Beyond the Breakout Session: How to Turn Learning into Business Growth

If you’ve been in business for more than five minutes, you already know—what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.

Whether it’s evolving client expectations, shifting economic trends, or the ever-changing nature of hiring, staying sharp isn’t optional in our field; it’s essential.

We all live in a world of professional development, so when we think of skill development, our minds automatically go to knowledge gain, technology adoption, or a certification that will give us a new credential. However, skill building for career coaches and resume writers is a different animal than for our clients. 

For us, growing our skillset is a business asset that keeps our expertise relevant, business competitive, and opportunities growing.

It’s easy to de-prioritize your development when you’re running a business (let alone one focused on upskilling other people!)., but the best business owners and coaches don’t just work in their businesses; they work on their skills.

So, as we head into THRIVE—where the learning opportunities are stacked, and yours truly will be there, ready to give you a hug! —it’s the perfect time to talk about how investing in your skills is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business and career.

Skills Require Maintenance

It’s tempting to think of expertise as a milestone—something you achieve once and simply have. But skills need maintenance. They evolve. They require refinement

Take marketing, lead generation, and sales—one of the topics I’ll be covering during my half-day bootcamp at THRIVE (#shamelessplug). The strategies that worked five years ago (or even last year!) might not be as effective today because buyer behaviors shift, platforms change, and little things like AI come into our worlds. 

You could be missing major opportunities if you’re still using outdated tactics.

The same goes for salary negotiation—another topic I’ll be teaching at Thrive (see what I’m doing here? 😉). The economy is in flux; it’s a heavily employer-favored market, and companies are adjusting compensation structures. Knowing how to negotiate isn’t enough—you have to understand how to assess an offer based on current market trends.

The best professionals—whether they’re career coaches, stylists, or drywall installers—don’t just learn once and call it a day. They stay engaged, adapt, and refine their expertise to match the current climate and newly available resources. 

If you want to stay ahead, ask yourself: What’s changed in my industry? Where do I need to refresh my skills?

Learning is Only the First Step

Have you ever walked out of a conference session pumped up with new insights… only to get home and promptly forget to implement any of them?

We’ve all been there.

The problem isn’t the lack of information—it’s the lack of application.

Whether you’re learning about salary negotiations, marketing, or economic insights (which I’ll also be covering at THRIVE – like how I snuck the trifecta in here!?), the key isn’t just hearing the information, it’s integrating it into your work.

Here’s how to bridge the gap between learning and doing:

Pick Three Takeaways – After any learning session, whether it’s one class in a certification series or a session at a conference, identify three actions you can apply immediately. Do them.

Set a Timeline. Decide when you’ll implement each takeaway so it doesn’t get overlooked.

Teach It to Someone Else – The best way to retain information? Share it! Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or a LinkedIn post, passing along what you’ve learned helps solidify it in your mind.

Staying Competitive

Skill development isn’t just about personal growth. It’s a business strategy. When you’re consistently refining and adding to your expertise, you: 

 ✔ Differentiate yourself in a crowded market.
✔ Deliver better results for your clients.
✔ Stay ahead of industry changes instead of scrambling to catch up.

And here’s the kicker: your competition is learning, too. If you’re not investing in your skills, someone else is, and that’s who clients will trust.

So, the smartest investment you can make in your business is YOU, whether it’s attending THRIVE, joining a mastermind, or blocking time for self-education.

Just like any professional, your business (and career) will evolve. The question is: will your skills evolve with it?

If you’re looking for a way to stay sharp, keep growing, and make sure your expertise remains relevant, the opportunities are there—you just have to take them.

What’s your plan for professional growth this year?

Your Friend and Coach,
Angie Callen, CPRW, CPCC

PS: Hope to see you at THRIVE!