Mardi Gras is in full swing and those resolutions we made are now likely nothing more than a memory, replaced by the goal of maximizing parade viewing.
Research tells us that although most of us will have given up on our resolutions, some may be looking to pick one of them back up for Lent. Typically, we give things up for Lent as a practice of sacrifice. Some, however choose to conquer something.
Last year I think I gave up sugar, which sort of checks both boxes for me. If you read last month’s column, I hope you chose to make one of your business resolutions to be one of investing in yourself. Learn a new skill, get more organized, whatever makes you a better marketer, business person or entrepreneur. If you’re still trying to figure out how to do that, I have some ideas for you.
So, what can you tackle in 40 days? And how can you fit it into an already full schedule? Here are some of my favorites.
Spin Sucks Modern Blogging Masterclass
This class is more about getting found than it is about blogging. I was part of the pilot program, and it was of incredible value to me. It’s available as a self-study program that teaches you how to create content based on what your audience, clients or customers care about, get it distributed in the right spots, and have measurable results to show for it. Plus, it gives you access to a whole group of people you can bounce ideas off of or ask for advice.
Hubspot’s Inbound Certification Course
If you’re selling anything online or using your website to create leads, you must try this course. It covers the four stages your potential customers will go through in their search for a solution (hopefully yours). Understanding these stages, and the key magnets you can create, will make you look at your website in a whole new way.
Hootsuite Academy’s Social Marketing Training modules
Social media is a free way to market, but only to a certain degree. Today, we know it takes some skill to be good at it. A great social media marketer is an asset for any business, but what if you don’t have a superstar on staff? What if you’re the jack-of-all-trades and social media is one of your many responsibilities? Take a look at Hootsuite Academy’s Social Marketing Training modules. No matter what your skill level you’ll find a course that fits your needs. These modules can teach you things like how to optimize your profiles, how to develop the right strategy for your business and how to grow your community.
Canva Learn
How do you devise a thoughtful social media strategy and understand where and when to post? Both of these critical skills are covered in just the first day of the Canva Learn course. In the following days, you’ll learn how to create graphics and determine which images are right for your brand. And, if you’re one of those people who always says, “I’m not creative,” there’s even a lesson for that that will walk you through how to grab attention with your designs, as well as how to get motivated and inspired.
Coursera
This is one of my favorite sources. Coursera has partnered with some of the world’s top universities and organizations to provide interactive courses. Each course features pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects. Plus, you can connect with other learners to discuss the material or engage in healthy debates. Some courses offer recognition you can share on your resume. From leading people to mastering accounting, graphic design or starting your own business, there is a course for you to take at your convenience.
One more that I haven’t yet tried but would like to this year is Skillshare. They have over 18,000 classes in design, business, technology, photography, crafts and culinary arts. I always wanted to learn how to hand letter and make my own signature drink!
I hope this list inspires you to invest a little in yourself. It’s 40 days of a little work. You can do it. Let me know what you select and how you do!
Julia Carcamo is president and chief brand strategist at J Carcamo & Associates, specializing in brand and marketing strategy. She is also the co-founder of espNOLA, a Hispanic marketing and engagement agency. Learn more at jcarcamoassociates.com and espnola.com
