The Ideal Myth

Career & Business

Success in career and business isn’t just about hard work -it’s about clarity, strategy, and the right mindset. In this category, you’ll find inspiring success stories, actionable strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you grow professionally and achieve your goals. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or looking to make a career change, our insights are designed to guide you toward purpose‑driven success. Explore topics like leadership, productivity, decision‑making, and personal branding – all aimed at helping you stand out and thrive in today’s competitive world.

Role of networking in business in 2025

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Role of networking in business in 2025

In today’s interconnected world, success in business isn’t just about what you know – it’s about who you know. The most innovative ideas, strongest brands, and most successful ventures are often powered by relationships. That’s where networking comes in.

Business networking is more than handing out business cards or attending events – it’s about building authentic relationships, creating mutual value, and opening doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, executive, or employee, the ability to connect with others can be the key that unlocks lasting growth and competitive advantage.

The importance of networking in business, how it impacts personal and professional growth, the types of networking that matter, and practical tips to help you build a powerful and authentic network are as follows

1. Why Networking Matters in Business

At its core, networking is about connecting with people. But its impact on business extends far beyond small talk and LinkedIn connections.

Here’s why networking is crucial:

  • Opens new business opportunities: Many partnerships, client deals, and collaborations begin with a simple introduction.
  • Boosts your visibility: The more people know you and your work, the more likely they are to refer or recommend you.
  • Enhances credibility and trust: When people know you personally or through trusted connections, you earn trust faster.
  • Accelerates learning and growth: You gain new ideas, insights, and feedback from others who’ve walked different paths.
  • Expands access to resources: Through networks, you can find talent, funding, tools, and support you might not get otherwise.

In short, networking helps you multiply your value – by aligning your strengths with the opportunities, ideas, and people around you.

2. The Different Types of Business Networking

Networking doesn’t happen in just one way. Depending on your industry, goals, and personality, different types of networking may work best for you.

1. Personal Networking

This is the foundation of all professional connections. It involves building genuine relationships with people—friends, colleagues, mentors, peers – who may become allies, advisors, or collaborators in the future.

2. Strategic Networking

Here, you’re connecting with individuals based on shared business goals. This might include meeting potential partners, clients, or investors who align with your vision.

3. Operational Networking

This type of networking happens within your current workplace or industry. It’s about connecting with others to exchange knowledge, streamline operations, or share best practices.

4. Online Networking

Through platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and niche forums, you can connect with people globally. Online networking allows for scalable, flexible, and often low-pressure relationship-building.

5. Industry-Specific Networking

These are connections formed through conferences, trade associations, masterminds, or alumni groups. They help you stay updated and connected within your field.

3. The Impact of Networking on Business Growth

Let’s break down the direct and indirect ways networking fuels business success:

1. Increased Opportunities

Networking often leads to referrals, partnerships, and leads you wouldn’t access through marketing alone. In fact, many deals are closed because “someone knew someone.”

2. Better Hiring and Team Building

Strong networks give you access to talented professionals. Employees recruited through referrals often perform better and stay longer.

3. Mentorship and Guidance

A strong network includes mentors who can help you avoid mistakes, provide fresh perspectives, and offer wisdom based on experience.

4. Faster Problem Solving

Have a challenge in your business? Chances are, someone in your network has faced it and can guide you through.

5. Innovation and Collaboration

Exchanging ideas with people from diverse backgrounds can lead to creative solutions, product ideas, and collaborative ventures.

6. Emotional Support

Entrepreneurship and business leadership can be lonely. A supportive network helps you stay motivated and resilient during setbacks.

4. How to Build an Effective Business Network

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about cultivating relationships. Here are strategies to help you build a strong, intentional network:

1. Show Up Consistently

Attend industry events, join professional communities, and participate in online discussions. Consistency builds familiarity and trust.

2. Be a Giver, Not Just a Taker

Offer value first—whether it’s sharing knowledge, making introductions, or providing support. Reciprocity builds lasting connections.

3. Listen More Than You Talk

People appreciate being heard. When you genuinely listen and ask questions, you stand out and make others feel valued.

4. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

After meeting someone, follow up with a quick message or a LinkedIn request. Stay in touch through check-ins or sharing relevant content.

