About a year ago, I packed up my belongings and relocated to Singapore to work closely with a client of mine on their digital content strategy. That project having finished up, I have very recently returned to New York and my work here. However, I learned a lot while living and working in Singapore and I thought I’d share some of those lessons with all of you.
- Embracing new ideas and collaboration is key to success. Work with people, not against them.
- Move quickly and smartly. Mulling over an idea too much can lead to lost opportunity.
- Don’t be afraid to change course unexpectedly. This is going to happen for most new initiatives.
- Collaborate with liked-minded individuals as well as people who offer a unique perspective. You will learn a lot from both.
- Dont’ let people take advntage of your work and time. Know your worth.
- Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right, you will be more respected for it.
- Understand that sometimes you must wear hats you weren’t planning to even try on. Go with it, you may actually like what you’re doing but if not, at the very least you’ll learn something.
- Opportunity is absolutely everywhere, keep your eyes open.
- Travel feeds creativity, learn about and embrace as many different cultures as you can. Not only does this broaden your personal world but it is directly related to marketing and selling your product to a global economy. It’s amazing how many people think of “Asia” as a market.
- Properly organize and store everything you create. This may seem obvious but I’m saying it anyway. The amount of time saved on repeating work for each new project will be mind boggling.
- And finally, don’t be afraid to make bold, life changing moves in your personal world and your work world. Though something may seem scary, changing your environment, even if just for a short while, adds a depth and perspective you never had before.