Level Up: Skill-Building Strategies for Today’s Independent Professionals

Continuing to build your knowledge and skills is essential for growing your career as an independent professional and staying relevant in your industry. Working on new technology skills or improving communication skills, for example, can help you stay ahead in an increasingly competitive business world. 

If you’re an independent contractor or small business owner, having strong business development skills and leadership skills can help you attract the clients you want and grow your business.

12 Ways to Improve Your Skills As an Independent Professional

1. Take Professional Development Courses

Professional development courses can help you expand your skill set, learn something new, or even earn academic credit to put towards a degree. Online courses are particularly convenient because they are affordable and flexible.  

Just be careful to do your homework—evaluate instructor bios, read reviews, and check the syllabus carefully before putting down your credit card. You can also find professional development courses through vendor-taught classes, traditional universities, and training institutions. 

2. Access Industry Tools and Resources

The Internet is a limitless source of free information and educational resources. Attend educational webinars, follow the blogs or social media accounts of industry experts, or bookmark and regularly check industry news sites and online forums to stay current on the latest trends.  

If you haven’t already, sign up for news alerts for your inbox (Google Alerts works well) or set up an RSS feed like Feedly.com to easily put all of your industry news in one place. Keep an eye out for webinars focused on communication skills, leadership development goals, or emotional intelligence to further develop your expertise. 

3. Network Online

As an independent contractor, you know how important it is to build and maintain a list of contacts to ensure a steady flow of work. Use LinkedIn to connect with key people at companies you want to work with. Also, use social media to promote your services, network with industry experts, and stay in touch with past and current clients.  

Start by finding which social media site works best for you—connect with fans and followers on Facebook, creatively network and share news on Twitter, or utilize blogging to boost your online credibility, and connect with potential clients. 

4. Attend Industry Events

Industry events offer valuable opportunities to learn about growth and professional development in your industry while helping improve social skills. Local businesses, associations, and professional organizations often host seminars, forums, and workshops where you can connect with experts and gain useful insights.  

These events give you a prime opportunity to exchange ideas and gain fresh perspectives from colleagues, enhancing your teamwork development and collaboration skills. To find relevant events, check social media, Reddit, or community online forums.

5. Continue Your Education or Obtain a Professional Certification

While continuing education and certification programs typically require a more intensive time and financial investment, they can demonstrate your commitment to your field. Mastering new software or earning certifications in areas like leadership skill training or business development skills can boost your income and give you a competitive edge.

6. Learn New Technology

Technology is advancing rapidly, and staying informed about the latest developments is essential for staying competitive. Subscribing to updates from technology providers can help you stay informed about new features and improvements.  

Focus on keeping up with technologies that directly impact your work and those your clients rely on. Also, be sure to explore tools that can enhance your business, such as time and expense tracking software, to further refine your professional skills. 

7. Learn from Others in Your Field

Social media platforms provide thought leaders a space to share valuable information, insights, and advice. Follow industry leaders in your field and those who focus on developing emotional intelligence (EQ), communication skills, or leadership skills.  

Reading their posts can help you grow professionally, while commenting, reacting, and sharing their content builds connections and boosts your visibility.

8. Read Industry White Papers and Case Studies

Want to take your skill development to the next level? Do your research. Leading companies and consulting firms regularly publish white papers and case studies on industry trends.  

Download these resources to stay informed about the latest trends and apply the knowledge to enhance your business skills development. Exploring these resources can provide valuable insights and best practices to refine your skills and stay ahead in your industry.

9. Improve Your Hard and Soft Skills

Self-assessment is an important part of professional development. Evaluating your hard and soft skills and identifying areas to improve can help you grow.  

Self-assessment plays a key role in professional development. Evaluating your hard skills and soft skills helps pinpoint areas for improvement and guides your growth journey. 

Tools like the CliftonStrengths Assessment can help measure your natural ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, providing insights into how you can build skills like teamwork development, emotional intelligence, and leadership.

10. Develop Your Expertise

It’s easy to settle into routine once your business is thriving. However, market demands often change, and companies seek specific skills to stay competitive. Reviewing job descriptions from companies you work with or want to work for can help you identify new skills worth developing.

For example, consider refining your leadership development goals or focusing on building leadership skills, communication skills, or emotional intelligence through ongoing education. 

11. Create a Professional Development Plan

Once you’ve decided how to develop your skills and knowledge, create an action plan with realistic goals. Collaborate with others, learn from their experiences, and include a variety of tasks to avoid focusing too much on one area.  

Staying current in your field shows clients you are informed and committed to personal growth. An organized professional development plan will help you focus on improving specific areas that are relevant to your business.

12. Participate in Mentorship Programs

Engaging and participating in mentorship programs can offer valuable opportunities to learn from others’ experiences, gain different perspectives, and receive constructive feedback. Whether you’re the mentor or the mentee, participating in a mentorship program provides invaluable insights and allows for the development of necessary skills. 

Additional Support and Resources for Independent Contractors

If you need further support as an independent contractor, MBO’s blog offers valuable information on contracts, finance, taxes, technology, and more. These tools and resources are designed to help you build a successful career in your chosen field. Check out MBO’s blog for expert advice and insights to guide you along the way.