If you have no other reason for self-development, technology is it. Technology is changing constantly, and if you’re not up to date, you’re probably going to be left behind. Even if you choose not to use what’s available, you need to be knowledgeable to keep up with your marketing methods and to figure out how to get ahead of those who are using these technologies.

An important part of being a small business owner is staying connected to other people. You generally need people to work with, and you don’t just need to meet them, you also need them to think you’re knowledgeable and worth working with. Going to classes and seminars not only helps you meet business contacts, it also helps you gain knowledge so you can sound like you know what you’re doing and people will want to give you business.

If you own your own small business, you probably are well aware of the rush you get when you take on a new project or come up with a new idea or new way to get things done more efficiently. Gradually, however, that initial push wears off and you sink back into the same old plodding-through work.

Now imagine if you were learning about a cool new product or idea every few weeks, or even every day. You could keep that energy burst going and going. That’s one of the biggest benefits of self-expansion. It keeps you excited about work and wanting to learn more and do more. And in the end, you get more done.

If you’re working on your own, you don’t have a boss to constantly offer to send you to meetings and conferences to expand your horizons. That means you have to find them yourself.

There are all kinds of options out there for self-expansion. Here are just a few general categories but the list goes on:

– E-books
– Seminars
– Local classes
– Online courses
– Newsletters

With all the options available, it’s may be hard for you to figure out which direction you want to go. There are thousands of programs, newsletters, seminars, ebooks, and all kinds of products out there to help you expand yourself and your business.

Before you try to find ways to develop yourself, you need to figure out what you want. This means setting your priorities and business goals. Do you want to make lots of money? Do you want to help others? Or do you just want to have a career your can balance with your already full life? What you want is the most important thing and should be your starting point.

Once you have a vague direction, talk to other people with the same interests and ask for options. Starting with things like newsletters and message boards are great because they’ll probably help you find more information for self-expansion. The key to staying successful is to never stop learning.