How To Stay Marketable With Valuable Skills
Stay marketable by continuously developing valuable skills that address current market demands and enhance your competitive edge. In a world that is always evolving, maintaining your relevance is the key to ensuring long-term success.
Quick question: How much do you get paid weekly or monthly?
We can all agree that our pay is determined by the problems we solve and the value we bring to the marketplace or the companies we work for. Whether we agree with our pay or not is beside the point; we are compensated for our contributions and the services we provide. But here’s the kicker: your compensation doesn’t reflect how hard you work; it reflects how much value you bring.
The reality is that we are paid not based on how many hours we work but rather on the value we deliver to our employers. The more unique and high-impact your skillset, the more you can command in any professional setting. This is why it’s crucial to stay marketable and avoid getting comfortable in your current situation.
If our pay is tied to the problems we solve or the value we provide, it is essential to continuously develop valuable skills that give us a competitive edge. Whether you work in an office, a factory, or as a freelancer, enhancing your skills means more opportunities and, ultimately, a better paycheck. We need to focus on acquiring skills that will help us earn more and solve problems for a broader audience, which will translate into higher pay
Let’s look at a real-world example: the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was undoubtedly a challenging time that altered our way of life—some changes for the better, others for the worse. Many businesses shut down, and countless people lost their jobs. This disruption affected the majority and made everyone reconsider the concept of job security. Even those who once felt untouchable in their jobs realized that nothing is guaranteed.
However, there was a silver lining. While some struggled, others thrived, with side hustles and businesses more than doubling their sales. Why? They possessed valuable skills that provided them with a competitive edge. Those who adapted and offered in-demand services during lockdown saw significant success. The pandemic created new demands, and only those who could meet them survived and, in some cases, flourished.
This painful but illuminating situation perfectly illustrates a crucial point: The world is constantly changing, and the skills that were valuable yesterday may not hold the same weight tomorrow.
In this unpredictable world, you need to ask yourself: are you equipping yourself with skills that can withstand the test of time and sudden changes? This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving regardless of what comes your way.
That’s why skill development is essential for anybody wanting to stay marketable.
The marketplace is always evolving, and we cannot afford to remain stagnant. Relying solely on skills learned decades ago is not an option. We must evolve, grow, and adapt, as the next challenge might not be another pandemic, but something equally disruptive that will push out those who do not add value.
Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone needs to become a digital business owner. The key is to identify additional skills that complement your existing strengths and align with today’s market demands.
Take the radio, for instance—the good old radio I grew up listening to. While it still has its audience, most people have transitioned to new platforms, rendering the radio less marketable in some contexts.
This concept applies to our skill sets as well.
We need to refresh and hone our skills to stay relevant. This may simply mean continuing your current role but approaching it differently or delivering the same service through a new platform. It could be taking an online course, attending workshops, or even finding a mentor who can guide you in acquiring these new skills.
Look at your workplace. Who gets promoted? It’s often those who are willing to take on leadership roles and embrace risk. They may not have the most experience, but they are willing to step up, learn, and adapt quickly to what the company needs. They invest in themselves, understanding that the more they know, the more valuable they become.
Let me share a personal example: As a registered nurse, if I stopped working today, I have two additional skills that could support a side hustle. Why? Because I want to remain marketable in my career. I’ve learned that diversification isn’t just a term for financial investments; it applies to our skillsets too.
Some may think that learning new skills equates to starting from scratch or becoming a full-time business owner. Not at all! If you love to cook, refine that talent and strive to become the best chef you can be. If cleaning is your passion, perfect your craft and become the most sought-after cleaner. Perhaps your hobby in photography could turn into a side income or even a full-time career if you put in the effort to master the craft.
The bottom line is this.
Diversifying your skill set makes you more valuable. It opens doors that you didn’t even know existed and provides options when the unexpected happens.
In today’s world, value translates directly to opportunity. You don’t need to learn everything—focus on the one thing you excel at that differentiates you in the marketplace, and share that skill with as many people as possible. It’s about becoming a well-rounded, adaptable individual. The more skills you acquire, the more you’ll realize that the world is full of opportunities waiting to be seized by those prepared.
Related: Top 6 In-demand Digital Careers in 2024
Are You Honing And Working Up Your Skills to Stay Marketable?
Think beyond your current job. What one skill can you develop that could become a powerful asset in the future?
As I mentioned, your marketplace value is tied to what you can offer. So, beyond your profession, what additional skill could you cultivate?
We all have the potential to enhance our value in the marketplace. All it takes is some introspection—the answer is already within you.
