Take the challenge (and leave your comfort zone)

   

There are millions of "how-to" books available to the organizational freelancer to enhance their skills and take on new assignments. You can learn about Web 2.0 tools, public relations, business strategies by taking training and reading the latest materials. This is also a great way to maintain your role as an expert in your field.

What is your next step once you become the Subject Matter Expert or SME on a topic? It is great being the "go to person" for the same types of projects; however it provides very little opportunity to expand your skill sets.

For example, the Organizational Freelancer takes on every PR & web project available then channels her energy to ensure it is completed with quickness and with deft. Then a technology project came up which focused on more internal and external stakeholder coordination, written products and a little bit of web content. It was unlike any other project the Organizational Freelancer ever worked on. Then it happened.

The Challenge: take on an assignment that is outside your comfort zone.

Why would someone take such a risk? When an Organizational Freelancer takes on a task that is outside the "circle of success" it will help promote professional growth, generate new skills and show others that you have the ability to expand your capabilities beyond your personal interest.