Friday, October 2, 2009

What Are You Reading?

You know the latest gossip. You know about all the sales at the mall. You've read the juicy secrets of celebrity mischief. You can recite who won which award at the VMA's. But the real question is are you up-to-date on "industry" news? Are you well-versed in what's the hottest information in your career field? Do you know which organizations you should join? Are you subscribing to the magazines that tailors the information for your respective industry? Are you reading career-type info at all? If not, you have HOMEWORK!

Read. Read. Read. NO EXCUSES!

What you feed your brain will be a critical element in the type of conversations you have, the depth of knowledge you bring to the table, the extra credit you can score with employers and peers and the potential events you are missing out on.

If you want to be an industry expert, you must dive in and gain knowledge in every aspect. Not only should you be setting up informational chats, asking questions, getting a mentor, befriending peers, etc. but READING is a private affair and something that should ALWAYS be on your to-do list. I am not advocating that everyone has to love reading, but you must find literature that suits your career interests and begin reading today! It is a MUST! In order to elevate your knowledge and push your career forward, you need education NOT just experience! Why not be the best you can be in all buckets?!

READ TODAY! It just may get you that dream job or promotion or internship or opportunity to go to an event or the article just may be informative and interesting!

P.S. FAB has some recommended reading and websites that will help you in your journey! Check out the side bar of the blog! FAB is here for you! Stay FAB and read today!!!

2 comments:

Adrina said...

Besides magazines, do you have any suggestions?

J.Styles said...

YES! My suggestions are: google your topic of interest and see what the web has to offer (you may find relevant websites, blogs, books, magazines and professional organizations that tailor to your needs). In addition, go to the bookstore and library and get help doing a professional search on what literature you should be reading. The first step in becoming an "industry expert" is to pretend to be an "industry expert" and you can do this by reading and speaking their language. After you continue to do this, guess what?! You actually WILL be an industry expert! Good luck and stay FAB!