In an age of information practically everyone has access to the internet and a smartphone, so you would think that staying informed would be easy. In reality most people struggle to sort through the virtually endless amount of information available to find what’s relevant for them.
Our expert consultants have more experience with this than most, as they stay updated with general news and the sectors they specialise in. Here are their top tips on staying informed.
Be realistic
Sadly there aren’t unlimited hours in the day and like all other activities, keeping yourself informed takes work and commitment. Be realistic about how long you can spend each day keeping yourself updated. Whether you can take a break from work or just make the most of your commute, plan realistically about how much information you can read and retain.
Use technology to your advantage
While the internet is also the source of information oversaturation, technology also provides us with the tools to sort through the endless information to find the news that you want to know. News aggregators such as Feedly or online news platforms like Google News let you create ‘feeds’ based on the topics relevant to you.
Apps such as Flipboard and News 360 offer news on the go, while many of your favourite publications are likely to have their own dedicated apps, allowing you to go straight to your preferred source.
Update your social media feeds
There are several advantages to using social media to stay informed. By following your clients or interests you can get your news straight from them. Each platform has its unique advantages, whether it’s Twitter displaying trending hashtags or LinkedIn informing you what your professional network is talking about, social media is an easy way to stay informed throughout the day.
Socialise
We’ve spoken before about social workplaces and one of the key benefits is that talking with your colleagues and co-workers is an excellent way to stay informed. No matter who you’re talking to, they’re guaranteed to know something you don’t and even better will have a different perspective that may inspire you. Whether you schedule time to catch up or just casually chat throughout the day, be sure to find out what your team has learnt today.
How do you stay informed throughout your working week? Share your thoughts in the comment below.