Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) is a process of deliberately and systematically organizing personal information to effectively find, use, and share it. It’s a self-constructed system for gathering, processing, and utilizing stored information and knowledge for a specific purpose, guided by a PKM methodology and framework.

Key Characteristics:

1. Loosely defined: PKM is not a rigid framework, and its implementation varies depending on individual needs and preferences.
2. Open system: PKM is tailored to the individual’s purpose, interests, and motivations.
3. Internal direction: The “Personal” aspect of PKM refers to the internal direction of knowledge management, aligning with the individual’s goals and objectives.
4. Two types of material: PKMs deal with both Information (raw data or facts) and Knowledge (processed and meaningful information).
5. Collecting: The first stage of any PKM system is collecting information and knowledge.

Every sales professional should use some form of PKM!