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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 ChatGPT Prompts That Will Help You Work Smarter And Think Faster
10 ChatGPT Prompts That Will Help You Work Smarter And Think Faster More than 800 million people are using ChatGPT each week, and one in five people use it for work, but most are barely tapping into what it can actually do. I hear people say they use it to summarize articles or write emails faster, and that's fine. But I've found that the real benefit comes when you use prompts to help you think. Not to replace your thinking, but to sharpen it, organize it, or speed it up when your brain is already juggling too much. It's easy to underestimate how much mental space gets wasted just preparing for a meeting. That's where prompts come in. They give you structure without slowing you down. I've been collecting the kinds of prompts that help with focus. Some of these might sound simple, but when you're in the middle of a busy day, a good prompt can be the difference between momentum and burnout. I'll share a few I've used and why they work. Prompt: Help Me Prioritize These 10 Tasks Based On Impact, Deadline, And Visibility To Key ... More Stakeholders I have never loved Gantt charts. I'm sure they work wonderfully for project managers, but for many people like me, they can seem overwhelming. That is why this is such a great prompt. This one is great when your list feels never-ending and every task looks urgent. Instead of spending energy figuring out what to do first, you paste in your list and let the system help you rank it. I've found this especially helpful during weeks where everything feels like it is due yesterday. It helps me see what really matters based on who's watching, what's due right now, and what will move the needle. Prompt: Turn This Idea Into Three Talking Points I Can Use In A Meeting Part of developing our curiosity is to create interesting conversations that allow others to explore ideas they hadn't considered. This prompt helps create interesting directions to take a meeting. You might have pages of notes or a vague idea you want to bring to a meeting, but it's not clear how to frame it. This prompt gives you three focused bullets you can actually say out loud. It forces clarity. If you tend to ramble or over-explain under pressure, this gives you something solid to lean on. Prompt: What Are The Most Common Assumptions People Make About This Topic, And Which Ones Should I ... More Question? Part of my research regarding curiosity found that one of the things that inhibits it is the assumptions we make. But, how do you know what people assume? This is a prompt I use when something feels stuck or when I'm about to launch something new. It pushes you to look at how you're thinking and what others might be thinking. I've used this when creating new courses, writing articles, and advising teams. It brings to the surface the things you're assuming are true but haven't really examined. Prompt: Design A 30-Minute Team Workshop That Builds Psychological Safety Another factor I found that inhibits curiosity is fear. You don't need to run a full-day offsite to help people feel more comfortable speaking up. This prompt gives you a short, focused plan that includes a script, one simple activity, and a few questions to close it out. I've shared this with people who want to create trust but don't have time or budget for formal training. It works especially well when a new team is forming or after something disruptive has happened. Prompt: Summarize The Pros And Cons Of These Three Strategic Options So I Can Present Them Clearly ... More To My Team With so much data available, I run into a lot of people who tell me they are burned out with data overload. It can be overwhelming at times to decipher what things mean and which options are best. When you're deciding between options, this prompt helps you frame the choice cleanly. You enter the three directions you're considering, and it returns a summary you can use to brief others or make the call yourself. This has helped me organize everything from writing projects to consulting proposals. It cuts down on second-guessing and speeds up alignment. Remember that AI can't know all factors affecting decisions, so it helps to continue to dive down more deeply with what impacts the options and use critical thinking to evaluate any option AI provides. Prompt: Create A Personal Learning Plan Based On These Three Areas I Want To Improve There's so much content out there that people often get stuck before they start. Often we don't know what we don't know, and ChatGPT can point out some of those things. I like this prompt because it turns general goals into a plan you can actually use. You name the three things you want to get better at, and it gives you recommendations that might include articles, habits, or quick wins. It's a good way to add structure to personal development without over-committing. Prompt: Rewrite This Feedback Message So It Is Constructive And Motivating I tend to write quickly and forget the niceties. This one is very helpful to me. I've used