work Smarter