5. Use Social Media Wisely

Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful for showcasing your expertise, joining conversations, and connecting with decision-makers.

6. Be Authentic

Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Authenticity builds stronger, more meaningful relationships than trying to impress others.

5. Networking Mistakes to Avoid

Networking is powerful – but only when done right. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Being Too Transactional

People can sense when you’re only talking to them for personal gain. Focus on building a relationship, not just a business deal.

2. Neglecting Follow-Up

One conversation isn’t enough. Without follow-up, you’ll fade from memory—and so will your opportunity.

3. Not Defining Your Goals

If you don’t know what you’re looking for (mentorship, partnership, clients), you won’t recognize the right connections when they show up.

4. Ignoring Online Networking

In a digital age, ignoring platforms like LinkedIn means missing out on a global pool of contacts and conversations.

5. Relying Only on Comfortable Circles

Growth comes from expanding your network beyond familiar faces. Diversify your network to gain new perspectives and access

6. How to Measure the Value of Your Network

The strength of your network isn’t just about quantity – it’s about quality and diversity. Ask yourself:

  • Do I have mentors or advisors I can turn to?
  • Can I easily connect with people who have different skill sets than me?
  • Is my network diverse – across industries, roles, and backgrounds?
  • Am I contributing value to others as much as I’m receiving?

Strong networks are based on mutual growth, not just convenience.

Your Network Is Your Net Worth

In the world of business, relationships are currency. A great idea, product, or skill will only go so far without the people to support, promote, and collaborate with you.

Networking isn’t just about getting ahead-it’s about growing together. It’s about building trust, offering value, and showing up for others. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, find new opportunities, or simply connect with like-minded people, your network will play a critical role in that journey.

So the next time you’re invited to an event, introduced to someone new, or scrolling through LinkedIN – remember: the right connection can change everything.

Networking tips for your career and business

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Networking in business

Networking is not only necessary but a need to grow your career or business. It is not just limited to business or sales professionals but to every individual who wishes to rise in their career. The important thing about networking is not usually in a way that you make the other person feel that you are building a network. You genuinely should showcase interest in building good relationships and not just for a probable benefit you may have in future. The idea is to meet new people, talk, build a rapport and network.

Meaningful Connections

It is very important to with whom you are networking and how relevant connections you are making. The connections you are supposed to look out for should be the ones who could have a good influence on your network.

Begin with people you know

We always have few people we know and also understand they are relevant people you should interact. Somehow the person is just limited to a phone contact in our phonebook but we don’t make an efforts to interact with them. Friends, relatives, and mutual friends who are in the same industry but we don’t bother to reach out to them or interact even if we have any social gathering or opportunity. Sometimes we hesitate to make the first move.

Never limit yourself

Sometimes we define our territory that we are supposed to network with a certain group or level of people. You should always be open to making connections with people who could be a good influence for you. Do not be afraid to make new contacts and approach new people. You should have a genuine interest in networking and a polite and courteous way to approach.

Connect with the right people

When connecting you should always connect with people having similar interests, careers, industry and moreover who can be a good influence as your connection.

Carry a business card

It doesn’t matter if you are travelling or gathering for work or personal purposes, you must carry a business card. You definitely can have contact details but a business card still is a very welcoming gesture.

Remember Names

This is one of the simple but very vital tips which works almost everywhere. It is a pleasing thing when we see someone whom we have not much interaction with but is addressing us by our name. There is definitely a chance that the person would try to remember your name or at least remember you the next time you meet them.

Connect Professionally (Through Linkedin)

Where social media is blamed for hampering work productivity, you can always use the time and resources to build a professional network on a networking platform like LinkedIn. 

Try to be a help

Being a help doesn’t mean you have to advise or suggest someone when they are not even looking for you. Being a help when you know someone is looking up to you for reference, recommendation or any information.

Learn to initiate

It is very intimidating for many to initiate a conversation with someone they would like to. The worst thing could happen is you will be excused which happens very rarely. When you are at an event, exhibition, or any gathering, you can always take time to say hi or have a short conversation with people you would like to network.

