Soft skills matter. In fact, in today’s professional landscape—especially in technical trades—they’re more critical than ever.

Yet, one common challenge remains: many new professionals enter the workforce without strong soft skills, particularly in time management, networking, and industry awareness.

So, how can you change that? How can we change that?

The answer is simple—take on the 30-Day LinkedIn Challenge.

The Challenge

It only takes 10 minutes a day, and it checks three key boxes for career growth. Here’s how:

Step 1: Arrive 10 Minutes Early

Get to your destination 10 minutes before you need to. Every. Single. Day.

Step 2: Add Three New LinkedIn Connections

Use those 10 minutes to build your professional network:

  • One person you know personally
  • One person in your industry or the field you want to enter
  • One person from a completely different industry

For example: If you’re a welding student, connect with your instructor, a local Miller welding rep, and—why not—someone like Warren Buffett.

This step takes less than three minutes but expands your network exponentially.

Step 3: Learn Something New

Use the remaining time to scroll your LinkedIn feed and absorb one piece of information relevant to your career.

That’s it. Simple, right? But the impact? Huge.

Why This Matters

The 30-Day LinkedIn Challenge tackles three key workplace gaps:

  1. Time Management & Punctuality – Being early sets you apart. It builds discipline. It shows initiative.
  2. Industry Awareness – Many new professionals enter the workforce with technical skills but little understanding of the broader industry.
  3. Professional Support Networks – Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know.

The Impact

By committing to this challenge, you will:

  • Learn how to maximize small moments for growth
  • Take ownership of your personal development
  • Shift from just being a skilled tradesperson to becoming a student of your craft
  • Develop the same networking advantages that professionals in other industries rely on daily
  • Strengthen a continuous improvement mindset

Ready to Start?

If you’re serious about improving your professional outlook—whether in manufacturing, engineering, or any skilled trade—start with the 30-Day LinkedIn Challenge today.

Begin with these three connections:

After 30 days, if you think this challenge was a waste of time, let us know. But we bet you’ll see the difference. 

Starting a new career is a significant transition, and we understand the challenges that come with it. Many candidates ask, “How will I learn the FlexTrades process and get up to speed quickly?” At FlexTrades, we have designed a comprehensive training and development program that sets every new hire up for long-term success.

A Training Program Built for Your Growth

Our training process begins with an in-depth onboarding week at our headquarters. This includes:

  • A full overview of the FlexTrades business model and services
  • Hands-on CRM training and technology walkthroughs
  • Shadowing experienced team members to gain practical insights
  • Structured training materials and manuals
  • Role-playing exercises to prepare for real-world scenarios

This immersive first week provides new hires with the knowledge and tools needed to hit the ground running. But we know that training is a lifelong process, and our commitment doesn’t stop there.

Ongoing Training & Development

At FlexTrades, we believe that learning and development should never end. Our ongoing training initiatives include:

  • Weekly call coaching sessions for personalized feedback
  • One-on-one meetings with managers for continuous guidance
  • Quarterly team training to refine techniques, address challenges, and share best practices

Brian Primus, our Director of Business Development, plays a key role in shaping the sales and training strategy at FlexTrades. With over 14 years of experience, Brian not only drives business growth but also ensures new hires develop the skills needed to excel in their roles.

A Culture of Open Communication & Growth

Beyond structured training, our leadership team maintains an open-door policy. We encourage new hires to ask questions, bring new ideas forward, and collaborate with team members at all levels. At FlexTrades, we believe that a culture of innovation and continuous learning leads to individual success and company-wide growth.

If you’re looking for a company that prioritizes professional development, provides hands-on training, and fosters a collaborative environment, FlexTrades is the place to build your career.