this prompt when I was about to send a message and wanted to make sure it wouldn't land wrong. You paste in what you've written, and it sends back a version that's clear, firm, and respectful. It keeps the message direct but avoids coming across as critical or unclear. This works especially well for feedback conversations where you want the other person to leave feeling capable, not discouraged. Prompt: Create A Weekly Schedule That Includes Deep Work And Collaboration Time If you ever feel like your week is full but nothing important is getting done, this one helps reset your calendar. You enter your general availability, and it gives you a layout that protects space for uninterrupted work while still allowing time for collaboration. It's helped me block time for writing, prep, or quiet thinking during seasons where meetings tend to take over. Prompt: Give Me A Framework To Review Why This Project Failed And What To Do Next I like this one a lot because some of the best lessons come from failure. After a setback, it's tempting to either move on too fast or spend too long dissecting what went wrong. This prompt gives you a middle ground. It offers a structure that's focused on learning and future steps. I've used this when something didn't go the way I expected, and it helped me see what to change next time without going in circles. Prompt: Suggest Five Behavior Nudges That Reinforce A Mission In Everyday Work Mission statements sound good, but the real test is whether anyone can see them in action. The same is true of codes of ethics. Enron had a great one, on paper, but if we don't practice what we preach, what good are these statements. This prompt takes your company's mission and returns small behavioral cues you can integrate into meetings, communication, or recognition. I've used this to advise leaders who want their teams to live the mission instead of just repeating it. These nudges make it easier to create consistency without forcing anything. Why These Prompts Work Each of these prompts has helped me or someone I've worked with make progress faster. They reduce the pressure of trying to think through everything on your own. They also support better conversations, stronger priorities, and clearer decisions. You might not use all ten. You just need the right one at the right time. Don't forget that ChatGPT likes to tell you how smart you are or how great your decision is, and sometimes you are not so smart and your decision is not so wonderful. These prompts give you insight, but remember they are not always perfect. Try them. But, use common sense to ensure you use them wisely.
Entrepreneur
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Entrepreneur
50 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder
As a longtime Paul Simon fan, I'm thrilled he's hitting the road again after his farewell tour in 2018. Recently, I've been listening to his songs on heavy rotation, and... This story originally appeared on Calendar As a longtime Paul Simon fan, I'm thrilled he's hitting the road again after his farewell tour in 2018. Recently, I've been listening to his songs on heavy rotation, and inspiration struck while singing '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.' Sure, you don't have to 'slip out the back, Jack' or 'hop on the bus, Gus'. But it may be time to try something new if you find yourself overworked, overwhelmed, or stuck in a productivity rut. In particular, when you work smarter, you focus on what matters, use your time efficiently, and get results without burning out. Whether you're a freelancer, manager, entrepreneur, or office warrior, these 50 strategies will help you work more clearly, reduce stress, and even find a little more groove. Mindset Shifts 1. Prioritize outcomes over hours. Rather than logging hours, focus on delivering measurable results. As a result, time and resources are effectively allocated to meet organizational goals, which encourages efficiency, accountability, and a results-driven mindset. 2. Ditch the perfectionism. Remember, done is better than perfect. Of course, this is easier said than done. Setting clear deadlines will help you avoid overanalyzing and overworking. Additionally, break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid overwhelm and promote steady progress. Also, practice self-compassion by accepting mistakes as part of the learning process. 3. Embrace a growth mindset. The first step toward cultivating a growth mindset is to view challenges as opportunities for learning. Invite feedback from peers and mentors to improve your skills and gain new perspectives. Moreover, celebrate small victories and progress to reinforce that effort and perseverance lead to success. 4. Start with why. Knowing the underlying purpose of your actions can help you determine which choices align with your long-term goals. As a result of this clarity, you can prioritize tasks and make decisions that contribute meaningfully to your objectives instead of wasting time on less important tasks. Decision-making becomes more intentional and strategic, leading to more effective and satisfying results. 