Leave an impression

you have to leave an impression in a way that the person remembers you next time or you feel invited the next time you meet them.

Try to get a contact

Getting a contact with the person you have met and who could be a good influence is the right thing to do. It doesn’t matter if you get a phone number or a visiting card. It is also a way to show your interest that you would like to stay in touch. There is always a regret left when we couldn’t get the contact just because we were too hesitant to be the one asking for it. It doesn’t matter who asks first, the important thing is that contact is exchanged.

Add value to a conversation

When you are in a group of people, it would never benefit you if your presence is not witnessed by the other members. You should involve yourself in conversation when you find the right opportunity. It never means that you have to be the one talking all the while, you may speak less but you are worthy. You should add value to the ongoing conversation.

Follow up

It is one of the important things that many of us fail to do. When we have met someone important and we have the person in our network, we never follow up. Follow-up doesn’t mean that you have to make frequent calls or load them with messages, you should try to further build a relationship with them. You can wish them happy birthdays, and greeting on important festivals, if you happen to be at the same event, be the one to go there and say hi to them.

These are some of the tips we all know about but we hardly care or put into practice. Networking is not less than marketing a product, you must market yourself to the industry and its people. Your existence should be visible to the people and you should make yourself important that other people wish to connect with you.

You can share more tips or suggestions in the comment section.

13 Professional Etiquettes one should follow at the workplace

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13 Professional Etiquettes one should follow at the workplace

Etiquettes are not some rules that one has to obey because they are mandatory. It is something that benefits an individual as well as an organization and the entire workplace. There are a few simple things we should take care of and here are the 13 professional etiquettes one should follow at the workplace.  

1. Dress appropriately

When you have dressed appropriately, it also shows how well you respect your work and your professionalism. Every workplace has its own work culture and one must follow that. It also shows your eagerness to work and your seriousness towards your work. 

2. Don’t play with your phone in the middle of a discussion

It looks completely unprofessional and also rude when you frequently respond or cut the conversation by getting busy in calls. If there is something critically important you can excuse yourself and get it done. Moreover, it gives an impression that you consider the discussion unimportant. 

3. Proper communication

It is one of the important things that we often discuss less. Communication in business is not just about sending a message or information from one person to another. It is very important the appropriate mode of communication. It is important that message or information serves its purpose. We often leave messages on chat apps or text messages, for important purposes, email is still the best mode of communication. You have to make sure when you are supposed to have face-to-face communication and when it is a need to make a personal visit and when you have to make a phone call when it is much needed. 

4. Don’t get too personal

We do involve in personal conversation and become friends with our co-workers and colleagues but it is always advisable to be sure what you share at work. You should also be very careful when you discuss anyone else’s personal life. 

5. Don’t say ill things about your ex-employers or your employees

Not the previous employer but you would be judged when you bring any unpleasant things to the discussion about your past workplace. Sometimes you may be true about your unpleasant experiences at the past workplace but still, it is better to keep it to yourself. There are always learning experiences even in the worst phase or place. 

6. Greet Everyone

The greeting is not only about wishing good morning or Hi to the people around you. It can be as little as a smile. You should acknowledge people working around you. With a smile, nod, hello, handshake, and things that leave a positive impression about you. 

7. Always be on time

If you are putting some good practices by yourself, you would be the first person to get benefit from it. When you are on time, there are fewer chances that you forgot things, you do things calmly, you can think of important things rather than framing an appropriate excuse for every situation. Don’t do this for anyone else, do it for yourself.

8. Maintain good hygiene

It is not only for employees but also for the employer to keep good hygiene at the workplace. We spent most of the day at the workplace and it is not the only duty of one individual but everyone that we take care of the hygiene at the workplace. A clean, sanitized, germ-free workplace do impact the productivity and the likeliness of employees as well as the clients visiting the workplace.

9. Don’t hesitate to help a new joiner

Few complaints that nobody helped them when they joined and one has to help himself. If you have faced the situation, you know very well the feeling of being skeptical about what to ask and what to not. If you can’t help someone don’t misguide them and demoralize them.

10. Acknowledge messages and emails

We all have felt at one point in time that the receiver has received the messages but you didn’t get any acknowledgement or any feedback. It feels a normal thing but sometimes being at a receiving end feels rude. So, one should try its best to acknowledge whenever it is possible for them too. 

