***Stay Fresh, Stay Smart

Most of us have been to a school graduation ceremony at which the featured speaker or honored graduate comments on how the ceremony, itself "is not the end of one's education, but the beginning" -and that's why they call it "commencement!"nnThe reason the theme of new beginnings is so popular in commencement speeches is because it is so true. And its relevance could never be more appropriate or more important in today's complex, dynamic business environment. In order to stay competitive, we have to keep up with ever-changing business practices, techniques, technologies, and opportunities.nnFor example, businesses that accurately identified the need to embrace the Web as part of their strategy first learned how the web could improve their business processes and their access to markets. They also used the Web to continuously expand their knowledge base.nnTo be successful today, it is not enough to be smart. You have to update what you know and stay informed. Continuous learning has never been easier--or more critical. Online learning provides the ultimate in convenience and the opportunity to learn from the best in the field. You don't have to travel across the country to attend a seminar or take a class. You can do it from your home or office at your convenience.nnFinding a mentor who has "been there, done that" offers personalized learning on a one-to-one basis. You'd be surprised by how willing others, who have become successful in your field or profession, are to help you advance your career or explore professional and entrepreneurial interests. If you are already in business, you can also gain valuable insights into how to streamline business processes and improve product lines by soliciting ideas from customers, employees, and associates.nnBeing a "learning organization" or a "leader-learner" is about using commonsense approaches to tap into the knowledge base of those around you. Embrace learning as a continuous, lifelong process, and you will also find success and fulfillment along the way.nnnn

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nSteven Stralser Ph.D. is a Trump University faculty member and author of MBA in a DAY, published by John Wiley & Sons (www.mbainaday.com)