5. Say no more often. When you say yes to something unimportant, you say no to something essential. Say no tactfully, and express gratitude for the opportunity or request before declining. Communicate your current priorities and constraints preventing you from performing new duties. Also, offer alternatives or suggest someone better suited for the job, demonstrating your willingness to help while maintaining boundaries. Daily Habits That Matter 6. Plan your day the night before. Don't let decision fatigue hold you back—get started right away. How? Consider creating a to-do list with prioritized tasks to keep you focused on the most important tasks. For effective time management, you can set specific times for each task. This approach can streamline your morning routine and boost your productivity. 7. Tackle your most challenging task first. In the morning, eat your 'frog' — thanks, Brian Tracy. In other words, the most challenging task should be completed at the start of your day to harness your peak energy and focus. Doing so can reduce stress and create a sense of accomplishment early in the day, setting the tone for the rest of the day. It also releases mental space, enabling you to tackle subsequent tasks more confidently and easily. 8. Use a shutdown routine. You should end your day intentionally to reduce mental clutter. For example, you might want to take 15 minutes at the end of the day to reflect and plan for the day ahead. You should also turn off notifications and organize your workspace for the following morning to minimize distractions. Lastly, take a moment to reflect on your day, express gratitude, and mentally transition from work to personal time. 9. Take regular breaks. Your brain needs breaks to stay sharp. Therefore, include physical, mental, and social breaks in your routine. If you need a physical break, you might like to take a walk or stretch. Meditation or listening to music can be effective mental breaks, while chatting with a coworker or calling a friend can be effective social breaks. 10. Hydrate. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining optimal cognitive function and energy levels throughout the day. Staying well hydrated improves concentration, memory, and mood, which are essential for staying focused and productive. Moreover, drinking enough water can prevent fatigue and headaches, ensuring you remain alert and ready to tackle your tasks. Time Management Tips 11. Use time blocks. Whenever possible, group similar tasks together and schedule their own time blocks. This approach reduces distractions and increases focus by allowing you to focus on one task at a time. Additionally, it reduces decision fatigue since you don't have to decide what to work on next constantly. With time, you'll be able to improve your productivity and use your time more efficiently. 12. Track your time for a week. You can't improve what you don't measure. First, use a time tracking tool or app to keep track of your daily activities. Track each task you perform and the time you spend doing it to spot patterns and areas where you may be wasting time. After reviewing your weekly log, make adjustments to optimize your schedule and identify opportunities for improvement. 13. Set deadlines — even if they're fake. In addition to motivating you to complete tasks more efficiently, deadlines give you a sense of urgency. Moreover, they help prioritize tasks, ensuring that important tasks are handled promptly. Additionally, deadlines encourage you to stay committed and meet your goals within a specified period, enhancing accountability. 14. Limit your to-do list to 3–5 key items. If you limit your to-do list to a few key items, you won't feel overwhelmed by an endless list of tasks. With this approach, you can concentrate on activities with the greatest impact, ultimately leading to greater progress and accomplishment. Additionally, a shorter list increases overall efficiency and reduces the stress associated with multitasking. 15. Use a digital or paper planner that actually works for you. When choosing a planner, ensure it suits your personal preferences and organizational style. After all, a planner aligning with your unique needs will be more engaging and likely to stick with you over time. Through personalization, the planner becomes more than just a tool but a companion in managing your time effectively. Email & Communication Hacks 16. Set email checking times. Regularly checking your email can reduce distractions and improve focus, allowing you to devote uninterrupted time to important tasks. By preventing the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed by incoming messages, this practice can also help manage stress. Additionally, it will make handling emails more efficient, as you'll deal with them in batches instead of individually. 17. Use canned responses. With canned responses, you can quickly reply to common inquiries without having to draft a new response each time. They ensure consistent messaging, which is particularly important for maintaining a professional tone throughout communications. Furthermore, you can focus more on other tasks by streamlining your email process. 