Digital marketing in today's environment can be overwhelming. Metrics. Technology. Personas. Testing. Community. Performance. How do you keep up it all and still consistently produce amazing work?

Truth is, my day-to-day work leaves me just enough time to browse my RSS feed reader during my morning coffee - never mind staying on the cutting-edge of my industry. Like you, I feel professional advancement is very important, so I have a three-step plan to optimize my time while keeping myself educated, my team motivated and my work amazing.

1. Curate Expert Industry Content

I read every day. A LOT. Up next on my book list is Ann Handley's "Everybody Writes." Ann is a top-notch industry expert, but she's not the only one I pay attention to. To keep up with the entire industry I rely heavily on my RSS reader and a fair amount of coffee.

Want to know what I read? Here's a copy of my RSS subscriptions (click to download the OPML/ZIP file) you can import into your favorite feed reader that will let you read the same things I do to stay sharp in digital marketing. The trick here is to consistently carve time out of your calendar to read and then to execute on the ideas and inspiration you stumble across!

Bonus tip: Share this file with your own team so that everyone can benefit from the same set of knowledge!

2. Get Out From Behind The Computer

Last year (before I started working at AWeber) I attended and spoke at nearly 60 events. SIXTY. The year before I attended even more. What have all these conferences taught me about keeping up to date in the digital marketing industry? That face-to-face communication and relationship building with others in my industry is the lifeblood of new ideas, new connections and new business.

I've gotten pretty good at spotting a great event when I see one, and this year's ASCEND Digital Marketing Summit is one such event. Disclaimer: I was approached - and accepted! - a spot on the ASCEND stage before I became an AWeber team member. As a professional speaker, the quality of the other speakers as well as the event attendees is a big factor in whether or not an event is worth my time and money. My time, just like yours, is very limited. I need to spend my face-to-face time in the most productive and profitable environment possible. ASCEND was an immediate "YES!" for me and I'd honestly attend even if I wasn't presenting.

Bonus tip: Carve out budget money to attend two or three conferences a year. By making the commitment to your professional development you will not only bring fresh ideas to your business, but get great networking opportunities to grow your business!

3. Help Other Professionals

One of the many reasons I love being a content marketing professional is that it allows me to help others become successful themselves. While I of course have professional goals, personally I strive to have others say, "Lynette has helped me become successful" and not always fuss over, "What's in it for me?" The more you learn about your craft, the more you can help others, and in turn the more you learn and improve yourself.

Bonus tip: No matter how stuffed your calendar is, there is always room for lunch! Use this spot in your day at least once a week to connect with others to host your own version of a Lunch & Learn!

So there you have it, my three steps to stay in-the-know in digital marketing!

Just to let you know, the ASCEND Digital Marketing Summit is being held October 22-24, 2014 in Philadelphia PA and the ticket price is going up very soon. Everyone's budgets could use a break, so be sure to use my discount code "lynette" when you register for ASCEND.

All my best,

Lynette Young

AWeber, Content Marketing Manager

PS - After you've registered, send me a Tweet at @LynetteRadio and use #ASCENDsummit2014 so that I can meet up with you in person at the event!