Whether you’ve just started a company or you have been in business for years, your customers are going to expect you to know what you’re doing and what you’re talking about. In order to appear competent in front of your prospects, you’re going to need to maintain a minimum level of knowledge about your industry. But be sure not to spend all the productive hours of your day becoming the world’s best expert on your product. Remember you still have to have customers that you can share all this wonderful knowledge with.

Here are four easy hints on how you can stay informed about the world around you.

1. Listen to news radio while driving — If you live in a major metropolitan area, chances are you spend a lot of time. Even if you’re not battling gridlock on the Interstate, you can still use your time wisely. Keep the radio on at a low volume while you’re working. Or set up your Windows Media Player on your desktop to tune in to your favorite business news station each day.
2. Pick up a copy of the Wall Street Journal or Barron’s — Don’t be intimidated by the stodgy reputation of these two venerable publications. They’re actually surprisingly easy to read. And they’re set up in a way where you can digest tons of information in just a few minutes.
3. Subscribe to a trade magazine – Whatever industry that you’re in, chances are there’s a monthly trade publication that covers issues specific to your business. These magazines are made just for you, and are a great way to keep up with up-to-the minute trends and best practices you can use immediately at your company.
4. Talk to your local competitors and those in complimentary industries — Don’t be a stranger in your own backyard. Make friends with your neighboring competitors. Find out what new products and services they are offering. The more you learn from other sources, the more knowledge you can pass on to your own customers.

[tags]complimentary_industries, wall_street_journal, productive_hours, trade_publication, business_news[/tags]

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