We're inundated with information. Constantly screaming for our attention - other people, online news, social media, radio, TV, advertising etc etc. It's endless.

And information itself is becoming commoditised. Soon anyone with access to the internet will have access to any knowledge they need. It won't be long before those futuristic movies where we download information directly into our brains is a plausible reality.

So with information overload, how do we cope? How do we wade through it and find the golden nuggets?

Well luckily for you, if you're reading this you've found a nugget ;).

Whilst information is widely available, it's not widely applied. It's like the well known phrase 'common sense isn't necessarily common practice'.

So to stand out in business you just need to be the person who's an expert in applying a certain type of knowledge and getting a specific result.

This means that I think the skills of the future are things like:
- problem solving and creating flexible solutions (fast!)
- ability to collaborate across boundaries with emotional intelligence
- being curious, creating options, being imaginative
- ability to communicate effectively and articulate the 'why'
- analysing large amounts of information to get to the root cause

Anything I've missed?

As well as continuing to develop and hone these skills, it helps to articulate what you do in a short sentence,ready for when you're introduced to new connections. This helps people identify both how they can help you and how you can help them. Networks and connectivity are key so lets get better at it now.

Try completing this statement about your current role...I help [these types of people] to get [end result] by [what's your innovative solution].

E.g. I help driven, successful professionals to make their perfect-fit next career move by unlocking their potential through powerful 1-1 coaching. Or, I help people who feel they've lost their spark to get excited about their career options again by uncovering their zone of genius. You get the gist.

So the action this week is 1) to self-assess against these future capabilities and see where you can manoeuvre to build more experience here and 2) create your own impact statement to help people understand what you do. Hit reply and share yours - let me know if you want feedback.

Both of these will set you up for career success in an information overloaded world.

P.S. THERE IS TOO MUCH INFORMATION AND NOISE!! Individuals who prioritise building future proof skills based on using knowledge rather than acquiring it and can succinctly articulate what they do will have the greatest impact.