The context behind this blog originates with a man called Paul. Paul is a social media and marketing guru, and after years of levelling up his education, he reached an impasse. Student debts loomed, and whilst people around him began to progress, Paul was still waiting to start his life.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending my first work course alongside Operations Director Cindy, and it feels a slight understatement to say that it was incredibly impactful. The program was called "Rethink Social Media" and took place in the Hammersmith Novotel. Each segment was an hour long and delivered by a panel of experts sharing their knowledge on their nichè. The company providing the Course was Paul's company - Rethink Academy.

As two people who didn't attend university, Cindy and I found a lot of comfort in the expressed sentiments. There are people available to teach us things, and it is never too late to catch up when rebranding and re-strategising your businesses and your life.

The course covered everything from paid and unpaid Facebook and Twitter adverts to how users can enhance their LinkedIn profiles. One of the most significant changes in perception that I took away is how to utilise the LinkedIn platform. 

First, Jason Osborn- ReThink's Head Coach, helped differentiate between LinkedIn and other social media platforms. With the average LinkedIn user making around $75,000 PA, the buying power is phenomenal, and conversion is 3x Twitter and Facebook combined. 

A second revolutionary thought proposed was that LinkedIn works for you instead of against you. They want everyone to have the best user experience possible, receiving buyers and promotions. As a result, we need to start approaching it with a network mentality. What can you bring to the table? How can having certain users in your network benefit those considering engaging with you?

It was a lot of information, but it was also incredibly inspiring. It made me think about how I could enhance my brand and help Cindy improve the company's social media strategy. We came away from the course with an action plan and remit of ideas we want to implement as soon as possible.

The most important thing I took away from the course was not a technicality or a number but an attitude. Knowledge is wealth, and the Rethink team is determined to indulge their clients. In addition, the passion for social media and marketing was palpable. It has inspired me to change my approach to my business and how I see opportunities.

If you get the chance to attend one of these events, or even if you don't- make an effort to educate yourself. Whether through books, podcasts, or even taking a course, you never know when the next opportunity will come along, and if you don't prepare to grab it, it will drift past.