11. Practice self-accountability

Self-accountability is about taking responsibility for your acts, behaviour, words, mistakes and actions by your own personal accountability. You don’t hide from your act. It is about being brave and honest about your mistakes as well as your acts. There’s no crime if you make a mistake but the important thing is how keen you are to correct your mistakes. 

12. Listen

Hearing and listening are two different things. We often are just hearing sometimes and our body language shows it all. We check our phone in between, looking at surrounding activity, not making enough eye contact, and there are many things which the speaker can easily identify your level of interest. If there is important information shared or someone sharing some important insights, you have to be attentive and acknowledge them. If you have some other important things then you can take an excuse to complete that first rather than being inattentive.

13. Don’t gossip

The most important reason to not gossip would be that it impacts your productivity and it would be your loss first. There are many other reasons like you would lose respect, trust and ultimately your credibility.

Switching From Job to Business

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Switching From Job To Business

Switching From Job to Business

Taking a leap of faith and making a choice to listen to our inner desire to begin the entrepreneurial journey is a big step. The decision of switching from job to business is a challenging one and not easy. For a person who has already settled down and created a stable platform and a steady source of income, it is difficult for him to switch from job to business. The drive to being an entrepreneur, desire of following passion or interest, being independent, and for many other reasons, one takes a step to switch. It can’t be an impulsive decision and has to be a thoughtful process before switching.

For a fresher or a fresh graduate, to choose between Job and Business is a completely easy task than making a switch. A person gains and experience from the job which provides him with the advantage in doing business but also, it’s equally important for him to ensure that the switch doesn’t impact much.  

Before making a switch, you have to consider many aspects which would make a smooth transit from job to business.

Leap of faith of your inner desire

You have to be sure that this is what you want out of your own will and not because of anyone’s mere suggestion or idea. If the desire is out of the inner passion and strong interest, you can trust your instincts and faith in the entrepreneurial journey.

Have a plan- Don’t rush

When you are sure that you want to switch from Job to Business, you need a plan. You can’t make an impulse decision and you shouldn’t rush into it. 

Plan your transit

You have to be mentally, financially and technically ready to take up the challenges to begin the entrepreneurial journey. You have to plan when is the right time to intimate your current employer about your resignation. When you would start, what are your prospects? 

Build your network

For an entrepreneur, one of the essential skills is to build a professional network. It is very necessary to have strong networking which not only helps in getting more reach of customers but also helps you get more knowledge, information and situation of the market. 

Know your skills

Being an employee and an employer has different roles and responsibilities. Being in the shoes of an employer has its advantages as well as limitations too. You can evaluate yourself by comparing the tasks and jobs you’re currently doing. Also, you can figure out what skills you are requiring in the current job, what skills you would require in the business you would be beginning. You can ask for feedback from your friends, colleagues and family. You have to ensure that you have the desired skills required for your venture. 

Get yourself debt free

Your entrepreneurial journey gets smoother if you have lesser or no debts. In the initial days of your transition, you may not be getting profits and returns instantly. If you have no debts, you don’t have to worry much with less income. In case you are burdened with debt, you won’t be able to focus on your business but would be more wasting your time on how to pay the bills and instalments coming ahead. It is advisable to have as little debt as possible when switching from job to business.

Talk & Discuss with a veteran

You can always talk and discuss with an individual who has already made his journey. Sometimes the best advice you can get is from the one who had been to the situation. They might tell you what to do and what not. Ultimately, it is your choice and judgement on which advice to take and which to discard. Every individual has at least one good thing that we can learn.

Complete the unproductive work during the job

Switching a job from one company to another company is rather easy. In a job, the loyalty and accountability of the employee change to a different employer. You might take few days to settle in the new atmosphere. 

Make a base ready

One of the benefits of switching from a job to a business is that you can work on creating a platform for yourself during the job. You can create a base before jumping on to anything. When you feel that you are ready to do go, you can switch. Company registration, finances, process/plan of work, prospects/potential customers, pilot testing, feedback, and all the things that would not require you to involve full time and when you switch you don’t have to waste time. 