18. Turn off unnecessary notifications. The enemy of deep work is distraction. Thankfully, you can identify unnecessary notifications by determining which alerts are truly essential for your daily tasks. Consider whether each notification is relevant to your priorities or merely interrupts your work. Overall, disabling non-critical alerts will help you maintain focus and improve productivity. 19. Get to the point in messages. Do you want to respect others' and your own time? Clear and concise messaging allows you to communicate your key points more effectively. As a result, misunderstandings and lengthy back-and-forth exchanges are reduced. Both you and your recipients can save valuable time by getting to the point quickly. 20. Use 'Do Not Disturb' mode liberally. You aren't obligated to give anyone 24/7 access. So, to ensure uninterrupted focus, configure 'Do Not Disturb' mode to be active at specific times of the day. Establish clear expectations for response times outside of these hours and communicate them to your team. You can customize your settings to accept priority notifications from key contacts or urgent matters so you won't miss crucial updates. Task & Project Management 21. Use the Eisenhower Matrix. According to the Eisenhower Matrix, tasks can be classified into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor essential. As a result of categorizing tasks in this way, you can focus on what matters, delegate or schedule less critical tasks, and eliminate time-wasting activities. Using this method will make you more productive and ensure that the tasks you are working on align with your goals. 22. Break big projects into micro-tasks. Effective micro-tasks can be created by breaking down a large project into its core components. However, the key is to determine specific, actionable steps that can be completed in a short period of time, ensuring that each is clear and manageable. By taking this approach, you not only make the project seem less overwhelming, but you also track your progress and boost your motivation as you complete each task. 23. Delegate more. Whenever possible, let someone else handle a task instead of you. You could, for example, delegate tasks that are time-consuming or out of your primary area of expertise. Additionally, delegating responsibilities allows team members to gain new skills and experiences and grow as a team. Lastly, choose tasks that do not require your input or decision-making, allowing you to devote your time to more strategic activities. 24. Batch recurring tasks. Group similar tasks together and crush them all in one go. Emails, billing, and scheduling meetings are routine administrative tasks suitable for batching. Moreover, writing blog posts or updating social media can be batched to maximize creative flow. As a result, you minimize context switching and increase your efficiency. 25. Keep a master task list. Put your thoughts on paper (or the screen). As new tasks arise, review your master task list and add them as needed, ensuring nothing gets missed. You should prioritize items according to their urgency and importance to know what needs attention first. In addition, mark off completed tasks to keep track of your progress. Focus Boosters 26. Work in sprints. With a 90-minute deep work session, you lose yourself completely in a task without distractions, allowing yourself to experience flow. This extended period of focus increases your ability to solve complex problems and produce high-quality work. Dedicating uninterrupted time to deep work maximizes your brain resources and boosts your productivity significantly. 27. Use noise-canceling headphones or focus music. Using focus music, or silence, can help drown out ambient noise and enhance concentration by creating a consistent auditory environment. It can also help you stay calm and focused by reducing stress and anxiety. Certain types of focus music also improve cognitive function and aid memory. 28. Clean your workspace. When a space is tidy, distractions are reduced. As such, spend a few minutes decluttering and organizing your workspace at the end of every day. Use trays, folders, and drawers to keep items neatly organized and easily accessible. Also, to prevent unnecessary accumulation of office supplies, follow the 'one in, one out' rule. 29. Single-task, don't multitask. In the words of Gary Keller, 'You can do two things at once, but you can't focus effectively on two things at once.' Therefore, to cut back on multitasking, identify the most critical task and concentrate solely on that until it has been completed. To ensure you give each task your full attention, set timers or apps to allocate dedicated blocks of time. You can also train to avoid switching tasks by turning off notifications and setting boundaries with colleagues during your focus periods. 