6 Responses

1. Advice to a new trainer
   One of the most common complaints I’ve heard from Managers is that trainers don’t live in the ‘real world’. Ensure your training is business focused and aligned to the overall business plan and business objectives.

   Good luck

2. love the cynic
   Vici
   Assuming that you are in management training….
   every so often you will have a delegate who is as cynical as the day is long.

   Don’t try to avoid the cynic, don’t try to “overcome” the cynicism.

   Recognise that a dose of healthy cynicism is a reason to stop and think about the things for which we have unbridled enthusiasm for…fools rush in where angels fear to tread!

   Harness the cynicism as a sort of “devil’s advocate” and really get some healthy debate going BETWEEN the delegates.

   Love that debate…it shows that there in engagement

   Rus

3. Development as a trainer
   Vici
   My advice is to get some top notch training and development yourself. I got that advice, followed it and have never regretted it.
   On the training front I would avoid cheap, quick-fix courses and go for a programme that really addresses your personal needs and is run by world class delivers. You can learn as much from experiencing their facilitation as from the content.
   In terms of development, there are many options and you should think carefully about which will best stretch your thinking, your skills and your knowledge. Reading, shadowing, attending conferences, getting a mentor are all worth considering. But don’t just choose those you will find easy, add in some that will be challenging too.
   If you are prepared to invest (with time and effort as much as money) in your own development and training, those experiences will be invaluable in helping others with their development.
   Best of luck
   Graham

4. A few “laws” from an Old Cynic
   If there is a bulb in it – it will probably blow…

   The pull down screen will always roll back up at the most inappropriate time..

   Blu-tac on the back of flip charts will always mark walls especially in newly decorated training rooms..

   However many times you check you only have whiteboard pens in your briefcase a permanent marker will always find its way into you hand at some point..

   Return times from breaks are only advisory especially for smokers..

   But despite all of the above, when you run a course that really “connects” with the delegates and you can see people changing in front of your eyes..its the best job in the world!

   Good Luck

5. What I learned!
   Hi Vici
   I agree that anything that can go wrong will, but even that’s a bit optimistic. My advice is make sure you collect materials like a squirrel, develop your style (the one that makes you unique) and get your pricing right from the start. It’s easy enough to drop your prices if you absolutely have to but it can be difficult to put them up. Charge what you are worth and remember you can’t train every day of the week so you are pricing to include the other days spent in front of the machine, going to meetings or doing the accounts and VAT. Hope this helps.

6. guidance for a new trainer
   I read this message somewhere and had to write it onto my diary front cover so that I didn’t forget it. I may even have picked it up somewhere on Training Zone!

   There are generally three types of delegates:
   1.Volunteers – who want to be there
   2.Holiday Makers – who are avoiding their desks
   and
   3. Prisoners – who have been made/told to attend

   A truly great trainer can turn even a prisoner into a volunteer by lunchtime!

   All the best for your new career
   Sally