Guest column Michael Caruso

Professional development can take on a variety of forms

Professional development is the single most important thing you can do to improve work life.

There is no faster way to make more money and improve your quality of work.

Here are 5 Cool Ideas for making it all happen:

1. Listen to motivational audio programs. Turn your commute time into education time. Buy, rent or borrow cassettes and CDs that will imprint you with expert advice you can't afford to miss. Do not underestimate this opportunity. I learned Spanish in my car.

2. Attend one seminar or keynote speech per quarter. Regular attendance at such events virtually guarantees your development will be consistent.

3. Network like crazy. Meet people everywhere you go. Introduce yourself to three new people at every luncheon and business function. Meet the keynote speaker at conferences.

4. Be the keynote speaker at conferences. Public speaking requires research and contemplation, two activities that are easily converted into professional development.

5. Think five moves ahead. Most people know how to play checkers, a game that requires players to think only one move ahead. Many people manage their career in this manner, rarely investing in the future. Chess players, on the other hand, think five moves in advance. Forward-thinking people are much more likely to arrange training and thus capitalize on their investment.

Speaker and consultant Michael Angelo Caruso is a Royal Oak resident. He can be reached via his web site at www.EdisonHouse.com, and at 1-248-546-9140.