30. Try 'temptation bundling.' In addition to increasing productivity, temptation bundling makes less desirable tasks more enjoyable. Adding something you love to your task, such as listening to your favorite podcast, creates a positive association and energizes you to finish both. By taking this approach, you will overcome procrastination and make chores less burdensome, leading to more consistent and efficient work habits. Smarter Meetings 31. Decline meetings that don't have a clear agenda. Don't bother with a meeting if it isn't purposeful. Specifically, think about whether the meeting will provide valuable information or help you achieve specific goals. If your presence in the meeting is essential for decision-making, or if you could summarize it in an email, decide if you are required to attend. Also, participate in meetings where your input is required or critical updates will be shared. 32. Keep meetings short. Keeping meetings short keeps participants focused and engaged throughout the discussion. They also minimize time away from other important tasks, increasing productivity. Shorter meetings facilitate concise communication and more efficient decision-making. According to studies, the average person's attention span begins to wane after 10-15 minutes of concentrated activity and drops significantly after 30 minutes. For this reason, productivity experts recommend keeping most meetings within 15-30 minutes whenever possible. 33. Send a summary instead of holding a meeting. As a result of asynchronous communication, team members can review information at their own pace and convenience, which leads to better comprehension and retention. In addition, it reduces the likelihood of scheduling conflicts and allows everyone to make thoughtful contributions without the pressure of real-time interaction. With the help of tools like email and collaborative platforms, teams can streamline communication, leading to greater productivity and flexibility. 34. Use stand-up meetings for quick check-ins. In agile environments, stand-up meetings are critical for aligning and informing teams. Often held daily, these brief meetings allow team members to discuss updates, address obstacles, and plan next steps. As a result of regular communication, stand-up meetings keep projects on track and team members agile enough to adapt as priorities change. 35. End every meeting with next steps and owners. After a meeting, assigning clear action items helps foster accountability and prevent tasks from getting lost. It also streamlines project progress, since team members can focus on their tasks immediately with clear expectations and deadlines. In addition, this practice enhances team collaboration, since individuals can see how their contributions contribute to the overall goal. Technology to the Rescue 36. Automate recurring tasks. Automation allows repetitive tasks to be completed much faster and with less effort. Individuals and teams can become more efficient and innovative by focusing on strategic and creative work. Furthermore, automation minimizes the risk of human error, resulting in more accurate and consistent results. 37. Use a password manager. With password managers, you can store and encrypt all your passwords, allowing you to log in easily without remembering multiple passwords. Additionally, they generate strong, unique passwords for each account, enhancing security. By remembering just one master password, users can simplify their online experience and reduce the risk of getting locked out. 38. Declutter your desktop. As mentioned above, regular decluttering can significantly boost productivity by maintaining a clear and organized workspace. Individuals can focus more effectively on their tasks by removing unnecessary items and files. Furthermore, an organized environment reduces stress and makes it easier to locate important documents. 39. Unsubscribe ruthlessly. Unsubscribing from unnecessary emails will significantly reduce distractions in your inboxes. As a result, you can focus on important messages and respond more quickly. Additionally, managing email subscriptions with tools like or SaneBox reduces stress and improves productivity by decluttering digital space. 40. Use calendar booking tools. By allowing others to view your availability and book meetings at convenient times, calendar apps, like Calendar, simplify the scheduling process. As a result, everyone involved doesn't have to deal with lengthy email exchanges to coordinate schedules. With these tools, you can manage appointments efficiently and reduce scheduling conflicts, thus improving overall time management and the efficiency of your daily tasks. Enrgy & Wellness 41. Sleep like it's your job. As a result of a good night's sleep, memory consolidation, problem-solving skills, and creativity are enhanced. Conversely, lack of sleep impairs attention, decision-making, and reaction times. Overall, when you prioritize sleep, your brain will function at its best. 42. Move your body daily. Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, strength, and mental well-being and boost clarity. It also enhances mood and energy by reducing stress and anxiety. Moreover, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, allowing you to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. 43. Eat for focus. A healthy diet rich in nutrients is important for brain function and mental clarity. