As a freelance trainer it’s really important to practice what you preach by investing in your own personal development, for example attending workshops and seminars, listening to expert speakers, reading books, journals and blogs. Keeping yourself updated and informed enables you to become more competent and competent at what you do. But there is also another good reason why you should consider learning a new skill:

It makes money.

That’s right! Acquiring a new skill or qualification can open up another potential income stream for you, one that you weren’t able to tap into before because you weren’t licenced to deliver.

Here are some ideas for you:

1. BPS Assessor Training – Level A and B. Allows you to run assessment centres and work on recruitment projects. http://www.ase-solutions.co.uk

2. MBTI. Allows you to carry out MBTI profiling and run associated workshops. http://www.opp.eu.com

3. DISC Everything Certification. Allows you to administer and interpret DISC profiles as well as deliver management and communications skills workshops based on the model. www.aha-success.com

4. MAP Assessment. Allows you to become a MAP Assessor, working within organisations to assess managerial competence and provide follow up training and support. http://www.mapassessment.co.uk

5. Institute of Independent Business. Allows you to become an IIB Associate and work within SME’s providing practical advice, coaching and mentoring. http://www.iib.ws/

Of course all of these potential benefits have to be offset against the initial cost of the training and to be honest none of them come cheap. But I can only speak from experience by saying that becoming an MBTI Practitioner a few years ago was one of the best things that I ever did -the additional income I have earned has paid for the cost of my training about ten times over.

So, have an open mind, have a look at my suggestions and then take some action! You’ll be glad you did.