Unlock Endless Opportunities by Mastering Two Essential Skills
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Chapter 1: The Shift in My Life
Before the pandemic hit, I was an adventurous entrepreneur, traveling the globe, acquiring new skills each month, and connecting with remarkable individuals. Those were thrilling times.
However, everything changed when I welcomed my son just as the pandemic began. I found myself grounded in Montreal, feeling isolated, and the only skill I picked up was caring for a newborn (which is no small feat, I assure you).
My healthy habits disappeared, my social life dwindled, and my businesses collapsed.
You might also relate to the significant changes in your life over the past couple of years due to the pandemic.
One major shift for many has been in their professional lives.
Initially, I did everything I could to keep my businesses afloat. Eventually, I took on a few contract roles and then secured a full-time position with one of those companies. I remained in that role until recently.
It turns out, I’m not cut out for being an employee. It's not that I lack competence; rather, after a year at a company, I felt a strong desire for more autonomy. So, I shifted back to part-time work, reducing my hours from 40 to 24 weekly.
This transition, however, came with a substantial drop in income. I knew I needed to find ways to compensate for that loss.
At that moment, I had no potential clients lined up, and my businesses weren’t yet positioned to generate revenue. It was both stressful and exhilarating.
On my first day back to part-time work, I revamped my LinkedIn profile to advertise my services. Simultaneously, I reached out to acquaintances to let them know I was available for new projects. I also participated in a networking event within Montreal’s gaming industry.
Now, it’s Friday, and I’m overwhelmed with opportunities! I’ve received interest in a variety of skills I’ve developed over the years: programming, grant writing, learning experience design, eCommerce, content creation, and much more.
I’m sharing this not out of vanity but to highlight a pattern I’ve noticed among my diverse group of friends—work often finds you.
So, as the title suggests, here are two essential skills that will help work seek you out rather than the other way around:
- Networking
- Learning how to learn
Let’s explore each of these further:
Section 1.1: The Power of Networking
Networking involves exchanging ideas and information among individuals who share similar professions or interests, typically in relaxed social environments.
In essence, engage with a wide array of individuals and be genuinely friendly. Aim to leave a lasting impression.
Sometimes, making an impact doesn’t even require words.
For instance, at the networking event I attended recently, several attendees recognized me from previous interactions. Some had never spoken to me, yet they remembered me due to my distinctive appearance. I, too, recognized a few people for the same reason.
During this event, there was an announcement about a fascinating fund aimed at supporting independent game developers in Quebec. Sensing the interests in the room, I realized that while everyone was eager to apply, very few possessed the writing skills needed, especially for grant applications.
So, I approached attendees to see if they’d be interested in my services for grant writing in exchange for a percentage of the funding. The response was overwhelmingly positive; I could have easily secured over 50 grant writing projects that night!
Moreover, thanks to the professional connections I cultivated on LinkedIn, I was approached for multiple services I offered. Some discussions led to programming opportunities, while others opened doors in learning experience design.
Three of my friends expressed interest in collaborating with me. One of these partnerships involves launching a media company for artists. Another friend and I are applying for blockchain grants for smaller projects, while with a third friend, we may develop a course on game prototyping (covering design and programming).
In summary, the more people who are aware of your skill set, the more opportunities will come your way. In today’s world, who you know can often outweigh what you know. However, having valuable knowledge undoubtedly enhances your prospects.
Section 1.2: The Art of Learning How to Learn
“Learning how to learn” refers to the capability to pursue and persist in acquiring knowledge, organizing your learning process effectively, and managing time and information both individually and collaboratively.
I’ve extensively covered the topic of learning how to learn in previous writings, even penning a book on the subject (which is yet to be published).
This skill offers countless benefits, including:
- Discovering ways to apply your knowledge
- Boosting your confidence
- Uncovering hidden talents
- Becoming more engaging and open-minded
- Cultivating resilience through failure (which is a positive trait)
- Expanding your earning potential
- Enhancing creativity
- Accelerating your learning process
The last point is crucial. The quicker you learn, the more you’ll know and be capable of achieving. This leads to greater opportunities in both life and business.
You’ll forge deeper connections with others, which will lead you to the right opportunities.
Since I mastered the art of learning, I no longer shy away from challenging skills. For example, I’m a metalhead who successfully learned to salsa dance! It wasn't an easy task, but with the right learning strategies, I managed to do it.
If I can conquer salsa dancing as a logical thinker, what’s stopping me from picking up digital marketing, sales, or graphic design—skills that are in high demand?
The possibilities are limitless when you truly know how to learn.
Conclusion
When combined, these two skills create a superpower and a significant advantage in a world teeming with opportunities, yet lacking readily available skills.
Your network will facilitate your success because they trust your capabilities. They recognize that even if you haven’t yet mastered something, you’ve proven your ability to learn faster than most.
I’m not suggesting these skills are easy to acquire; they require years of dedication. Nevertheless, they are among the best investments of time you can make in your life.
So, when is the best time to begin?
Yesterday. So get started!
You’ve got this!
— Danny