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can improve cognitive performance and protect the brain from oxidative damage. Eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can prevent the mental fatigue associated with sugar crashes. 44. Create tech-free zones — especially before bed. Tech-free zones can significantly improve focus and concentration by minimizing distractions from devices. When you're not distracted by notifications or screen time, you can focus more on tasks and become more present. Furthermore, this practice encourages mindfulness, allowing the brain to rest and recharge, enhancing mental clarity and productivity. 45. Practice mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing, stress levels can be reduced, resulting in a feeling of calm and relaxation. Regular mindfulness practice enhances self-awareness and emotional regulation, which leads to improved decision-making and interpersonal relationships. Moreover, mindfulness can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day by improving your attention span and concentration. Long-Term Thinking 46. Reflect weekly. A weekly reflection will allow you to evaluate your progress and identify areas for improvement. This allows continuous professional and personal growth by celebrating successes and learning from setbacks. As you evaluate your actions and strategies, you can make informed adjustments to align with your long-term goals. 47. Keep learning. Lifelong learning allows us to stay curious and adaptable, nurturing a sense of curiosity and commitment. In an ever-evolving job market, individuals can stay competitive by continuously learning new skills and knowledge. Moreover, lifelong learning can enhance personal and professional development by providing new opportunities and experiences. 48. Build systems, not just habits. Habits provide the foundation for establishing routines, but systems provide a structure supporting long-term success. Systems ensure continuous progress, even when motivation wanes, as they accommodate changes and challenges. On the other hand, habits require repetition and consistency, but systems can accommodate changes and challenges. Individuals need to create effective systems to increase sustainability and adapt to new circumstances. 49. Create a 'not-to-do' list. A 'not-to-do' list will help you identify and eliminate unproductive activities. After all, the more carefully you define what you should avoid, the easier it will be to stay on top of your priorities and avoid distractions. Using this approach improves your efficiency, so you can devote more time to tasks that matter. 50. Invest in relationships. Working together can result in innovative solutions and better outcomes, as we can share diverse perspectives and ideas. Additionally, collaborative efforts distribute workload, making managing complex tasks and meeting deadlines easier. Furthermore, collaborative relationships foster a supportive environment where team members motivate and encourage one another, enhancing productivity. Final Thoughts Obviously, this isn't what Paul Simon was going for. Nevertheless, there are over 50 ways to work wiser, reduce stress, and improve flow. The ability to work smarter is a mindset, a habit, and a skill. Like any good song, mastering the rhythm takes some practice. Will you try any of these strategies this week? Start with one or two. After all, smarter work isn't about overhauling your entire life overnight. All you need to do is make consistent, thoughtful improvements to make everything you do more effective and sustainable. FAQs What does 'working smarter, not harder' actually mean? The goal is to accomplish tasks efficiently, effectively, and strategically with as little effort, time, and wasted energy as possible. The key is optimizing your methods instead of just working harder. Who can benefit from learning to work smarter? Everyone! If you are a student, a professional, a freelancer, a stay-at-home parent, or anyone else with tasks to complete, adopting smarter work habits can increase productivity, reduce stress, and free up time. Why is working smarter important in today's world? Our fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming environment can lead to burnout and diminishing returns by simply working harder. By working smarter, we can navigate complexity, prioritize effectively, and achieve more sustainable success. Is there a one-size-fits-all approach to working smarter? Short answer? No. The specific strategies will vary depending on the task, the industry, and the individual's role. However, they are generally applicable to the underlying principles. What if I try these strategies and they don't seem to work for me? You should experiment with different methods and tools until you find what best fits your personality, work style, and tasks. It is also important to be patient and willing to adapt. The process of learning and refining how to work smarter is ongoing. Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadi; Pexels The post 50 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder appeared first on Calendar.
