Take advantage of the lazy hazy crazy days of summer and bulk up on some new ideas that you can incorporate in your business or career. Although business goes on as usual during these next few months, the slower pace can provide you with ample time to try something new.

Here are some ideas for you to make this summer productive and rewarding:

1. I have found that this is a great time to connect with those people you have always wanted to meet. Since relationship building is the cornerstone to a healthy business and career, this time of year is as good a time as any to extend yourself and grow your professional network. So reach out to thought leaders in your industry, leaders in your company, potential, past, and current clients, and colleagues both inside and outside your company and grow and solidify your universe of contacts.

2. Are there skills you want to master or courses you want to take that will help propel you forward toward your professional goals. Check out your local schools, libraries, and professional organizations for courses and lectures that might interest you.

3. Write an article, give a talk, start a blog – all of these are great ways to demonstrate your area of expertise and spread your personal brand.

4. Now might be a good time to update your resume or bio – it’s always wise to have updated materials ready should the need arise.

5. Summer is also a wonderful time to read some of those great books out there and pick up some new tools to help you with your business, your career, and your life (not to mention great summer beach reads). I am away on vacation this week and have had a chance to actually read some of those books that have piled up on my nightstand. Here is my list of what can make the summer (or winter for those of you who are reading this from somewhere down under) more interesting and productive:

“Drive” by Daniel Pink

“A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink

“Go Put Your Strengths to Work” by Marcus Buckingham

“The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell

“Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi

“Different” by Youngme Moon

“Tribes” by Seth Godin

And if you’re looking for something to take you away from all this then do read Stieg Larsson’s trilogy starting with “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”.

Do you have a favorite book? Whether it’s for work or play, please share your books with us. Do you have any other ways that you use this time productively? Let us know.

So enjoy the season, whatever season you are in, and use this time to grow, learn, and expand.

Utilizing her experience of over 25 years Mary Rosenbaum helps careerists and entrepreneurs position themselves so they can stand out from the competition. Get her free report Top Strategies for Getting Visible and Getting Ahead.

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