When we repair or make our own items there are obvious benefits in terms of money saved. However, there are also many hidden benefits such as transferable skills, inspiring your children to try projects, and self-reliance that makes you less inclined to panic when things do go wrong.
Not everyone can be the brainiest student in the class, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make something of yourself in the working world. Dilbert creator Scott Adams argues that by combining your skills, you can become pretty valuable to businesses.
Marketing wizard Seth Godin notes that the recession has caused an excess of work for many, while for others it’s created an abundance of slack time. If you’re experiencing the latter, it’s time to take advantage.Godin suggests using the extra time by either boosting your skills or reputation in your field. For example:
Earn a following and reputation. Use social networking tools to connect to people for no good reason. Post tons of useful answers on discussion boards where your expertise is valued. Build a permission asset in the form of an email newsletter or a fascinating blog that people want to read. Do resume makeovers for 100 friends. Start a neighbourhood or industry book group. Don’t go to conventions, earn the right to speak at them.
It can be tough to focus your energy on that extra work at first, but if you’re facing a lot of slack time at work, just consider it part of your job. Are you using your slack time (or just plain old after-work spare time) to build your skills or reputation right now? Let’s hear what approach you’ve taken in the comments. Photo by el asso wipo.
Slack [Seth's Blog]