Be cautious of your finances

As a start-up, you have to be very cautious about your finances. Even if you have saved enough for your startup, you have to make sure that you’re utilizing your finance optimally. Also, you have to be ready for any future contingency. Rather than investing all at once, systematic investment should be done. Initially, expenses should be made on only necessary things. If you don’t plan your finances well, it may lead you into debts and ultimately you would be made to shut down your business.

A survival Plan

Before switching, you can make a survival plan which means that you can anticipate the issues you would come across. The likely situation you would be facing and how you would be dealing with it. In case, you are not making initial profits, how you would be going to manage. You have to make a plan to survive and handle any situation coming across for at least six months in advance. 

Go for a pilot test

If you’re planning to switch, at a sample level, you can commence your business activities to get the feedback and to know the actual scenario of work.  

Be prepared for uncertainty

Even though we make a plan and anticipate things, still there are many things in business that we haven’t thought of comes ahead. We all know that big risks also have big rewards. You don’t have to get demotivated by fearing the risk of uncertain events and failure.

Be Patient

Being patient is one of the qualities that an entrepreneur should have. If you get panic easily, it would be difficult to run a business. Business goes through very uncertain situations, changes in government policy, ups and downs, losses as well, and all the things are part of the business. When you switch, you might face a situation that you haven’t expected but there is always a solution.

Everyone has their plans but still if we are prepared in advance for things we are aware of, it makes the entrepreneurial journey more smooth. 

We really would love to hear from you. if you wish to add something to the topic, please do comment or Contact Us. Also, please subscribe to our blog for more updates and do support.

What is an Ideal Choice – Job or Business

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What is an Ideal Choice - Job or Business

We all must have once been into this discussion of what is the more appropriate thing to do. Whether it is a wise thing to do a job or to do a business. There are different opinions, viewpoints and perceptions of people towards this choice between doing a job for someone or doing your own business or being self-employed.

First of all, the concept of the ideal is a myth. It is a myth that certain things, situations, ideas or beliefs can be ideal. There is always a difference of opinion of some kind.

For one fresh graduate, getting a job that fulfils his need for money and financial security is the right thing. He might feel the risk involved in the business more than the stable job. For another fresh graduate, he might be seeing the risk but also positive about the opportunity and rewards for taking the risk.

When we talk about the choice between Job or business, there are many factors that play in between. Even there is no such thing as business always gets you more money and not the job. Also, it is not just about money, it is more about the satisfaction one gets out of it.

There cannot be one ideal thing that all can follow, but there can be a right thing for an individual which is more appropriate to them according to their skills, situation, personality and need.

It is also important to get into something which you are actually inclined to and not because somebody has a favorable outcome. If you’re willing to do business just because someone got successful in something. Also, if someone is progressing quickly into his current job doesn’t mean that everyone doing the same job would progress likewise. To have progress and be successful in the choice you make, You have to make a choice for the alternative that is more appropriate for you, suits your skills, fulfil your needs and you actually want to do it.

Factors that determine what is more appropriate in deciding the right choice: –

Depends on Individual

Identify your strengths and weakness, it will help you evaluate that what is more suitable for you. An entrepreneur might not be able to get the best results being an employee of the company. And a skilled employee may not be always become successful as an entrepreneur.

Each has its pros and cons

There is nothing wrong with being practical. You have to ensure that what would be the pros and cons of making a choice for any of the things.

Motivation

What motivates you best is the right thing for you. If you don’t feel motivated being an entrepreneur and it doesn’t excite you then there are very less chances that you can become successful in it. If an atmosphere of job, financial security and less risk feels more suitable and motivates you, then it is the right thing for you. It all depends on what motivates you more.

Myth about limitations

It is a myth that there are limitations in any of the choices. You don’t have to worry about any limitations. Till the time a person is dedicated and keen on doing his best by pushing themselves, no limitations would come in between getting success.

Current needs

Your current situation and need also are important factors to decide the right thing for you. Your present circumstances, financial condition, responsibilities, and future needs play an important factor for you to decide the right thing for the present. If you’re keen on doing business but your circumstances demand you to have financial stability, you can get a job. You always have a choice to switch when you have available resources and security.

