Ever feel like you’re on top of things, then read about something new and think, “I don’t know a darn thing?” In today’s world, information can become obsolete within months—not within years as it used to be. How then can we keep up and get new ideas to stay ahead of the game? Here are a few suggestions from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP):

• Get on the mailing list for publications that seem to be on the periphery of what you do. Examples for admins could be information technology, telecommunications or technical publications related to your business or industry.

• Hang out with people “above you.” It’s easy to stick with folks who make us feel comfortable, but talking to people in different fields and ones more knowledgeable than us in areas outside our expertise will open doors (and windows in your mind).

• Go to classes and seminars that are over your head. Even if you only understand part of what is being said, it will make you expand what you know. One example would be the free IT Webcasts offered by Microsoft and other software vendors.

• At an office gathering, don’t sit with people from your area. Get to know people from other disciplines or functional areas within the company. You’ll learn new things…and have a new contact.

• Read, read, read. Read a broad-based publication like USA Today or business related publications such as The Wall Street Journal each and every day. If you favor the Entertainment/Lifetime sections, make yourself read the Money/Business sections first. Get up to speed on business, global events, and trends. It will put you well ahead of your competitors.

The bottom line is to extend your networks—people and information. It’s the only way to stay ahead in today’s job marketplace.

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