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To 10x Your Income In 2025 Without Working More Hours
To make more money in 2025, multiply your value, not your hours getty We've all heard the oft-repeated advice, 'Work smarter, not harder.' But when you're desperately trying to make extra money to cover the exacerbated costs of living, especially with skyrocketing interest and mortgage rates, tariffs, and overwhelming student debt, resorting to panic, survival-mode and working harder for insanely longer hours seems to be your only alternative. Or is it? You're probably tired of hearing about passive income ideas to help you earn money while you sleep. The fact is, while those are helpful, there's another strategy that is far more effective than mere passive income streams like affiliate marketing, creating a course, releasing an e-book, or content creation. This strategy works on the principle of multiplying your value, as opposed to multiplying your hours. It's called skill-stacking, and it's been recommended by experts more recently. I spoke with Coursera executive and managing director Nikolaz Foucaud, who shared what he believes will easily get you into the top 1% of in-demand, highly paid professionals in 2025: "If you want to be at the top 1% of any one skill, that's obviously very hard, because that's where it gets really competitive. But if you choose a combination of two skills and then you want to be in the top 1% for that combination of two skills? Well, mathematically, all you need to do is top 10% and top 10% and then you're in the top 1% for the combination of the two, right? 'And then if you build on three, four, or five skills and instead of studying four or five years, you study for four months or maybe four weeks then you get to the top 50% in data science (for example). But then suddenly you're the top 1% for that combination,' Foucaud explained. Foucaud went on to describe the three types of skills that need to be layered: Industry knowledge (subject matter or domain expertise) Technical skills Human skills, also known as power skills (previously referred to as soft skills) As an example of each, he says you could ask yourself, Am I learning data science? Am I learning collaboration? Am I learning health, transportation, or the automotive industry? Foucaud was also keen to highlight that practice is key when it comes to learning any skill. 'One of the world champions in javelin learned his sport on YouTube, which is incredible. But obviously not just watching YouTube,' he said jokingly, 'but then actually putting it in practice.' So this means that you should always look out for opportunities to reinforce your learning by applying it practically to projects. Look out for freelancing or small projects, or any other hands-on experiences that you can undertake so that your skill acquisition becomes tangible and you build confidence in yourself. How Skill-Stacking Works Foucaud's advice to start skill-stacking works for professionals in any industry and in different types of workplaces, whether working in a traditional employed setting or in a freelancer/independent contractor setting. Let's say for example, you're offering your services as a freelance social media manager. Your industry background is in hospitality. You're also bilingual and can speak Spanish, which gives you a unique edge, especially since multilingual professionals are in high demand and can get paid a premium. At the same time, you have exceptional relationship-building skills. This unique combination or stacking of skills enables you to build trusted long-term relationships with key clients, many of whom might be providing services to, or operating in Spanish speaking countries and might require a social media manager who is familiar with the language. Now, while there may be many social media managers around, by comparison there aren't that many who are bilingual and can appeal directly to the hospitality market in Latin America (as an example), using their nuanced insights and expertise for this niche. As a result, you're able to potentially charge a premium to hospitality businesses for your social media management and marketing services, and you'll be highly sought after and more clients would want to continue working with you, rather than leave to find someone else, because you've made yourself rare. No, you haven't taken on extra projects that cost you hours of sleep. No, you're not working on the weekends. But what you are doing is increasing your value. How Microcredentials Help You Skill-Stack 'That's one of the key benefits of microcredentials,' says Foucaud, who is a passionate advocate for professional development through online courses and certificates. "Because it's micro, now you can think about how you want to package and bundle and how do you choose your microcredentials. And if you have this matrix and if you pick the right three, four, or five, then you can build a pretty unique set of skills. 'When you stack your skills, your value in the job market rises. And as your value increases, so does your income. You'll have a competitive edge to command higher-end salaries and premium contracts because you're one-of-a-kind, because you've taken the time to be well-rounded in two to four areas,' he advises. So here's your challenge today: Identify the industry you want to start or continue working in. Find one or two human skills you can refine, and one or two technical skills you can develop as well. They could be skills you already have, or some of them might be new and require study. Combine them together and find ways to create services or products (if you're a freelancer) or ways to pitch yourself, your value, and your job title (if you're looking for a job or promotion) using your stacked skills. As you articulate your value and perfect your skills, you'll pretty soon find yourself in the top 1% of experts in your field. That means top 1% pay, top recognition, and top career and business opportunities. Layer your industry knowledge with technical expertise and power skills getty Try it now.
