Fun fact about me: Sundays are my study days.
No matter the weight of my to-do list or where I might be in the world, I always carve out time on Sundays to deep dive into a given topic, or three.
Despite what most may believe, when you start a business, the learning doesn’t stop; that’s when it actually begins. Though I no longer have end of semester exams to prepare for, I’m still being tested in my daily business operations. As a founder in an industry that’s constantly in flux, my success is heavily dependent on my ability to stay informed, regardless of the room or conversation happening. And that ability is a skill set my clients are able to greatly benefit from.
Just recently, I had a prospect call with a client who was excited about having my team ghostwrite his memoir. I matched his rhythm, assured him when the occasional question arose, and guided him through my company process. Satisfied with where we landed, I asked if he had any more questions for me. That’s when he asked, “What are some recent books that truly impressed you?”
I have to admit, the question gave me pause.
I’m an avid reader, and as a professional storyteller, I make it my business to stay up to date on new titles, industry shifts, and the occasional bout of publishing drama. Though, admittedly, the question caught me off guard, I quickly scanned the entire bookshelf of my existence. Of course I had an answer for him; a lengthy one at that. But more than that, I realized I was being tested.
As someone who’d made a name for himself in the world of tech, I knew how analytical he was, and the detailed answer he was more than likely looking for. His question wasn’t to undermine my experience, but to ensure I was not only up to the task, but versed enough on similar voices and stories to ensure his would be told as intended.
Given what I knew about him, I rattled off a few recent memoirs I loved—Sarah Jakes Roberts, Viola Davis, Will Smith, and for a nice curveball, Gucci Man. Beyond the public names, I went deeper, weaving my knowledge of each of their stories with everything I now knew about him. Safe to say, he was impressed.
Over the years, I’ve been able to land more deals than I can count because I keep my ear to the ground. Yes, even with my company’s almost decade-long success record. I credit this to my dedication to building and maintaining case studies around those moving the industry and culture forward, and even those who might be making waves in industries outside of my own.
Regardless of the industry you’re in, it’s vital to your success and longevity to study the world you’re in, and the worlds that have the ability to impact yours. What I often witness are those who don’t stick to something long enough to master it or the ones unwilling to devote the time needed to gain deeper knowledge of a given topic beyond what’s trending on their For You page.
For example, think of tennis. Who’s the first person that comes to mind? For me, it’s Serena. No last name needed. Even today, when someone asks my thoughts on AI, I immediately think about two women in my life who are shaping how I view and understand the world of automation. That’s Morgan DeBaun, and my very own WritersBlok strategist, Naomi Haile. My point is, when people think about your area of expertise, are you in their top 5?
And if you’re not, what’s stopping you?
Far too often, we get lost in the art of doing, but it’s important that we never forget to go back to the basics. That looks like studying your craft, seeking out new knowledge, and allowing yourself to attain the information and expertise required to become a thought-leader in the lane you’re in.
So, if you’re ever looking for me on a Sunday, know that you’ll find me locked in, studying the greats. From articles to podcasts, and everything in between, I use the information I obtain to build my own curriculum in my respective lane, while creating room to learn more about my subcategories. It might sound daunting, but it enables me to answer any question thrown my way with confidence because I know I’ve done the readings and I’ve committed to the work.
If you’re someone looking to scale your company, know that the learning never stops. The discipline you pour into your craft shows in your endurance, especially in a world that has no plans on slowing down, regardless of whether or not you can keep up.