Web Designers and Developers: 30 Things to Do in 2014

Wed Designers and Developers! What are your resolutions for 2014? Why not try something that you have never done before? Here is a list of 30 things that I would suggest. If you have anything to add to this list, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below this post.

1. Get your own .com and host your portfolio
   There are a plenty of free portfolio templates to start with. If you already have one, it is time to revisit design and layout.
2. Subscribe to relevant blogs and stay abreast of the latest trends in the industry
   We recommend greepit.com, mashable.com, smashingmagazine.com, and hongkiat.com.
3. Volunteer in an open-source project. There are a number of great projects going on
   I recommend that you join Mozilla’s initiatives.
4. Learn and master new skills
   Expand your horizon. Learn at least one new skill to diversify your experience. Think about user experience (UX) or search engine optimization (SEO).
5. Improve your business communication skills
   Whether you are an employee, a freelancer or founder at a startup, effective communications skills exponentially increase your chances of success. Consider taking a professional course in business communication. If you cannot spare much time, get yourself registered in an online certificate. There are a number of online and distance learning courses available for busy professional. Explore your options here, here, and here.
6. Network with other designers and web developers
   Get connected with peers, trend setters, and thought leaders. Connect with them on LinkedIn, follow their blogs, or become a twitter follower. Attend a conference to network with people that share your interests.
7. Add new books to your personal library. Remember, knowledge is power
8. Start a blog; share your knowledge
   A blog will help you establish your online presence, and network with peers.
9. Upgrade your hardware and software tools
   It always pays back.
10. Write guest posts on prominent blogs
    Why not start with a guest post on egrappler?
11. Donate your old books
12. Leverage social media to build your own tribe
    Use social media to network with professional, discuss your ideas, and seek / give help.
13. Improve your LinkedIn profile
14. Write a compelling resume of yourself
    Be creative and think of new ways to advertise your skills. Consider having a video resume on Youtube.
15. Establish your online presence on professional platforms like Behance, Dribble etc.
    Did you know, we are offering free Dribbble invites?
16. Get yourself incorporated
    In most countries, incorporating yourself will give you access to free resources and tax benefits.
17. Follow your passion
    Pamper your hidden skills/ passion (photography, gardening, calligraphy…)
18. Go back to school and earn a degree
19. Find a volunteer position in local school/college to transfer your skills to young students
20. Master Adobe Creative Suite
21. Earn a certification
22. Design and print your business cards
23. Learn and master a content management system
    There is a lot of happening in this domain. Learn and master at least one content management system. For example, WordPress or Joomla.
24. Learn how to write a winning business proposal
25. Learn how to design and develop for mobile devices
    The industry is exploding with opportunities in mobile application development.
26. Plan and follow a healthy lifestyle
    Get yourself nice running shoes and start running. Quit smoking, avoid junk food or and participate in sports.
27. Be a responsible citizen
    Go paperless, learn and practise recycling, pool car, plant a tree…
28. Add meaning to your life; support a cause (Greenpeace, Red Cross, WWF, Save Nature …)
29. Donate
    Commit to regular donation plan for a local organisation that provides food, shelter, education or medical facilities to the needy.
30. Learn a new language
    If you work with people from different cultures, think about learning one of their languages.