I know it can be difficult to schedule any input when your freelance life is about doing so much for other people…but that’s why Skill Development Month is so important. This month is one of only two months in the Growth Loop where we focus on what we put into ourselves as freelancers, which is where we build freelancer confidence.

I chose each of those for a specific reason…

This is a book that hits at the core reason businesses work with me. I’m a writer, but quite a few of my clients aren’t sure how to best use my writing to achieve their business goals. This book helps me to get them better results, and is a big help in having competent conversations with them, which all helps justify my higher rates and additional services.

This is pretty new to me, but it’s all about content creation and sends out some strong advice on using content in effective ways. Also, Skyword is a pretty good place to find work (if you’re willing to wait to be chosen), so keeping them top of mind  and staying on top of their organization is always good. Beyond all that, anything I learn here, I can use for developing my own site and content.

This one keeps me in touch with my industry…specifically the competition my clients face. It also keeps a steady flow of businesses who are in my target stage (healthcare companies looking to grow and just getting online) so I end up with a LOT of leads, as well as news on who just got a bunch of venture capital.

If you haven’t already, pick three in your industry and concentrate on them over the long term. Keep a mix of something to build your skill as well as your industry awareness and you’ll notice your expertise and confidence build before you know it.