5 Inexpensive Ways to Develop Your Skills

Often, when we think of professional development, we think of big-ticket items like training, certification programs, and one-on-one coaching. Those are fantastic ways to learn and grow, and we absolutely recommend them to anyone who’s trying to gain knowledge and skills.

But there are also many options if you’re looking for a way to hone your skills without a significant financial investment. Here are some of them.

Read a Book

Whether you’re purchasing a copy or checking the book out from your local library, reading is a low-cost way to learn. Do a Google search for books on the topic you’re interested in and pick up one that sounds interesting in your format of choice.

Of course, we have to recommend our own JoyPowered® books – but there’s something out there for every subject you want to know more about!

Look for Free Webinars

There are tons of free webinars out there! Check out your favorite industry websites or event platforms like Eventbrite to see if there’s anything you’re interested in. You may come across demos masquerading as webinars, so if you’re not interested in a demo, be on the lookout for descriptions that mention specific tools.

Looking for HR webinars? We suggest Purple Ink’s!

Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are another widely available resource that covers every topic under the sun. Check your podcast app or do a google search for the topic you want to learn more about and pick a show that sounds interesting.

Naturally, we have to mention The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast here – we help HR and other business leaders embrace joy in the workplace by discussing workplace-related topics with a focus on creating better workplaces.

Read Articles 

You’re already ahead of the curve on this one! Blogs and other articles are a great way to get a small dose of free (or low-cost) information to help you stay up to date on the latest news and trends.

Since you’re reading this, you already know about the JoyPowered® blog – some other sources we like include SHRM, Purple Ink, HR Morning, and HR Dive.

Join a Membership

Admittedly, costs can vary on these – but there are some inexpensive ones out there! Look for your local professional associations, Facebook or LinkedIn groups, networking groups, or other options that will help you meet others in your industry or geographic area, host events, and more.

One new option we’re offering – JoyPowered® memberships! For just a few dollars a month, members can get lists of action items from each podcast episode, discounts on books, deeper dives into past podcast topics, and more.

While the high-ticket items can be amazing, there are lots of development options out there that won’t break the bank. What’s your favorite free or inexpensive way to sharpen your skills? Share in the comments below.