What is the cheapest investment you can make in professional development?

Companies and individuals spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours annually on professional development, and hope that something sticks and the employee and the company both benefit. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. After being a member of Toastmasters International and Lexington County Toastmasters for approximately five years, I can honestly say this is the best personal investment I have made in my own professional development ever.

I spend approximately 1.5 hours weekly as my schedule permits out of my comfort zone which allows me to grow and build my confidence. My club a wonderful group of diverse professionals; encourage and mentor me in honing my leadership and speaking skills all for less than I spend on lunch each week. What a great return on such a cheap investment!

I encourage you to renew your membership even with the slight dues increase this year, it is still the best rate going for professional development, and if you are not a member I encourage you to find a club and learn more at http://www.toastmasters.org/.

Are You Stuck in Your Comfort Zone?

Are you comfortable in your day to day routine? If yes, you are missing a world of opportunity. You can’t grow if you are doing the same thing every day, every week, and every year. You may be getting better at what you do, but you are not expanding your horizons and growing from new opportunities.

Over four years ago I made a commitment to get out of my comfort zone by attending Toastmasters. The weekly meetings challenge me in my public speaking and leadership skills and no two meeting are the same. Each week provides a role that challenges me both personally and professionally. I have the opportunity to teach members of my club and learn from them as well.

If you are looking for a way to shake things up in your life, learn from new experiences, and build relationships personally and/or professionally, join a Toastmasters club today!

For more information on Lexington County Toastmasters or Toastmasters International visit the web links below:

http://lexingtoncounty.freetoasthost.org/

http://www.orgsites.com/sc/lextoastmasters/

http://www.toastmasters.org/