Hosted Desktops and Continuous Personal Development

Working from home usually involves operating alone, which means that you're not picking up extra insight and knowledge the way you usually would whilst in the office.

However, it doesn't have to be a case of your continuous personal development being put on hold - quite the opposite in fact. Thanks to there being so many ways to connect with people online, working from home actually offers you the chance to enhance your skills more than ever before.

The trick is to be open to lifelong learning, seek out a range of educational opportunities and make the most of what the digital world has to offer.

Training courses and webinars

There have always been plenty of digital training courses and webinars around but the coronavirus pandemic has inspired a renaissance of online learning.

All you have to do is Google the topic you'd like to learn more about and there's bound to be a course or one-off session coming up very soon.

LinkedIn is a particularly good source for this. Some courses are independently organised by companies and free to attend.

Others may come with a small fee or be part of a wider series. And then there's LinkedIn Learning, which offers a vast library of expert-led courses.

From digital classes in marketing and sales, to leadership, creative practices, SEO, time management, finance, public speaking and every kind of how-to guide you can imagine, it's a goldmine of wisdom and expertise.

Read a chapter every day

There's nothing quite like dipping into a good book, especially when it's one that helps you to become better at what you do for a living.

Business books are an excellent way to learn a little bit more about your chosen subject matter every single day.

You could read a chapter before you start work, during your breaks or after you've clocked off - simply select a time that suits you and keep filling that brain with more know-how whenever you get a chance.

Ask questions

Don't be afraid to show that you need help, as asking questions is a good trait to have.

Obviously you need to find a suitable time, as the person you're asking may be busy, but aside from that it will prove a valuable exchange for both parties.

It could be a case of having a one-to-one with a colleague, asking the question as a poll on LinkedIn, joining a relevant online forum, or simply picking someone's brain whilst having a virtual coffee break with them.

The world's most influential business leaders ask questions every day, so never worry that it will make you come across as inexperienced, clueless or annoying.

Join a networking group

Networking groups and business clubs come in different formats but they all focus on the sharing of valuable knowledge and expertise.

Chances are they'll come with a joining fee or subscription plan, so find one that suits your budget and then ask to attend a session as a guest.

Joining a networking group is of course a great way to gain new business, but you should also take it as an opportunity to grow independently too.

Again, be curious and ask questions, as every extra scrap of information you gain could come in useful at some point.

Take on a mentor

If you really want to take your learning journey to the next level, asking an industry professional to mentor you is a very wise decision.

A mentor will assist with all kinds of things, from helping you to determine your key areas of improvement, to recommending the best way to achieve your goals and grow on a personal level.

A mentor will offer an unbiased opinion, honest feedback, constructive criticism, priceless insight and a fresh perspective, all of which can mean the difference between surviving in your role and truly thriving in your career.

Switch to hosted desktops

Hosted desktops from GoCloud enable you to work from home effectively as often as required. To find out more, get in touch on 01482 751133 or email hello@gocloud.co.uk.