Knowledge - Networking - Teaching: How to become a master of your trade

But how do you actually become a master of a particular subject area? Simply set goals and then implement them? No, it's not that easy. After all, just because you set yourself goals doesn't mean that you will tackle and achieve them. After all, life is full of distractions. What's more, it takes a great deal of discipline, perseverance and the ability to suffer to stick with "your" topic for not just a few weeks or months, but perhaps even years.

To play in the premier league, you need one thing above all: time. After all, it is not enough to simply be able to "recite" the knowledge you have acquired - it has to become second nature. And in such a way that outsiders think "How does he do it? It all comes so easily to him! He must be a natural."

Basic knowledge is readily available

Let's say you want to learn a new skill, such as selling. Perhaps because you are planning to become self-employed or are a young person starting out in sales. Then you have a decisive advantage over the generations before you: there is already a great deal of knowledge available almost everywhere for free - or at least very cheaply. If you search YouTube, you will find countless videos on the subject of selling. In addition, numerous blog posts on specific topics can be easily researched using search engines.

In addition, many AI tools now offer quite useful answers to all kinds of questions. If you prefer to pick up a book, you can find a good selection in libraries or buy new and tried-and-tested guides in bookshops and second-hand online - usually at a low price in relation to the knowledge they contain. For those looking for a change, podcasts also provide valuable inspiration.

By the way: In many areas, it is usually enough to have a good command of the basics in order to be above average or to be perceived as such. After all, many people lack this foundation alone. In order to build the foundation for the "top", contact should be sought with a trainer, mentor or coach. Questions and issues arising from the application of the basic knowledge acquired can then be discussed or worked out with them.

Networking with like-minded people

For many, it is motivating to meet up with like-minded people - and to exchange ideas. This way of dealing with the topic often gives rise to new thoughts and questions. In addition, this exchange can also close gaps in knowledge. Such an exchange should not be underestimated from a mental point of view: those who feel that they are pulling in the same direction as others gain strength and motivation themselves.

However, it can also be the case that a first meeting quickly ends in frustration. Namely, if the event was not what you had imagined. For example, because you couldn't really connect with the other participants. But this is often quite normal. It is important not to throw in the towel immediately afterwards, but to give yourself and the others another chance once or twice. Sometimes it just takes a little longer to get to know each other personally. The event manager can often also help with networking. If things are still not better, you should look for and attend other events.

Learn by teaching

People who inspire others, for example through seminars, their own blog or podcast, inevitably end up on the path to success. Questions such as "What could (still) interest others about my topic?", "Why can't some people implement it as well as I can?" or "How have I overcome certain hurdles and can now help others to overcome them?" mean that your own topic is increasingly penetrated from different angles. In addition, there are often questions and impulses from the community that you would otherwise not have received, which in turn helps you to become even more of a master of your subject.

One thing should not be forgotten: The subject in which you want to become a master of your trade should really captivate you - and inspire you. If you are quick to find excuses for not devoting yourself passionately to this subject, for example because it is the weekend or the supplementary book costs 49 euros, you should reconsider your mission. Focus, perseverance and an insatiable curiosity are important and indispensable prerequisites for reaching the top in your field. Or to put it another way: if you are not truly obsessed with your subject, you are likely to lack the necessary ability to suffer or willingness to make sacrifices.

Author:

Oliver Schumacher, sales trainer since 2009, networking professional and personal brand, sets new trends in the areas of knowledge transfer, learning culture and personal positioning in a likeable, well-founded manner. Under the motto "Be real", he shows how anyone can become No. 1 - whether self-employed, manager or employee. For him, the main drivers of growth are curiosity and courage, discipline and (self-)confidence.