The most valuable skill I’ve learned outside of my job description

What is the most valuable skill I learned off-the-job & that I’ve used the most in my career even though it wasn’t in my job description?

🛠️ Building a website. Why?

In 2009, I started my entertainment-focused blog, TheRebeccammendations, where I shared stories, hidden gems, and tips about what to do, see, eat, and cook in Austin, Texas. It was a fun creative outlet where I got to share my experiences with a new audience, build a brand, and build a fun, growing community! But, one thing continues to stand out about the experience of building a blog and website – I learned this on my own time, it was mostly self-taught with a LOT of research and some advice from friends, and it’s the one skill that I’ve benefited the most from (and continue to benefit from) in my career. I’ve since built The Knock Method website to highlight my professional, leadership, and career development workshops & curriculum design services, and my bestselling career book, KNOCK, using the skills I’ve developed over the years with my blog.

When building a website, and pursuing a hobby outside of my job description, I learned about:

Hosting services (evaluating choices & investment in foundational resources to run a business)

Site speed (customer service & uptime/availability)

WordPress themes (design & strategy) and how to set them up (technical implementation)

Domain names (branding)

Marketing (from SEO to get found online to creative ways to drive traffic and promote awareness)

Professional writing skills & content marketing

Personal branding (how to introduce yourself online to viewers with short attention spans)

Getting found/attracting people and companies interested in my topic and what I offer.

And…

I built something, learning as I went, adding to my portfolio and resume of skills.

Learning how websites are created helped me navigate employer and client websites, and conduct effective research (looking in unsuspecting places) to personalize communications and immerse myself in other industries, and topics of interest to those I was connecting with to bridge the gap and relate better.

What’s the bottom line?

Try new things. Dabble in activities and hobbies that interest you – and have fun with them! Also, check out this book that highlights the value of freeing up brain space to boost creativity and productivity: Tinker Dabble Doodle Try (I loved reading it!) You never know how what you learn in an art class, playing in a band, taking a cooking lesson, or making something in your spare time could bring a new lens to your work, a new skill set you can apply in your career, or a specialty that can set you apart and help you contribute more effectively to an employer, an industry, or a professional partnership.

What skill have you learned outside-the-job that has come in the most handy in your career? Share below 👇

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