I have always liked that saying “tricks of the trade”—it implies that each industry or type of business has its own vernacular and its own secrets that can be accessed by those who specialize in that field. Some of those secrets or “tricks” can be compiled based on hard-won personal experience, while others can be passed on from mentors and others who are successful in your industry. So, how do you go about getting together your own “tricks of your trade?”
The most important thing is to ask questions and listen to the answers. Not everything you hear or every answer you get will be helpful or useful to you—but plenty will. Ask people who have been in business longer than you or who are doing something you find particularly appealing. If you’re having a problem with a particular area of your business, go in search of an answer and keep track of the different answers and suggestions you get—they may all evolve into some pretty useful tricks.
Offer some of your own secrets and tricks as trade for others. This can not only help spread the knowledge but can also help you build alliances with other colleagues and competitors. Swapping tricks and information is a great way to expand and build working relationships. Networking groups, chamber of commerce events, classes, workshops, and conferences are all great opportunities for swapping information with others in your field. You can also get a surprising number of tricks just from reading articles, books and trade publications. If you really like an article, you might consider contacting the publication or writing the author to see if some of your additional questions can be answered—you will be compiling tricks of your trade and making valuable connections all at the same time.