The grass is always greener on the other side

It is an old saying that grass is always greener on the other side. We always see another person in a more comfortable and better position. It might not be right always. A person doing the job might envy the freedom of an entrepreneur and an entrepreneur might envy the limited burden of a person doing the job.

Verdict: You don’t have to look for the ideal thing, you have to focus on the right thing for you to do.

We really would love to hear from you. if you wish to add something to the topic, please do comment or Contact Us. Also, please subscribe to our blog for more updates and do support.

9 Career Mistakes We Should Avoid in 2020

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9 Career Mistakes we should avoid in 2020

The process of making a successful career is itself a journey of learning from mistakes and experiences. There are many things which we learn during the process and from the experience itself. We can correct and learn from the mistakes but there are also a few mistakes we should avoid in our career.

1. Not Choosing Industry Wisely

We choose our industry on basis of the current growth of industry, trends and some real examples of success. Everyone is keen and desperate to get the first job and with a lot of enthusiasm filled, we are keen on proving ourselves. Yes, it is a fact that we are in a moment where anyone gets any job is willing to do. Although if we have clarity on our choice of the industry we prefer and have knowledge or likeliness, it will lead us to a successful career.

2. Impatient

At the beginning of a new job, there is always positive energy to finally have a platform to prove you and to get the best of the opportunity. At this point, you don’t have to be impatient and have to dedicate the time. You have to learn and there is a gradual process to success. It is not possible to have all the experience, success and expertise in few days or month. You just have to be persistent, dedicated, eager and everything but not impatient.

3. Social Loafing at Workplace

Social Loafing is the tendency to put less effort when you are working in a group. In the group performance, you deliberately put less effort to achieve a common goal. It is quite common where people are working on projects and as a team. You might be lucky enough to never get caught but it never takes you ahead.

4. Switch Industry

It is quite common to switch companies for better growth opportunities and even for a better pay-scale. You do the same thing but for a different organization. When you switch the industry, you have to learn about the industry and how it works.

It is a waste of time and efforts you invested in the last job. We enter as a beginner and we learn experience and develop skills during the process. The whole learning takes you to the next ladder of success. It will take a time to get expertise in any job you take. It will take time but eventually, you will learn the game. But if you change your industry frequently, you are a beginner again and have to start new again.

5.Years of Experience vs. Years of Learning

Years of experience and years of learning are two different things. One might have ten years of experience in a monotonous job which had less scope of learning.  Another person might have five years of experience in a job profile which had many things to learn, involving challenging tasks and being dynamic.

Continuous learning and productive experience are better than the only number of years of experience. A person who had quite a learning and developed skills don’t even have to validate his experience in terms of years. So, it is better to focus on learning than just focus on adding years to experience.

6. Long term vs. Short Term

Whether you make goals for your business or a job, you have to make it for the long term. The job satisfaction you have from the current profile may not be after a few years. We all wish to grow in terms of position, profile and money.  While making a career decision you have to be thoughtful about the long term opportunities available.

7. Not Getting Out of Comfort Zone

The enthusiasm which we had when we join starts decreasing because of various reasons. We don’t feel like pushing a bit more. You start feeling that it’s no worth whatever you do. Nobody cares and your efforts won’t count. For a fact, maybe you can stay in your comfort zone and no one would bother you too. But would you be content with the same position and money years after too? Staying in the comfort zone and not willing to more explore opportunities would hamper your career goals. We should always avoid this career mistake.

8. Not Learning from Mistakes

It is not a sin to commit a mistake but every mistake teaches you. The actual learning is during our job and which cannot be hypothetically taught to you. If you have learnt from your mistake then it is a good thing. And if you commit the same mistake again then it is carelessness. You would be marked irresponsible if you do the same mistake again and again.

9. Not listening actively

You cannot act as if you know everything. It’s good to have self-confidence but it is not at all smart thing to not listening actively. No matter you are a beginner or veteran, it is always a good thing to have inputs from associate, subordinate, seniors and even from your juniors. Everyone has their share of experience and knowledge, you can always learn or get to know something new or helpful if you actively listen.

If you have something to add in the list, kindly share in the comment section

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