Where do you start?
There are custom training providers that specialize in helping small business owners design, develop and deploy information using web-based tools. Do a Google search on: custom training, instructional design, solutions
What is instructional design?
Instructional designers are adult learning experts who combine advanced web-based tools with rapid deployment to deliver training for online delivery. What is the difference between an instructional designer and a trainer? Let's use this analogy. Do you know the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper? The CPA is the person with advanced degrees and experience who sets up systems. The bookkeeper is responsible for the daily accounting logs.
Using this analogy, an instructional designer creates training systems, while a trainer only delivers instruction. Therefore if you want to create new training, you need to hire an instructional designer.
What does a custom solution offer?
Obviously, custom training refers to the ability to design, develop and deliver specific instruction to a targeted audience for a specific purpose. Examples of custom training include:
- professional development courses
- product announcements
- "how to use" proprietary software tools
- how to sell products
- how to provide customer service on specific products or online software tools
- teaching customers about your product or company processes
- providing interactive simulations based upon real case scenarios
- virtual coaching to field sales teams using audio, video and ongoing discussions
- graded or un-graded testing with reporting capabilities
- the ability to offer a suite of courses in a curriculum
- the creation of an online university with "learner tracks"
- building communities of online learners (product advocates)
- website / blog / rss feed with search engine optimization
Training can be the breakthrough you need to be more competitive, educate potential clients and assist sales staff to be more productive working on qualified leads. When you are thinking of new strategies to gain market share and increase revenues, consider investing in a program to support your company goals.
Karen Miller is President of Design2Train, an instructional design and training development company. Karen has over 25+ years in marketing and training development experience with corporate training. She is a third-generation educator and has a great passion for using technology as a teaching tool. Learn more about the instructional design process at http://www.design2train.com
