Don't Overlook This Investment

I spent part of last week in Miami for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) annual Women's Business Conference. I had great opportunities to network and meet some amazing women business owners. But I have to admit, my real reason for going was it's location: Miami. I always enjoy south Florida and knew I could add a few days in my favorite place - Key West - to the back end of the trip.

So off I went, looking for the warmth of the sun before New Jersey's cooler seasons set in.

Well, WOW. What a great conference. Best investment in myself I've had all year! Lot's of takeaways - and several epiphanies- but one in particular I wanted to share.

It's as important to work on yourself as it is to work on your business.

This can apply whether you work for yourself or others. All too often we get caught up in our to-do lists, our concrete business activities that we forget that the biggest component of any job is our ability to interact with others. This is particularly important to those of us in the sales and service field. We give away so much of our energy, we present so many different faces as needed that we can forgot who we are.

We need to make a habit of setting aside the time perhaps once a month and just review our own personal growth. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What skill sets do you still need to develop? 
• Have you forgotten ones you used to have? 
• Who are you at work as opposed to at home? 
• Are you happy with the results you are getting at work?

In order to facilitate this process, you might want to keep a journal. I know people who swear by them. You might also seek out books to help aid in your thinking process. Take a webinar or attend a conference as I did. Whatever you do, don't overlook this investment. You must invest in yourself in order to be successful.