Stay Sharp: How To Keep Your Edge!

Today’s Topics

• Balancing Freedom ⚖️

• Deal or No Deal 💼

  5 Mins Read Time

Balancing Freedom ⚖️

By Jo

In today’s evolving work landscape, one of the greatest gifts is the freedom to work more flexibly than ever before. For many, remote work has granted a new level of autonomy, a chance to be productive without the restrictions of a traditional office. But, as with any big shift, it comes with a cost: the potential loss of personal connection, and perhaps, the gradual erosion of the “gift of gab” that thrives on face-to-face interaction.

Working remotely offers a blend of opportunity and challenge that requires a delicate balance. On one hand, this freedom allows us to craft a work environment that feels comfortable and uniquely suited to our individual needs. With fewer mandates for in-person attendance, we can achieve more without being in the office. Many of us thrive with the flexibility to manage our own schedules and adapt our surroundings to whatever fuels productivity, focus, and creativity. The ability to get things done while working on our own terms is a refreshing break from the traditional 9-to-5 constraints.

However, with this freedom also comes the question of connection. Being an outstanding conversationalist isn’t just a skill—it’s an art that needs consistent practice. In an era where many interactions are replaced by emails or video calls, the nuances of body language, energy, and even humor can sometimes be lost. Those quick exchanges, the coffee-break conversations, and the chance to truly observe and understand colleagues or clients start to feel like rare moments. And while there are still ways to connect, they often require more effort, more intention, and a new approach.

Stay Engaged in Face-to-Face Opportunities

When the chance for in-person interaction arises, make the most of it. Attend team events, participate in conferences, or take those opportunities to meet colleagues or clients face-to-face. It’s a great way to keep your interpersonal skills sharp.

Keep Conversations Intentional

Even in remote settings, reach out for conversations beyond work tasks. Make it a point to call instead of emailing or messaging on occasion, especially when discussions require empathy or collaboration. It maintains a bit of that real-time, genuine interaction.

Master Digital Networking

Take advantage of social media and professional networking platforms to keep conversations alive. Join forums, connect with colleagues on topics of interest, or even explore virtual clubs where discussions flow more naturally.

Embrace Your Personal Development

This era of hybrid or remote work gives us a chance to reimagine ourselves. Take courses, engage in mentorship, or explore new skills. Even as the dynamics of connection change, self-improvement is a constant that will always contribute to being the best version of yourself.

In every era, maintaining relevance and achieving fulfillment requires adaptation.

Deal or No Deal 💼

By Marcus

One of, if not the biggest, sales events of the year is coming soon: Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

This is an exciting time of the year for many, as there are a ton of great deals as people get ready for the upcoming holiday season. Historically, this is when I would focus on my wants vs. my needs. This year I’ll be taking a slightly different approach, so you’ll be one of the first people I’m running this idea by.

I’ll be using the upcoming sales event as an opportunity to build resilience in this increasingly uncertain job market.

Needs & Wants

A few weeks ago, I found myself looking forward to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, but it was purely for items I wanted—mostly electronics and other “non-essential” items.

I had this thought that maybe I should utilize some, if not all, of that budget on tools I use for productivity instead of entertainment or leisure. Maybe I should focus on keeping the machine (business, development, and goals) running above all else.

I understand this isn’t the most popular choice, but we play to win. Here are a few categories to consider when looking for deals that align with your current and future goals.

1. Creative and Personal Branding Tools

   • Canva – Canva has come a long way and is a great tool to have at your disposal.

   • Skillshare – A learning platform focused on creative work.

2. Organization and Productivity Tools

   • Notion/Evernote – I use Notion to organize many of my projects and writing. I’m not sure what I would do without it.

   • Microsoft Office/Workspace Tools – You may need a hub for projects and task management.

3. Learning and Career Development Tools

   • Coursera – Access to courses created by leading universities and companies. Great option in this rapidly changing environment.

   • Udemy – Lots of access to good courses at good prices. I prefer an expansive one-stop shop like Coursera, but Udemy has a ton of variety.

   • ChatGPT/Claude – Large Language Models that get exponentially better with each iteration. The smarter you get, the smarter the tool. A free version is available, but the paid version may be worth it depending on your use.

Even a marketplace like AppSumo may be a good option to explore. Pay once for lifetime access to select software.

Of course, there are many variations and different products you could add here. Find what works for you. The important point is if you need to pivot quickly or experience a loss of income, do you have the tools available to keep moving forward? A small investment in a yearly subscription deal to these or comparable services will keep you operational during “bad” times.

The question I recommend asking if you are considering this is: What software and tools are essential if you experience a sudden loss of income or need to pivot quickly in your career?

The Choice Is Yours

I’m not saying you have to choose this path. I’m simply providing a different option to ensure there’s minimal or no disruption to your goals.

It seems like over the past few years, something has increased the difficulty of being able to survive and thrive in our society. The competition is fierce, the obstacles are more unpredictable, and the world doesn’t care about giving us a break.

Take every edge you can get in this game of life. At times, that means making some sacrifices along the way.

"If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice."

– Unknown